WORK AT HEIGHT - 14.10.2020

Updated guidance on roof work

The HSE has updated its detailed guidance for those organising work on roofs. Whether your structure is pitched or flat, tiled or sheeted, already built or under construction, this is your go-to guide. What’s changed?

Refreshed

The document is the fifth edition of the HSE’s Health and safety in roof work (HSG33) , and as before it’s available as a book or free download (see The next step ). This guide largely covers the same information as the previous edition but a few changes have taken place over the last eight years. Much of the work has been in updating the many cross references. The other major change is that the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 were replaced with the newer regulations in 2015 and this has led to an overhaul of the chapter on this topic.

Getting a new lid

When roofs are under major repair a temporary roof will be constructed and this is a new topic in HSG33 . The text points out that a bespoke engineering design will usually need to be carried out to confirm the adequacy of the temporary structure, in particular its ability to withstand wind loading. The roofs tend to require additional bracing and ties, as well as reduced distances between the uprights, i.e. a smaller bay size.

Tip. If your contractor is able to use an “integrated system roof scaffold” it will come with pre-designed arrangements for its construction and fixing, therefore no further design work is required.

Flues and vents

Another new section is “Work near gas flues/extraction vents” . This can be a significant concern for two different reasons. Firstly, there’s the risk of a hazardous substance being discharged putting workers at risk in the vicinity. Secondly, there’s the potential for blocking or altering a flue so that fumes cannot escape.

Tip. Where there’s a flue or vent in the work area, ensure that the risks have been taken into account in the risk assessment and method statement for the job. Make sure that it’s not blocked unless the appliance feeding it has been securely isolated.

Fragile surfaces

The section on fragile roofs and surfaces covers roofing sheets, rooflights, old slates, glass and more. There’s new information about wood wool slabs to help you decide whether these are likely to support the weight of a worker. For example, wet or damaged wood wool slabs should be regarded as fragile, as should those less than 75mm thick if they are without nylon net reinforcement.

Hot work

The appendix on hot work previously only covered bitumen boilers, but it now considers the use of gas torches when drying out the materials that will receive a waterproof membrane. There’s also a change of emphasis in the section on training and competency, reminding you to not rely on industry certification cards as the only measure of competence.

Tip. All roof work must be well supervised and this gives you an opportunity to check that workers are working safely and have knowledge which is consistent with the cards they have presented.

For a link to HSG33 version 5, visit https://www.tips-and-advice.co.uk, Download Zone, year 19, issue 03.

The document has been brought up to date with the latest legislation and industry guidance. There are additions covering temporary roofs, the risk from high level flues and vents, fragile materials, hot works and training. Download a free copy to ensure you remain compliant.


The next step


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