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Articles Must-read Health And Safety Guide For Roofers

Must-read Health And Safety Guide For Roofers

Principal Author / Publisher:Safetyhow Admin
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Did you know that 25% of all workers killed in falls from height at work, are made up of roofers? According to the Health and Safety Executive, falls through fragile materials constitute more deaths than any other single cause.

As evident of the facts, health and safety is paramount. If safety was likened to an organ in the body, it would most definitely be the heart. It is the sole aspect which keeps everyone alive and well. Should something go wrong with it, then accidents would happen. It isn’t a question of if, but when.

Working on a roof can be very dangerous because it involves working at a great height. Ultimately, there is a high risk of falling. If you work on roofs, you must read this informative guide and plan to work as safely as possible.

The law states…
Whether you want to follow health and safety guidance or not, quite simply it isn’t really your choice. The Work at Height Regulations Act 2005 clearly states that the following points must be abided. It includes:
• Always consider measures that protect people from risk. Solution? Scaffolds and soft landing systems.

• Use equipment and measures to minimise the consequences, if a fall was to occur. Solution? Nets, fall-arrest harness systems, and air or bean bags.

• Where you can, try to get around working at a height. Solution? Use a mobile elevating work platform.

• Do not endanger workers’ health and safety- only work in safe weather conditions. Solution? Avoid roofs when it has been heavily raining or cold because it may be slippy or icy, and avoid extremely windy conditions.

• Prevent falls with work equipment. Solution? Erecting edge protection, a work-restraint system, or using a MEWP to carry out the work. What kind of edge protection? A main guard rail at least 950mm above the edge; a toe board and brick guard; and a number of intermediate guard rails, no gap more than 470 mm.
Assess the risks and plan ahead…
When you probably first started out as a roofer, you would have most likely been asked to carry out a risk assessment.
Too many roofers become accustomed with their work and believe that they no longer need to assess risks. Wrong. Even the simplest of jobs still need planning, so before any work is carried out you need to step back and identify the risks.
Not sure what a risk entails? Here are some examples:

• Entry and exit
You probably do it without even batting an eyelid, but getting on and off the roof is dangerous. What is the main point of entry and exit? Make sure it is secure. Ladders are acceptable if secured properly but scaffolding is the safest.

• Train newbies
Anyone who hasn’t undergone training should not work on the roof on their own. Supervision is required at all times by another tradesperson that is experienced and skilled.
You can implement measures to stop unauthorised access when no-one is present by blocking off access, and issuing a permit regime.
Conclusion…

Follow this guide to the letter to make sure you and those around you, work safely on all roofing projects!
This article was provided by Myredlandroof, the leading experts in the roofing industry. Visit the site today for professional guidance on health and safety, as well as inside knowledge on all aspects including slate roofing, self-builds and solar panels.

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