Work on roofs

When carrying out work on roofs, you need to be skilled and have the right equipment. Some of the challenges often encountered when working on roofs include falls from heights, steep roof pitches, dangerous movements and slippery surfaces. That's why we offer professional fall protection, training and services to help you reduce the risks.

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Risks when working on roofs

Working on roofs presents a number of challenges and risks that should not be underestimated. Long falls and dangerous commutes are at the root of the risks, but these are significantly amplified by factors such as falls through the roof, unreliable anchor points, steep slopes and slippery surfaces. In combination, this creates a working environment that can be downright dangerous.

It is important that the rope does not hang slack while working. The length of the fall will be longer if the rope is slack, and the longer you fall, the greater the forces your body is exposed to. Therefore, you need to make sure that the rope is always taut, both when you are climbing up and down the roof and when you are doing your work. If you were to fall over the edge with the rope attached, you could end up in a dangerous pendulum motion. Because of this, it is important to ensure that the anchor point is positioned as far from the edge as possible.

Normal slope - Between 7 and 40 degrees

When working on roofs, individual anchorage points and horizontal safety ropes with slide locks are always required. The slide lock, i.e. the panic brake, is used to quickly prevent falls in advance. As the worker moves up and down, the slide lock also follows the rope and locks in the event of a fall. Together with the elasticity of the rope, the slide lock also provides fall arrest by sliding on the rope if you fall.

Steep slope - Over 40 degrees

Working on roofs with a slope of more than 40 degrees requires a safety rope equipped with a descent device for controlled descent along the roof. Again, a slide lock is used to prevent falls. If the slope is so steep that you cannot stand upright, you need to use both a roof rope and a safety rope, as this counts as rope work. Position the anchor point securely to avoid dangerous pendulum effects in case of a fall over the edge.

Flat roof

Even on flat roofs, it is crucial that you take safety measures if you risk being within two metres of the edge. Fall protection should always be used, as unexpected events - such as falling through a concealed roof hatch or slipping on slippery ground - can occur. When working on flat roofs, you need to use an approved fall arrest block suitable for horizontal use and working near roof edges.

Rescue for work on roofs

All work in a fall hazard environment, including work on roofs with a minimum fall height of two metres, requires fully functional rescue equipment. There is also a requirement to have a rescue plan and personnel capable of carrying out rescue operations in the event of an accident. In addition to reliable fall protection and other equipment, we therefore also offer services in risk analysis and rescue plans.

Risk analysis and contingency plans

Fall protection training

Anyone working on roofs or in other fall risk environments over two metres high needs to have fall protection training. That's why we offer, through our parent company ProAccess, fall protection training programmes which prepares you for your roof work in several steps. We teach you how to work safely at heights, as well as rescue another worker in case of an accident. If there are several colleagues who need to take the training, we can even organise a separate course for up to eight people, either at our premises or yours.

All training programmes

Laws on working on roofs

As mentioned above, working on roofs involves a lot of risks, which is why it is also necessary to comply with certain specific laws and regulations that guarantee safety in the workplace. The laws that apply are:

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Contact us if you need help choosing the right equipment for your roofing work. We have extensive knowledge of both fall protection equipment and what is required to work safely on roofs and other fall risk environments. If you have any questions or concerns about equipment, training or our wide range of services, you are welcome to contact us.

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