ACR[CP]002:2005 Rev.

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ACR (CP) 002:2004

ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR ROOFWORK

Best Practice Guide

ACR [CP] 002:2005

Guidance Note for Safe Working on Fragile Roofs
Covering the Designing, Planning and carrying out of Inspection, Maintenance, Repair
and Refurbishment Work.

FASET FCMA FRA HSE MCRMA NARM NFRC RIDBA

Composite Draft Holden / Leavett Page 1 5/7/2006

 ACR (CP) 002:2005

Mr M Holden (HSE/ACR), Mr S.F Leavett (HSE),Mr

PREFACE
N.Evans (HSE) & Mrs M.E.Standen (HSE’s Health Unit)
Since the CDM Regulations were introduced in the Early
90s, much energy has been focused on new build to make CONTENTS
roofs a safer place to work.
Foreword 1
Specifically the Advisory Committee for Roofing was set
Section 1 – General 2
up to improve roof safety standards and its first task was to
establish a process to determine if a new roof construction Introduction 2
was non-fragile. With this now in place for some years,
there has been a marked improvement to new build roof Scope 2
specifications to make roofs a safer place. However for Definitions 2
existing buildings built prior to the mid 90s, it is very likely
that those buildings will have fragile roofs, or at least Health & Safety Legislation 4
elements within it that are fragile. It should also be noted Section 2 – Inspection 4
that even today’s new build will not remain non fragile for
ever and will still represent a serious issue in the future. As Planning the Inspection 4
roofing contractors become more confident on new build Selecting the technique to use 5
which are currently non fragile, there is a serious risk of
becoming more complacent when working on all roofs, How to carry out the inspection safely 5
ultimately leading to even more accidents in this area of Section 3 – Maintenance 6
work.
Cleaning a Roof Light from above 6
This document has been prepared to reinforce the point that
working on older roofs represents a serious hazard. The Cleaning an Eaves Gutter 7
roof is likely to be fragile, possibly covered in lichen which Cleaning a Valley Gutter 7
may not be visible but will be very slippery if wet, and
could be painted or treated in such a way as to hide Servicing Plant & Equipment on the Roof 7
materials that are damaged. Without doubt, in the future, Section 4 – Repair / Replacement 8
serious accident statistics associated with roofing, will
primarily arise out of maintenance work. The roofing Replacement of a Roof Light from above 8
industry must recognise this, avoid becoming complacent Repairing a Cracked Roof Sheet or Rooflight 8
and take all possible steps to protect the people working on
old roofs. I am confident that reading this document will Removal and Replacement of Roof 8
lead to a greater awareness of the hazards so that the Additional Factors to be considered 8
appropriate action is taken to minimise accidents. I would
like to thank those involved in preparing this valued Section 5 – Advice to Clients and Contractors 9
document from the wealth of their many years of
Clients 9
experience working within the roofing industry.
Contractors 9
Chris Pearce
Appendix 1. Selection of Equipment to work
Chairman of ACR
at height 10
CONSTITUENTS OF THE SUB GROUP Appendix 2 Fall protection requirements
for work on roofs 11
1. This document was prepared by a sub group of the ACR
representing the following Associations: Appendix 3 - Asbestos Roof Over-Cladding 12
• Fibre-Cement Manufacturers Association (FCMA) FOREWORD
• Flat Roof Alliance (FRA) 2. This Code of Practice has been drawn up by The
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Advisory Committee for Roofwork [ACR], to assist in
• National Association of Rooflight manufacturers making working on fragile roofs safer. It draws on the
(NARM) experience of people who have spent many years in the
• Rural and Industrial Design and Building roofing industry and, as such, the advice given in the
Association (RIDBA) document is a statement of good practice, which has been
By the following people: achieved. While this document concentrates on safe
working practices on profiled sheet fragile roofs, much of
Mr C. Pearce (NARM) the advice is applicable to work on other types of fragile
surface.
Mr M. James (RIDBA)
3. Working on a fragile roofs is an extremely hazardous
Mr A.M Hutchinson (FCMA)
activity. Even a simple inspection is highly dangerous
Mr C Johnson ( FRA) without adequate knowledge and planning. This is
confirmed by the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE’s)
Mr J Wolstenholm (HSE – Sub group Secretary)
accident statistics. It is this Committee’s opinion that many
The contribution in completing the document is of these accidents happened because the people carrying
acknowledged to the following people: out the work or the inspection were not competent to do so.
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 ACR (CP) 002:2005

Consequently, the work was carried out without the following the procedures detailed in Section 2 of this
necessary planning or management and, often, without document
suitable equipment.
12. All persons involved in roof work need to be aware of
4. Working on or inspecting an existing fragile roof should the risks that can occur through a roof being fragile or that
be treated as working on a roof with no covering. The may become fragile over time. Existing asbestos cement
situation is exacerbated by the fact that it is often sheets and old roof lights should always be treated as
impossible to provide back up safety systems e.g. nets, fragile
airbags etc due to existing constraints within the occupied
13. In other cases fragility may arise from the: -
building. Consequently working on a fragile roof is
extremely hazardous and not a task to be undertaken • General deterioration of the roof due to ageing,
lightly. The hazard coupled with working at height, are neglect and lack of maintenance.
exacerbated by some clients who may have had no
guidance on how to commission safe work on fragile • Corrosion of metal clad roofs and fixings.
roofs. • Quality of the original installation.
5. This Code of Practice provides a source of essential • Selection of original material, fixings and washers.
information, by drawing on existing good practice, which
is already being followed by informed clients, competent • Subsequent impact and thermal damage.
designers and roofing companies. The recommendations
• Deterioration of the supporting structure, sheeting
in this document are intended to reduce the level of
and fixings from below due to processes within the
accidents by encouraging clients, designers and roofers to
building and other causes.
recognise their responsibilities and co-operate, to make
working on fragile roofs a less hazardous occupation. • Damage from rain and storm water leading to
random areas of weakness.
SECTION 1 – GENERAL
• Increased frequency of inspection (e.g. to support
Working on any roof is a hazardous activity, manufacturers’ guarantees or regular maintenance
irrespective of whether it is fragile or non fragile. It of equipment on the roof) exposing the roof to
accounts for approx 14% of all construction industry excessive trafficking.
deaths [2002/3]
14. The hierarchy of risk control in the new Work at
Introduction Height Regulations 2005 requires that you should avoid
6. This document is intended to give health and safety work at height if you can do so. Therefore if it is possible
advice on how to control the risks involved and is aimed to do any of the required work without going on the roof
at informing the following: then that method should always be selected. The
techniques described in this document assume that a
• Building Owners and Property Managers decision has already been reached that the required work
cannot be done by any other way than by going on the
• Building Professionals e.g. Building and Estate roof.
Surveyors, Architects, Surveyors, Heating and
Ventilation Engineers Scope
• Sole traders 15. The document covers work on roofs clad with all types
of profiled sheets, including asbestos cement.
• Contractors carrying out construction work
16. It deals specifically with the measures necessary to
• Maintenance Contractors avoid falling through the roof. Falling off the roof is dealt
• Insurance Inspectors with in other documents.
Note See ACR[CP]001:2003 Recommended Practice for work on
• Manufacturers / Suppliers Profiled sheeted Roofs and ACR[CP]006:2005 Edge protection
7. Any person carrying out an inspection or work on a for roofwork ( currently in course of preparation)
roof must have adequate information, training, 17. The specific safety issues of safe working on slated and
instruction and management control to assess and tiled roofs, shingle, non fragile flat roofs, and thatched
carry out the task safely. roofs are not addressed in this document and reference
8. A roof should always be treated as fragile until a should be made to HSG33 Roofwork ( published by the
competent person has agreed otherwise. HSE ) for further guidance.

9. No one should be allowed access to the area below a roof 18. The health issues concerning the handling of asbestos
when it is being worked on, unless there is an adequate containing materials (ACM) are not covered in this
protection system designed to prevent injury from and document and reference should be made to Control of
retain all falling objects. Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002. Although some detail
about dealing with asbestos cement in the specific case of
10. Only suitable persons having appropriate repair or oversheeting is dealt with in Appendix 2, this
competence, training and physical fitness should be does not cover any work with low density ACM
allowed on any roof.
11. An inspection will always be needed prior to work on
any roof is commenced. This should be carried out

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 ACR (CP) 002:2005

Definitions Fall Factor (FF)

23. The height of the potential fall divided by the length of
Competent Person
the lanyard
19. A competent person is a person who can demonstrate Note. FF0 implies an overhead anchorage , FF1 implies an
that they have sufficient professional or technical training, anchorage level with the harness dorsal or sternum attachment
knowledge, actual experience and authority to enable them point, FF2 implies level with feet as shown in the following
to:- diagram.
• carry out their assigned duties at the level of FF0 FF1 FF2
responsibility allocated to them;
• understand any potential hazards related to the
work (or equipment) under consideration;
• detect any technical defects or omissions in that
work (or equipment), recognise any implications
for health and safety caused by those defects or
omissions, and be able to specify a remedial action
to mitigate those implications.

Note: To assess the non fragility of a roof this implies:

Figure 1 Fall factors
• Sufficient knowledge of the mechanical and physical
Note: To minimise both the height and consequences of a fall
properties of the materials and assemblies involved and
implies using FF0 in preference to FF1 in preference to FF2
• Practical experience of installation of the product, usage,
behaviour and failure in service. Fragile Roof
24. A fragile roof is any roof the surface of which is likely
Note: To work on a fragile roof this implies: to fail when a reasonable foreseeable loading is applied to
• Recognising that this is a high hazardous task it,
• Sufficient training in the use of the equipment and how to Note: Remember a person walking (with or without tools or/and
deal with the hazards associated with the task allocated to materials) is a reasonable foreseeable loading.
them and,. Note: A test for fragility is given in the Advisory Committee for
• An understanding of the need for and the ability to check Roof Work (ACR) ACR (M) 001:2004 3rd edition.[The Red book]
the adequacy of the safety equipment allocated to them Note: It is stressed however that all complete roofs should be
and, treated as fragile unless a competent person has confirmed
• Being able to state the correct procedure for the task and otherwise.
the emergency procedures in place for the work
Harness and Lanyard System
Crawling Boards and /or roof ladders 25. Personal protective equipment (PPE) which when
20. Access platforms, boards or staging that rests on the fixed to a specified attachment point acts as either a work
roof and gets its support by spanning the roof purlins. restraint or fall arrest system.
Note: These must always be used in conjunction with an Note: This definition includes inertia devices.(i.e. BS EN360
appropriate fall protection system. devices)

Note: The techniques involved in installing such access equipment Note: If a fall can occur then a means of energy absorbance must
is not easy and the work should only be carried out by operatives be included in the system and the harness must be a full body
who have been specifically trained and who are experienced in harness rated to BS EN 361.
such tasks
Nets
Edge Protection 26. A collective fall arrest system to BS EN 1263, installed
21. A physical barrier that collectively prevents access or as close as possible under the surface to minimise fall
falls for all workers. distances.
Note: For details of edge protection to be used in conjunction with Note: Net installations have specific requirements for maintaining
the recommendations of this document consult a clear space under them and anchorage requirements to work
ACR[CP]001:2003 Recommended Practice for work on Profiled correctly.
sheeted Roofs & ACR[CP]006:2004 Edge protection for roofwork
Note: Nets to EN1263 only provide fall protection for people;
( currently in course of preparation)
seperate considerations needs to be made for potential falling
objects/debris.
Fall Arrest System
Note: See advice given in ACR Blue Book CP[005] 2005
22. A collective or personal system which safely limits a Recommended practice for the use of nets in roofwork
fall and minimises the consequences should it occur.

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 ACR (CP) 002:2005

Personal fall prevention system 34. All work on roofs will be covered by the Work at
Height Regulations 2005.
27. Work equipment designed to prevent a worker getting
to a point were he could fall, e.g. over the edge of a roof or 35. The order of selection of equipment implied by the
through it. ( See Figure 2) Work at Height Regulations 2005 is shown in Appendix 1.
Additionally these require that in selecting which work
equipment to use the relative risks associated with the
following activities have to be taken into account
• Installation
• Use
• Removal
• Rescue
Related to the work equipment selected

SECTION 2 – INSPECTION
Planning the Inspection
36. All inspections must be planned. The following actions
are recommended:
Figure 2 A personal fall prevention system 37. Obtain and examine all available drawings,
specifications, recent surveys including Asbestos Surveys,
Powered Access Equipment and the Health and Safety File.
28. Mobile elevating working platforms (MEWP) that Note: Since May 2004 there should be an Asbestos Management
provide a safe working platform for work at height. Plan for all non domestic buildings.
38. Identify all services and their location
Soft Landing system
39. Confirm with the person responsible for the building,
29. A collective fall arrest system which does not any preferred or available means of access and any on site
necessarily minimise the fall height but does minimise the rule/ permits of work needed
consequences of the fall e.g. Air Bags , bean bags etc.
40. Identify the on site hazards which will affect the
Work Restraint System inspection i.e. Consider:

30. A personal fall prevention systems using a harness and a) The size of building, height to ridge and valleys.
lanyard system which prevents a worker getting to a point b) The available space for siting of access equipment
were he could fall, e.g. over the edge of a roof or through and consider how it will be moved around.
it,.
c) Whether the roof structure (rafters and purlins) are
Health and Safety Legislation strong enough to carry the person carrying out the
31. All work on roofs including the inspection, inspection and potential maintenance workers with
maintenance, repair and refurbishment of fragile roofs their equipment and materials.
come under health and safety law. The specific d) The steepness of roof, surface texture and weather
requirements of the Acts and Regulations are well conditions all influence potential for sliding off and
documented in other guidance notes. falling from or through the roof.
32. In general, UK Health and Safety Law requires that a e) Any old and broken roofing sheets, evidence of
risk assessment is carried out within which hazards should water leaks and staining, rusting end laps and peeling
be identified and, if possible, eliminated. Any residual paint.
hazards should be assessed and safe systems of work
developed to minimise residual risks. If there is an accident f) Any holes in the sheeting seen as pinpricks of light
on the roof on which you are working, you will be asked to from inside the building.
prove that you have carried out these duties. g) Any missing or damaged ridge and verge cappings.
33. Remember, achieving safety in roof working is a h) Debris on the roof surface , blocked gutters or
legal requirement and should be a co-operative effort downspouts which may mask potential hazards on
between the Client, the Contractor and the Designer. If the roof surface.
each of these parties carries out their duties properly,
Note: Lichen and moss will retain water long after a period of rain
the risks associated with roof working will be
and will be slippery even in dry weather.
minimised.
i) Any damaged roof lights.
Note See ACR[CP]001:2003 Recommended Practice for work on
Profiled sheeted Roofs j) The condition of fixings and washers, including
Note: The duty to co-operate is a requirement of the Construction evidence of wear and cracking around fixing points.
(Design and Management) Regulations (CDM)

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k) Any evidence of previous repairs will give an e) Using a tied ladder at valley and eaves positions,
indication of the overall condition of the roof and ensuring that the ladder over sails the roof edge by a
how often it has required repair. minimum of 1m.
l) Any evidence of external surface over coating Note: This method is the last resort.
treatments (Turnerising), which may have blacked
out roof lights visible from within the building.
m) If roof lights have discoloured to match the colour of
the roof covering.
n) Any evidence of asbestos unidentified within the
Asbestos Management Plan.
o) Any evidence of failed or failing structural members
(shown by deflection of sheeting, dipping of the
ridge line, etc).
p) How the work can be carried out with respect to the
effects on third parties and disruption to the business.
q) Whether the roofing and cladding contains ACM to
be able to comply with the Control of Working with
Asbestos Regulations 2002. (CAWR 2002). .
Note: See also specific requirements in Appendix 2 for Asbestos Figure 3 Using a MEWP to inspect a vent
Roof Over-Cladding and repair.
44. The following additional actions may also be
r) Any other toxic/hazardous substances. E.g. gases necessary:
emitted from ventilators on the roof.
a) Only select workers who have been trained on the
s) The condition and suitability of access, safety inspection and use of the equipment /PPE being
systems and anchorages, and other hazards relevant used.
to the future works.
b) If fall protection PPE is to be used check all
Note: see paragraph 54 re additional requirements associated with equipment has an up to date valid inspection record,
accessing parts of roof which are not adjacent to valley gutters or the system components are compatible and the
eaves manufacturers’ instructions for use are followed.
t) Check availability of anchorages for PPE. c) If mechanised access equipment is being used
u) Check the inspection records of any installed safety arrange the provision of a qualified and competent
systems. operator to drive the equipment and arrange
provision of full body harnesses and lanyards for
v) Verify the maximum number of persons allowed to work restraint for all who intend to work in it.
use the installed safety system at ay one time.
d) Where an inspection is required in the middle of a
41. If this information is not available from existing long run of valley gutter, access via the valley gutter
records it is likely that it will need to be gathered by the could be used as long as inspection of the structure
inspection. internally shows full structural support of any valley
Selecting the Technique to Use gutter used and the work is carried out in compliance
with paragraph 69.
42. Based on the information above decide on the
techniques you are going to use for the inspection. 45. Finally prepare a method statement of safe system of
work to manage and control the residual risks remaining in
43. Where possible inspections should be carried out carrying out the inspection. This should also detail the
without going on the roof. This could be done by one of rescue procedure should a fall take place using the
the following methods, in order of preference: equipment selected, do not rely on the emergency services
a) Using binoculars or other visual aids from vantage How to carry out the inspection safely
points which don’t require work equipment( e.g. (Assuming you are going on the roof)
adjacent building, pre-existing access points etc.).
46. On no account, walk on any roof sheeting unless it
b) Remotely from powered access platforms either over is known with certainty that it is non fragile.
the roof or from underneath (see Figure 3)
47. Always treat any roof as fragile and as if sheeting
c) Via remote sensing equipment (e.g. remote or radio didn’t exist, unless a competent person has confirmed
controlled camera techniques). otherwise.
d) From a traditional or proprietary scaffold tower that 48. Never walk on any fragile roof without using
could be erected to view over the roof surface or appropriate crawling boards and/or roof ladders secured as
from underneath. necessary. Walking the line of purlin bolts is not safe
and should never be attempted.

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Note: It is the weakest part of the roof assembly and additionally 54. If there is a requirement to inspect other parts of the
the apparent purlin line may be simply a stitching line for end laps roof which cannot be readily done from valley gutters or
for sheets with no purlin below. eaves, these can be accessed by using appropriate crawling
49. Do not consider going on any roof in poor weather boards and/or roof ladders secured as necessary.
conditions such as rain, ice, frost or strong winds 55. Warning: when using access equipment, do not be
(particularly gusting) or if slippery conditions exist on the tempted to over reach out of a basket, tower or from a
roof. ladder to inspect suspect materials –move the access
Note: Winds in excess of 23mph (Force 5) will affect a persons equipment to the suspect part.
balance. See NFRC publication “Roofing and cladding in windy
conditions”
56. Remember always follow the prepared method
statement - “Plan the work & work to the Plan “
Note: Forecast wind speeds can be obtained from the internet,
Radio/TV and as a service provided by the Met Office. SECTION 3 – MAINTENANCE
Note: see also paragraph 40(h)
Cleaning a Roof Light from above
50. Inform the on site management/ operators of how you 57. Cleaning should be done from MEWP basket using a
intend to carry out the inspection and include in your plans stiff brush and hot soapy water or from crawling boards,
for the safe working within the premises. If the site is roof ladders when this is not possible.
unoccupied make sure that you have someone responsible
with you, that someone in overall control knows you are Note: Where AC sheeting is adjacent to the roof light ensure it is
there and what your plans are. Access or work permits are not abraded by the stiff brush as this could release asbestos fibre
useful. 58. When using boom type powered access equipment
51. Check that the system of work detailed in the Method from which to carry out the cleaning work the operatives
Statement can be followed, in particular: must be restrained from falling by wearing a harness and
work restraint lanyard system.
a) Confirm the information provided about the roof. (If
any of the information detailed in paragraph 40 is 59. If work must be done from the roof
missing it must be established before going on the a) Provide safe access to the eaves level by scaffold or
roof). scaffold towers. Ladders should normally only be
b) Check the quality of the existing access, safety used as a last resort.
systems and anchorages. b) Provide appropriate edge protection and strictly
c) If the conditions found on site are not as control the operatives movements.
anticipated stop the work and reassess the
activity.
d) Ensure suitable footwear is worn to take account of
wet and slippery conditions.
e) Carry out a peruse check of all equipment.
52. Establish effective barriers to segregate traffic. If this is
not reasonably practicable post a man on the ground to
stop any other vehicle from approaching the access
equipment This person must remain there for the duration
of the work activity.
53. Where an inspection is required in the middle of a long
run of valley gutter, access via the valley gutter should
only be carried out, with the following precautions: Figure 4 Installing a proprietary edge protection system
a) Ensure the gutter width allows clear access ( i.e. not Note: For detail of edge protection and fall protection
less than 200mm ) for foot traffic using a proprietary requirements see Appendix 2 Fall protection requirements for
safe walking system or a specifically designed and MINOR work on roofs
installed PPE anchorage system. Note: Roof slopes above 100 must have dynamic edge protection
b) Where systems described in (a) above are not at the eaves below the working area regardless of its distance from
the edge
available, the sheeting adjacent to the valley gutter
on both sides of the valley should be sheeted out to Note: For details of standard of edge protection consult BS EN
span a minimum of 2 purlins, using minimum 13374:2004 Temporary Edge protection systems and
overhangs of 4x the board thickness. ACR[CP]001:2003 Recommended Practice for work on Profiled
sheeted Roofs & ACR[CP]006:2004 Edge protection for roofwork
Note: The installation of such equipment is difficult. ( currently in course of preparation)
Note: In practice the sheets will tend to slide down the roof slope c) Access from the eaves should be gained using crawl
but it is acceptable to support the bottom edge of the sheet on the boards or roof ladders, which should be pushed up
lowest line of fixing bolts.
the roof to the work area and secured to prevent
Note: This must give a minimum of 1.5 metres of protected sliding and lateral movement.
surface

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Note Remember that the roof structure needs to be strong enough 67. Where powered access equipment cannot be used (or
to take the combined weight of the crawling boards, the operative egress from the basket would be required) a tower scaffold
and the equipment required. should be used. However as a last resort a ladder may be
Note: The techniques involved in installing such access equipment used if it can be correctly placed and secured.
is not easy and the work should only be carried out by operatives
who have been specifically trained and who are experienced in
68. The inspection must have determined that the valley
such tasks gutter is non-fragile;

d) If nets or other collective fall arrest systems cannot Note: see section on inspecting valley gutters paragraph 53
be provided beneath the roof, the operatives should 69. Assume that the roof either side of the valley gutter is
use fall protection PPE. fragile unless a competent person has confirmed otherwise.
Note: Where a work restraint system can be achieved it should be Either:
used - remember a fall arrest system needs a 12kN anchorage a) other protection such as a valley walker should be
capacity, a work restraint system needs a 3kN anchorage capacity.
used. ( See Figure 2)
e) Regardless of the state of the opaque areas the roof b) the full valley run and the roof slope 2 metres either
light will almost certainly be fragile and at no time side should be netted,
should the operative lean onto or stand on the roof
light. or
Cleaning an Eaves Gutter c) each slope should be protected using sheeting or
staging which should span a minimum of 2 purlins,
60. Provide safe access to the work area, preferably by using minimum overhangs of 4x the board thickness,
powered access equipment. ( see Figure 6).
61. Clean from the powered access equipment, with the Note: see note 53(b) re dimensions
operatives restrained from falling by a harness and lanyard
system attached to a secure fixing and anchorage.

Figure 6 A partially boarded out valley gutter (another

line of boards needed to reach 2nd purlin line)
70. The wet and slippery conditions within the valley make
the selection of suitable footwear described in paragraph
Figure 5 Using a MEWP to clean the gutter 51 d above imperative.
62. Where it is not possible a mobile tower scaffold or 71. Use a safe system of working for transporting and
fixed scaffolding platform will be required. lowering any waste or debris i.e. use of buckets to remove
63. It is generally not considered acceptable to clean along mud and silt, using two men to carry any larger items of
the length of an eaves gutter from a ladder, although there wood, broken sheet etc
will be occasions when this is unavoidable Servicing Plant and Equipment on a Roof
Note: An example could be where the physical access constraints
72. Unless a permanent safe walkway is provided, the
dictated that a tower or MEWP was impossible to use.
service operative must be trained in the safety precautions
64. Spot cleaning of gutters by ladders may be acceptable required when working at height and should be
if the work was of short duration (total time of all work accompanied by a competent roof worker at all times.
less than 10 to15 minutes).
73. Unless a safe walkway is in place the advice in
65. Provide a safe area below the work for the controlled ‘Cleaning a roof light from above ’ should be followed.
fall of debris.
Note: See paragraphs 57-59
Cleaning a Valley Gutter 74. Permit to work systems should be used and any
66. Provide safe access to the end of the valley gutter run, permanent access systems secured by a locked gate/door
preferably by powered access equipment provided egress etc
from the basket is not required.

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SECTION 4 REPAIR/ REPLACEMENT a) If the roof can be removed from the underneath, e.g.
from powered access equipment or tower scaffolds
Replacing a Rooflight from above
this is the preferred method for work at height.
75. Provide safe access to the eaves level by scaffold or However this may not be the best method for
scaffold towers. Ladders should only be used as a last asbestos cement products where control of release of
resort however, if they are selected, alternative means asbestos could be an issue.
should be provided for the lifting of tools and materials to
b) If work has to be carried out from the roof surface
the roof level.
provide safe access to the eaves by a mobile tower or
76. When carrying out the work, around (within 2 metres scaffold.
of) the roof light being repaired or replaced, the operatives
c) Depending on the scale of the work, consideration
should be protected by collective fall protection (such as,
should be given to the use of proprietary systems for
MEWP, mobile tower or scaffold used as a crash deck;
access over the roof.
nets or soft landing system). Personal measures such as
‘work restraint’ and ‘fall arrest’ should only be used as the Note: These can be moved down the roof as the work progresses
last resort. and provide a secure working platform for the operatives.

Note See note after 59(d) for anchorage capacity d) The roof should be netted or some other collective
fall protection system provided to the underside with
77. The roof structure needs to be strong enough to take crawling boards above if a proprietary system is not
the combined weight of the crawling boards, the operative used.
and the equipment required.
See Figure 7 and Figure 8
78. Provide appropriate edge protection and strictly control
the movement of the operatives
Note: see notes after 59(b)
79. Regardless of the state of the opaque areas the rooflight
will almost certainly be fragile and at no time should the
operative lean onto or place their weight, materials or
equipment on any roof light.
Repairing a Cracked Roof Sheet or Rooflight
80. Refer to paragraphs above, ‘Replacing a Rooflight
from above’ but with the following additional
considerations
a) Consider the use of an insitu flash band/bitumen Figure 7 A crash deck providing collective fall
compound or strips, or similar approved where the protection
repair is fairly minor. e) Should the operatives rely solely on crawling boards
suitable fall protection PPE must be provided.
b) When planning repairs to an asbestos cement roof
there may be a risk of asbestos fibres being released. Note See note after 59(d)
In such circumstances it is recommended that there is
f) Guardrails and toe boards must be provided around
minimal disturbance to reduce this risk. In some
the full perimeter and if appropriate debris netting
cases over sheeting may be a more suitable
under the roof and/or around the perimeter.
procedure than either repairing or removal.
g) Provide for the lifting of heavy loads on and off the
c) Replacing sheets could damage adjacent roof sheets
roof. Preferably this should be by powered lifting
and so increase the problem. Over sheeting with a
equipment or mobile crane.
full or partial sheet of the same profile is generally
possible on most roofs. Note: If using MEWPS do not carry loads on the guard rails
Note: where you have a roof light or asbestos cement sheet these h) Provide for material storage both on and off the roof
can be over roofed with a GRP sheet of the same profile. This can (check that the roof structure can carry the load).
usually be achieved by easing the fixing bolts of the original sheet
and sliding the over sheet under the upper end lap and fixing down i) On the new roof introduce poppy red or similar
to the roof structure. washers and cap markers to the fixings to indicate
the presence of roof lights.
81. If you need to over-clad or repair AC sheets the
additional requirements detailed in Appendix 3 must be Additional Factors to be considered
followed.
84. Access equipment should never be left in place
Removal and Replacement of Roof unattended. There is the risk of children or the
inexperienced accessing the roof.
82. Removal and replacement of a roof involves
demolition and construction work, so the CDM 85. The condition on the roof must be verified before
Regulations will apply. going onto it at the start of each day’s work. Check the
current weather forecast to be aware of potential adverse
83. The designer and contractor should consider the conditions such as high winds, rain, ice and snow. When
following. first accessing the roof in a morning or after cessation of

8
 ACR (CP) 002:2005

bad weather, check if the working surfaces have become g) When selecting a contractor follow the principles
slippery. given in paragraphs 4-19 of ACR[CP]001:2003
Recommended Practice for work on Profiled Sheeted
86. Ensure that there is a suitable means of access onto the
Roofs.
roof relative to the skills and numbers of persons who need
to go there. On anything other than a small roof (e.g. lock Contractors
up type garage) a tower or scaffold with stairs should be
90. At time of appointment / accepting the work the
used
contractor should consider the following:
87. Ensure that the site and particularly the working area
a) Is the Client aware of his responsibilities under the
on the roof is kept clean and tidy to avoid slips and trips
CDM and other Health and Safety Legislation e.g.
when going across, returning from or at the work area.
has the Client provided all the information necessary
88. If the roof does contain asbestos the ‘Control of about the roof and is he committed to provide the
Asbestos at Work Regulations (CAWR) 2002’ will apply necessary resources to allow the work to be done
Note: Disposal of asbestos cement roofing sheets should be
safely.
carried out in accordance with the CAWR Regulations 2002, the b) Is it possible or practical to carry out the
Special Waste Regulations 1996 and the Special Waste Clients/advisors requirements or are there
(Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 alternatives he can suggest to the client which
Note See also Appendix 3 provide a better quality job i.e. overroofing the
existing roof instead of multiple repairs or, replacing
SECTION 5 - ADVICE TO CLIENTS AND sheets instead of patch repairs.
CONTRACTORS
c) Is the time scale and restrictions to the work, as
Clients required by the client, reasonable and achievable.
89. The Client should consider the following before d) Can the appropriate level of on site supervision be
making any repair refurbishment or maintenance decision: provided to ensure that his men carry out the works
safely and that they don’t take unnecessary risks
a) Can taking action within the building solve the affecting themselves and others
consequences of the defect and hence avoid the need
to access the roof. e) Can serious hazards be avoided by suitable planning
to reduce the time that his men are working at height.
b) When considering the future use of the building can
the frequency of access be reduced through f) Are all operatives intended to be used for the work
balancing the cost and lifespan of any repairs against adequately trained in any equipment they may have
an overall refurbishment to use and is the equipment the most suitable for the
work.
c) When choosing between the repair or refurbishment
what are the effects to the business, the building g) If nets or other collective fall arrest systems are to be
concerned and the rest of the site. e.g. the conflict used the client needs to be aware of the clear zone
over storing and moving materials across the site to requirements needed to allow them to perform
the work area and the effects of work being done correctly
above operations within the building.
d) Can serious hazards be avoided by suitable planning P U R LIN

e.g. reducing the time that men are working at height

by overroofing of multiple defects instead of isolated
patch repairs or providing permanent access ways
along eaves, valleys and gable verges of large R OO F TRUSS
buildings.
e) Unless there is a valid reason in any replacement
policy fragile materials should always be replaced
with non fragile assemblies to remove the hazard at
source for future work. Figure 8 Maintain a clearance distance below nets
f) Do you have in-house ability to carry out and h) Can the Contractor comply with all the principles in
supervise the required works, or should competent paragraphs 20-58 of ACR[CP]001:2003
advisors be employed to design, plan and manage the Recommended Practice for work on Profiled Sheeted
works including selecting competent contractors to Roofs.
carry out the works. You should especially ask your
advisors about your and their duties under the current
Construction Design and Management Regulations.

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 ACR (CP) 002:2005

APPENDIX 1 SELECTION OF EQUIPMENT FOR WORK AT HEIGHT

1. The Work at Height Regulations are goal setting regulations in that they require the most suitable work equipment to be
selected to carry out the task ( subject to issues of ‘reasonable practicability’) as a result of a risk assessment.
2. The preferred order of selection of work equipment implied by hierarchy in Regulation 6 of the Work at Height
Regulations is shown by the line in the diagram below:

Collective Personal

Guardrails/ Advanced Personal Fall Prevention

Work
equipment Guardrails Work Restraint
which Scaffolding/Mobile towers Single user MEWPs
desirable

prevents
fall Multi user MEWPs Pulpits

Work Nets at high level Personal Fall protection

equipment
which Soft landing systems used in
minimises
height & systems (close FF0
consequence under surface)++ FF1
of fall
Nets at lower level * FF2
( > 2m below surface)
Work
equipment
which Soft landing systems Injury reduction systems #
Undesireable

minimises
consequence Nets at low level * ( e.g inflating jackets)
of fall
( ☯ 6m below working position)
Work ladders, step ladder, hop ups, trestles, )
equipment platforms designed without guarding ) Not in any order
which does
neither (Not illegal platforms) )

++ may not be Reasonably Practicable * extremely difficult to justify in practice # new products

Figure 9 Order of selection of work equipment implied by the Work at Height Regulations 2005

Note 1: To justify the use of any particular equipment, all preceding equipment along the line of the arrow before the selection must be
explicitly ruled out on grounds of reasonable practicability, taking into account the global risks associated with the installation, use,
dismantling and rescue associated with that equipment.
Note 2: Equipment can be used in combination with other equipment to change its relative position within the hierarchy.

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 ACR (CP) 002:2005

APPENDIX 2 FALL PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR MINOR WORK ON ROOFS

Buffer zone boundary

1.0 metres all round work area work area boundary
( physical area
within 3 metres being worked
upon )
1.5m

more than 3 metres from edge

1.5m

within 3 metres
***

access

*** if this
dimension
is less than 1.5m 1.5m 1.5m 1.5m 1.5m 1.5m
3 metres
then the edge ***
protection Fall protection measures required here if the work is likely to affect
should extend the non fragility classification of the roof surface or any part of the
to the corner Edge protection required work area is fragile ( e.g a hole is created through the roof or work
Working platform is on a fragile rooflight in an otherwise non fragile roof area )

Figure 10 Edge protection requirements for non fragile roofs which have fragile elements in them

work area boundary

( actual area affected
by work)

roof
access
edge
access access
tower tower tower

Fall prevention measures Working platform

required
Fragile roof surface
Fall protection measures no step zone
required

Figure 11 Fall protection requirements for fragile roofs

11
 ACR (CP) 002:2005

reasonably practicable, reduction of exposure to the lowest

APPENDIX 3 - ASBESTOS ROOF OVER-CLADDING
level reasonably practicable; providing information about
asbestos to those likely to disturb it.
10. In particular there is a requirement for all non domestic
buildings to have been surveyed, assessed and an Asbestos
Management Plan (AMP) to be in place
11. Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983 – check whether
the roof construction (including soffits etc) contains asbestos
insulating board or if any of the surfaces have been sprayed
with asbestos coatings (rather than asbestos cement
products.),if any work is required on these materials or they
are going to be disturbed. you will need to use a contractor
licensed by HSE to work with asbestos.
Note: You do not need a licence to work with asbestos cement
products, e.g. corrugated roof sheeting.
Figure 12 Complete overcladding of an AC roof
IMPORTANT :The advice contained in this Appendix is not
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: adequate to cover work with low density ACMs
Where is asbestos normally found in Roofwork? 12. Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of
1. Asbestos was used in hundreds of different products and Transportable Pressure Receptacles Regulations 2004 –
buildings from the 1920s to the late 1990s. there is an exemption to the requirements of these regulations
for small quantities of asbestos using inner packaging of up to
2. Use of asbestos peaked in the 60s and early 70s but the 1 kg carried in outer packaging of up to 4 kg in total for
majority of buildings built pre 1985 will contain Asbestos mixtures of asbestos and 6 kg (inner packaging) and 24 kg (out
Containing Materials (ACMs) in some form packaging) for white asbestos.
3. Asbestos roofing materials will normally contain 10-15% 13. Asbestos (Prohibition) Regulations (as amended) 1989 –
white asbestos although some older sheets may also contain you are no longer allowed to supply any material containing
brown or blue versions together with a bonding material such asbestos e.g. by re-using them at another job.
as cement.
14. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations
Note: hence the name ‘asbestos cement’ 1994 (CDM) – The AMP for the building should be checked,
4. Asbestos cement was used up until 1999 in a variety of if one is not available checks should be made for asbestos
different premises and materials. before the contract is awarded to the principal contractor. All
information about any on site asbestos known to the
5. You cannot tell simply by the colour if the building product client/designer must be passed to the contractor before work
contains blue, brown or white asbestos. starts and details of any residual asbestos should be put in the
6. Materials that release fibres more easily and thereby increase Health and Safety File at the end of the job.
exposure are asbestos insulating board, e.g. in the form of Note: Good advice for designers on dealing with asbestos can be found
soffit boards and sprayed coatings at www.safetyindesign.org.
Note: e.g. sprayed on the underside of roofs for fire, sound or How can you be exposed?
condensation protection.
15. Asbestos is only a risk if you disturb or damage it and
7. Asbestos cement materials are less hazardous because the cause fibres to be released into the air. If asbestos containing
asbestos is well bonded with the cement and usually only materials are in good condition and in a position where they
contains between 10-15% asbestos, but high levels of fibre can are not going to be disturbed or damaged then it is safer to
be released if sheets are roughly treated or powered tools are leave them where they are and ensure that the risks are
used . managed.
Note: Powered drills can be used safely provided provision is made
for capturing released fibres. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ROOFWORK
INVOLVING ASBESTOS CEMENT
8. You will need to get an analyst to check what sort of
asbestos material it is to check if a licensed contractor is Planning (over and above the requirements of section 2)
required. [See paragraph 11 below] 16. Plan of work - You must have a written plan of work that
sets out how the work will prevent or reduce exposure to
asbestos for roof workers. The plan must also cover how you
SUMMARY OF ASBESTOS RELATED LEGISLATION will prevent exposure for building occupants and how you will
9. Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 –Requires prevent contamination of roof voids and other areas. Staff
the prevention of exposure to asbestos, or where this is not should know how to implement the plan This should include:

12
 ACR (CP) 002:2005

a) Summary of relevant section of any asbestos survey or 17. The recommended method for fixing the overcladding
asbestos management plan. sheets is using a self drilling tapping screw rather than a hook
or J bolt. (as shown in Figure 13)
b) A description of the work and work methods; its location
and any areas below the roof which may be affected by
fibres dust or debris.
FASTENING OVERCLADDING SHEETS TO AVOID INGRESS OF AC DUST INTO BUILDING
Note: it is recommended that a check for contamination on top of
existing steel beams, and purlins etc is carried out before any work Fixing position
commences to establish a “pre work” agreed condition state.
c) State the type and form of asbestos, the quantity, extent
and condition.
d) Provide brief details of any access and fire risks and
precautions taken. Stagger sheets so that top sheet crest lines up with bottom valley
using spacers to maintain correct distance between sheets

e) Who will consider departures from the Plan of Work and

how will these be noted and recorded on site.
f) State the expected exposure using controls specified. Correct way to fasten :-
Incorrect way to fasten :-
J bolt along side purlin
Drill in fastener direct into purlin max amount of AC dust
g) How the release of fibres from the materials will be min amount of AC dust inside
building when drilling through sheets
inside building when
drilling through sheets
controlled.
h) How fibre and debris will be prevented from spreading Figure 13 Fastening detail for minimum dust generation
to occupied areas, especially areas below the roof. 18. Controlling exposure – some advice on dust suppression
i) How debris will be prevented from contaminating the techniques can be found in Asbestos Essentials Task Manual,
unoccupied areas. HSG210, (published by HSE), Task Sheets A9 (drilling
through ACMs); A14 (removal and overlay);
j) What protective clothing and respirators are to be worn.
19. Specific controls will vary with the nature of the job, but
Note: Respirators should be FFP3 to BS EN149 for most overcladding jobs you will need:
Note: It is recommended that overalls should be disposable
a) Visqueen - to cover surfaces that are likely to become
k) Describe how control measures are to be maintained on contaminated e.g. crash decks and the area of flooring or
site and what checks are to be in place and who is in roof space beneath the exterior roof sheets
charge. Note: Visqueen can create a slip hazard. It will not usually be
l) State any additional precautions to reduce exposure necessary to visqueen boards used to access the roof.

m) Provide detailed site information and a site specific b) Signs and barriers to segregate the area to keep out
description of the working method to be used with unauthorised persons, including areas beneath the roof.
reasons c) Fine water spray to dampen down areas prior to working
n) State what tools and other equipment are to be used on them

o) Welfare facilities d) FFP3 respirators that have been face-fit tested on the
individual (qualitative or quantitative).
p) Waste disposal, including notification of the waste
transfer to the local Environment Agency (or Scottish Note: p.22-23 of HSG210 shows how to wear a respirator correctly
Environment Protection Agency) and transport to a e) Wear suitable coveralls with a hood
suitable landfill site using a licensed haulier. Careful
Note this should be Type 5, category 3.
consideration needs to be given to possible
contamination of work equipment ( e.g. debris nets, f) Asbestos waste bags in which to place any debris arising
scaffold board, clothing etc) as these may also need to be from drilling etc and a suitable means of sealing them
disposed of as Special Waste
Note :The method of sealing should be checked with the bag supplier.
q) Emergency procedures in the event of an inadvertent
g) Somewhere to take off potentially contaminated
asbestos exposure
coveralls etc
r) How areas which may have become contaminated with Note: On a roof, the use of vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters and
asbestos, particularly areas below the roof are to be readily cleanable footwear such as wellington boots normally
thoroughly cleaned as necessary when work is complete. recommended, is considered impracticable and potentially unsafe
Carrying out the work ( over and above the requirements of 20. Additional training – This need to be provided in the
Section 4) following topics with at least annual updates based on a
training needs analysis:

13
 ACR (CP) 002:2005

a) Where asbestos can be found;

b) What asbestos products look like and the different forms
that they take;
c) The health hazards;
d) The health risk (for themselves and others);
e) What to do if they think that they have become
contaminated;
f) The employer/ees’ responsibilities under The Control of
Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002;
g) The fitting and use of suitable RPE and protective
clothing;
h) Control measures specific to overcladding;
i) Disposal of contaminated clothing, RPE and waste.
21. Clearing up the job - you will not normally need an
asbestos decontamination unit for personal decontamination
when working with Asbestos Cement
22. All visible debris should be cleaned up and disposed of as
special waste.
Management of any Remaining Asbestos materials
23. Make sure that any changes are noted in the asbestos
management plan for the premises so that future contractors
can be alerted to the presence of asbestos
24. If it is a job to which the CDM regulations apply,
information about residual asbestos must be placed in the
Health and Safety File

NOTE Although care has been taken to ensure, to the best of our knowledge, that all data
and information contained herein are accurate to the extent that they relate to either matters
of fact or accepted practice or matters of opinion at the time of publication, the ACR, the
authors and the reviewers assume no responsibility for any errors in or misrepresentations
of such data and/or information or any loss or damage arising from or related to their use

14
 ACR (CP) 002:2005

This document can be obtained from any of the participating

organisations at the addresses printed below or downloaded National Federation of Roofing Contractors
free of charge from the ACR website at 24, Weymouth Street,
http://www.roofworkadvice.info London,
W1G 7LX
Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training [FASET] Tel 0207 436 0387
Carthusian Court Fax 0207 637 5215
12, Carthusian Street, e-mail info@nfrc.co.uk
London Contact The Technical Officer
EC1M 6EZ
Tel 020 7397 8128 Rural Industrial Design and Building Association [RIDBA]
Fax 020 7397 8121 ATSS House,
e-mail enquires@faset.org.uk Station Road East,
Contact Mr S Kennefick Stowmarket,
Suffolk,
Fibre Cement Manufacturers’ Association [FCMA] IP14 1RQ
ATSS House, Tel 01449 676049
Station Road East, Fax 01449 770028
Stowmarket, e-mail secretary@ridba.org.uk
Suffolk, Contact Mr A M Hutchinson
IP14 1RQ
Tel 01449 676053
Fax 01449 770028
e-mail fcma@ghyllhouse.co.uk
Contact Mr A M Hutchinson

Flat Roofing Alliance [FRA]

Fields House,
Gower Road,
Haywards Heath,
West Sussex,
RH16 4PL
Tel 01444 440027
Fax 01444 415616
e-mail info@fra.org.uk
Contact Mr P Franklin

Metal Cladding & Roofing Manufacturers

Association [MCRMA]
18, Mere Farm Road,
Prenton,
Birkenhead,
Merseyside,
CH43 9TT
Tel 0151 652 3846
Fax 0151 653 4080
email mcrma@compuserve.com
Contact Mr C Dyer

National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers

[NARM]
43 Clare Croft,
Middleton
Milton Keynes,
MK10 9HD
Tel 01908 692325
Fax 01908 674122
e-mail admin@narm.org.uk
Contact Lorraine Cookham

15