Some 12 months ago the HSE issued some guidance which basically allowed roofing contractors whom needed to cut tiles in situ on roof valleys to "dry cut" in these areas where necessary as long as the operatives affected where wearing the appropriate RPE. I have just now recieved a document from one of our roofing contractors relating to the changes to working practices when cutting tiles etc in the roof valleys which states that from the 1st of october 2012 the above will no longer be permitted, and that all cutting must be undertaken away from the roof area using a sacrificial board, dust suppression and RPE. I have taken a look on the HSE website for information relating to this matter and cannot find any information relating to these new requirements. The information forwarded to me has come from the NFRC. Does anyone have any further information or comments on this matter. regards Allan

Thanks Alan However, that document/guidance is from 2010. I am looking for something more recent (within the last few months). There is a document on the NFRC website but there is a problem currently with the page and i cannot download the document. Allan

This opened for me.... http://www.nfrc.co.uk/do...tember-2012.pdf?sfvrsn=2

It's the type at valleys on a roof that roofers say they have to dry cut in situ. Having a water feed presents new risks to their H&S in that type of environment.

Having browsed Marley's web site, http://www.marleyeternit...les%20and%20Slates.ashx, they state it is advisable to the cut the valley tile away from the installation area to prevent contact with the valley material which is what most roofing contractors do. Water suppression in the cutting area may be OK on new build but not refurbs where there is a potential for the contaminated water to enter internally via the eaves. Usually the correct sequence in my opinion is to: 1. Mark the line where the tile is to be cut 2. Pass the marked tile to an assistant with the cutting apparatus 3. Cut the tile on a stable platform with water suppresion and RPE whilst on the platform 4. Whilst the tile is being cut, the installer returns to the instalation area and prepares the next tile to be cut 5. Down the roof via a cat ladder to the assistant cutting tiles thus avoiding breaking newly cut fragile valley tiles 6. Swap the newly marked tile for the cut tile 7. So on an so forth The roofing contractor should present a method statement outling the above before any work commences. However don't take the above as concrete(excuse the pun) as there really is no prescribed method of carrying out the above task. Its all about having a common sense approach to enable the task to be reduced as low as reasonably practicable. Regards, Damian

The guidance has been agreed with the HSE according to the NRFC. From my experience with certain roofing contractors I expect the HSE to issue quite a few notices relating to this matter, especially with the FFI coming into effect on the same date! Allan

Its going to be a nice cash cow for the HSE when the FFI is introduced as valleys aren't the only place where tiles need to be cut. Roof tilers also encounter`hips, roof lights, soil vent pipes,chimney's, verges, raking land valleys not to mention cutting groves to abutments where lead step flashings need to be tucked in. Furthermore I know its rare in this country but what about hosepipe bans when thay materialise!!!

Hi > There is referece to your post in the new HSG33 published by the HSE this year Silica 268 Silica is found in many types of stone and in concrete, including roof tiles. In dust form it will be released during cutting or grinding. Inhaling silica dust can lead to serious disease, including lung cancer and more than 500 workers die each year from silica-related diseases. 269 Even short periods of roof tile cutting can create high levels of silica dust. Where possible, cutting should be eliminated by using ½ or 1½ size tiles. Where resizing is needed, use water to stop the dust getting into the air. Modern cut-off saws have an attachment for a water hose. 270 Cutting should not be undertaken on the roof but on an area of the surrounding scaffolding set up for this purpose. Where practical this also applies to valleys. For example, GRP valley systems with a central ‘ridge’ enable valley tiles to be first marked against this ridge and then taken down onto the scaffolding for cutting. 271 When using such a cutting area it is vital that the safety of the scaffold boards is not affected. A suitable piece of sacrificial material should be placed between the tile and scaffold boards to prevent the boards being accidentally cut. The water jets of the cut-off saw and water container need to be inspected and maintained regularly to keep them in working order. 272 Even with water suppression some silica dust will still remain in the air and a mask should also be worn. Nuisance-grade dust masks do not protect the lungs. Use either a FFP3 disposable mask or a half mask with P3 filters. Wearers must be face fit tested to make sure the mask works correctly.