We have recently had concerns regarding the accessing and standing on van roof racks during the off loading of materials. Question - Would it be reasonably acceptable for the short duration to allow our operatives to off load from the roof rack after gaining access via the ladder positioned on the rear doors? I have considered the working at height rules and consider the duration of the activity to out way the need for additional controls such as barriers / harnesses etc. What are the thoughts on this issue of off loading from a roof rack?

Ask yourself one question: can the person fall from the roof answer yes: then you have to comply with W@H regs > follow the hierarchy of control when working at height is required, "risk assessment"

Darren, Do you really need to let people climb on the roof. Most storage nowadays is either ladders which can be pulled off from the rerar without actually standing on the roof, or items such as pipe etc which tends to be in the long cylindrical tubes you see fixed to the bars. The trouble with allowing people to stand on roofs is they then need that little bit extra height so put their ladders on the roof and before you know it its common practice and everyone's doing it. I think before I allowed any one to stand on a van roof I would like to think I had exhausted every other avenue first and that this really was the only way of off loading and not merely the easiset or the "We've always done it that way". Good luck Clive

Speech Clarel, as I see it we are here to assist anyone who may need the benefit of our experience - well done! I think what you are saying is right, lets have a positive only post day, if you can't be positive don't post.

I think from a RA point of view, that climbing onto a roof rack from a ladder is a none starter.

I have experienced similar problems. It seems that some contractors see it as a 'macho' type activity. My advice and view is that the WaH hierarchy really works i.e. as mentioned in your previous posts - AVOID. I cannot see any need to stand on top.