Hi there The only HSE guidance I'm aware of stating a time-frame for ladder use is in the HSE leaflet - 'Safe use of ladders and stepladders '. However it doesn't state anything about working on a roof with roof ladders. They state ladders/stepladders should be used for short duration work only - Quote - As a guide, if your task would require staying up a leaning ladder or stepladder for more than 30 minutes at a time, it is recommended that you consider alternative equipment. There is a small section on short duration work in HSG33 - Health and Safety in roof work, but all that says is that ‘Short-duration work’ means tasks that are measured in minutes rather than hours. It includes tasks such as inspection, replacing a few tiles or minor adjustment to a television aerial. It may not be reasonably practicable to install safeguards such as a full independent scaffold or even edge protection for such work, but you will need to provide something in its place. The decision on the precautions to take will depend on an overall assessment of the risks involved. You should consider: ■ duration of the work; ■ complexity of the work; ■ pitch of the roof; ■ condition of the roof; ■ type of roofing material (slate or tile); ■ weather conditions; ■ risk to those putting up edge protection; and ■ risk to other workers and the public. 111 The minimum requirements for short-duration work on a roof are: ■ a safe means of access to the roof level; and ■ safe means of working on the roof, eg: – on a sloping roof, a properly constructed and supported roof ladder; However it doesn't give a specific time-frame here on what the short duration work is. Basically I would ask for RA and MS, and ask them if they know the condition of the roof, has it been inspected etc? Before deciding on the appropriate controls and whether they are sufficient

That fact that the subbies best argument is from a reference from Cowboy Builders is quite comical! However I am under the impression that ladders are deemed perfectly acceptable for simple tasks of short duration (We advise up to 15 minutes.. some discretion depending on the task) Naturally alternative means are preferred for jobs of particular complexity and duration.

I think the programme was 'Bad builders; Bang to rights' on ITV. You should be able to see the programme on ITV player if you want to check it out for yourself. I watched bits of it with what was stupid, foolhardy use of roof ladders and climbing over a roof with no protection at all. I think from memory that the builder had included scaffolding in his price but didn't provide it and when challenged by the presenter it was the builder who quoted the bit about 20 minutes attributing it to HSE guidance. hth p48

It's my understanding that roof ladders are acceptable for 'short duration' work. The only reference in terms of time is the 30 mins suggested by the HSE, I think it's in 'Working with Ladders and Step Ladders' guidance. However, a roof ladder is not the same as a normal ladder. I was asked by a friend a while ago whether it was acceptable for a roof worker to work alone on minor works. I replied: not really, if he was to have a mishap who would ensure he was ok, administer first aid or phone the emergency services. BTW - my 3000 post...must get out more!

You also see unsafe working practices on Grand Designs and Renovation Man.

Lets not even go there!!!