Hi,

I have a question around roof ladder work, which seems to be a bit vague on the HSE website.

The working at height regulations state that if working on a roof there must be edge protection or something similar in place to mitigate a fall. If significant work was required on a roof then scaffolding would be arranged, although for minor/short duration work we would use roof ladders to replace a few tiles for example.

I just wondered what controls/systems other organisations have in place for the use of roof ladders for short duration work, my opinion is that if you are using a roof ladder as it is, this is not sufficient as there is nothing to mitgate the risk of falling, 3 points of contact is virtually impossible if you are carrying tools/equipment to change tiles.

One possible route we are looking at is harness's and lanyards.

How is everyone else out there managing these types of work and am i missing anything in the regulations for this? I will be writing a report for senior management regarding these works and would be really interested of anyone elses interpretation of the regs around this

Much appreciated for everyones help in advance

You are right - it's a case where an employer has to make a call on what standard they are going to work too, but given the risk of death / serious injury, you'd have a hard time convincing me that a roof ladder was appropriate for repairs these days.

They used to be justified as appropriate for very short term work such as inspection where the errection of a scaffold introduced a greater work at height risk than the resultant work - now a drone is more likely based on the hierarchy.

Something like Kee Safety's Esi-Dec system is quicker to errect than a full scaffold, but appropriate for the job.

Reasonable practical has (quite rightly) moved on in recent years.

As ever, there is no one answer, but if I saw a guy with tools / materials transferring from a vertical ladder to a roof ladder with no fall proection measures in place, I'd be worried. Not only for him, but those below.

The other problem (aside from falling objects) with work restraint alone is that you're reliant on the guy clipping on, and needing a double lanyard as he moves around etc, plus strength calculations etc..... We all know it won't be used by perepitetic workers, so you come upon the Pope v Gould precident regarding supervision / management.

Of course, there will be some folk who'll go with the old method, but that's their choice. Don't sink to their level in chasing wrk.

Hope that helps,

Al

Edited by user 27 March 2017 12:44:29(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

I know the Ladder Association had been working on new guidance relating to roof ladders but not sure if/when it is due to be released. Take a look at the details on the link and maybe get in touch with tem to see if they have anu updates/advice? https://ladderassociatio...ladder-product-standard/

There is a quite a well known system that we use for short duration ladder work on roofs. It is called the TETRA system. It involves the use of harnesses as previously suggested. The leaning ladder is secured to the wall and the roof ladder is ratchet strapped to the roof ladder. It is an excellent system. I do not work for them but I am trained as an instructor on the system. If moderators will allow please folow the link http://www.laddersafetysystems.co.uk/training/course/

Lots of the larger construction companies use this system as do well know telecommunications companies.

It is inexpensive in comaprison with someone falling from a roof

Sometimes I guess the only guidance option the HSE are left with is tactical silence?

Edge protection cited in INDG284 for using roof ladders for longer than short duration, but for short duration, your on your own. Ironic then that the very short duration work is more likely to be carried out by one man and a van and that one of the biggest issues is actually getting that roof ladder up and onto the roof?