Hello, I was hoping for some advice. I need to put together a Safe System of Work for accessing a flat low roof. The purpose of accessing the roof is for maintenance i.e cleaning rubbish etc. I am really after some best practice guidance and information on the steps to consider before accessing this type of roof. Can anyone help or point me in the right direction, Many Thanks

Flat roofs come in all sorts of sizes and shapes, so does the methodology of working at height. You need to consider how you're accessing the roof, as this may have an impact on the methodology you employ. I assume there is no edge protection on the flat roof eg parapet wall? It may be possible to work on the flat roof without edge protection. For example, you could ensure a two metre exclusion zone is in place from the edge of the roof. However, you need to be confident that those working on the roof will not need access to the roof edge to clean gutters etc. You also need to ensure that the exclusion zone is a physical barrier, which could be as simple as some cones with hazard tape attached. Alternatively you may like to consider a MEWP (cherry picker) with access/egress gate or a portable fall arrest/restraint system. Also check out the hierarchy of W@H as this may give you further ideas. Often there is no right or wrong way, it's about finding the most suitable and practical (ie cost effective) method. Simply doing a 'risk assessment' is not much good if you have not considered the pros and cons first!