Rank: New forum user 
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Hi all, ive tried to search this topic however i cant find many answers,
I look after a roofing company and they have just won a new project at a school. the roofing works are fairly standard apart from the removal and replacement of 59 rooflights.
I have gone through the process such as elimiating the risk by carrying out the work from the inside (MEWP/ Tower) - this unfortunately can't be done as the roofligts are domed on top so won't come through the hole to the inside. Then looked at mitigating the fall by using safety netting however all the classroms have suspended ceilings - so there is no where to attach netting to. We have then looked at work restaint harnesses however the rooflights are spread across the roof in various places.
The roofer (before we were associated) says he uses a simple system of 2 people, one sliding the dome off and the other one putting the new one in place ith no protection. Does anyone have any advice on how to go with this one? any other method or SSOW?
Many Thanks,
Emma
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi,
For the roofers to suggest they will do any work at height without protection seriously brings into question the competence of the roofing company and is a big no-no. There should always be a solution to working at height safely. Sometimes that solution might be more difficult to arrive at. For example, crash decking might be an option underneath each rooflight whilst they remove the lights from above the roof and repeat the process. I am not offering this as a solution, just food for thought as I have not seen the roof in question and would need to understand the location/structural integrity etc.
The roof integrity should be considered particularly fragile areas before doing any work and I would advise you consult with a specialist who will be able to provide you with different options on how to carry out the work safely and in a controlled manner.
The following guidance document may assist, from the HSE:
I hope this helps.
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 1 user thanked Woolf13 for this useful post.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Originally Posted by: Emmalittlewood  ...the removal and replacement of 59 rooflights.
The roofer (before we were associated) says he uses a simple system of 2 people, one sliding the dome off and the other one putting the new one in place with no protection....
DON'T do that. I agree with what has already been said and wish to add on a practicle note, hire a couple of podium scaffolds to assist in the removal of the suspended ceiling tiles near the rooflites. Then erect mobile tower scaffolding underneath the rooflites. This method is simple, takes a bit of time, but it's safer than walking on a fragile roof. Should further access be needed such as to put sealant on the outer edges of the rooflites, I would suggest hiring a large Boom MEWP, these have excellent reach capability - contact your local IPAF hire shop. Don't forget to hire an IPAF qualified 3a 3b and Harness operator to assist your workers.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/assess.htm?ebul=gd-cons/feb16&cr=10#risk
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Rank: New forum user
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Modular safety systems can be used on the surrouding skylights whilst one in particlar has maintenance carried out on it. The lightweight modular systems can be moved around as work progesses. (See Link) Then you can use fall restraint on the skylight that is being worked on, as you have mitigated the risk of falling through the others with a temporary guard. https://keesafety.co.uk/
First step when planning any roof work is can the roof take the intended weight to be applied? HSG33
A competent structural engineers will answer this question for you Is the roof flat or slopping? Also take in to account the 2m rule featured within HSG33 if working near the edge. 123 In most circumstances a distance of at least 2m from the edge will be sufficient. This will depend on the geometry of the roof and may need to be increased. This type of barrier is only acceptable where there is a high level of supervision and discipline to make sure that people do not go beyond the demarcated area. There should be no unprotected holes, breaks or fragile material within the ‘safe area’. If there are any, they should be protected with robust covers or continuous physical barriers. All barriers should be durable and immediately obvious to all. Bunting, tape or markings at foot level, such as a painted line, are not sufficient
Also consider weather on the day and whether its suitable to carry out the work. Not giving an exhaustive list here, just things to consider. Also make sure the classroom below is empty/cordoned off/ locked when swapping the skylights over above, just incase of dropped objects.
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1 user thanked doyley1983 for this useful post.
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Rank: New forum user
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Hi all, thanks very much for your responses. Sorry i probably want clear in my initial post - I have told the contrctor that using no fall protection is not an option. I was just looking for other methods of controlling the operation or ideas that people may have used in the past. We have discussed the crash deck option however the contractor is concerned this will still allow them to fall from height as the suspended ceiling gets in the way of putting a tower / crash deck straight below. So we would have to put it around 1 metre below the skylight.
Note* all clssrooms will be empty and locked and we know the safe load of the roof. The roof is a flat roof and will have edge protection around the perimiter at all times.
Is there any way to upload a picture on here?
Thannks in advance :)
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1 user thanked Emmalittlewood for this useful post.
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Rank: Forum user
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Have you looked at this type of system? they can be moved around relativly easily and you can connect them together and use them as a restraint system. Provided you follow the manufacturers instruction
Edited by user 01 May 2018 14:08:26(UTC)
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Rank: Forum user
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Also consider risk from asbestos
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