We are looking at having some work done on our valley gutter and I was wondering what are the sort of costs involved in having safety nets fitted? I know each case is different but I was looking for a rough guide as to the likely cost of rigging say, four metre wide netting along the underside of the gutter. Can anyone help? Jomo

When we had initially planned was to have the gutter relined but, as we were aware that some of the AC roof sheets and lights are in need of replacement it is our intention to go ahead with that as well. Apparently some of the sheets can be overlaid with GRP but those that are badly split are to be replaced. Obviously this will mean that at some point we will have open gaps and it is for that reason that we are looking at having nets fitted. The contractor has so far not mentioned netting, instead his MS specifies the use of work positioning harnesses attached to the access boards. We are not completely comfortable with that hence the query about netting. The areas below the work site will be cordoned off so our main concern is not falling material but fall protection. Jomo

Thanks for the clarification jomo - agree with what Ron has said, fall prevention systems in restraint would be the way to go. Nets are a good, collective measure of protection for roofing contractors but I only tend to see it on the leading edge and maybe a couple of bays beyond, on new build projects where there are plenty of anchor points and kit about to enable rescue.

I remember looking at this website a few weeks ago for another job. http://www.safesite.co.u.../mobile_valley_frame.php I looks good and could be what you are looking for. I have no interest or relationship with the company.

The valley guard systems are great for maintenance but not for replacing whole sheets. reg 7 of WAH Regs states that you should: "give collective protection measures priority over personal protection measures". Just a quick glance of the notice database shows notices given specifically under reg 7 for failure to consider collective measures over personal. As an ex inspector I've issued many myself and prosecuted clients of contractors for allowing them to use harnesses. If you want more evidence to provide to whoever will make the decision, do an advanced search on the database (notices) under section 7. I know that many notices issued for this will not neccessarily show up as sometimes the Inspector will just put WAH regs without specifying the reg number so the numbers will be higher. For prosecutions against companies, look at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/Pr...SF=BID&SV=2019961001 Or do google searches for some large companies (especially DIY companies, mail delivery companies) with the words roofwork, prosecution. There are many - some as a result of fatal accidents and some just as a result of Inspectors passing.