Rank: Forum user 
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Not really my area of expertise - comments welcome:
We have a large flat roof which we need to access to clean the guttering out. The gutters are sunken and, due to the layout of the building, not accessible by ground / mewps / cherry pickers etc.
I expressed my concerns about edge protection but am unsure if it is reasonable / excessive to request this around the entire perimeter of the roof due to :
a: Short duration of work.
b: Size of roof - the guttering runs down the centre of a small section of a very large roof.
I have looked at fall restraint however there doesn't appear to be suitable anchorage points as altough the roof isn't fragile there doesn't appear to be any suitable points (timber / felt construction).
During discussions with the contractor it was suggested that we should merely 'inform' workers not to go within 2metres of the edge. I'm not happy with this and if edge protection is not reasonable feel a no-go area should be cordoned around the gutter / work area to give a visible indication of what areas are accessible.
Probably answered my own questions but...:
1: Is edge protection an absolute requirement?
2: Can a cordoned off "Safe Area" be used 2 metres away from any edging. If so, is this just a visible deterrrent of a no-go area or does there need to be a physical restraint making access impossible.
Any advice is welcome, as so are examples of similar, short duration maintenance work on large flat roofs.
Ian
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Rank: Super forum user
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Is there a requirement to work within 2 metres of the roof edge?
There are portable work restraint/positioning equipment available, although you should consider discussing the right type of equipment with a person who has sufficient knowledge to advise you.
Training of the persons working on the roof with equipment and use of a temporary barrier to indicate a do not pass area may be sufficient depending on your risk assessment.
And of course ensure you are working within the realms of the work at height regs, access, information, instruction, equipment, training, rescue plan etc
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Roof height is a factor (wind speeds) as is falling objects and materials, also any fragile areas (skylights or roof lights).Other things being equal then yes, in some circumstances a supervised instruction is preferable to an encumbrance of posts, tapes, cones etc, all of which has to be carted up and down and sods-law says is more likely to lead to a slip, trip or fall due to the extra trips involved.
Edges are another matter. Temporary man-anchor systems may be appropriate.
Remember too that no roof is truly flat. You lay something down, it may roll - off the edge (assuming it doesn't blow away first!
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Rank: Forum user
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There is no requirement to work within 2 metres of the edge. Does this mean that verbal / written instruction is satisfactory or is a physical barrier necessary (either containment or edge protection)?
P.S. There is edge protection at the access point.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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As has been mentioned previously, you can use portable anchorage systems similar to a mansafe system. They are rather cumbersome and not suited to accessing large areas due to the weighting. In principle you should use edge protection unless there is a suitable parapet wall which will prevent someone falling. There are also edge protection systems which can be erected and are robust, unlike Chapter 8 barriers, which merely identify the boundary and potential hazard.
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Rank: Super forum user
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quote=Phillips20760]There is no requirement to work within 2 metres of the edge. Does this mean that verbal / written instruction is satisfactory or is a physical barrier necessary (either containment or edge protection)?
P.S. There is edge protection at the access point. Verbal/written instructions... Is this a 1 off? IMHO I would have personally used minimum of visual marker that indicates going past the 2 metre point fall protection equipment must be worn/used.
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Rank: Super forum user
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You can rent a temporary edge protection system which complies to BS and European Standards. PM me if you want details.
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Rank: Forum user
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Many thanks for your comments, I now have the information I need.
Very helpful,
Br
Ian
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