Rank: Forum user 
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I've been asked to look at what fall restraint is needed for a worker to work on a flat roof (in the centre) polishing a sky light. There is an anchor point on a side wall above the flat roof to latch on to, this is at the far right of the roof. The worker will get onto the flat roof via a ladder and then able to clip on. The issue I have is that they need about 2m to reach the glass, but if they stepped back off the ladder side, the roof is only about 2.5m high, so an absortion cord wouldnt kick in. Any ideas?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi Craigrobers76
1. Can it be avoided? Can another means of cleaning be used so as to not have to go onto the roof? Is the worker trained in W@H?
2. Can another means of access be used, to rule out the ladder and the lack of a anchorage until the worker can clip on? Is the anchor tested/ inspected in teh last 6m?
3. Is this a routine maintenance job? Can a permanent handrail and access be erected? Rather than a ladder access. What equipment is required to do the task? Will the worker be able to maintainteh 3 points of contact?
4. PPE is always the last resort. Is the anchor point to prevent a fall off the roof or through the sky light or both? Is there any chance the worker could fall through the sky light?
5. What is the roof surface? Is this slippery and could cause the worker to fall?
6. Should the worker fall when attached to the anchor, is there a rescue plan in place?
A risk assessment should be carried out on the activity, the location, the time of year (we are coming into wet/ windy weather possibly)
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Rank: Super forum user 
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The idea of fall restraint (as distinct from fall arrest) is that the person at height clips on at a point from which the lanyard prevents them from reaching the edge, by acting as a tether. In that case the height of the roof doesn't make a difference, and the relative location of the anchor point and the edge compared with the length of the lanyard is what matters.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi Craig
In addition to what has already been said, is there any paperwork for the existing anchorage. Should have been pull out tested at the time of installation and then inspected to check that it is still fit for purpose at intervals there after. It may or may not have met the relevant BS EN standard, that provides guidance on maintenance, inspection and test requirements (that will usually be followed in the manufacturer's hand over documentation - which should be in the CDM Health and Safety File if there is one). + unless you have clear evidence to the contrary you should assume that the sky light is fragile. So, your system of work needs to consider not only falls from the edge of the flat roof but also falls through this and any other sky light. Lots of guidance on the HSE website including HSG33. P
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