Please help. I am advising a small company regarding getting around 4 broken roof tiles replaced on a pitched roof. They will need to get a contractor to do it, but need to know the basics so as to be able to make the right choice (avoiding the cowboys). I’ve spent some time on the net this morning looking at exactly what is involved. I have concluded this is short duration work (less than 30 minutes per tile). Tools and materials less than 10kg’s.

This is a 2 storey High St premises with a pitched roof not too dissimilar to a terraced house. What I struggled to find is a definitive guide on accessing a pitched roof for short duration work. I know the contractor is likely to use leaning ladders and a roof ladder (the one that hooks over the top of the roof), but unsure whether any type of fall protection/arrest system (such as a ‘lifeline’) is required.

Has anyone carried out a risk assessment or can point me towards any guidance on pitched roof repairs. We just need to know that the contractor is fully compliant.

Thanks if anyone can help.

Ivor, working at height is a tricky one. There is a hierarchy for W@H but it is as clear as mud! Collective fall protection should be provided, where practicable, such scaffold with a toe board to prevent falling objects. However, for a simple job like replacing four roof tiles most roofers would use a roof ladder for access. Other equipment such as MEWPS, cherry picker, may be practical but expensive for a simple task.

Now you really have got a headache!

Your client's headache potential is much reduced by engaging a competent contractor.
Try http://www.nfrc.co.uk/
This is short duration. MEWP. scaffold etc impractical. Protecting the public is an issue, and on a busy commercial street the timing of the work can be critical. We have good daylight late evening and at early morning just now?

Thanks guys. Lots to think about. Splitpin, you are correct. We'll get the contractor to provide a risk assessment.