What is HSG33?
HSG33, "Health and Safety in Roof Work," is a comprehensive guidance document published by the Health and Safety Executive that provides detailed practical advice on how to work safely on roofs. This extensive publication, spanning approximately 100 pages, addresses one of the highest-risk activities in the construction and maintenance sectors. Falls from roofs remain one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and serious injuries in the UK, making this guidance essential reading for anyone involved in roof work.
The document covers the full spectrum of roofing activities, from minor repair and maintenance work to large-scale industrial roofing projects. It applies to all roof types, including pitched roofs, flat roofs, fragile roofs, and roof-mounted equipment access. HSG33 takes a risk-based approach, emphasising the importance of proper planning, the hierarchy of controls, and the selection of appropriate equipment and methods for each specific situation.
Who Needs This Document?
HSG33 is essential reading for a wide range of professionals involved in roof work:
Primary Audiences:
- Roofing contractors and their employees
- Construction project managers and site supervisors
- Building maintenance managers and facilities teams
- Health and safety professionals overseeing roof work activities
- Self-employed roofers and small roofing businesses
Secondary Audiences:
- Clients commissioning roof work who have duties under CDM Regulations
- Principal contractors coordinating multi-trade work involving roof access
- Insurance professionals assessing roofing risks
- Training providers developing roof work safety courses
- Building surveyors and inspectors
Property managers and building owners who commission roof work should also familiarise themselves with this guidance to understand their duties and ensure contractors are working safely.
Key Topics Covered
HSG33 provides detailed guidance across numerous critical areas of roof work safety:
Planning and Organising Roof Work
The guidance emphasises that most roof work accidents are preventable through proper planning. It covers risk assessment procedures, method statement development, competence requirements for workers and supervisors, and the importance of considering weather conditions and emergency procedures before work begins.
The Hierarchy of Control for Falls
A central theme throughout HSG33 is the application of the hierarchy of control:
- Avoiding work at height where possible
- Using collective protection measures (edge protection, scaffolding, safety nets)
- Personal fall protection as a last resort (harnesses, lanyards, fall arresters)
Access Equipment and Edge Protection
Detailed guidance covers the selection, use, and inspection of:
- Scaffolding and scaffold towers
- Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs)
- Ladders (for access only, not as a workplace)
- Edge protection systems and guardrails
- Roof edge barriers and perimeter safety
Fragile Roofs and Roof Lights
A significant portion of the document addresses the particular dangers of fragile roofing materials, including:
- Identification of fragile surfaces
- Warning systems and signage
- Suitable working platforms and crawling boards
- Protection of roof lights and fragile areas
Specific Roofing Activities
The guidance provides activity-specific advice for:
- Installing and replacing roof sheets
- Working on industrial and commercial roofs
- Domestic roof work and repairs
- Working near overhead power lines
- Installing solar panels and roof-mounted equipment
Emergency and Rescue Procedures
HSG33 stresses the importance of having rescue plans in place before work begins, including procedures for rescuing workers who may fall into safety nets or become suspended in harnesses.
Using This Guidance
To effectively implement HSG33 in your organisation:
Step 1: Risk Assessment Before any roof work begins, conduct a thorough risk assessment considering the specific hazards present, including roof type, condition, fragility, access requirements, and environmental factors.
Step 2: Method Statement Development Develop detailed method statements that specify the control measures, equipment, and procedures to be used. These should be proportionate to the risks involved.
Step 3: Competence and Training Ensure all workers have received appropriate training for the equipment they will use and the tasks they will perform. Supervisors should have additional training in managing roof work safely.
Step 4: Equipment Selection and Inspection Choose equipment appropriate for the task following the hierarchy of control. Implement regular inspection regimes for all safety equipment.
Step 5: Monitor and Review Actively supervise roof work activities and review procedures after incidents or near misses to identify improvements.
Why It Matters
Understanding and implementing HSG33 is critical for several compelling reasons:
Legal Compliance: Roof work is subject to the Work at Height Regulations 2005, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Following HSG33 guidance demonstrates due diligence in meeting these legal obligations.
Preventing Fatalities and Injuries: Falls from roofs consistently rank among the top causes of workplace deaths. In recent years, falls from height have accounted for over 25% of all fatal workplace injuries. Proper implementation of this guidance can prevent these tragic outcomes.
Business Protection: Accidents during roof work can result in HSE enforcement action, prosecution, significant fines, and civil liability claims. Work stoppages and reputational damage can also severely impact business viability.
Insurance Requirements: Insurers increasingly require evidence of safe working practices. Following HSG33 guidance supports insurance compliance and may positively impact premiums.
Worker Confidence: A strong safety culture, supported by proper equipment and procedures, improves worker morale and retention in an industry that often struggles with recruitment.
Roof work will always carry inherent risks, but by following the comprehensive guidance in HSG33, these risks can be managed to protect workers and ensure projects are completed safely and efficiently.