Roofing is one of the highest-risk construction trades. Falls from roofs account for a significant proportion of all construction deaths each year, and many more result in life-changing injuries. The combination of working at height, fragile materials, manual handling of heavy loads, and exposure to weather creates a uniquely hazardous working environment.
This guide covers the essential health and safety requirements for roofers working in the UK, with particular focus on fall prevention, fragile materials, and asbestos management.
The Scale of the Risk
HSE statistics consistently show roofing as one of the most dangerous construction activities:
- Falls through fragile materials cause multiple deaths annually
- Falls from edges remain a leading cause of fatal injuries
- Even experienced roofers are killed - familiarity doesn't eliminate risk
- Low-rise falls (below 2 metres) can still cause serious injury or death
The vast majority of these incidents are preventable with proper planning, equipment, and procedures.
Legal Framework
Several key pieces of legislation govern roofing safety:
Work at Height Regulations 2005 - The primary regulations for all work where someone could fall. Establishes the hierarchy of control and specific requirements for edge protection, fall arrest, and fragile materials.
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 - General duties on employers and the self-employed to ensure safety so far as reasonably practicable.
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 - Applies to roofing work as construction. Establishes duty holder roles and responsibilities.
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 - Relevant given the prevalence of asbestos cement in older roofs.
Working at Height - The Hierarchy
The Work at Height Regulations require you to follow a strict hierarchy:
1. Avoid Working at Height
Before accessing any roof, ask:
- Can the work be done from ground level?
- Can prefabricated elements reduce on-roof work time?
- Is there an alternative approach that eliminates height work?
2. Prevent Falls
Where roof work is necessary, use equipment and measures that prevent anyone from falling:
Edge protection - The most effective way to prevent falls from edges:
- Guard rails at all open edges
- Toe boards to prevent materials falling
- Intermediate rails where gaps could allow falls
Scaffolding - Properly designed scaffolding provides:
- Safe access to the roof level
- Edge protection at eaves and verges
- Working platforms at different levels
Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) - Suitable for some access and short-duration work where scaffolding isn't practicable.
3. Minimise Consequences
Where falls cannot be completely prevented:
- Safety nets below the working area
- Soft landing systems
- Personal fall protection (harnesses with suitable anchor points)
Proper edge protection consists of a top rail (minimum 950mm), intermediate protection to prevent falls through the gap, and toe boards to prevent materials falling. Warning tape alone doesn't prevent falls. Personal fall protection (harnesses) should only be used where edge protection isn't reasonably practicable.
Fragile Materials
Falls through fragile roofs and rooflights cause deaths every year. Many victims don't expect the surface to fail.
What Counts as Fragile?
A surface is fragile if it would be liable to fail if a person walked on it. Common fragile materials include:
- Rooflights (plastic and glass)
- Liner panels
- Fibre cement sheets (including asbestos cement)
- Corroded metal sheets
- Wood wool slabs
- Some plasterboard ceilings
- Any material weakened by age or damage
The Legal Requirements
The Work at Height Regulations specifically require:
- No one should pass across or near, or work on, from or near a fragile surface unless it's the only reasonably practicable way
- Suitable and sufficient safeguards must be in place
- Warning signs must be displayed where fragile surfaces exist
Controls for Fragile Roofs
Below the roof:
- Safety nets positioned to catch anyone falling through
- Airbags or soft landing systems
On the roof:
- Crawling boards or stagings spreading weight across structural supports
- Running lines and harnesses (ensuring fall distance prevents contact with ground)
- Clearly marked exclusion zones around fragile areas
Rooflights specifically:
- Must be permanently protected with covers or guards
- Temporary covers during work must be secured and marked
- Never step on rooflights, even if they look solid
Fall Through Rooflight
A roofer working on an industrial unit walked across what appeared to be a solid roof surface. A rooflight that had been partially covered with debris gave way. The roofer fell approximately 8 metres to the concrete floor below.
The roofer suffered fatal injuries. HSE prosecution found no risk assessment had identified the rooflights, no protection had been provided, and workers had not been warned. The company received a significant fine and the director was personally prosecuted.
- •Always identify all fragile elements before work starts
- •Rooflights may be hidden by dirt, debris, or weathering
- •Assume any rooflight could fail - even 'walk-on' types may be damaged
- •Covers or guards must be in place before anyone goes on the roof
Ladder and Access Tower Safety
Roofers use ladders and access towers for reaching roof level and for some work activities.
Ladders
Ladders should only be used for:
- Access to the roof level (not as a work platform for roof work)
- Short-duration tasks where other equipment isn't reasonably practicable
Requirements:
- Industrial class ladders (EN 131 Professional)
- Secured at the top, or footed by another person
- Extending at least 1 metre above the landing point
- Correct angle (75 degrees, approximately 1 out for every 4 up)
- Three points of contact when climbing
Roof Ladders
For work on pitched roofs, roof ladders provide a working platform and distribute weight:
- Must be properly secured at the ridge
- Adequate for the roof pitch and surface
- Inspected before each use
Access Towers
Mobile access towers are often appropriate for lower-level roof access:
- Must be erected following manufacturer's instructions
- Use stabilisers and outriggers as required
- Ensure firm, level ground
- Don't exceed safe working height
- Move only when clear of personnel and materials
Scaffolding for Roof Work
Scaffolding is often the most appropriate way to provide safe access and edge protection for roof work.
Independent Scaffolds
Standard scaffold around a building provides:
- Safe access at various levels
- Edge protection at eaves level
- Working platforms for materials and workers
Roof Edge Protection
Scaffolding specifically designed to provide edge protection at eaves and verges. May include:
- Guard rails at roof edge
- Inside boards to prevent gaps between scaffold and roof
- Return sections at gable ends
Inspection Requirements
Scaffolding must be inspected:
- Before first use
- After any event that could affect stability (weather, impact)
- At intervals not exceeding 7 days
Inspections must be recorded and records kept until the project ends.
Competence
Scaffolding must be erected, altered, and dismantled by competent persons. For complex scaffolds, this usually means CISRS trained scaffolders.
Higher Risk Approach
- •Accessing roof by ladder with no edge protection
- •Working near edges without guard rails
- •Using harness without proper anchor points
- •Relying on experience rather than equipment
Lower Risk Approach
Recommended- •Full perimeter scaffolding with edge protection
- •Guard rails at all working edges
- •Safety nets below fragile areas
- •Systematic risk assessment before work
Asbestos Cement
Many older roofs contain asbestos cement products - sheets, slates, and guttering. Disturbing these materials releases dangerous fibres.
Identification
Asbestos cement roofing is common on:
- Industrial and agricultural buildings (corrugated sheets)
- Garages and outbuildings
- Older domestic extensions
- Older flat roof coverings
If the building or roof covering dates from before 2000, assume cement products may contain asbestos unless proven otherwise.
Legal Requirements
Before work starts:
- Establish whether asbestos is present
- Obtain survey information for commercial/rented properties
- Test suspect materials if uncertain
Asbestos awareness training is mandatory for anyone whose work could disturb asbestos.
Working with Asbestos Cement
Non-licensed work with asbestos cement is permitted under certain conditions:
- Work must be sporadic and low intensity
- Workers must be trained
- Appropriate precautions must be taken
- Exposure must be below the control limit
Permitted activities (with training and precautions):
- Removal of undamaged sheets without breaking
- Minor repairs and sealing
- Cleaning of undamaged sheeting
Requires licensed contractor:
- Work involving breaking or cutting asbestos cement
- Removal of large quantities
- Any work with damaged or deteriorated material
Precautions for Non-Licensed Work
- Wet materials to suppress dust
- Don't use power tools
- Remove sheets whole where possible
- Lower carefully - don't drop or throw
- Double bag waste and label
- Dispose at licensed waste facility
- Wear appropriate RPE (FFP3 minimum for any work that could generate dust)
Manual Handling
Roofing involves significant manual handling challenges: heavy materials, difficult access, and awkward positions.
Common Manual Handling Tasks
- Carrying tiles and slates up ladders
- Moving rolls of felt and insulation
- Handling timber and battens
- Positioning heavy elements (lead, roof lights)
Controls
Reduce handling:
- Have materials delivered to point of use where possible
- Use hoists or lifting equipment for heavy loads
- Plan material storage to minimise double-handling
Improve handling:
- Use tile carriers designed for the purpose
- Share heavy loads between workers
- Avoid carrying loads on ladders - use hoists or scaffolds
- Take regular breaks from repetitive handling
Environment:
- Ensure good footing on scaffolds and platforms
- Clear routes of debris and materials
- Consider weather effects on handling
Hot Works
Flat roofing, particularly felt roofing, involves hot works creating fire and burn risks.
Fire Prevention
- Check area below for combustible materials
- Have firefighting equipment immediately available
- Ensure adequate ventilation
- Don't use gas torches near flammable materials
- Conduct fire watch after work (minimum 60 minutes for hot bitumen)
Burn Prevention
- Wear appropriate PPE (non-synthetic clothing, gloves, eye protection)
- Keep hot material containers stable
- Never overfill bitumen boilers
- Keep first aid provision for burns available
Gas Safety
Roofing torches use LPG, creating specific hazards:
- Check cylinders and connections before use
- Store cylinders upright and secured
- Turn off at cylinder when not in use
- Keep cylinders away from heat sources
Weather and Environment
Roof work exposes workers to weather conditions that create additional hazards.
Wind
High winds create risks of:
- Workers being blown off balance
- Sheet materials becoming dangerous
- Unsecured materials blowing off
Controls:
- Set wind speed limits for work (typically stop at sustained winds above 23 mph / 37 kph)
- Secure all materials before any break
- Position workers away from exposed edges in gusty conditions
Rain and Ice
Wet and icy surfaces create slip hazards:
- Stop work when surfaces become slippery
- Allow time for frost and ice to clear
- Use non-slip footwear
- Be particularly careful on pitched roofs
Temperature Extremes
Hot weather:
- Risk of heat stress, especially on hot felt
- Provide water and encourage hydration
- Plan heavy work for cooler parts of day
- Provide shade for breaks
Cold weather:
- Risk of cold stress and hypothermia
- Reduced dexterity affecting grip
- Allow for warm-up breaks
- Provide appropriate clothing
Lightning
Work on roofs during electrical storms is extremely dangerous:
- Monitor weather forecasts
- Stop work and get off roofs at first sign of approaching storms
- Stay off roofs until storms have cleared the area
CDM Requirements
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations apply to all roofing work.
Contractor Duties
As a roofing contractor, you must:
- Plan, manage, and monitor your work safely
- Cooperate with principal contractors on larger sites
- Provide information about your work to others
- Ensure workers are competent and supervised
- Not start work without adequate welfare facilities
Pre-Construction Information
Before starting work, you should receive information about:
- Existing roof structure and materials
- Asbestos survey results
- Access constraints
- Any previous safety issues
If this information isn't provided, ask for it.
The Health and Safety File
Information from your work that would help future contractors should be passed for the health and safety file. This includes:
- Details of materials used (especially asbestos if present)
- Hidden structures or features
- Safe access arrangements
- Any constraints on future work
Protecting People Below
Work on roofs creates risks for people at ground level.
Falling Materials
- Use toe boards on all scaffolds and platforms
- Secure tools and materials when not in use
- Establish exclusion zones below active work areas
- Use debris netting where appropriate
- Never throw materials from roofs
Public Protection
When working on buildings adjacent to public areas:
- Erect barriers and signage at ground level
- Use covered walkways where necessary
- Plan material deliveries to minimise public interface
- Consider timing of noisy or disruptive work
Occupied Buildings
When roofing occupied buildings:
- Inform occupants about work and any disruptions
- Protect interiors from dust and debris
- Ensure occupants can still access/exit the building safely
- Consider noise and timing issues
PPE for Roofers
Personal protective equipment requirements depend on the specific work but typically include:
Standard Equipment
- Safety footwear with good grip
- Hard hat (unless no risk of head injury)
- High-visibility clothing (where vehicles/machinery operate)
- Gloves appropriate to the task
Task-Specific PPE
- Harnesses and lanyards (when working with running lines)
- Eye protection (cutting, drilling, wind-blown debris)
- Hearing protection (power tools)
- Knee pads (kneeling work)
- RPE (dust, asbestos - FFP3 minimum for asbestos)
- Weather protection (waterproofs, warm clothing)
Employer Responsibilities
If you employ others, additional duties apply.
Legal Requirements
- Written health and safety policy (mandatory for 5+ employees)
- Risk assessments for work activities (written for 5+ employees)
- Employers' liability insurance (compulsory)
- Consultation with employees on safety matters
Training
Ensure workers have:
- Asbestos awareness training (mandatory)
- Working at height awareness
- Manual handling awareness
- Task-specific training for their work
- Supervision appropriate to experience
Records
Maintain records of:
- Training and competence evidence
- Risk assessments and method statements
- Accident and incident reports
- Equipment inspections
- Scaffold inspection records
Insurance
Employers' Liability Insurance
Compulsory if you employ anyone. Minimum cover £5 million.
Public Liability Insurance
Essential given the risks to people and property from roof work. Most clients require evidence of cover.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Consider if you provide design input or specifications.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the work and the risks. Scaffolding is often the most effective way to provide safe access and edge protection, but other solutions may be appropriate for some work. You must have adequate protection against falls from edges and through fragile surfaces. If you can't achieve this safely without scaffolding, then scaffolding is required.
Safety nets are required where there's a risk of falling through fragile surfaces and other methods (working platforms, covers) aren't reasonably practicable. They catch anyone who falls, minimising injury consequences. They're commonly used on industrial roof work with fragile rooflights or sheeting.
Trained individuals can remove undamaged asbestos cement as non-licensed work, provided they follow correct procedures - wetting, removing whole sheets without breaking, wearing RPE, and disposing properly. Large quantities, damaged materials, or any work involving breaking the sheets should involve a licensed contractor.
There's no single mandatory qualification for roofers. However, you need: asbestos awareness training; working at height awareness; any task-specific training for your work. Most commercial sites require CSCS cards. Specific plant operation requires additional training and certification.
If scaffolding is in place for more than 7 days, it must be inspected at least every 7 days. It must also be inspected before first use and after any event that could affect stability (weather, impact). Inspections must be recorded. Unless the scaffold is basic, inspections should be done by competent persons.
There's no single legal limit, but HSE guidance suggests sustained winds above 23 mph (37 kph) create significant risks for roof work. Many companies set lower limits, especially for exposed locations or work with sheet materials. Your risk assessment should identify appropriate limits for your work.
Personal fall protection (harnesses) is lower in the hierarchy than collective protection (edge protection). It should only be used where edge protection isn't reasonably practicable. If you use harnesses, you need suitable anchor points, proper fall clearance calculations, and trained workers.
You can't comply with requests to work unsafely. Explain the legal requirements and the risks. If the client won't agree to necessary safety measures, you should decline the work. Never compromise on safety to win or keep work.
You need to assess risks for each job. This doesn't always mean a new written document - generic assessments can cover routine work types. But you must identify and address any specific hazards for each site: access, fragile elements, asbestos, nearby hazards, weather. Site-specific factors should be documented.
HSE prosecutions can result in unlimited fines for organisations and imprisonment for individuals in serious cases. Directors and managers can be personally prosecuted for negligence. Beyond prosecution, a death on site can mean manslaughter charges. Civil claims for injuries can also be significant.
Summary
Roofing is inherently high-risk work requiring rigorous safety management. The key requirements include:
- Working at height - following the hierarchy: avoid, prevent falls, then minimise consequences
- Fragile materials - identifying all fragile surfaces and providing protection (nets, covers, crawling boards)
- Edge protection - guard rails at all open edges, not just relying on individual fall protection
- Asbestos cement - checking for asbestos before work, following correct procedures if present
- Manual handling - reducing handling through planning, using aids, proper technique
- Weather - monitoring conditions and stopping work when unsafe
- CDM compliance - understanding and fulfilling contractor duties
The costs of roof work accidents are severe - for workers, families, and businesses. Proper planning, appropriate equipment, and never taking shortcuts are essential for safe roofing practice.
Related content
Topics:
- Working at Height - Fall prevention guidance
- Asbestos - Asbestos awareness and management
- CDM Regulations - Construction design and management
Articles:
Related sectors:
- Builders - General construction work
- Construction - CDM and site safety
- Carpenters - Joinery and fascia work
Tools:
- Responsibility Checker - Find out what applies to you
*This guidance covers key health and safety requirements for UK roofers and roofing contractors. It is not exhaustive and does not constitute legal advice.