HEALTH AND SAFETYThe recommendations in the HSE guidance note HSG 33: ‘Health and Safety in Roofwork’, HSG 150 Health and Safety in Construction and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors’ safe wind speed recommendations should be followed. This section provides guidance on safety method statements, a list of legislation that may apply, risk analysis and guidance on roof access. Safety method statementA safety method statement should be prepared that includes : all working positions and access routes to and on the roof; how falls are to be prevented; how the danger from falling materials to those at work and to the public is to be controlled; how risks to health will be controlled; how other risks identified at the planning stages are to be controlled; what equipment will be required; what competence and training will be needed; who will supervise the job ‘on-site’ how changes will be made to the work without prejudicing safe working; who will monitor that the safe system of work is operating properly. LegislationWith particular reference to roofs, the following laws could apply:
Heath & Safety At Work Act (HSW) 1974 Applies to all work employers, employees, self-employed. Management Heath & Safety at Work (MHSWR) 1999 Applies to all work employers, employees, self-employed. Assess and reduce risks. Construction (Health, Safety & Welfare) 1996 Applies to all construction work employers, employees, self-employed and all those who can contribute to the health and safety of a construction project. Construction Regulations 1989 Applies to all requiring head protection. Construction Design and Management (CDM) 1994 Applies to all large scale, non-domestic work. Lifting Operations and Equipment (LOLER) 1998 Applies to all lifting equipment. Manual Handling Operations 1992 Applies to employers and the moving of objects by hand or bodily force. Provision and Use of Work Equipment (PUWER) 1998 Applies to all equipment providers including machinery which should be safe for work. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) 1992 Applies to employers regarding ventilation, heating, lighting, workstations, seating and welfare facilities. Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 Provision of suitable first aid facilities and at least one trained first aider. Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995 Require employers to notify certain occupational injuries, diseases and dangerous events. Noise at Work Regulations 1989 Require employers to take action to protect employees from hearing damage. Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Require people in control of electrical systems to ensure they are safe to use and maintained in a safe condition. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 1994 Require employers to assess the risks from hazardous substances and take appropriate precautions. Personal Protective Equipment at Work 1992 Applies to employers for the provision, use and storage of appropriate protective clothing and equipment. Risk analysisManagement of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to carry out risk assessments, make arrangements to implement necessary measures, appoint competent people and arrange for appropriate information and training. This requires:
When looking for hazards consideration should be given to:
Personal access and working at heights A temporary platform at or near eaves level is an essential safety item when working above 2 metres height. Working platform features:
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