BEACON SCAFFOLDING

Is It Illegal To Work On A Roof Without Scaffolding?

Whether you’re working on a residential or commercial property, it’s important to understand the laws and regulations regarding health and safety, including working at height. Working at height is when you work above the ground or when there is a risk you could fall from the edge of a raised area. Additionally, a risk of falling from ground level to a hole or opening in the ground is also working at height.

Working on a roof of any kind is considered working at height, as workers are off the ground, and there is a risk of injury or even death should a fall occur, which is why contractors use scaffolding on roofing projects – both in maintenance and construction. But is scaffolding a legal requirement when working on a roof? The answer to that is a bit tricky, but our team at Beacon Scaffolding – who have been offering scaffolding services across London for many years now – is here to simplify the answer for you. 

In most cases, scaffolding is a legal requirement when working on a roof, but it’s especially true when working on a roof that slopes. A sloping roof will require scaffolding to stop materials or people from falling over the edge, and edge protection must be fitted on the eaves for this reason too. Keep reading below to learn about the legal requirements for scaffolding when working on a roof and the instances in which these laws do not apply.

Scaffolding is required when working on roofs when there is a significant risk to workers, materials, or the general public. Projects requiring four or more workers must carry out a risk assessment to determine whether scaffolding is necessary – which, in most cases, will be, particularly on larger-scale projects. 

In 2005, the Work at Height Regulations imposed rules that required companies and contractors to take reasonable steps to minimise the risk of falls and injury to workers, and strong scaffolding has become a major component when it comes to working on roofs and the like. Scaffolding will keep workers, equipment, and anyone walking below the project safe from falling or falling objects.

There are exceptions to this, however. For example, if the risk level is low – like cleaning out a gutter or only needing access to the roof for a short period – typically, a ladder will suffice. Additionally, you may be able to complete the project without needing external roof access. In that case, you may not need scaffolding if other secure access forms are available, like internal stairs or platforms like loft flooring. Handrails and harnesses may be enough if external roof access is needed, rather than a full scaffolding assembly. 

Whether you’re legally obligated to use scaffolding after carrying out a risk assessment or simply accessing a roof with a ladder for minor maintenance, there are several risks to be aware of. One in five deaths occur in construction from working on roofs, so it’s important to keep these potential risks and hazards in mind including:

Inadequate fall protection, slippery or uneven surfaces, or weak and unstable roofing can lead to falling – which is why scaffolding is popular in roofing projects. A fall from height can result in death or serious injuries that could require months – or even years – to fully recover from; if that is even a possibility. 

Age, damage, and deterioration are some of the ways that roofs can become weakened over time. An unstable roof is more likely to collapse under the weight of one or more workers, and cause serious injury to workers, anybody within the property, and structural damage to the home; which could be costly to repair and leave the company or contractors liable if the business did not take appropriate safety measures. 

Accessing roofs for repair, maintenance, or construction can mean working close to skylights, vents, and roof hatches, which are a hazard when left uncovered and unprotected. Ensure these openings have their access blocked, or place a safety rail around them to prevent workers or materials from falling. 

In the UK, we experience various weather conditions – from sweltering heat waves in summer to snow and ice in winter, so it’s important to take the appropriate steps to protect workers throughout the year. Perhaps the UK is most known for its rain, but for a more detailed answer on whether you can work on scaffolding in the rain, check out our blog. 

When materials or tools fall from a roof, there is a risk to both workers and anybody walking below the roof. Scaffolding creates a platform to safely store tools and equipment, but workers should still be careful not to knock unsecured supplies over the edge of railings or off the surface. If an injury does happen due to falling objects, the contractor or company could be held liable if appropriate safety measures were not taken. 

For roofs that have electrical wiring or other equipment installed, it’s essential that they are handled properly and contact with exposed cabling or faulty equipment is avoided, or they could lead to an electrical shock or burn. Some of the electrical components found on roofs can include antennas, solar panels, or HVAC and AC systems. 

One of the most common causes of injury or death when working at height on roofing is improper training for workers or the wrong equipment to tackle the task. Ensuring workers are fully safety trained, health and safety guidelines are being followed, and the appropriate equipment is being used to reach the height and deal with issues on the roof itself. 

For some projects, scaffolding may be a significant expense for a very quick job – such as replacing a damaged roof tile – and may not be worth the expenditure. However, there are options available to you to make this a cheaper option and to get the best value for your money. Reputable scaffolding companies, like the team at Beacon Scaffolding, offer both scaffolding sales and hire services, which can benefit your project in a variety of ways, such as: 

Scaffolding Sales: Outright purchasing your scaffolding is an excellent long-term investment and ideal for companies who perform similar jobs on a day-to-day basis. Having your own scaffolding means it can be reused time and time again on a range of projects. 

Scaffolding Hire: Hiring scaffolding is a good choice for those who may not regularly require scaffolding or those who only need specialised scaffolding for the occasional project. Get in touch with Beacon Scaffolding to find out more about our scaffold hire services in London. 

Scaffolding Alternatives: If a risk assessment is carried out and scaffolding is determined to not be needed, other alternatives include harnesses, railings, and ladders to safely access a roof when working at height. 

Ultimately, choosing the most cost-effective solution is essential for keeping your company afloat. If you require scaffolding for a roofing project or for working at height and you want to find out whether purchase or hire is the best option for you, we have a blog dedicated to helping you find out whether it’s cheaper to buy or hire your scaffolding.

If you would like to find out more about the legal requirements of working on a roof, or to speak with our team about hiring or purchasing scaffolding, make sure you contact Beacon Scaffolding as soon as possible. We’re on hand to help, and in addition to quality hire and sales of scaffolding, we also provide scaffolding design services and health and safety services.

Get in touch now!