Roof Work
reg 78 · reg 79 · AS 1657
Why it matters
Roofs combine the two things that hurt roofers most: a fall risk over two metres and surfaces that will not always hold your weight. Add heat, overhead lines, and the temptation to nip up for a five-minute job with no gear, and the roof becomes the most dangerous place on the site. Every roof job needs a fall plan before the first foot goes up.
Hazards
- ⚠ Falls from the edge, through skylights, or off the ladder
- ⚠ Fragile roof sheeting and brittle surfaces
- ⚠ Overhead powerlines near the roof
- ⚠ Tools and materials falling on people below
- ⚠ Heat exposure on exposed metal roofs
Controls and safe practices
- ✓ Plan the fall controls first under reg 78 and reg 79: edge protection, then a work platform, then harness-based systems.
- ✓ Use walkboards and cover or guard skylights and fragile sheeting.
- ✓ Provide safe roof access: fixed or rated ladders and platforms to AS 1657 where applicable.
- ✓ Set exclusion zones below and secure tools so nothing falls on the crew.
- ✓ Keep clear of overhead lines and treat them as live.
- ✓ Manage heat: start early, hydrate, and watch each other on hot days.
Crew discussion questions
- What is our edge protection plan for this roof?
- Which parts of this roof are fragile or brittle?
- Are there powerlines close to where we are working?
- Who is below us, and how are we keeping tools from falling?
Applicable WHS citations
reg 78, reg 79, AS 1657
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