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Roofs - working safely on

Working on roofs - good practice guidelines

This good practice guide will provide practical guidance to employers, contractors,
employees and all others engaged in work associated with working on roofs.

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While this guidance has not been updated to reflect current work health and safety legislation (the
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and regulations), it may still contain relevant information and
practices to keep workers and others healthy and safe.

Please read this guidance in conjunction with all relevant industry standards that apply to you as a
PCBU. This guidance will be progressively reviewed and either updated, replaced with other
guidance, or revoked.

01 / Introduction
A fall from height is the most serious hazard associated with roof work.

Preventing falls from roofs is a priority for WorkSafe New Zealand. They expect principals, employers, and
contractors with staff working on roofs to actively manage any potential for falls.
Investigations by WorkSafe into falls while working at height show:

more than 50 percent of falls are from less than three metres
most of these falls are from ladders and roofs
the cost of these falls is estimated to be $24 million a year – to say nothing of the human cost as a
result of these falls.

More injuries happen on residential building sites than any other workplace in the construction sector, and
of falls experienced by roofers:

20 percent were over three metres in height.

40 percent were from permanent structures such as roofs.

In December 2011, WorkSafe initiated a targeted programme to address the issue through the Preventing
Falls from Height Project. These guidelines support this project and give all who are involved with working
on roofs a clear direction on how to manage the work in a way that will bring down the death and injury toll.

02 / Scope and application

The Good Practice Guidelines for Working on Roofs provides practical guidance to employers, contractors,
employees, designers, principals, persons who control a place of work, and architects who are engaged in
work associated with roofing.

These guidelines also outline how people working on roofs, and those associated with the work, can meet
their obligations under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (HSE Act) and the HSE Regulations
1995. These guidelines and adherence to them may be relevant as evidence in a court.

These guidelines apply to a wide range of work situations where workers are placed in a position from
which falls are possible. These situations include repairs and maintenance work on roofs. The guidelines
outline what WorkSafe and the roofing industry currently consider best practice for working safely on roofs.

Workers who need to access roofs and to whom these guidelines will apply include:

roofers
builders
plumbers
heating and ventilation installers
air conditioning installers
painters
installers of telecommunications equipment
demolition contractors
home or property owners or inspectors
chimney sweeps. The Good Practice Guidelines for Working on Roofs provides practical guidance to
those who have duties under the HSE Act and Regulations.

The Good Practice Guidelines for Working on Roofs is not industry-specific and gives general advice for
working on roofs. If those working on roofs are from a specific industry (for example, electrical industry), the
safety guidance from that industry should also be consulted.

These guidelines are not intended to provide all information relating to safe working on roofs. Detailed
information on safety equipment used for working at height is covered in the Good Practice Guidelines for
Working at Height in New Zealand and other WorkSafe NZ guidance on working at height.
Further information about working at height which supplements these guidelines is available on the
Preventing falls from height page on our website.

2.1 Interpretation

‘Should’ and ‘may’ indicate that the recommendation be adopted where practicable to comply with the
requirement to ‘take all practicable steps’ as required by the HSE Act and Regulations.

‘Shall’ or ‘must’ is used in places where there are legal obligations required by the HSE Act, Regulations, or
where a practice is considered the minimum threshold for safety standards.

2.2 Legislative framework

The HSE Act is the over-arching legislation for health and safety in the workplace and compliance with the
Act is mandatory.

It sets out the requirements of duty holders for health and safety. People with a duty must take all
practicable steps to ensure the safety of workers when they are exposed to the potential of a fall, or where
the hazard of working at height exists.

The Act is underpinned by a number of regulations. A full copy of the Act and the associated regulations
can be downloaded without charge at www.legislation.govt.nz. Compliance with the Act’s associated
Regulations is also mandatory.

Regulation 21 of the HSE Regulations 1995 is the source of the often-quoted ‘three metre rule’. It is
mistakenly believed that no controls are needed where a person faces a fall of less than three metres. That
belief is wrong and ignores the overarching duties in the Act.

The Act requires that if there is a potential for a person at work to fall from any height, reasonable and
practicable steps must be taken to prevent harm from resulting.

Short duration work at height shall be treated the same way as any other activity at height. Appropriate fall
prevention controls shall be put in place, regardless of the time duration of the task.

Short duration work means work that lasts minutes rather than hours. It may not be reasonably practicable
to provide full edge protection for short duration work but it still needs to be considered during the
assessment of hazards, and appropriate controls must be put in place.

Doing nothing is not an option.

03 / Managing hazards
3.1 Identify hazards through planning

Planning a safe approach to a job can help identify the hazards associated with any work on a roof.

Planning safe work takes into account the hazard management process:

identify the hazards

 assess the hazards - decide if the identified hazards are significant. How badly harmed would
someone be if they fell and how likely is a fall? If serious harm could result, then it’s a significant
hazard
control the hazards – either by eliminating, isolating or minimising the hazard
document this information in a work plan
monitor the work plan.

All workers should understand the contents of the work plan, and be competent to safely complete the
work.

3.2 Assess and control the hazards

A hazard assessment shall be carried out for all work on roofs. It is essential that the hazards are identified
before the work starts and that the necessary equipment, appropriate precautions, and systems of work are
provided and implemented.

Hazard identification should be repeated periodically or when there is a change in conditions; for example,
the weather or numbers of staff onsite.

Where workers could fall from a roof, there is a very simple hierarchy of controls that shall be considered
by duty holders:

can the job can be done without exposing persons to the hazard (eliminate)? This can often be done
at the design, construction planning, and tendering stages.
if the potential of a fall cannot be eliminated when working on a roof, some form of edge protection
should be used to isolate workers from a fall. This includes working on single-storey buildings and
structures. An example is using the existing scaffolding as edge protection. If this is not practicable,
then elevating work platforms or temporary work platforms should be used.
if neither elimination nor isolation are practicable, then steps should be taken to minimise the
likelihood of any harm resulting. This means considering the use of total restraint systems, work
positioning systems, safety mesh, safety nets, and fall arrest systems.

Ladders should only be used as a means of access,

and for short duration maintenance work such as
touching up paint. People using ladders should be
trained and instructed in the selection and safe use of
ladders. Ladders should be regularly inspected and
well maintained to ensure they are safe to use. In a
workplace, a ladder should meet the standard
AS/NZS 1892.1: Portable ladders – Part 1: Metal.

Your work plan should include information about:

safe access to the roof area

assessment of the roofing materials
Figure 1: A worker maintains three points of contact identify hazards associated with working at height
while working from a ladder from or through the roof
brittle roofing assessment
other working at height hazards (for example,
weather, electricity)
establishing equipment and hazard controls for working at height
safe working practice
 training and supervision.

The work plan should clearly set out:

who is responsible for implementing the control measures and supervising the work
what specific steps are required to carry out the work safely
how these steps are to be done.

The person responsible for the work plan should be a competent person, who should also act as site
supervisor. Enough time should be allowed to complete the staging of operations given the number of staff
available, the availability of equipment, and an allowance for unsuitable weather.

Written safety information and the work plan shall be kept for the duration of the job. It is the responsibility
of the lead contractor or principal to inform all workers on site that they must adhere to the requirements of
the work plan and safety information and the before any person seeks or gains access to the roof.

The lead contractor or principal must provide a prominent notice stating the safety requirements and any
limitations for the site.

Discussion about the plan, hazards, and control measures can be undertaken at ‘toolbox talks’ or meetings
with staff and contractors. These meetings can also be used to train workers on the hazards associated
with working on roofs including falling from an edge or through brittle roofing material.

3.3 Safe access to roof areas

Where there is no permanent access to roof areas, provide temporary access that is properly constructed.

Scaffolding, constructed work platforms or mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are the preferred
means of temporary access.

Where this is not practicable, portable industrial-grade ladders with a load rating of at least 120 kg secured
against movement, pitched at about 75 degrees (4:1) and extending at least one metre above the stepping-
off point are a suitable means of temporary access.

For major roofing work, provide a scaffold stairway access tower. Never allow workers to use barrow hoists
to gain access to the roof.

3.4 Assessment of the roofing material

Roofing material deteriorates with age and does not perform as it did when it was installed. Before
commencing work on an existing roof, inspect it thoroughly to determine its strength. This should, when
possible, include inspection from inside the building as well as externally.

Check the fixing and strength of safety mesh, paying particular attention to any signs of heavy corrosion.

If there is sarking or an underlay, this will inhibit the close inspection of the sheeting.

Excessive sagging or deflection (out of alignment) of the trusses/rafters may indicate deterioration of the
structure. Strengthen any suspect areas of roof support with temporary props.

If there has been a fire, the structure must be certified as safe to work on by a structural engineer.
Skylights and penetrations left for the installation of air-conditioning can be a danger to roof workers.
Fibreglass or plastic sheeting skylights should be checked and added to the interior plan of the roof so that
hazard controls can be put in place to prevent the potential of a fall.

Even skylights with safety mesh can create a hazard as the worker can still break through and while not fall
to the ground, could still receive cuts from jagged edges.

Brittle roofing consists of any flat, trough, or corrugated material such as asbestos cement, plastic, or glass,
whether reinforced or otherwise, or any other roofing material that, due to its properties, age, or
weathering, will not safely support a person at all points on its surface.

No access to brittle roofing is permitted until adequate hazard controls have been implemented. New
roofing may also be composed of brittle roofing material (for example, translucent skylights). An internal
inspection should be carried out by a competent person to identify the position of skylights and other areas
where a worker could fall through the roof.

Where a roof has been assessed as brittle, signage should be put in place warning of the potential of falling
through the roof and the requirement to use crawling boards.

3.5 Assessing the roof internally

A mobile elevating work platform from inside the building can provide a close inspection of the condition of
the timber or steel structure noting any deterioration that has occurred.

If the building has a ceiling, then safe access must be provided into the roof cavity.

Where it is not possible to gain access from below the roof due to the presence of existing machinery, plant
or the roof structure, ceiling or bracing elements, a safe work system for working from on top of the roof
should be established, and this system should be documented.

Whether the work is undertaken from above or below the roof will be determined by the hazards associated
with working at height. This includes the manner in which the hazards are controlled including the risk of
falling through the roof.

The preferred method of controlling height hazards while removing roofing material may be to use elevating
work platforms or other temporary work platforms to gain access from below the roof.
Figure 2: Example of signage to alert workers to fragile roofing material

3.6 Competencies to assess brittle roofing

It takes a high level of skill to assess the condition of a roof for stability and brittleness. Roof assessment
should only be undertaken by a competent person.

A competent person should be able to:

carry out their assigned duties at the level of responsibility allocated to them
understand any potential hazards related to the work (or equipment) under consideration
detect any technical defects or omissions in that work (or equipment) and recognise any implications
for health and safety caused by those defects or omissions
specify a remedial action to mitigate those implications.

In this context, for assessing brittleness, a competent person is one who can demonstrate that they have:

thorough knowledge of roofing and of the mechanical and physical properties and behaviour of the
particular roofing material and methods of installation
extensive knowledge and experience of installing the product the roof is made of, its usage
limitations, behaviour, and mode of failure in service
an understanding of the effects on the product the roof is made of ‘under test’ when purlin centres
are increased and decreased, and the ways the roofing material could fail when the resulting
structure becomes more or less rigid.

3.7 Types of brittle roof cladding

 Brittle roofing material can be made from:

asbestos
glass
metal
fibreglass
PVC/perspex
concrete and clay tiles
composite (for example, bitumen- impregnated
cellulose fibre)

Figure 3: An example of roof ladders on an ASBESTOS

asbestos roof

The majority of brittle roofs are made from asbestos-

cement which is composed of a mixture of asbestos fiber, portland cement, and water. It is made into plain
sheets, corrugated sheets, tiles, and piping. Asbestos removal and disposal is subject to the Health and
Safety in Employment (Asbestos) Regulations 1998. Asbestos sheeting should be removed intact. The
breaking and cutting of asbestos sheets shall be avoided as this will release asbestos fibres that are
harmful when inhaled.

The most common type of asbestos used in asbestos-cement sheeting is chrysotile (white asbestos) and
the permissible concentration of respirable (ie that is small enough to be inhaled) asbestos fibre per ml is <
0.01. crocidolite (blue) and amosite (brown) asbestos can also be found in roofing material.

Asbestos fibres are normally encapsulated within the sheeting. Cutting or breaking the sheeting shall not
be undertaken without the required personal protective equipment (PPE) and environmental protection.
Personal protective equipment includes properly fitted and maintained respiratory protection devices,
hearing protection for noisy work, and gloves. Wear protective clothing that is made of material that resists
penetration by asbestos fibres, covers the body and fits snugly at the neck, wrist, and ankles, and is in
good condition.

Asbestos-cement sheeting is liable to shatter without warning under a person’s weight. The removal of
asbestos-cement sheeting from a roof should only be undertaken by competent persons who have the
knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to allow them to work safely at height while handling this
material.

When removing friable asbestos, obtain a Certificate of Competence from WorkSafe.

The employer or principal must assess the hazards that are involved and establish a safe system of work
for anyone working in the area.

Consideration must be given to the Health and Safety in Employment (Asbestos) Regulations 1998, the
type of equipment necessary, the training and experience of the employees involved, and the instruction
and supervision required.

Employers, principals, and others involved with work involving asbestos shall understand the legal
requirements and necessary control measures to protect their employees and others in the vicinity against
exposure to asbestos fibres.

The following specific precautions should be taken when removing asbestos-cement roof or wall cladding
from buildings or other structures:

use roof ladders, crawl boards, and edge protection

 never use power tools for cutting asbestos
asbestos-cement sheeting must never be pressure washed
asbestos-cement sheets should be removed in one piece and lowered to the ground
stack the roofing material on a plastic sheet in a secure area
contain the work area to ensure there is no spread of contamination
remove the roofing material from the site as soon as possible using covered bins or on a covered
truck and dispose of material at a site approved by the appropriate disposal authority
all asbestos-containing waste should be kept wet, wrapped in heavy duty polythene plastic bags,
sealed, and labelled with its contents
asbestos-cement sheets must not be reused or offered for sale and
any asbestos-cement residues remaining in the roof space or around the removal area shall be
cleaned up, using a vacuum cleaner fitted with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.

For detailed guidance refer to the New Zealand Demolition & Asbestos Association (NZDAA) Good
Practice Guidelines for the Management and Removal of Asbestos.

When asbestos is broken up or cut making it friable, the work is considered hazardous and is notifiable
work which means the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment shall be notified at least 24 hours
prior to commencement of work.

GLASS

It was common for the saw-tooth roof to use glass as the vertical lighting panel. It is now illegal to use glass
in an overhead situation unless it is safety glass.

Before working on a saw-tooth type of roof, walkways should be in place. This can consist of crawl boards,
cat ladders or plywood sheets that are a minimum of 450 mm wide and 18–21 mm deep.

The recommended width of walkways is 1200 mm used in conjunction with individual fall arrest systems
that must be fastened to the structure. Sarked roofs with timber that is in good condition may not need
walkways.

METAL

Metal roofs are designed to take the weight of a worker and a bag of tools up to a capacity of 110 kg.

Particular attention should be paid to metal roofing material that has been subject to abnormal corrosion
conditions (for example, a smelter, plating shop, fertiliser works) or in a marine environment. In these
circumstances the contaminated or corroded roof area must be accessed through walkways and total
restraint or fall arrest systems. Depending on the nature of the contamination or corrosion, personal
protective equipment such as respiratory protection may be required.

A visual inspection is required to confirm the seriousness of any rusting.

Deterioration of aluminium cladding does not show as visibly as steel and therefore flashings should be
removed to ascertain the condition of aluminium cladding.

‘Walking the purlins’ is permitted on trapezoidal metal roof cladding with a flat-pan-width of 100 mm as this
type of roof is unlikely to fail under a point load.
FIBREGLASS

Fibreglass, also known as Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) or Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GFRP), is a
material manufactured from a combination of various elements. Primarily, it is made of a fibre-reinforced
plastic resin that is intercut with fine fibres of glass for added strength and durability. As fibreglass ages it
becomes brittle and is prone to breaking when walked upon.

PVC/PERSPEX

PVC and/or perspex sheeting becomes brittle over time and loses its flexibility. Seam separation and stress
or fracture cracks can appear. Some PVC used in cold climates has been known to stress-shatter leaving
hundreds of little star-like fractures in each sheet. This material should never be walked on without fall
prevention controls in place.

CONCRETE AND CLAY TILES

When being removed, concrete and clay tiles are a significant hazard as they could fall into the building. No
one should work below any area where tiles are being removed due to the risk of being hit by falling debris.

Replacing the battens on a concrete or clay tile roof can constitute a major height hazard and fall
prevention measures should be used. Tile battens spaced at less than 500 mm apart can act as a fall
prevention measure.

COMPOSITE

Composite roof and wall cladding materials made from bituminous paper and similar materials are also
types of brittle roofing.

3.8 Other working at height hazards

Apart from the potential of a fall from or through a roof, there are a number of other hazards associated
with working at height that must also be identified and controlled. These hazards include:

falling materials
electrical hazards
weather conditions.
Figure 4: Example of signage to alert workers to restricted access

3.9 Falling materials

Isolate the area below roof work wherever there is any danger of people being struck by falling material,
debris, tools, and/or material from adjacent cranes or structures.

Toe boards should be fixed to temporary edge protection as a way of containing all materials, including
debris and loose tools.

Work areas must be declared a ‘No Go’ area for all persons except those directly involved in the roof work.
Signage should be prominent at the entry points to the site.

The immediate working site must be isolated and no other persons must enter the area when work is being
carried out above.

3.10 Electrical hazards

The position of any power or telephone wiring should be noted on the plans. All electrical outlets including
the position of wiring to lights should be noted on the hazard management plan.

The New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for Electrical Safe Distances NZECP 34:2001 (NZECP 34)
requires anyone working at height to keep clear of overhead electric lines.

As the owner of the power lines, the power lines company shall be contacted prior to work commencing to
verify minimum approach distances (MADs) between any part of the worker or equipment and any
overhead electric power line.

Minimum approach distances are:

four metres for circuit voltages 110 kV and below

six metres for circuit voltages above 110 kV.
Unless specific permission has been granted by the power line owner the above distances shall not be
reduced.

Regardless of whether permission of the power line owner has been obtained to work closer than the
above distances, there shall be a plan in place to work safely.

In all cases the plan should take the means of access, the skill level of the employees, and the nature of
the work into account.

If the work could breach the MADs then it must not proceed with the line live.

A safety observer should be appointed if there is the potential for the person to forget where they are
positioned relative to the live conductor.

Factors to be considered include but are not restricted to:

nature and duration of the of task (boredom)

the need to continually relocate or change the position of the work platform
complexity of task (complex movement of objects, a need to adjust work position while wearing a
harness or fall restraint, etc)
fatigue.

3.11 Weather conditions

Check the suitability of weather conditions. Hazards resulting from adverse weather conditions should be
anticipated and suitable precautions taken. Considerations relating to weather conditions include:

condition of the roof surface

moisture conditions (for example, rain, ice, frost, snow)
wind speed > UV radiation and sun glare.

3.12 An example of a roofing hazard assessment

3.13 Roof work checklist example
 Options if best practice is
Factor Best practice
not practicable

Portable industrial-grade
ladders

Provide a scaffold minimum 120 kg load

Safe access to rating
stairway access tower.
roof areas secured against
Provide properly movement
No permanent
constructed pitched at about 75
access
temporary access. degrees (4:1)
extending 900 mm
above the stepping-off
point

Roof inspection Inspect to determine

its strength, including Strengthen any suspect
Potential for the fixing and areas of roof support with
falling strength of safety temporary props or similar.
Corrosion mesh.

Static line systems,

including travel restraint
systems and fall-arrest
systems.
Falls from roof Install compliant edge
edges protection.
Use barriers to restrict
access – min one metre
and at least 2.0 m from the
hazard.

Use barriers or total

Protect workers
Use safety mesh restraint to separate roof
falling from
before the roof is laid. workers from areas not yet
incomplete roofs
meshed.

Securely cover skylights

and penetrations or isolate
with temporary edge
Falls through protection.
Use safety mesh
skylights and
before the roof is laid. Use barriers to restrict
penetrations
access – min one metre
and at least 2.0 m from
hazard.

Protect from the Isolate areas below Isolate areas under roof
dangers of roof work where edges unless toe boards
 Options if best practice is
Factor Best practice
not practicable

are fixed to temporary

people may be struck
edge protection to contain
falling material by falling material,
all material, debris, and
debris, or tools.
loose tools.

Consider Roof workers to wear non-

slip and flexible grip
Condition of the protective footwear.
roof surface
Weather related Moisture conditions Commercial roofing – steel
hazards toe capped soft shoes.
Wind speed
UV exposure UV radiation and sun glare
Roofing material – wear sun block, hats, and
being installed sunglasses.

Table 1: Roof work checklist

04 / Eliminating falls through design

Design the roof with the purlins and battens spaced to prevent workers falling through the gaps
between them.

Purlins can be placed 450 mm apart, rather than the standard 900 mm. However, this could still result in an
injury being sustained by the impact of a person falling onto the rafters and being wedged between them,
or through striking a limb or other part of their body against the rafters.

Use sarking that is strong enough to support the weight of a person when falling on to it from
the roof (that is, the same level). The sarking is not to be considered a work platform, and workers should
be discouraged from walking on it. Where it is intended to be used as fall prevention sarking, it should be
compatible with the roof and meet the manufacturer’s installation and design specifications.

Plant requiring maintenance could be installed at lower levels of a building reducing the need to access the
roof area.

05 / Selecting the right equipment for working on roofs

Part of the hazard assessment process is selecting a control or a combination of controls to
prevent falls from roofs.

Outlined below are a number of options linked to the hierarchy of controls for managing hazards. Each
control will have benefits and deficits depending on the nature of the work. Sometimes a number of
controls will need to be used to ensure the hazards are adequately managed.

The first priority is always to eliminate the potential of a fall. Ways to do this include designing out the
hazard, or working on the ground, or working from a solid construction.

Minimisation controls should only be implemented as the primary means of controlling the hazard when
neither elimination controls nor isolation controls are possible.

5.1 Group controls versus personal controls

As well as the hierarchy of controls, consider how controls can protect multiple people from falling. These
are called group controls. The best work methods are those that don’t require any active judgement by the
workers to keep themselves safe, such as edge protection, scaffolding, and elevating work platforms.

Personal controls only look after individuals and rely on active judgement by the user for them to work
safely (for example, fall restraint harness and fall arrest). Training, inspection, and equipment maintenance
are critical for these personal control measures to be effective.

Figure 5: Selection of work equipment linked to the hierarchy of controls. Group controls should be used
over personal control measures

1 - A total restraint system prevents the wearer from being exposed to a height hazard. Because a harness is classified as
personal protective equipment it is treated as minimisation. In the order of desirability in fall prevention, it features higher than
other minimisation methods.

06 / Decision trees for preventing falls from roofs

The decision trees cover the most common roofing situations that could be encountered including sarked
and unsarked roofs.
The decision trees in Figure 7 offer a variety of fall prevention methods depending on the how the roof is
made. The decision trees are only a prompt, and detailed guidance is outlined throughout these guidelines.

Ideally parapets over 900 mm high or temporary edge protection (or scaffold) to the perimeter of the roof
should be used as these type of controls require the least use of total restraint and/or fall arrest systems.

The most desirable working area can be created when combining fully sarked roof areas with the use of
safety mesh manufactured and installed to AS/NZS 4389: Safety mesh.

It should be noted that if traditional netting is used instead of safety mesh that meets AS/NZS 4389: Safety
mesh, then a total restraint system or fall arrest system shall be used until the roof coverings are in place.

On profiled sheeted roofs, industry standard safety nets are the preferred method of additional fall
protection. In the case of insulated composite panel roofing where safety mesh may be aesthetically and/or
hygienically unacceptable, the manufacturers recommend that safety nets should be provided as a
collective means of fall arrest.

Safety mesh shall comply and be installed in line with the standard AS/NZS 4389: Safety mesh.

Safety nets shall comply and be installed to the requirements of the standard BS EN 1263-1: Safety nets.
Safety requirements, test methods.

Total restraint should be used in preference to a fall arrest system as it prevents access to areas where a
worker could fall. The rating of anchor points and the selection of equipment varies according to the type of
total restraint and/or fall arrest system. For further information refer to the Industrial Rope Access in New
Zealand Best Practice Guidelines. Workers using fall arrest and work positioning systems require:

training in the use of equipment and rescue techniques (see section 8 for specific guidance)
a full body harness (preferably with front attachment point for recovery/rescue and work positioning)
an appropriate length lanyard incorporating a shock or energy absorber to minimise any potential fall
distances
the choice of a short lanyard (or retractable lanyard)
an approved rope grab and drop line.

Figure 6: Safety nets set up under a roofing

construction to catch falling workers, debris, or
tools
Figure 7: Decision tree for preventing falls from roofs

07 / Controls to prevent falls from a roof

This section gives information on controls used to prevent falls from or through a roof.
7.1 Edge protection

Where there is a risk of a fall from or through the structure of a roof and there are no other means to
prevent a fall, temporary edge protection and/or scaffolding should be installed.

There are a number of proprietary edge protection systems available that are suitable for a wide range of
roofing situations. Edge protection should comply with AS/NZS 4994.1 and 4994.2: Temporary edge
protection.

Perimeter or edge protection should be installed on all the exposed edges of a roof which include the
perimeters of buildings, the perimeters of skylights or other fragile roof materials, and any openings in the
floor or roof.

Roof edge protection is considered a passive fall

prevention barrier, because once erected or installed,
it requires no further on-going adjustment, alteration,
or operation by any person to ensure the integrity of
the system to perform its function. It is also a means
of group control as it provides protection for anyone
working on the roof.

Where guardrails are used to provide a barrier to

openings in the roof, they must have a top rail, mid-
rail, and a toe board, or a top rail and an infill panel
that serves the function of a midrail and toe board.
The top rail should be at least 900 mm in height
above the working surface.

When there is more than one contractor on the site

the principal and/or lead contractor shall ensure there
are adequate controls in place to prevent workers
falling from or through a roof.

Working on or removing roofing material has the

potential to expose workers to risks of falling from or
Figure 8: Scaffolding and brackets can be effective through the roof. When replacing roof and wall
roof edge protection
cladding, temporary edge protection or scaffolding
should be installed.

Where a scaffold has been provided for the construction of the walls or guttering, the roof workers may use
it to complete their roof work. Scaffolding should be erected in accordance with the recommendations in the
Best Practice Guidelines for Scaffolding in New Zealand.

7.2 Scaffolding and guard railing for roof edge protection

Roof edge protection using standard scaffolding is outlined in the Best Practice Guidelines for Scaffolding
in New Zealand.

The width of the soffit and the position of the scaffold in relation to the building determines the method used
to utilise the outside and inside standards of a scaffold to support the guardrails. A dogleg brace
(transverse brace) can be used to stabilise the extended standard. Alternatively, where the roofline, if
continued, intersects the inside or outside standard, it is recommended that a guardrail be placed within
 200 mm of the intersection point.

Workers should be able to gain roof access without

climbing over guardrails. Access points must not
undermine the integrity of the edge protection. Gates
or other devices that guard openings shall be self-
closing and ladders shall be placed as close as
practicable to the entrance, and fully secured.

7.3 Edge protection for roof pitch of

less than 25 degrees

A scaffold platform may be positioned to provide roof

edge protection. The picture shows the location of the
scaffold platform when scaffolding is used to provide
guardrailing for roof work when the roof pitch is 25
degrees or less.
Figure 9: The use of scaffolding for edge protection
To minimise the risk of serious injury from falling onto
a scaffold platform from the edge of the roof, locate
the platform as near to the gutter line as possible and no more than one metre below the lower edge of the
roof surface.

Guardrails should be spaced at approximately (500 mm centres-up from the deck) with the top guardrail a
minimum of 900 mm above where the line of the roof pitch intersects the outside standard.

Ensure the scaffold is secured to the building to prevent overturning should someone fall from the roof and
strike the guardrails. This can be achieved by using scaffold ties to connect to the structure, using raker
bays or raking tubes, or by widening the base of the scaffold.

7.4 Edge protection for roof pitch greater than 25 degrees

When a roof slope exceeds 25 degrees, the potential for sliding down the roof becomes greater. If a
scaffold platform is used to provide guardrailing in this situation it is recommended that the working
platform be placed within 200 mm of the roof edge. This can be achieved by using a hop-up- bracket from
the outside standard at the roof edge line. The guardrailing should be fitted as previously shown. A gap of
no more than 100 mm should be left between the deck and the finished gutter, but it must not exceed 200
mm from the gutter line to the leading edge of the plank (see Figure 11).
Figure 10: Location of scaffold platform for edge protection when roof pitch is 25 degrees or less

7.5 Roof edge protection for gable ends

Edge protection should be provided as close as practicable to the gable ends with the scaffold no more
than 300 mm from the structure. The mid-rail should be approximately 500 mm above the line of the gable
(slope of the roof) and the top guardrail 900 mm above the line of the gable.

Figure 12: Edge protection at gable ends

7.6 Total restraint, work positioning, and fall arrest systems

 Figure 13: Example of poorly placed anchor point
Figure 11: Location of scaffold platform for edge and rope that is too long
protection when roof pitch is greater than 25
degrees Using a total restraint system (fall restraint), and work
positioning are recommended over the use of fall
arrest systems.

The total restraint system protects a worker from approaching an unprotected edge, thereby preventing a
fall from occurring.

Work positioning systems enable a person to work supported in a harness under tension in a way that a fall
is prevented. Generally the arrangement allows for the worker to maintain a stable position and to work
hands-free while completing a task.

A fall arrest system is designed to support and hold a person in the event of a fall. It is not a work
positioning system as they are not designed to support a person while working.

Any static line system must be securely anchored and set up so that inertia reel lines or other types of
lanyards cannot be severed on sharp edges.

Anchors should have a rated load of 15 kN. All fall restraint and fall arrest anchors should be tagged and
re-certified annually to remain compliant with AS/NZS 1891.4: Industrial fall- arrest systems – Part 4:
Selection, use and maintenance.

In the event of a worker falling, ensure the ‘pendulum effect’ will not cause the worker to come into contact
with solid objects or the ground.

WORK POSITIONING SYSTEMS

Work positioning systems enable a person to work supported in a harness under tension in a way that a fall
is prevented. Generally the arrangement allows for the worker to maintain a stable position and to work
hands-free while completing a task. The harness arrangement should not allow a fall of more than 600 mm.
This is generally achieved through the use of short lanyards of 300 mm.

Further information can be found in the Industrial Rope Access in New Zealand Best Practice Guideline.
Figure 14: Minor roof repairs can be undertaken using a work positioning system

7.7 Safety mesh

Only safety mesh that has been installed in accordance with can be relied on
to support the weight of a worker. Particular care is required to ensure that the mesh is securely connected
to the structure and the overlap between adjacent sections of mesh is sufficient to generate the necessary
strength to resist the force of a person falling onto it. Wire netting is not a barrier and is not safe to walk on.

Safety mesh should be placed over the area immediately after roof material is removed. This will enable
the replacement sheets to be fixed without the necessity of using fall arrest systems. Safety mesh also
minimises the time that the building below is open to the weather.
Figure 15: An example of safety mesh installed prior to roof construction

7.8 Safety nets

Safety nets are used on construction sites and similar works mainly to arrest a person’s fall, although they
can also be used to catch or contain debris.

Safety nets are manufactured from synthetic materials. They are lightweight and rot- resistant, but they can
be easily damaged by improper use, wear and tear, heat or flame, handling, or storage. They can also be
adversely affected by weathering, UV degradation and environmental factors resulting in some strength
loss. It is therefore essential that safety nets are subject to regular examinations by a competent person
and are periodically tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The manufacturer’s
instructions shall also be followed for installation, use and storage.

7.9 Barriers to restrict access (also known as bump rails)

When barriers are used to restrict access to edges or areas where falls could occur, they should be placed
at least two metres in from any unprotected edge or opening. They should be highly visible and capable of
remaining in place during adverse weather conditions. The height should be between 900 mm and 1100
mm and should act as a boundary around a work area to prevent access to a height hazard such as a
skylight.

Workers should not cross or work on the wrong side of a barrier to restrict access without additional
protection (for example, total restraint). Barriers to restrict access should not to be used for roofs with a
pitch over 10 degrees.
7.10 Crawl boards and roof ladders

Fixed crawl boards and roof ladders may be used to provide permanent access to a work positioning
system, or on pitched or brittle roofs to gain access to service plants. Crawl boards shall have a minimum
width of 450 mm and should have handrails.

Any brittle roofing should have walkways installed. These can consist of crawl boards, cat ladders, roof
ladders, or plywood sheets that are a minimum of 450 mm wide and 18–21 mm deep.

The recommended width is 1200 mm and should be used in conjunction with individual total restraint or fall
arrest systems. Ensure that permanent access complies with the Building Act 2004.

On brittle roofs, guardrails should be permanently installed on crawl boards and fixed roof ladders. Crawl
boards should have a non-slip surface or cleats, depending on their pitch.

A gutter may be used as a walkway provided it is 450 mm wide and is sarked. Therefore, synthetic
membrane gutters are suitable. However, when access is possible closer than two metres from the roof
edge, edge protection should be provided or a total restraint or fall arrest system used.

Temporary roof ladders and crawl boards should be of the same standard as for permanent installations.
Roof ladders should be used on roof pitches over 25 degrees.

7.11 Walking safely on a roof

When walking on a roof, the worker should walk in the pan of the roof cladding. When this is not possible
the worker’s weight should be spread evenly over two ribs, and the worker should keep as close as
possible to the purlins.

Metal roof cladding is tested to a static load of 1.1 kN, which equals 110 kg, and is meant to represent a
worker carrying tools. Site supervisors should ensure workers walking on metal cladding do not exceed the
recommended 110 kg. To ensure the roof purlins are not overstressed, two people should not stand within
the same purlin spacing, or closer than two metres.

Never stand on translucent or clear sheeting because it is not designed to bear the weight of a worker.
Cover skylights and penetrations securely or fix temporary edge protection around them.

The steepest pitch that will provide a secure footing on a textured surface roof is 35 degrees and on a
smooth surface roof 25 degrees. These pitch factors only apply to clean and dry roofs. If the slope of the
roof exceeds 25 degrees, a roof ladder should be used in addition to perimeter guardrails (or a fall arrest
system) to reduce the likelihood of a worker slipping.

7.12 Roofing materials

At the end of the workday, or if the work is interrupted for any reason, all loose sheeting and incomplete
sections must be adequately secured against possible movement by wind.

Loose packs or loose sheets that have not been securely fastened should not be walked on.
08 / Training and supervision
Anyone working on a roof shall be given training by a competent person on how to work safely at
height.

Workers will require additional training for working on brittle roofing or the removal of brittle roofing and wall
cladding. A competent person shall have the relevant skills, knowledge, and experience to undertake a
brittle roof assessment.

Anyone using a harness system, (for example, total restraint system, work positioning system or fall arrest
system) should be closely supervised by a competent person or be a competent person themselves.

A recommended means of achieving competence in using a harness system is NZQA Unit Standard
23229: Use a safety harness for personal fall prevention when working at height, or an equivalent or higher
qualification.

A recommended means of achieving competence for workers who are involved in planning, installing,
operating fall arrest systems, and supervising staff is NZQA Unit Standard 15757: Use, install and
disestablish proprietary fall arrest systems when working at height, or an equivalent or higher level of
qualification. NZQA Unit Standard 23229 is a prerequisite for achieving NZQA Unit Standard 15757.

At least two workers should be present when using fall arrest systems and they should be trained in the
safe use of the equipment. A rescue plan should always be in place and workers trained in the rescue
procedures identified in the plan.

Figure 16: Anyone working on a roof shall be given training by a competent person on how to work safely
at height

09 / Personal protective equipment (PPE)

The use of personal protective equipment should be identified as part of the hazard assessment
process.

Depending on the associated hazards, some of the personal protective equipment and clothing that may be
required for working on a roof could include:

non-slip footwear
hard hat
gloves
eye protection
hearing protection
respiratory protection
wet weather gear
disposable overalls.

A surface’s ability to provide secure footing will vary depending on the type of surface cladding,
environmental conditions, and the type and condition of the roofer’s footwear.

Workers on roofs should wear footwear that is in good condition, soft soled and capable of providing secure
footing.

Hard hats should be worn where there is a risk of being hit by falling debris or if using industrial rope
access methods.

Gloves should be used when handling roofing material that has sharp edges. Eye protection should be
worn for any activity that could cause damage to a worker’s eyes.

Hearing protection should be worn when working in noisy areas or undertaking noisy activities. Refer to the
Approved Code of Practice for the Management of Noise in the Workplace (2002).

For further information on the selection and use of respiratory equipment, refer to A Guide to Respiratory
Protection.

10 / Weather and environment

If a safety hazard exists when roof cladding is wet due to rain or dew, or if it is very windy, the work
should be postponed.

Special care should be exercised when handling long-length sheeting, particularly in wet or windy
conditions as falls and slips can occur, especially if the sheeting is caught by the wind.

Where the gutters also have to be replaced, temporary provision should be made to remove rainwater from
the area.

On sunny or humid days workers on roofs should keep themselves well hydrated and have access to clean
drinking water. Workers should wear sun hats, keep their skin covered, and/or use sunblock to protect their
skin from sunburn and potential skin melanoma from exposure to the sun.

Up-to-date weather forecasts should be factored into the hazard assessment and be taken into account
prior to working at height on a roof.
11 / Duty holder responsibilities
The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (HSE Act) applies to all people at work and other
persons in, or in the vicinity of, a place of work. Responsibilities for duty holders are outlined in
this section.

The HSE Act outlines a number of duties for persons connected with places of work. There are a number
of regulations, codes of practice and industry best practice guidance documents that support the HSE Act.

The HSE Act and its regulations are the law. Codes of practice, guidelines and other guidance material
endorsed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment are considered best practice.

11.1 Principal

A principal is a person or a company that engages any other person or company, other than as an
employee, to do any work for gain or reward.

A principal to a contract is responsible for the health and safety of employees of contractors and
subcontractors. This responsibility extends to any contractor or subcontractor who is a self-employed
individual. A principal might also have employees who will be owed separate duties because of this
employer/ employee relationship.

Putting work out to contract doesn’t remove any of the principal’s health and safety obligations. Legal
responsibilities cannot be transferred to another party.

The legal responsibilities of a principal are set out in Section 18 of the HSE Act.

The following steps should be followed by a principal to ensure good health and safety outcomes when
work is contracted out:

scope the work to identify the key health and safety issues before the work is put out to tender or the
contract is formalised
pre-qualify the contractor to ensure that they are competent to safely complete the required work
negotiate health and safety requirements when the contractor is selected
set out health and safety expectations in the contract documents
monitor the contract to ensure that health and safety expectations are met
complete a review after the contract for any learning that can be applied to future contracted work.

For further details refer to A Principal’s Guide to Contracting to meet the Health and Safety in Employment
Act 1992, plus its summary, Health and Safety in Contracting Situations.

11.2 Employer

Employers are responsible for the health and safety of employees and of any other people who may be
affected by the actions or inactions of employees.

An employer is required to take all practicable steps to ensure that work undertaken is safe.

Employers shall have an effective method for identifying hazards to employees at work and must take all
practicable steps to ensure that those hazards are controlled.
Employers shall also take all practicable steps to ensure that employees are adequately trained and/or
supervised to be able to work safely.

The HSE Act requires employers to keep a register of work-related accidents including every accident that
harmed or may have harmed someone. Employers are also required to investigate all accidents to
determine whether they were caused by a significant hazard. Employers are required to notify the nearest
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment office of serious harm injuries as soon as possible and
follow up in writing within seven days.

If a person suffers serious harm, the scene of the accident must not be disturbed unless to:

save life or prevent suffering

maintain public access for essential services (for example, electricity or gas)
prevent serious damage or loss of property.

Employers must ensure employees are either sufficiently experienced to do their work safely or are
supervised by an experienced person.

Employees must be adequately trained in the safe use of the equipment in their place of work, including the
use of protective clothing and equipment, and emergency preparedness.

11.3 Employee

An employee is defined by the HSE Act as any person of any age who is employed by an employer to do
any work for hire or any reward under a contract of service (that is, an employment agreement).

An employee is responsible for their own health and safety and must also ensure that their actions or
inactions do not harm other people. In effect, employees have a responsibility to follow the safe work
procedures that have been put in place by their employer.

Employees should bring to the attention of their supervisor any illness, ailment, or other condition which
may prevent or limit their ability to work at height. This is important for their safety and the safety of other
persons. It will also assist supervisors with planning and work allocation.

11.4 Self-employed

Someone is self-employed who is working other than as an employee in one or more of the following types
of work: providing goods or services for hire or reward under contract for services, or carrying on a
business as a sole trader, or a partnership.

A self-employed person is responsible for his/ her own health and safety and must ensure that their actions
or inactions do not harm other people. A self-employed person is responsible for undertaking relevant
training and having the capability to safely complete their work.

11.5 Person who controls a place of work

In relation to a place of work, a person who controls a place of work means a person who is:
 the owner, lessee, sublessee, occupier, or person in possession, of the place or any part of it; or
the owner, lessee, sublessee, or bailee, of any plant in the place.

For the purposes of working at height, this may include the lessor of mechanical plant or a scaffold
supplier/installer.

Persons who control the place of work are also responsible for the health and safety of visitors and
contractors.

Inspections of roofs are sometimes made by persons other than workers, such as owners, architects, and
engineers who are not conversant with safety requirements for working at height. The person who controls
the place of work (principal) shall make sure anyone accessing a roof has sufficient knowledge of the
hazards associated with working at height and has the skills and knowledge and experience to work safely.

11.6 Employee participation

Involving employees in hazard management is a requirement of the HSE Act. It is also an excellent
process for implementing hazard controls. This can be done by delegating health and safety
responsibilities to staff, analysing job safety, holding toolbox meetings, and electing health and safety
representatives.

Employers must provide reasonable opportunities for employees to participate effectively in on-going
processes for the improvement of health and safety in the place of work. Where there are more than 30
employees, or where an employee or union representing employees requests it, the employer must
develop, implement, and maintain a system of employee participation in health and safety.

Where agreement cannot be reached on the system of employee participation, there are default provisions
set out in the HSE Act.

Where employee health and safety representatives are elected, they are entitled to paid leave to attend
approved training courses. A trained employee health and safety representative may issue a hazard notice
to an employer where they believe there is a hazard in the place of work, they have brought it to the
employer's attention, and the issue has not been resolved.

Employers and employees must deal with each other in good faith while seeking agreement on,
developing, and maintaining a system of employee participation.

It is recommended that employers hold regular ‘toolbox’ meetings for staff and/or contractors about health
and safety. These can also act as training sessions.

12 / Appendices
12.1 Definitions

Terms Definitions

Access A means of entry or approach to getting on the roof.

 Terms Definitions

In this guide, the Act refers to the Health and Safety in Employment
Act
Act 1992. Also termed the HSE Act.

This phrase applies to the general duties that must be carried out
by employers, employees, self-employed people, people who
control places of work and principals.

The HSE Act specifies that a person is required to take those steps
only in respect of circumstances that the person knows or ought
reasonably to know about.

Where the circumstances are known, or ought reasonably to be

known about, the duty holder is required to take all steps that are
reasonably practicable.

A step is practicable if it can reasonably be achieved in the

particular circumstances having regard to:

the nature and severity of any injury or harm that may occur
and
the degree of risk or probability of injury or harm occurring
and
how much is known about the potential harm and the means
of eliminating, isolating or minimising the hazard from which
All the harm may arise and the availability and cost of the
practicable means.
steps
The degree of risk and severity of potential injury or harm must be
balanced against the cost and feasibility of the safeguard. The cost
of providing safeguards has to be measured against the
consequences of failing to do so.
It is not simply a measure of whether the person can afford to
provide the necessary safeguards. Where there is a risk of serious
or frequent injury or harm, a greater cost in the provision of
safeguards may be reasonable.

Any judgement of whether a safeguard was “reasonably

practicable” is to be made taking into account common practice
and knowledge throughout the industry. Duty holders must do what
is 'reasonable' which means what a
reasonable and prudent person would do in the same situation. It is
an objective standard determined by the standards and practices of
the industry and society generally.

Guidance on the practicable steps that should be taken for known

hazards can be found in regulations, codes of practice, guidelines,
standards, industry publications, manufacturers' information, safety
data sheets and user manuals.
 Terms Definitions

A device temporarily or permanently fixed into the building or

Anchor point structure for the purpose of attaching a scaffold tie and/or a
(Anchorage working line or safety line system. The anchor points must meet
point) the requirements of AS/NZS 1891.4 and be
capable of a minimum breaking point of 15 kN.
A material that contains, is composed of, or is contaminated by
Asbestos amosite, chrysotile, crocidolite, fibrous actinolite, fibrous
anthophyllite, or fibrous tremolite.
Is a rope and wheel platform device used to manually, electrically,
Barrow hoist or mechanically lift lightweight materials up onto the scaffold or
roof.
A narrow timber or steel member attached to a roof or wall
Batten structure, used to attach metal cladding, metal tiles, shakes, or
shingles to the structure.
A physical or visual barrier is a rope, tape, or another visual prompt
Barrier to suspended at height to act as a boundary around a work area to
restrict prevent access to a hazard. It should be at least two metres away
access from a fall hazard and not used
for roofs with a pitch over 10 degrees.
Consists of any flat, trough, or corrugated material such as
asbestos cement, plastic, or glass, whether reinforced or
Brittle/fragile
otherwise, or any other roofing material that, due to its properties,
roof
age, or weathering, will not safely support a
person at all points on its surface.
A person who has, through a combination of training, education,
Competent
and experience, acquired knowledge and skills enabling that
person
person to correctly perform a specified task.
Composite
A factory-insulated panel with metal cladding on both sides used to
panel
cover a roof or a wall.
roofing
Rust or oxidation which may be caused by age, or the reaction of a
Corrosion material with its environment or contact with incompatible
materials.
A rope or line that meets the requirements of AS/NZS 1891.4 that
Drop line
is designed for connecting a full body harness to an anchor point.
The protruding edge of a roof slope at the lower edge or gable end,
Eave
also known as a soffit.
A barrier or system to prevent persons and/or objects or materials
from falling to a lower level from working or access surfaces. Edge
Edge protection may involve a proprietary system, materials to form a
protection guardrail and/or barrier isolation,
erected scaffolding supporting a temporary edge protection
system, or a combination of solutions.
Egress The safe means of exiting (getting off) the roof.
 Terms Definitions

A person employed by any other person to do any work for hire or

Employee reward; in relation to any employer, it means an employee of the
employer.
A person or organisation that employs any other person to do any
Employer work for hire or reward; in relation to any employee, it means an
employer of the employee.
A contract for service; includes a contract for services between an
employer and a homeworker; an employee’s terms and conditions
Employment
of employment in a collective agreement, or a collective agreement
agreement
together with any additional
(Employment
terms and conditions of employment; or an individual employment
Relations
agreement. Every employee must have a written employment
Act 2000)
agreement. It can either be a collective agreement (involving a
union) or an individual agreement.
Fall-arrest
An assembly of interconnected shoulder and leg straps, with or
harness
without a body belt, and used where there is likelihood of free or
(safety
restrained fall.
harness)
An assembly of interconnected components comprising a harness
connected to an anchorage point or anchorage system either
Fall arrest
directly or by means of a lanyard or pole strap, and whose purpose
system
is to arrest a fall in accordance with
the principles and requirements of AS/NZS 1891.
Any areas that have been identified during the hazard identification
Fall hazard process and secured to avoid harm. This normally refers to
area anywhere within 2 metres of the exposed or unprotected edge of
the roof.
Fall
A physical barrier other than a work platform that will safely support
protection
a person without the risk of falling through.
barrier
A vertical board fixed to the bottom of the rafters to carry a
Fascia board
spouting, gutter, and barge flashing.
A fall or the arrest of a fall where the fall distance before the fall-
Free fall, free arrest system begins to take any loading is in excess of 600 mm
fall-arrest either vertically or on a slope on which it is not possible to walk
without the assistance of a handrail or hand line.
Asbestos that under ordinary conditions can easily be crumbled
Friable and must only be handled by someone who has or is supervised by
asbestos someone who holds a certificate of competence as an asbestos
worker.
The triangular end wall surface of a building above the plate line
Gable
where the rafters meet the apex at the ridge.
A rail or barrier secured to standards or upright members, at a
height above the work platform of 900mm (minimum) to 1100mm
Guardrail (maximum) and erected along the exposed sides and ends of
working platforms to prevent persons from falling.
 Terms Definitions

It includes a lower rail that is fixed to standards midway between

the guardrail and the platform. See the
.
Gutter A channel formed to collect and carry water away from a roof.

As defined in the HSE Act Section 2

a. an activity, arrangement, circumstance, event, occurrence,

phenomenon, process, situation, or substance (whether
arising or caused within or outside a place of work) that is an
actual or

potential cause or source of harm; and

Hazard b. includes—

i. a situation where a person’s behaviour may be an

actual or potential cause or source of harm to the
person or another person; and
ii. without limitation, a situation described in
subparagraph resulting from physical or mental
fatigue, drugs, alcohol, traumatic shock, or another
temporary condition that affects a person’s behaviour.

A process to be undertaken prior to any work starting to clearly

Hazard identify all potential hazards that may put workers at risk, and
identification implementing a system to eliminate, isolate or minimise those
hazards.
Inertia reel
A self-locking device used to arrest a fall.
line
A kilonewton is the general unit for the measurement of force and
strength requirements for equipment and anchorages. A Newton is
the amount of force required to accelerate a body with a mass of
Kilonewton
one kilogram at a rate of one meter
(kN)
per second squared. A kilonewton is a thousand of these units. As
an approximation, 100 kg hanging at rest of a line will exert a force
of 1 kN on the anchor.
A line used, to connect a harness to an anchorage point or static
Lanyard line, usually as part of a lanyard assembly which includes a
personal energy absorber.
Live load Live loads are subject to wind and other weather conditions. Live
(Dynamic loads include loads that can change direction or are applied with
Load) motion; for example, persons loading roofing materials onto a roof.
The installation of a new or replacement roofing system,
Major roof substantial or total maintenance or painting/recoating of a roof, and
work the replacement and/or installation of a gutter or fascia system.
The same parameters apply to all wall cladding work.
Man cage A work platform attached to a crane or forklift.
 Terms Definitions

Matrix The steps or process required to achieve a task.

The methodology (means) of describing a job in detail, including
Methodology step-by-step instructions in sequential order, identifying hazards
and controls, and sometimes training needs.
A mobile elevating work platform (for example, cherry picker,
MEWP
scissor lift, hoists, and travel towers).
Mono pitch A roof having one constant slope with no ridge.
The part of a perimeter wall immediately adjacent to the roof and
Parapet which extends above it. A parapet higher than 1 metre is termed a
parapet wall.
The pendulum effect is a potential hazard resulting from lateral
movement or swing during a slip or fall where the ropes are
Pendulum
extended sideways from the normal fall line. This can result in
effect
operators striking objects or having catastrophic
consequences for the integrity of the system along sharp edges.
Any projection through a roof, floor, or wall (for example, vent pipe,
Penetration
air conditioning unit, window, or doorway).
Perimeter The outside edge of the roof.
Pitch The slope of the roof.
Purlin A horizontal secondary structural member supporting roof cladding.
A sloped structural member that extends from the ridge to the eave
Rafter
designed to support secondary members and the roof cladding.
A fall or the arrest of a fall where the person suffering the fall is
Restrained
partially restrained by a restraining device such as a pole strap, or
fall, fall-
is sliding down a slope on which it is normally possible to walk
arrest
without the assistance of a handrail or hand line.
Roof cavity The area between the ceiling and roof.
Safety mesh designed to prevent workers falling through a roof that
Safety mesh
must meet AS/NZS 4389 Safety mesh or equivalent.
Horizontal safety netting is a horizontal system of nets and their
Safety nets supports, as cited and modified in
.
Plywood or timber that completely covers the roof structure prior to
Sarking
installation of roofing materials.

Any advanced scaffolding, basic scaffolding, or suspended

scaffolding or any framework or structure, of a temporary nature,
used or intended to be used for:

Scaffolding a. the support or protection of persons carrying out construction

work or work connected with construction work, for the
purpose of carrying out that work
b. thesupportofmaterialsusedinconnectionwithanysuchwork,and
includes:
i. any scaffolding constructed as such and not
 Terms Definitions

dismantled, whether or not it is being used as

scaffolding
ii. many coupling, device, fastening, fitting, or plank used
in connection with the construction, erection or use of
scaffolding.

That the combination of the type of shoes worn and the slope and
Secure surface friction of the surface being walked on will prevent the
footing possibility of a person slipping or needing a handrail to assist
balance.
A unit of fibreglass, plastic sheeting, glass, or acrylic dome
Skylight
providing natural light through a roof.
The underside of an architectural structure such as an arch or
Soffit
overhanging eaves.
Spouting An external gutter.
Static load A load that doesn’t move.
Suspension
trauma and The conditions that can arise from a person using a fall arrest
orthostatic system who has fallen and is suspended in their harness.
intolerance
A scaffold plank, kick board, or purpose-designed component fixed
Toe board at the edge of the working platform to prevent loose objects or
materials falling from the platform.
(also known as fall restraint) A control on a person’s movement by
means of a combination of full body harness, a line and a line
Total
anchorage which will physically prevent the person from reaching a
restraint
position at which there is a risk of
a free or limited free fall.
See-through or clear sheeting material that enables transmission
Translucent
of light into a building.
Is a drop line connecting a fall arrest harness to either a static line
Travel
or an anchor point. This is used only for work positioning and not
restraint line
for fall arrest.
A framework constructed so that all the forces on its parts are
Truss
either tensions or compressions used to support the roof.
A physical or visual barrier which may comprise rope suspended
at height to act as a boundary around a work area to prevent
Visual
access to a hazard. It may also be tape, or other visual measures
barrier
that must be at least two metres away
from a fall hazard and the roof slope must be less than 25 degrees.
Working A platform that is intended to support persons, materials and
platform equipment.
Work positioning systems enable a person to work supported in a
Work
harness under tension in a way that a fall is prevented. Generally
positioning
the arrangement allows for the worker to maintain a stable position
system
and to work hands-free while completing a task.
 Terms Definitions

The harness arrangement should not allow a fall of more than 600
mm.

12.2 Publications

Legislation – acts

Accident Compensation Act 2001

Building Act 2004
Electricity Act 1992
Employment Relations Act 2000
Fire Service Act 1975
The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992

Legislation – Regulations

Health and Safety in Employment (Asbestos) Regulations 1998

Health and Safety in Employment Regulations 1995
Health and Safety in Employment (Pressure Equipment, Cranes, and Passenger Ropeways)
Regulations 1999
Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010

Standards

Available from Standards New Zealand: www.standards.co.nz(external link)

AS 1418.2: Cranes (including hoists and winches) – Serial hoists and winches
AS 2550.10: Cranes hoists and winches – Safe use – Mobile elevating work platforms
AS/NZS 1337: Eye protection
AS/NZS 1657: Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and
installation
AS/NZS 1891.4: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Part 4: Selection, use and maintenance
AS/NZS 1891.1–3: Industrial fall arrest systems and devices
AS/NZS 4488.1–2: Industrial rope access systems
AS/NZS 1801: 1997: Occupational protective helmets
AS/NZS 2210.1: Occupational safety footwear
AS 1892.1: Portable ladders, metal
AS 1892.2, NZS 3609: Portable ladders, timber
AS/NZS 4389: Safety mesh
AS 1576.2: Scaffold couplers and accessories
AS/NZS 1576.1: Scaffolding: General requirements
AS 1577: Scaffold planks
AS/NZS 1576.3: Scaffolding: Prefabricated and tube and coupler scaffolding
AS 1576.4: Scaffolding – suspended scaffolding
AS/NZS 1576.5: Scaffolding – Prefabricated splitheads and trestles
AS/NZS 1576.6: Scaffolding – Metal tube- and-coupler scaffolding
NZS 3620: Specification for scaffold planks
AS/NZS 4994.1: Temporary roof edge protection for housing and residential buildings
 AS/NZS 4994.2:2009: Temporary edge protection – Roof edge protection – Installation and
dismantling
NZS 3604: Timber-framed buildings

British standards

British Standard BS 8411 Code of Practice for Safety Nets on Construction Sites and other works
BS EN 1263-1:2002 Industry safety nets: Safety requirements, test methods
BS EN 1263-2:2002 Safety requirements for the positioning limits
BS 3913:1982 Industrial safety nets

Codes of practice

Approved Code of Practice for Cranes

Code of Practice for Manual Handling
Approved Code of Practice for the Management of Noise in the Workplace
Approved Code of Practice for Power- Operated Elevating Work Platforms

Best practice guidelines

Principal’s Guide to Contracting to Meet the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
Best Practice Guidelines for Demolition in New Zealand
Keeping Safe at Work – A Guide for Employees – Employee Rights under the Health and Safety in
Employment Act 1992
Managing Health and Safety: A Guide
for Employers – Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment – New Zealand
First Aid for Workplaces: A Good Practice Guide
Industrial Rope Access in New Zealand Best Practice Guidelines
Best Practice Guidelines for the Management and Removal of Asbestos
Best Practice Guidelines for Scaffolding in New Zealand
Best Practice Guidelines for Working at Height in New Zealand

Guides

A Guide to Respiratory Protection

Codes

Building Code Handbook

Last updated 4 September 2017 at 15:14

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