Comprehensive procedures for safely removing roofing materials during demolition and renovation with fall protection and asbestos controls

Roofing Removal Safe Work Method Statement

WHS Act 2011 Compliant | AS 2601 Demolition Standards Aligned

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Roofing removal during demolition and renovation work presents some of the highest fall risks in the construction industry, combining elevated working positions with progressively deteriorating fall protection as roofing materials are systematically removed. This Safe Work Method Statement provides comprehensive procedures for safely removing various roofing materials including metal sheeting, concrete and clay tiles, asbestos cement sheeting, and other roof coverings during building demolition, partial demolition, and renovation projects. Designed for Australian construction environments and aligned with AS 2601 The Demolition of Structures, AS/NZS 1891 Fall Protection Standards, and the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, these procedures address the complex interaction of fall hazards, asbestos exposure risks, manual handling demands, and environmental conditions that make roofing removal one of demolition's most dangerous activities.

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Overview

What this SWMS covers

Roofing removal encompasses the controlled dismantling and removal of roof coverings, battens, purlins, and associated components during building demolition, partial demolition for roof replacement, or structural modification affecting roof systems. This specialised demolition activity differs fundamentally from new roofing installation because workers must operate on progressively weakening structures as roof coverings providing walking surfaces are systematically removed, fall protection anchor points become unavailable as roof structure is dismantled, asbestos-containing materials are frequently encountered in buildings constructed before 1990, and structural stability decreases as roofing contributes to building bracing and rigidity. Australian residential and commercial buildings utilise diverse roofing materials each presenting unique removal challenges and hazards. Metal roofing including corrugated steel or Colorbond sheeting is lightweight, easily removed in large sheets, but creates substantial wind loading, sharp edges, and manual handling challenges. Concrete and clay tiles are heavy (45-55 kg per square metre), removed individually creating extreme manual handling demands, and are extremely fragile when walked upon. Asbestos cement sheeting, prevalent in buildings constructed 1950-1980, presents catastrophic health risks if disturbed improperly and requires licensed removal before general demolition can commence. Membrane or built-up roofing systems on low-slope commercial roofs involve removal of multiple layers, potential chemical exposure from sealants and adhesives, and concealed penetrations creating fall hazards. The fundamental hazard distinguishing roofing removal from other construction activities is the combination of height (typically 3-15 metres above ground for single and double-storey buildings) with progressively deteriorating fall protection as work proceeds. At project commencement, roof surfaces are intact providing walking platforms and anchor point attachment locations. As removal progresses, these surfaces disappear leaving only roof framing, battens, or purlins—none of which were designed as walking surfaces. Workers must transition from working on relatively stable roof coverings to working above increasingly large voids with only structural framing for support. This progressive degradation means fall protection systems that were adequate at commencement become inadequate or impossible to maintain as removal advances, demanding constant reassessment and adaptation of safety systems throughout the project. Roofing removal procedures must address multiple simultaneous hazards creating compounding risks. Workers operate at height creating fall potential resulting in serious injury or death. They manually handle heavy materials (individual concrete tiles weighing 3-4kg, sheeting bundles exceeding 25kg) while maintaining balance on sloped surfaces. They work in environmental extremes including intense solar radiation causing heat stress, high winds creating instability and material control difficulties, and wet conditions making surfaces slippery. They may encounter asbestos requiring immediate work stoppage and licensed removal procedures. They create falling object hazards for workers and public below as materials are lowered or accidentally dropped. They weaken building structure potentially affecting stability of walls and other elements relying on roof for bracing. Roof access methods vary based on building height, roof slope, and site constraints. Single-storey residential buildings may be accessed using scaffolding providing edge protection and safe working platforms, mobile scaffolding or elevated work platforms positioning workers at roof level with protection, or ladder access where scaffold is impractical though this presents highest fall risk. Multi-storey buildings require scaffolding with appropriate working platforms and edge protection at each level, or rope access techniques by specialist operators for buildings where scaffold is prohibitively expensive or physically impossible. Roof access must be established before any roofing removal commences, providing safe means for workers to reach roof level without climbing building walls, eaves, or rainwater goods which are never designed as access routes and may fail under worker weight. Material lowering systems are essential for safe roofing removal preventing workers from throwing materials off roofs—a practice that is both illegal and extremely dangerous. Tile shoots or rubbish chutes provide controlled descent paths for small materials like tiles or timber battens, terminating in skip bins or designated landing areas. Crane or elevated work platform lifts accommodate larger material bundles including sheeting panels or structural timber, with proper slinging and rigging procedures. Rope and pulley systems manually operated from ground level lower materials in controlled manner for projects where crane access is impractical. Ground level exclusion zones beneath material lowering operations prevent workers or public from being struck by falling materials if loads shift or rigging fails. Weather conditions dominate roofing removal scheduling and work procedures. Work cannot proceed safely in wind speeds exceeding 40 km/h as sheeting and workers become unstable, in rain or immediately after rain when roof surfaces become lethally slippery, in extreme heat exceeding 35°C creating heat stress risks during physical work at height, in thunderstorm conditions where lightning strike risk affects workers on elevated metal structures, or in low-light conditions preventing workers from seeing roof structure, hazards, or fall protection anchor points. Daily weather monitoring and willingness to postpone work when conditions are unsuitable are essential safety controls—no project schedule pressure justifies working in dangerous weather conditions given the catastrophic consequences of falls from height. Structural engineering input is frequently required for roofing removal projects where roof structure contributes to building stability, where partial roof removal might affect remaining structure, where buildings show signs of structural distress or deterioration, or where removal sequences must be carefully planned to maintain stability throughout the demolition process. Australian Standard AS 2601 requires structural engineering assessment for demolition work affecting structural stability, and this requirement certainly applies to roofing removal on many projects where roof systems provide critical lateral bracing preventing wall collapse or where roof loads contribute to structural balance.

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Why this SWMS matters

Falls from roofs during removal operations consistently feature among the most common causes of construction workplace fatalities in Australia, with coronial data showing 10-15 deaths annually from roof-related falls. Unlike many workplace hazards where serious incidents are rare, roofing removal presents genuine statistical risk that any project could result in worker death if comprehensive fall protection is not implemented and maintained. Safe Work Australia data confirms that falls from height, particularly from roofs and ladders, represent the leading cause of traumatic workplace death across all industries, with construction accounting for the majority of incidents. The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 Section 19 duty requires persons conducting a business or undertaking to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others. For roofing removal work, this duty demands elimination of fall hazards where possible through use of scaffolding or elevated work platforms providing edge protection, or where elimination is not reasonably practicable, minimisation through comprehensive fall protection systems including harnesses, lanyards, and structural anchor points meeting AS/NZS 1891 standards. Australian work health and safety case law has established that 'industry practice' of working on roofs without fall protection is not an acceptable defence—the legal standard is what is reasonably practicable, not what is commonly done. Courts consistently hold that scaffolding, edge protection, or personal fall arrest systems are reasonably practicable for virtually all roofing work, and contractors who fail to implement these controls face prosecution regardless of whether falls actually occur. The financial and legal consequences of roofing removal falls are severe and extend far beyond immediate workers compensation costs. Work health and safety regulators prosecute falls from roofs resulting in serious injury or death with penalties reaching $500,000 or more for corporate defendants and $100,000+ for individual directors who failed to ensure adequate controls. Beyond regulatory penalties, families of deceased workers increasingly pursue common law damages claims against employers and principal contractors for negligence, with claims exceeding multiple millions of dollars where families can demonstrate inadequate fall protection or poor safety culture. Insurance policy exclusions frequently apply if falls occur while working without mandated fall protection, leaving businesses personally liable for all compensation and legal costs. Business closure is common after serious roofing removal incidents as clients refuse to engage contractors with fatal incident history, insurance becomes prohibitively expensive or unavailable, and business owners face personal financial ruin from uninsured liabilities. The specific hazard of asbestos in roofing removal compounds the consequences of inadequate safety management. Buildings constructed before December 1990 frequently contain asbestos cement roofing sheeting—characteristically identifiable by corrugated profile, flat sheet profile (often called 'Super Six'), or dense texture different from modern fibre cement. Disturbing asbestos roofing without appropriate controls releases deadly fibres causing mesothelioma (fatal cancer affecting lung lining), lung cancer, and asbestosis (progressive lung scarring). All three diseases have latency periods of 20-40 years meaning workers exposed during roofing removal may develop fatal illness decades later even if exposure seemed minor at the time. Australian asbestos disease statistics are tragic: approximately 700 Australians die annually from asbestos-related diseases, with numbers still increasing despite asbestos use ceasing in 2003 due to legacy exposure from buildings constructed during asbestos use periods. WHS regulations addressing asbestos are absolute: if asbestos is identified or suspected in roofing materials, licensed asbestos removalists must remove these materials before any other demolition work proceeds. The Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 Division 5 establishes clear requirements that friable asbestos (easily crumbled materials) must be removed by Class A licensed asbestos removalists, non-friable asbestos exceeding 10 square metres must be removed by Class A or Class B licensed removalists, and notification must be provided to work health and safety regulators at least five business days before removal commences. General construction workers are absolutely prohibited from removing asbestos roofing regardless of project urgency, cost pressures, or contractor familiarity with materials—violations result in prosecution, significant penalties, and potential criminal charges if exposure causes illness. Environmental conditions dramatically affect roofing removal safety, yet contractors frequently underestimate or ignore weather impacts. High winds transform lightweight roofing materials into uncontrollable hazards—metal sheeting acts as sails generating forces that can pull workers off balance or launch materials as projectiles, workers cannot maintain balance on roof slopes when buffeted by wind, and lowering materials becomes impossible as wind catches suspended loads causing swing or release. Rain creates lethally slippery surfaces on metal roofing, tiles, and timber framing—falls after rain cause numerous fatalities annually as workers underestimate how slippery roofing materials become when wet. Heat stress is a significant hazard during summer roofing removal with workers performing heavy physical labour in direct solar radiation on dark roofing materials that amplify heat—heat stress causes reduced cognitive function and coordination exactly when workers need maximum mental and physical capability to work safely at height. The progressive deterioration of fall protection during roofing removal creates unique management challenges. At project commencement with roof covering intact, perimeter edge protection can be installed, anchor points are readily available on solid roof surfaces, and walking surfaces are relatively stable. As removal progresses, edge protection anchor points may be removed with sheeting, roof surfaces disappear leaving only framing, and what were stable walking surfaces become narrow battens or purlins requiring constant attention to foot placement. Fall protection systems must evolve throughout the project, with constant reassessment of anchor point adequacy, relocation of anchor points as original locations are removed, and potential need to transition to different fall protection systems (from static lines to individual lanyards for example) as roof structure changes. This dynamic risk environment demands continuous hazard assessment and proactive control adjustment—the fall protection that was adequate yesterday may be completely inadequate today if significant roof removal occurred. Beyond direct worker safety, roofing removal affects public safety and neighbouring properties. Materials falling from roofs can kill pedestrians or damage vehicles in adjacent areas, requiring comprehensive exclusion zones and public barriers. Wind-blown roofing materials can travel substantial distances striking cars, buildings, or people far from demolition sites. Structural instability during partial roofing removal can cause walls to collapse into neighbouring properties if roof bracing is removed without adequate temporary support. Contractors have civil liability for damage to third parties, property damage claims from neighbours affected by flying materials or structural collapse, and regulatory prosecution if public safety is endangered through inadequate controls. Professional indemnity insurance may exclude coverage if falls or structural failures result from clearly inadequate safety systems or supervision.

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Hazard identification

Surface the critical risks tied to this work scope and communicate them to every worker.

Risk register

Falls from Height During Roof Access and Material Removal

High

The primary hazard in roofing removal is falls from height resulting in serious injury or death when workers lose balance, step through fragile materials, or work without adequate fall protection. Falls occur through multiple mechanisms including workers losing balance on sloped roof surfaces while manually handling heavy materials, stepping on or through fragile roof materials including skylights, deteriorated sheeting, or rotten timber framing, fall protection anchor points failing when attached to inadequate structures or when overloaded, workers disconnecting from fall arrest systems to move between work areas without relocating anchor points, and edge protection systems being removed with roofing materials leaving unprotected perimeter openings. The progressive nature of roofing removal means fall hazards increase as work advances—early stages may have relatively safe working platforms on intact roof coverings while later stages involve working on narrow framing members with large voids below. Weather conditions compound fall risks with wind affecting balance, rain making surfaces slippery, and heat stress reducing concentration and coordination. Falls from roofs during demolition frequently result in spinal injuries causing permanent paralysis, head injuries causing death or permanent brain damage, and multiple traumatic injuries requiring extended hospitalisation. The height involved (typically 3-15 metres for residential work) combined with worker weight and gravity creates impact forces exceeding human tissue tolerance regardless of landing surface—even falls onto grass result in serious injuries while falls onto concrete, rocks, or construction debris are typically fatal.

Exposure to Asbestos from Asbestos Cement Roofing Materials

High

Roofing removal on buildings constructed 1950-1990 frequently encounters asbestos cement sheeting creating catastrophic long-term health risks if materials are disturbed without appropriate controls. Asbestos cement roofing was extremely common in Australian construction appearing as corrugated 'Super Six' sheeting on residential buildings, flat sheeting used for fascias and eaves, and high-density sheeting on industrial and commercial buildings. These materials contain 10-15% chrysotile (white asbestos) bound in cement matrix. When intact and undisturbed, asbestos cement sheeting presents low immediate risk. However, roofing removal inherently involves material disturbance through cutting, breaking, dropping, or stacking creating opportunities for massive fibre release. Asbestos fibres are microscopically small (less than 5 micrometres diameter) and once airborne can remain suspended for hours, inhaled deep into lungs where they lodge permanently in lung tissue, and trigger fatal diseases decades after exposure. The hazard is particularly insidious because asbestos exposure produces no immediate symptoms—workers feel completely normal during exposure and may not develop disease for 20-40 years, at which point treatment is ineffective and prognosis is universally fatal for mesothelioma, extremely poor for lung cancer, and severely debilitating for asbestosis. Workers may assume that brief exposure or small quantities of asbestos are safe, but medical evidence confirms no safe exposure threshold exists—even single fibre inhalation can theoretically trigger disease decades later. The work health and safety regulations are absolute: if asbestos roofing is identified or suspected, all work must stop immediately, licensed asbestos removalists must remove materials before general demolition proceeds, and notification must be provided to work health and safety regulators.

Manual Handling Injuries from Lifting and Carrying Roofing Materials

Medium

Roofing removal involves extensive manual handling of heavy materials in awkward positions and on sloped surfaces creating significant musculoskeletal injury risks. Concrete and clay tiles weigh 3-4 kg individually requiring workers to repeatedly lift, carry, and lower thousands of tiles during typical residential roof removal—the cumulative manual handling load exceeds safe work design limits. Metal sheeting panels, while individually manageable, must be handled at arm's length on slopes while maintaining balance, creating substantial leverage forces through workers' backs and shoulders. Battens and purlins often require awkward lifting positions when removing from roof framing, particularly for materials spanning multiple rafters or trusses. The manual handling challenge is compounded by several factors unique to roofing removal: sloped working surfaces require workers to maintain balance while lifting creating asymmetric loading on spine, confined roof spaces limit body positioning options forcing awkward bent or twisted postures, heat stress and fatigue accumulate during extended work periods reducing safe lifting capacity, and urgency to maintain production targets may encourage workers to rush or lift excessive loads. Common injuries include acute lower back injuries from lifting tiles or sheeting in awkward positions, shoulder injuries from repeated overhead work reaching to unclip sheeting or lift materials, knee and leg injuries from constantly working in crouched positions on sloped roofs, and chronic musculoskeletal disorders from cumulative exposure to repetitive heavy work. The injury risk is highest later in work shifts when fatigue has accumulated and for workers of smaller stature who may struggle with material weights that larger workers manage easily.

Structural Instability During Roof Structure Removal

High

Roofing removal can compromise building structural stability if roof structures provide lateral bracing preventing wall collapse, if removal sequences do not maintain structural balance, or if deteriorated structural members fail under worker loads during removal. Many older Australian buildings particularly those with unreinforced masonry walls rely on roof structures to provide lateral restraint preventing walls from falling outward or collapsing. Removing roof sheeting, battens, and framing without understanding this structural role can trigger catastrophic wall collapse killing workers on the roof or below. Hip and gable roofs often provide critical bracing at corners and wall intersections—removing these elements in incorrect sequence creates instability. Deteriorated roof framing affected by termite damage, wood rot, or structural overloading may appear adequate when covered but fails suddenly when workers apply concentrated loads during removal activities. The hazard is compounded when workers must walk on roof framing to access materials—framing designed to support distributed roofing loads may fail under concentrated worker weight particularly if members are deteriorated. Visual inspection often cannot detect the extent of deterioration in roof framing concealed within roof spaces, and timber that appears solid externally may be completely hollow internally from termite activity. Structural collapse during roofing removal occurs without warning, giving workers no opportunity to escape as tonnes of roofing material, framing, and walls fall together. The chaos of collapse makes rescue extremely difficult and survivors often remain trapped under collapsed materials for extended periods before extraction.

Falling Objects Striking Workers or Public Below Roof

High

Roofing removal creates substantial struck-by hazards for workers operating below roof level and for public in adjacent areas when materials fall, are dropped, or are blown by wind from elevated work areas. Objects falling from roof height develop considerable kinetic energy—a single concrete tile dropped from 5 metres impacts with approximately 150 joules energy, far exceeding the 100 joule impact resistance of standard safety helmets and capable of causing fatal skull fractures. Materials can fall through multiple mechanisms including accidental drops during handling when workers lose grip, materials sliding off sloped roofs when stacked inappropriately, wind catching lightweight materials like metal sheeting launching them as projectiles, rigging failures when lowering materials with ropes or cranes, and progressive collapse when removal of one element triggers fall of connected materials. The hazard extends beyond the immediate work area as wind-blown materials can travel 50 metres or more from release point, materials bouncing off structures or rebounding from initial impact can travel unpredictable trajectories, and materials falling from height create debris fields as they shatter or fragment on impact. Ground-level workers including labourers stacking materials, plant operators, and workers from other trades operating nearby are at risk if struck by falling materials. Public pedestrians walking past sites on footpaths can be killed by falling materials if exclusion zones are inadequate. Vehicle damage to cars parked near sites is common when materials are blown off roofs. Neighbouring property damage including broken windows, damaged structures, or injured occupants can occur if materials travel beyond site boundaries.

Heat Stress During Summer Roofing Removal Operations

Medium

Roofing removal during hot weather creates severe heat stress risks from the combination of intense solar radiation, heat radiating from dark roofing materials, physical exertion required for material removal, and protective clothing preventing body heat dissipation. Workers on roofs are exposed to direct solar radiation without shade, reflected solar radiation from light-coloured surfaces, radiant heat from dark roofing materials that can reach 70°C surface temperature, and radiated heat from surrounding structures. The physical work involved in roofing removal—repeatedly lifting tiles, carrying materials, and climbing ladders or scaffolding—generates substantial metabolic heat adding to environmental heat load. Protective equipment including long-sleeved shirts for sun protection, safety harnesses, gloves, and safety helmets traps body heat preventing effective cooling through evaporation. Heat stress progresses through stages from heat exhaustion (weakness, nausea, dizziness, confusion) to potentially fatal heat stroke (core body temperature exceeding 40°C, loss of consciousness, seizures, and multi-organ failure). The cognitive impairment occurring during heat stress creates secondary hazards—workers with reduced concentration and coordination are at dramatically increased risk of falls, manual handling errors, and poor decision-making about continuing work in dangerous conditions. Heat stress risk is highest during afternoon periods when cumulative heat exposure combines with work fatigue, on days with high temperature and high humidity preventing evaporative cooling, and for workers who are not heat-acclimatised, overweight, taking certain medications, or have pre-existing medical conditions affecting heat tolerance.

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Comprehensive Fall Protection Systems Meeting AS/NZS 1891 Standards

Elimination

The most fundamental control for roofing removal fall hazards is elimination of fall potential through scaffolding with complete edge protection, or where scaffolding is not reasonably practicable, implementation of comprehensive personal fall arrest systems meeting Australian Standards. This control eliminates the primary cause of roofing removal fatalities—falls from height—through physical prevention of fall occurrence or arrest of falls before workers strike ground.

Implementation

1. For all residential single-storey buildings and accessible commercial buildings, install scaffolding providing full perimeter edge protection with guardrails at 1000mm height, midrails at 500mm height, and toeboards preventing materials from sliding off platforms 2. Scaffolding working platforms must be minimum 600mm wide with solid decking providing safe working surfaces for material handling and worker movement 3. Scaffold must extend minimum 600mm above roof working level providing edge protection even when workers are standing on roof surface 4. For buildings where scaffolding is not reasonably practicable due to height, access constraints, or cost disproportionate to risk, implement personal fall arrest systems including structural anchor points designed and certified to withstand 15 kN force in any direction, full-body harnesses meeting AS/NZS 1891.1 with dorsal and sternal D-rings fitted to individual workers, energy-absorbing lanyards or self-retracting lifelines limiting fall arrest forces to maximum 6 kN, and adequate free fall clearance calculations confirming workers cannot strike ground or obstacles if falls occur 5. Install anchor points before any roofing removal work commences, positioning anchors to provide continuous protection as workers move across roof surfaces 6. Use static line fall arrest systems for linear work areas including horizontal lifelines spanning between structural anchor points at ridge or eaves, allowing workers to traverse entire roof length while continuously attached 7. Implement strict attachment protocols requiring workers to remain attached to anchor points 100% of time when above 2 metres height, with specific procedures for transferring between anchor points without creating unprotected gaps 8. Provide safe access to roof level eliminating climbing on eaves, walls, or rainwater goods through purpose-built scaffold stairs, ladders with stabilisation and 1 metre extension above platform, or elevated work platform positioning workers at roof level 9. Conduct fall protection equipment inspections before each use identifying any harness damage, lanyard deterioration, or anchor point movement requiring immediate replacement or repair 10. Train all workers in fall protection equipment use including correct harness donning, lanyard attachment, fall clearance assessment, and emergency rescue procedures if workers are suspended after arrests

Mandatory Asbestos Identification and Licensed Removal Before General Demolition

Elimination

Eliminate asbestos exposure risks by implementing rigorous pre-demolition asbestos identification and requiring licensed asbestos removalists to remove all asbestos roofing materials before general roofing removal work commences. This control eliminates the catastrophic long-term health consequences of asbestos exposure by ensuring general construction workers never encounter or disturb asbestos materials.

Implementation

1. Engage licensed asbestos assessor to conduct comprehensive building inspection before any demolition planning, identifying all asbestos-containing materials including roofing, eaves, flashings, and any other potential ACMs 2. For all buildings constructed or renovated before December 31, 2003, presume roofing contains asbestos until proven otherwise through testing by NATA-accredited laboratory 3. If asbestos roofing is identified or presumed, cease all planning for roofing removal by general construction workers and engage licensed asbestos removalist holding Class A or Class B license 4. Require asbestos removalist to provide written removal plan addressing notification requirements, containment and control measures, waste packaging and disposal, and clearance inspection procedures 5. Asbestos removal work must comply with WHS Regulations including five-business-day notification to work health and safety regulator before work commences, air monitoring during removal confirming fibre concentrations remain below exposure standards, clearance inspection and certificate by independent licensed asbestos assessor after completion, and waste disposal at licensed facilities with appropriate documentation 6. Prohibit commencement of general roofing removal work until asbestos clearance certificate is issued confirming all asbestos has been removed and site is safe for uncontrolled work 7. Provide asbestos awareness training to all workers covering recognition of asbestos materials, health risks from exposure, legal prohibition on disturbing asbestos, and emergency procedures if unexpected asbestos is discovered during work 8. Implement stop-work procedures if suspected asbestos not previously identified is discovered during roofing removal—immediately cease work, evacuate area, engage licensed asbestos assessor for material identification, and do not resume until appropriate controls are implemented 9. Maintain asbestos register documenting all identified materials, removal completion dates, and clearance certificates for regulatory compliance and worker protection

Material Lowering Systems Preventing Manual Throwing of Materials

Engineering

Eliminate falling object hazards by implementing engineering controls including chutes, cranes, or rope systems that provide controlled descent of materials from roof level to ground, preventing workers from throwing materials that creates struck-by hazards for people below and potential public hazards from uncontrolled material travel.

Implementation

1. For tile roofing removal, install tile shoots or rubbish chutes from roof level to ground terminating in skip bins or designated landing areas with appropriate padding 2. Chute systems must be enclosed or covered preventing materials from ejecting sideways during descent, secured to structure preventing movement or collapse, and positioned to direct materials away from working areas and public spaces 3. For metal sheeting and large panel removal, engage mobile crane or elevated work platform to lift materials in controlled manner using appropriate slinging techniques 4. Sheeting must be bundled in manageable quantities (typically maximum 10 sheets per bundle for residential gauge material) with secure strapping preventing separation during lifting 5. For projects where crane access is impractical, implement rope and pulley lowering systems with dedicated ground crew controlling descent rate and preventing load swing 6. Establish ground level exclusion zones with minimum 5 metre radius around all material landing areas, preventing workers or public from entering areas where materials are descending 7. Install barricades and signage marking exclusion zones clearly visible to all workers and public 8. Assign dedicated spotters at ground level responsible for ensuring exclusion zones remain clear and for warning people approaching landing areas 9. Implement communication protocols between roof workers and ground crew using two-way radios or agreed visual signals before any material lowering 10. Prohibit throwing, dropping, or sliding materials off roof edges under any circumstances—all materials must use controlled lowering systems 11. Position skip bins or materials staging areas away from pedestrian footpaths, vehicle parking areas, and building entries preventing public exposure to falling materials

Weather Monitoring and Work Suspension Procedures

Administrative

Prevent weather-related falls and injuries by implementing rigorous weather monitoring procedures and mandatory work suspension when conditions exceed safe work limits. This administrative control eliminates exposure to hazards that cannot be adequately controlled through other means.

Implementation

1. Monitor weather forecasts daily before commencing roofing removal work, identifying predicted wind speeds, rainfall, temperature extremes, and thunderstorm activity 2. Establish weather-based work suspension triggers including wind speeds exceeding 40 km/h requiring immediate work cessation as materials and workers become unstable, any rainfall or within 2 hours after rain ceased requiring verification that roof surfaces are completely dry before work resumes, ambient temperature exceeding 35°C requiring enhanced heat stress controls or work suspension, and thunderstorm activity within 10km requiring immediate evacuation from elevated work 3. Install on-site anemometer (wind speed meter) positioned at roof level providing real-time wind speed monitoring throughout work periods 4. Assign supervisor responsibility for continuous weather monitoring and authority to suspend work immediately when conditions exceed limits 5. Implement strict prohibition on pressuring workers to continue work in marginal weather conditions—workers must have authority to stop work if they believe conditions are unsafe regardless of project schedule pressures 6. Provide weather shelters or facilities allowing workers to wait out brief weather events without leaving site, resuming work when conditions improve 7. For projects with tight schedules, plan work sequences to prioritise critical elements during favourable weather periods and schedule less critical work for times when weather interruptions are more likely 8. Document all weather-related work suspensions including conditions, duration, and resumption criteria providing evidence of conservative decision-making 9. Never resume work after rain until visual inspection confirms roof surfaces are completely dry including metal sheeting, tiles, and particularly timber framing which retains moisture 10. Implement enhanced controls if work must occur during hot weather including shortened work shifts to morning hours only, mandatory breaks every hour in shaded areas, unlimited access to drinking water, and supervisor monitoring for heat stress symptoms

Systematic Material Removal Sequences Maintaining Structural Stability

Administrative

Prevent structural collapse during roofing removal by implementing engineered removal sequences that maintain structural stability throughout all demolition stages, recognising that roof structures often provide critical bracing preventing wall collapse.

Implementation

1. Engage structural engineer to assess building before roofing removal commences if building is constructed before 1980, shows signs of structural distress, has unreinforced masonry walls, or if partial roof removal might affect remaining structure stability 2. Structural engineer must specify removal sequence identifying which elements can be removed first, temporary support requirements if roof provides critical bracing, and verification procedures confirming stability throughout removal 3. Develop written removal plan documenting the sequence of operations including removal of roofing materials (sheeting or tiles), removal of battens and purlins, removal of roof framing (rafters or trusses), and any temporary support installation required 4. Begin removal at highest point (ridge) working downward and outward toward eaves maintaining structural balance, never removing large areas from one side of building creating asymmetric loads 5. Verify structural adequacy of roof framing before allowing workers to walk on members by having workers remain on scaffold or use temporary timber walkways distributing loads across multiple members 6. Identify and mark deteriorated framing members visible from below before workers access roof level, prohibiting workers from applying concentrated loads to any deteriorated members 7. Install temporary support including acrow props or temporary framing if structural engineer specifies this is necessary to maintain wall stability when roof bracing is removed 8. Monitor building for signs of movement or distress throughout removal including wall cracking, door or window frames becoming jammed, and unusual noises indicating structural movement 9. Implement immediate work stop and structural engineer reassessment if any unexpected structural behaviour is observed 10. Document removal sequence completion at each stage providing evidence that specified sequence was followed and structural stability maintained

Comprehensive Personal Protective Equipment for Roofing Removal

Personal Protective Equipment

Provide comprehensive personal protective equipment protecting workers from fall consequences, struck-by injuries from falling materials, solar radiation exposure, and manual handling injuries. While PPE is the last line of defence after engineering and administrative controls, it provides essential protection for residual risks that cannot be fully eliminated.

Implementation

1. Provide and mandate full-body fall arrest harnesses meeting AS/NZS 1891.1 for all workers operating above 2 metres height, with harnesses fitted individually to each worker and inspected before each use 2. Supply energy-absorbing lanyards or self-retracting lifelines appropriate to anchor point configuration and work area, with equipment replaced immediately if subjected to fall arrest forces or showing any damage 3. Provide Class 1 or Class 2 industrial safety helmets meeting AS/NZS 1801 protecting against falling materials and head injuries from falls, with chin straps preventing helmet displacement during falls 4. Supply high-visibility shirts or vests meeting AS/NZS 4602.1 with UV protection rating minimum UPF 50+ protecting against solar radiation during extended outdoor work 5. Provide safety footwear with slip-resistant soles suitable for roof surfaces, steel toe caps protecting against falling materials, and ankle support reducing sprain risk during work on slopes 6. Supply work gloves with adequate grip for material handling in various conditions (dry tiles, wet metal sheeting), cut resistance protecting against sharp edges, and durability for extended use 7. Provide sun protection including wide-brim hats worn under safety helmets where helmet design permits, sunscreen minimum SPF 50+ for exposed skin, and sunglasses with side protection and UV filtering 8. Supply back support belts for workers repeatedly lifting heavy tiles, though emphasise these are supplementary to proper manual handling technique not replacements 9. Require workers to don all PPE before ascending to roof level and maintain PPE throughout work periods 10. Provide adequate PPE inventory ensuring immediate replacement when items are damaged or worn 11. Train workers on correct PPE use including harness donning with all straps adjusted correctly, proper lanyard attachment to harness and anchor points, and PPE limitations

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Personal protective equipment

Requirement: Full-body harness with dorsal and sternal D-rings, adjustable leg and shoulder straps, fitted individually to worker

When: Required at all times when working above 2 metres height on roofs without complete edge protection, to arrest falls before workers strike ground

Requirement: Double lanyard allowing transfer between anchor points, or self-retracting lifeline with maximum 6 kN arrest force

When: Required when using personal fall arrest systems, connecting worker harness to structural anchor points with arrest capability

Requirement: Type 1 or Type 2 industrial safety helmet with chin strap, minimum 100 joule impact protection

When: Required at all times during roofing removal to protect from falling materials and head injuries if falls occur

Requirement: Long-sleeved high-visibility shirt with UPF 50+ UV protection, breathable fabric for heat management

When: Required during all outdoor roofing work to provide high visibility for safety and protection from solar radiation causing skin damage

Requirement: Steel-capped safety boots with slip-resistant soles for roof surfaces, ankle support, penetration-resistant midsole

When: Required at all times during roofing removal to maintain grip on sloped surfaces and protect feet from falling materials

Requirement: Heavy-duty work gloves with good grip in wet and dry conditions, cut resistance, reinforced palms

When: Required when handling roofing materials to maintain grip, protect hands from sharp edges, and reduce repetitive strain

Requirement: Wide-brim hat providing face and neck protection from sun, compatible with safety helmet or worn underneath where design permits

When: Required during outdoor work in direct sunlight to prevent sunburn and reduce heat stress risk

Requirement: Sunglasses with side protection, UV filtering minimum Category 2-3, impact resistance

When: Required during outdoor roofing work to protect eyes from UV radiation and glare affecting vision and safety

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

✓Review asbestos register confirming all asbestos roofing has been removed and clearance certificate obtained before general roofing removal commences
✓Inspect scaffolding or fall protection systems confirming edge protection is complete, anchor points are structurally adequate, and access routes are safe
✓Check weather forecast and current conditions confirming wind speed below 40 km/h, no rain predicted, and temperature within acceptable range for work
✓Verify all workers hold current fall protection training and are competent to use harnesses, lanyards, and fall arrest systems
✓Inspect fall arrest equipment including harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points before each use, identifying any damage requiring replacement
✓Establish ground level exclusion zones with barricades and signage preventing workers and public from entering falling object hazard areas
✓Position material lowering equipment including chutes, ropes, or arrange crane attendance for controlled material descent
✓Verify adequate water and shade facilities are available for breaks particularly during hot weather operations
✓Conduct pre-start briefing with all workers discussing work plan, fall protection requirements, material lowering procedures, weather monitoring, and emergency response
✓Ensure all required PPE is available including harnesses fitted to individual workers, helmets, high-visibility clothing, and sun protection

During work

✓Monitor weather conditions continuously throughout work periods checking wind speed, approaching rain, and temperature changes requiring work adjustment or suspension
✓Verify workers remain attached to fall arrest anchor points 100% of time when above 2 metres height without gaps in protection
✓Inspect fall protection anchor points throughout work confirming they are not being removed with roofing materials and remain structurally adequate
✓Monitor exclusion zones ensuring barricades remain in place and unauthorised persons are excluded from falling object hazard areas
✓Verify material lowering systems are being used correctly with controlled descent and ground crew coordination before each load
✓Watch for signs of structural movement or instability including wall cracking, unusual noises, or framing deflection requiring immediate work stoppage
✓Monitor workers for heat stress symptoms including excessive sweating, weakness, confusion, or coordination difficulties requiring immediate breaks
✓Verify workers are maintaining safe working positions on roof surfaces without overreaching or working on deteriorated framing members
✓Check manual handling practices confirming workers are using proper techniques, taking regular breaks, and not lifting excessive loads
✓Document any incidents, near-misses, or unsafe conditions observed during work requiring investigation and corrective action

After work

✓Inspect remaining roof structure after each day's work identifying any new hazards created including unprotected edges, fragile areas, or structural concerns
✓Verify all materials have been lowered to ground level with nothing left on roof that could fall overnight or be blown off by wind
✓Secure work area preventing unauthorised access to partially demolished roof structures using fencing, signage, or physical barriers
✓Check fall protection systems remain adequate for next day's work or require adjustment due to roof structure changes
✓Clean up ground areas removing debris that accumulated from chutes or lowering operations
✓Review daily work progress against planned removal sequence confirming structural stability is being maintained
✓Assess weather forecast for next work period identifying any predicted conditions requiring work suspension or special precautions
✓Document work completed, materials removed, and any issues encountered for project records and next day planning
✓Conduct debrief with workers identifying any problems, near-misses, or procedural improvements for future operations
✓Store all fall protection equipment securely protecting from weather damage and ensuring availability for next work period
✓Update site access restrictions if roof structure changes create new falling hazards for workers in areas below
✓Coordinate with other trades or building occupants if partial roof removal affects their work areas or creates hazards they must be aware of

Step-by-step work procedure

Give supervisors and crews a clear, auditable sequence for the task.

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Conduct Pre-Demolition Asbestos Assessment and Licensed Removal

Before any roofing removal planning or work commences, engage licensed asbestos assessor to inspect building and identify all asbestos-containing materials. For buildings constructed or renovated before December 31, 2003, presume roofing contains asbestos until proven otherwise. The asbestos assessment must cover all roof components including roof sheeting (corrugated or flat), eaves linings and soffits, ridge capping and flashings, and any other roof-mounted equipment or structures. If asbestos is identified or presumed in roofing, cease all roofing removal planning by general construction workers. Engage licensed asbestos removalist holding appropriate Class A or Class B licence issued by relevant work health and safety regulator. The asbestos removalist must provide written removal plan addressing WHS Regulation requirements including notification to regulator five business days before work commences, containment and control measures preventing fibre release and spread, air monitoring during removal confirming worker protection, and clearance inspection by independent licensed assessor after completion. Do not commence general roofing removal work until asbestos clearance certificate is obtained confirming all asbestos has been removed and site is safe. Provide asbestos awareness training to all workers covering material recognition, health risks, and procedures if unexpected asbestos is discovered during work. Document all asbestos assessment and removal activities for regulatory compliance.

Safety considerations

Asbestos exposure causes fatal diseases developing decades after exposure. Never disturb suspected asbestos roofing materials—always engage licensed removalists before general work commences.

Install Fall Protection Systems Before Roof Access

Establish comprehensive fall protection systems before any workers access roof level eliminating fall hazards that cause the majority of roofing removal fatalities. For all single-storey residential buildings and accessible commercial buildings, install scaffolding around entire building perimeter with complete edge protection. Scaffolding must provide guardrails at 1000mm height and midrails at 500mm, toeboards preventing materials from sliding off platforms, solid decking minimum 600mm wide providing safe working surfaces, and scaffold extending minimum 600mm above roof working level. For buildings where scaffolding is not reasonably practicable, install personal fall arrest systems before any roof access including structural anchor points on solid roof framing capable of withstanding 15 kN force verified by competent person, horizontal lifeline systems spanning between anchor points if linear work areas permit, and individual anchor points at strategic locations providing 100% coverage of roof working areas. Verify adequate free fall clearance exists confirming workers cannot strike ground or obstacles if falls occur—typically requires minimum 6 metres clear space below roof level for energy-absorbing lanyards. Install safe roof access eliminating need to climb walls, eaves, or gutters including scaffold stairs providing direct access to roof level, or extended ladders secured at top and extending 1 metre above platform. Only after fall protection is completely installed and verified may workers access roof level.

Safety considerations

Falls from roofs cause 10-15 deaths annually in Australia. Comprehensive fall protection is mandatory—never allow workers on roofs without scaffolding edge protection or personal fall arrest systems.

Establish Ground Level Exclusion Zones and Material Lowering Systems

Before any roofing materials are removed, establish ground level controls preventing falling object injuries to workers and public. Define exclusion zones with minimum 5 metre radius around entire building perimeter where materials will be lowered or could potentially fall. Install physical barricades using crowd control fencing, barrier tape on stands, or solid barriers preventing unauthorised entry to exclusion zones. Position warning signage at all entry points displaying 'DANGER - OVERHEAD WORK - FALLING OBJECTS - AUTHORISED PERSONNEL ONLY'. For public footpaths or vehicle access areas adjacent to site, install overhead protection including solid scaffold platforms with mesh or solid decking, or relocate exclusion zone boundaries further out encompassing footpaths and requiring pedestrian detours. Install material lowering systems including tile chutes for tile removal running from roof level to skip bins with chutes enclosed or covered preventing material ejection, rope and pulley systems for sheeting bundles with dedicated ground crew controlling descent, or arrange mobile crane attendance for lifting large material bundles. Position skip bins or material landing areas away from pedestrian traffic, vehicle parking, and building entries. Assign dedicated spotters at ground level responsible for ensuring exclusion zones remain clear before any materials are lowered. Establish communication protocols between roof workers and ground crew using two-way radios or visual signals. Prohibit absolutely any throwing or dropping of materials off roof edges under any circumstances.

Safety considerations

Materials falling from roof height develop lethal kinetic energy capable of causing fatal head injuries. Comprehensive ground controls are mandatory to protect workers and public from struck-by hazards.

Don Personal Protective Equipment and Conduct Fall Protection Training

Before any worker accesses roof level, ensure comprehensive personal protective equipment is donned correctly and all workers understand fall protection system use. Begin with full-body fall arrest harness fitted individually to each worker with leg straps adjusted snugly but comfortably, shoulder straps positioned correctly distributing forces evenly, and dorsal D-ring positioned between shoulder blades at correct height. Attach energy-absorbing lanyard to harness dorsal D-ring ensuring connection is secure and gate is fully closed. Put on industrial safety helmet with chin strap adjusted to prevent displacement if falls occur. Don high-visibility long-sleeved shirt providing UV protection and visibility to ground crew. Put on safety footwear with slip-resistant soles suitable for roof surfaces. Conduct buddy check where team members verify each other's harness fit, lanyard attachment, and PPE completeness. Before roof access, conduct fall protection briefing covering anchor point locations and adequacy, attachment requirements (remain attached 100% of time above 2 metres), procedures for transferring between anchor points without creating protection gaps, fall clearance and consequences if falls occur, and emergency rescue procedures if workers are suspended after fall arrests. Have each worker demonstrate correct lanyard attachment to anchor points and proper transfer techniques before permitting roof access. Document all workers' fall protection training and competency assessments.

Safety considerations

Incorrectly fitted harnesses or improper lanyard attachment can fail during falls causing serious injuries or death. Always conduct buddy checks verifying correct PPE donning before roof access.

Access Roof and Attach to Fall Protection Anchor Points

With all preparation complete, workers may access roof level following strict fall protection protocols. Ascend scaffold stairs or ladder to roof level maintaining three points of contact, never carrying materials while climbing. At roof platform level, before stepping onto roof surface, attach lanyard to designated anchor point. If using static line systems, attach lanyards to horizontal lifeline before moving away from access point. If using individual anchor points, attach to nearest anchor before proceeding across roof. Verify lanyard gate is fully closed and locked. Never step onto roof surfaces above 2 metres height without being attached to anchor point first. Move carefully across roof maintaining awareness of surface conditions including slippery areas, fragile materials, or deteriorated framing. If transferring between anchor points, use double lanyard technique where one lanyard remains attached at all times during transfer—attach second lanyard to new anchor point before disconnecting first lanyard from old anchor point. Maintain awareness of lanyard position preventing entanglement with roof components or other workers' lanyards. Test footing before applying full weight to roof surfaces particularly around roof penetrations, deteriorated areas, or near roof edges. Communicate clearly with other workers before moving to avoid lanyard conflicts or coordination issues. If weather conditions deteriorate including wind pickup or approaching rain, evacuate roof immediately following reverse procedure—disconnect lanyards only after reaching safe platform or ground level.

Safety considerations

The most common fatal errors are failing to attach before stepping onto roof or disconnecting to move between work areas. Remain attached 100% of time above 2 metres height without exception.

Remove Roofing Materials Following Systematic Sequence

Begin roofing material removal following planned sequence maintaining structural stability and fall protection adequacy throughout. For tile roofing, start at ridge working downward toward eaves removing tiles individually and passing them to material lowering chute. For metal sheeting, begin at ridge end unclipping sheets from battens and lowering sheets as bundles using crane or rope systems. Remove materials in systematic patterns working across roof in stages maintaining balanced loading and avoiding large single-sided removals that create asymmetric forces. As roof coverings are removed exposing battens and framing, verify structural adequacy before allowing workers to walk on framing members—deteriorated framing may appear adequate when covered but fails under concentrated worker weight. Install temporary timber walkways spanning multiple rafters or trusses if workers must traverse areas where roof covering has been removed. Maintain fall protection anchor point adequacy as work progresses—as roof materials are removed, some anchor points may no longer be structurally adequate requiring relocation to remaining solid framing. Implement manual handling procedures for heavy materials including two-person team handling for tile bundles, mechanical assistance for heavy sheeting bundles, and regular breaks every 30 minutes reducing fatigue. Monitor for signs of structural distress including unusual noises, framing movement, or wall cracking requiring immediate work stoppage and structural engineer assessment. Maintain constant awareness of lanyard positions and attachment adequacy as work areas change.

Safety considerations

Roof structure adequacy decreases as materials are removed. Constantly reassess structural safety and fall protection anchor point adequacy—what was safe at project start may be inadequate now.

Lower Materials Using Controlled Systems

For all materials removed from roof, use controlled lowering systems preventing falling object hazards and environmental impacts from uncontrolled material disposal. For tile roofing, pass tiles into tile chute allowing controlled descent to skip bin below—never throw tiles off roof. Communicate with ground spotter before loading chute verifying exclusion zone is clear of people and that skip bin has capacity for additional material. For metal sheeting bundles, coordinate with crane operator or rope handling crew on ground. Securely strap sheeting bundles preventing separation during lifting. Use appropriate slinging techniques with slings positioned to maintain bundle integrity. Signal crane operator when bundle is ready for lifting. Crane operator lifts bundle clear of roof, swings to landing area, and lowers under ground crew control. For rope lowering systems, attach rope to bundle using secure knots or slings. Ground crew takes weight on rope before roof crew releases bundle from roof structure. Ground crew controls descent rate preventing rapid drops or load swinging. Never release materials from roof before ground crew is ready and exclusion zone is confirmed clear. If materials accidentally drop or fall, immediately warn ground crew and all personnel below shouting 'HEADS UP' or activating air horn to alert to falling objects. Document any uncontrolled material releases as near-miss incidents requiring investigation of why control failed and implementation of corrective actions.

Safety considerations

Throwing materials from roofs is prohibited absolutely—materials develop lethal kinetic energy during falls capable of killing workers or public below. Always use controlled lowering systems.

Monitor Weather and Implement Work Suspension Protocols

Throughout all roofing removal operations, continuously monitor weather conditions implementing immediate work suspension when conditions exceed safe limits. Check on-site anemometer or weather station providing real-time wind speed data. If wind speed exceeds 40 km/h, immediately suspend work, secure all loose materials, evacuate workers from roof to ground level, and do not resume until wind speed drops below 35 km/h with forecast indicating winds will remain manageable. If rain commences or is imminent within next 30 minutes based on weather radar, immediately evacuate roof and do not resume work until minimum 2 hours after rain ceases and until visual inspection confirms all roof surfaces are completely dry. During hot weather with temperatures exceeding 30°C, implement enhanced heat stress controls including mandatory 10-minute breaks every hour in shaded areas, unlimited access to cool drinking water, supervisor monitoring for heat stress symptoms including excessive sweating, weakness, or confusion, and consideration of work suspension if temperature exceeds 35°C ambient. If thunderstorms develop within 10 kilometres indicated by thunder heard or lightning seen, immediately evacuate all workers from elevated work positions and do not resume until storm passes and minimum 30 minutes elapsed since last thunder. Never pressure workers to continue in marginal weather—workers must have authority to stop work if they believe conditions are unsafe. Document all weather-related work suspensions including conditions, duration, and resumption criteria demonstrating conservative decision-making prioritising safety over schedule.

Safety considerations

Weather conditions dramatically affect roofing removal safety. Wind, rain, and heat create fall hazards that cannot be adequately controlled through other means—work suspension is mandatory when conditions exceed limits.

Secure Work Area and Implement Public Safety Measures

At completion of each work day or whenever work is suspended, secure the partially demolished roof preventing unauthorised access and protecting public from hazards created by partial demolition. Remove all loose materials from roof surfaces that could be blown off overnight by wind including sheeting offcuts, tools, or debris. Lower all materials to ground level—nothing should remain on roof overnight. Cover any roof openings or penetrations created during removal using plywood secured to framing or temporary tarpaulins weighted or tied down preventing displacement by wind. Inspect remaining roof structure confirming stability and identifying any new fragile areas or unprotected edges requiring additional protection. Install temporary edge protection barriers at roof edges where materials have been removed eliminating fall hazards. Secure site perimeter preventing public access to work areas using fencing, signage, and locked gates if site is unattended overnight. Illuminate hazard areas if site is occupied or accessible to public after dark. Update site signage reflecting current hazards and restrictions. Coordinate with building occupants if partial roof removal creates hazards affecting their access or activities. Inspect ground areas removing debris that accumulated during day's operations. Verify skip bins are not overfilled creating overflow hazards. Document work completed and remaining work for next period. Conduct end-of-day briefing with workers reviewing any incidents, near-misses, or issues requiring attention before next work period. Plan next day's work sequence accounting for remaining roof structure configuration and fall protection requirements.

Safety considerations

Partially demolished roofs create public safety hazards if not properly secured. Falling materials overnight or public access to unsafe structures creates liability if injuries occur.

Document Operations and Maintain Regulatory Compliance Records

Throughout all roofing removal operations and at project completion, maintain comprehensive documentation providing evidence of safety compliance and proper procedures. Complete daily work logs recording work completed, materials removed, weather conditions and any work suspensions, incidents or near-misses observed, and any deviations from planned procedures. Document pre-start inspections of fall protection equipment including harness inspections, lanyard condition checks, and anchor point verification. Record worker training and competency including fall protection training dates, asbestos awareness training completion, and individual worker certifications. Photograph work progress including pre-commencement conditions, fall protection systems installed, work in progress, and completed stages for project documentation. Maintain asbestos-related documentation including asbestos assessment reports, removal completion certificates, clearance certificates, and notification receipts from work health and safety regulators. Document any structural engineering input including pre-demolition assessments, removal sequence specifications, and verification that specified sequences were followed. Record all weather monitoring data including wind speeds, temperature readings, and decisions to suspend or resume work based on conditions. Maintain equipment inspection and maintenance records for fall protection equipment, scaffolding, and material handling equipment. Archive incident reports, near-miss investigations, and corrective action records. Retain all records minimum 7 years as required under WHS regulations, providing evidence of due diligence if regulatory questions arise, supporting insurance claims if incidents occur, and demonstrating continuous improvement in safety performance.

Safety considerations

Comprehensive documentation demonstrates due diligence and provides evidence that all reasonable precautions were taken. Inadequate records undermine defence against prosecution if serious incidents occur.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need scaffolding with edge protection for all roofing removal work, or can I use harnesses and lanyards instead?

Australian work health and safety regulations require elimination of fall hazards where reasonably practicable before considering control measures lower in the hierarchy of controls. For roofing removal work, scaffolding with complete edge protection represents the highest level of fall protection, physically preventing falls rather than merely arresting them after they occur. Scaffolding is considered reasonably practicable for the majority of residential single-storey buildings and many commercial buildings up to two storeys where scaffold can be erected at proportionate cost to the project value and fall risk. Safe Work Australia guidance and WHS inspectorate practice consistently indicate that scaffolding should be the default fall protection for roofing work unless specific factors make it genuinely impracticable rather than merely more expensive. Personal fall arrest systems using harnesses and lanyards are acceptable where scaffolding is genuinely not reasonably practicable due to building height making scaffold prohibitively expensive, site access constraints preventing scaffold erection or delivery, or very short duration work where scaffold erection time exceeds work duration. However, even in these situations, contractors must demonstrate they genuinely considered scaffolding and made an informed decision that it was not reasonably practicable based on objective assessment. The mere fact that harness systems are cheaper or faster to deploy does not make scaffolding impracticable—the test is whether scaffolding is technically feasible and whether the cost is proportionate to the risk being controlled. Work health and safety regulators routinely prosecute contractors using harness systems where scaffolding was clearly feasible, with courts finding that cost alone does not make scaffolding impracticable for work presenting such serious fall risks. Insurance companies increasingly require scaffolding for roofing work with policy exclusions applying if falls occur while using harness systems where scaffold was feasible. If your project genuinely requires personal fall arrest systems rather than scaffolding, document your reasoning including cost comparisons, technical feasibility assessment, and consideration of access constraints—this documented decision-making process demonstrates due diligence if your decision is questioned during incident investigations or compliance inspections.

How do I identify asbestos roofing materials, and what should I do if I discover unexpected asbestos during roofing removal?

Asbestos cement roofing commonly appears in Australian buildings constructed 1950-1990 and has distinctive characteristics allowing tentative identification. Common asbestos cement roofing profiles include corrugated 'Super Six' sheeting with characteristic wavy profile, flat sheeting often used for eaves soffits with dense, brittle texture, and high-density sheeting on industrial buildings with very heavy weight relative to size. Visual identification clues include older roofing appearing weathered or aged consistent with 30-50 year old materials, grey or blue-grey colouration (though some asbestos cement was painted making colour unreliable), brittle or friable texture that fractures rather than bends, and older fixing patterns using nails or screws different from modern fixings. However, visual identification alone is unreliable—many modern fibre cement materials appear very similar to asbestos cement and only laboratory testing by NATA-accredited facilities can definitively confirm asbestos presence. For buildings constructed before December 31, 2003, the safest approach is presumptive identification—treat all roofing as containing asbestos until proven otherwise through testing. If you discover suspected asbestos roofing that was not identified in pre-demolition assessments, implement immediate response procedures: stop all work immediately and evacuate workers from the area, establish exclusion zone preventing others from entering, do not attempt to clean up or remove any material that was disturbed, notify site supervisor and client immediately, engage licensed asbestos assessor to attend site and assess the material, document exactly what occurred including what materials were disturbed and worker exposure details, and do not resume any work until licensed assessment is complete and appropriate controls are implemented. If the material is confirmed as asbestos, all removal must be conducted by licensed asbestos removalists—general construction workers are legally prohibited from removing asbestos regardless of quantity. If workers were potentially exposed during disturbance before discovery, document exposure circumstances, provide medical advice to exposed workers, and notify work health and safety regulator if exposure may have exceeded regulatory limits. The costs and delays from discovering unexpected asbestos underscore the critical importance of comprehensive pre-demolition asbestos assessment by licensed assessors—discovering asbestos mid-project invariably causes greater disruption than if it had been properly identified and removed before general demolition commenced.

What weather conditions require suspension of roofing removal work, and how do I monitor weather safely?

Roofing removal work must be suspended when weather conditions create uncontrollable fall hazards or other risks that cannot be adequately managed through available control measures. Mandatory work suspension triggers include wind speeds exceeding 40 km/h measured at roof level as wind creates instability for workers and materials, any active rainfall or within 2 hours after rain ceased until visual inspection confirms roof surfaces are completely dry, ambient temperature exceeding 35°C requiring either enhanced heat stress controls or work suspension if controls are inadequate, and thunderstorm activity within 10 kilometres indicated by visible lightning or audible thunder requiring immediate evacuation from elevated positions. Additional weather considerations include extreme heat combined with high humidity preventing evaporative cooling and dramatically increasing heat stress risk even at temperatures below 35°C, very low temperatures below 5°C affecting worker dexterity and increasing slip risks from frost or ice on surfaces, and heavy dust or smoke affecting visibility and creating respiratory hazards. Weather monitoring should include checking Bureau of Meteorology forecasts before commencing work each day identifying predicted conditions throughout the work period, installing on-site anemometer at roof level providing real-time wind speed data visible to supervisors, accessing weather radar applications showing approaching rain or storms, and assigning supervisor responsibility for continuous weather monitoring with authority to suspend work immediately without seeking higher approval if conditions exceed limits. Workers must never be pressured to continue work in marginal weather conditions—safety must always override schedule pressures. Documented weather suspension procedures should specify decision-making authority (typically site supervisor or workers themselves), communication protocols for announcing work suspension, securing procedures before evacuating roof including lowering loose materials and covering openings, and resumption criteria including verification of suitable conditions before restarting work. Insurance policies may exclude coverage for incidents occurring in weather conditions outside specified limits, and work health and safety regulators view working in dangerous weather as strong evidence of inadequate risk management potentially supporting prosecution. The relatively short suspension times required for weather to improve (rain typically passes quickly, wind often drops in evenings, and hot conditions can be avoided by working morning shifts only) make weather suspension far preferable to the catastrophic consequences of falls caused by weather-related loss of balance or control.

What should I do if a worker falls while wearing a fall arrest harness and is left suspended after the fall?

Workers suspended in fall arrest harnesses after falls face life-threatening suspension trauma (also called harness hang syndrome) caused by leg straps restricting blood flow in legs, blood pooling in lower extremities reducing blood flow to brain and vital organs, and unconsciousness developing within 10-20 minutes if worker cannot relieve pressure on leg straps. Immediate response is critical to prevent fatalities from suspension trauma even when falls themselves did not cause serious injuries. If a worker falls and is suspended in harness, implement emergency rescue procedures immediately: call emergency services (000) stating 'construction fall with worker suspended in harness requiring immediate rescue', activate site emergency response with all nearby workers converging on location to assist, communicate with suspended worker if conscious asking about injuries and reassuring that rescue is underway, instruct suspended worker to use foot loops or stirrups (if harness is equipped) to relieve pressure on leg straps by standing in loops, implement rescue within 10 minutes using pre-planned rescue equipment which should include rescue descent devices allowing controlled lowering of suspended workers, ladders or elevated work platforms providing access to suspended worker position, or rope rescue equipment if workers are trained in rope rescue techniques. If rescue equipment is not immediately available and suspended worker is losing consciousness, emergency services may need to access worker using ladder trucks or other equipment. Never leave suspended workers hanging while waiting for emergency services if site rescue capability exists—suspension trauma can kill within 20 minutes even for workers with no fall injuries. After rescue, workers who were suspended must receive immediate medical assessment even if they claim to feel fine—suspension trauma effects can be delayed and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias can occur hours after rescue. Workers must be transported lying down as sitting or standing positions after suspension can trigger cardiac arrest. Site emergency response plans must include pre-planned suspension rescue procedures, designated rescue equipment maintained and regularly inspected, worker training in suspension rescue techniques, and regular emergency drills practising suspension rescue. The need for 10-minute rescue capability drives decisions about harness use—if suspended workers cannot be rescued within 10 minutes due to height, access difficulties, or lack of rescue equipment, harness systems may not be appropriate and alternative fall protection including scaffolding should be implemented.

Can we remove roof structures including rafters and trusses ourselves, or do we need structural engineering input?

Australian Standard AS 2601 The Demolition of Structures Section 4.2.2 requires that demolition work affecting structural stability must be planned and supervised by a competent person with appropriate structural engineering knowledge and qualifications. For roofing removal, this requirement applies when roof structures provide lateral bracing preventing wall collapse (common in older unreinforced masonry buildings), when partial roof removal is planned leaving portions of roof in place requiring assessment of remaining structure stability, when buildings show signs of structural distress including wall cracking, deflection, or previous damage, or when roof structures are deteriorated by termites, rot, or overloading and their capacity is uncertain. Structural engineers can provide critical input including assessment of roof bracing role in overall building stability, specification of temporary support requirements if roof bracing must be removed, sequencing of removal operations maintaining structural balance throughout demolition, identification of deteriorated structural members requiring special handling or additional support, and verification procedures confirming structure remains stable as removal progresses. The relatively modest cost of structural engineering input (typically $2,000-5,000 for residential projects, more for complex commercial buildings) is insignificant compared to the catastrophic consequences of structural collapse during roofing removal. Collapses during demolition typically occur suddenly without warning as critical structural elements are removed, giving workers no opportunity to escape. Multiple worker fatalities from demolition collapses occur annually in Australia with coronial investigations consistently identifying inadequate structural engineering input as primary causal factors. Work health and safety regulators prosecute demolition contractors who proceed without structural engineering where it was clearly required, with penalties reflecting the easily preventable nature of failures resulting from inadequate planning. For straightforward single-storey timber frame residential buildings in good condition with complete roof removal planned, structural engineering may not be necessary if the contractor has appropriate demolition experience and can demonstrate competency in structural assessment. However, for any building presenting structural uncertainty, partial roof removal projects, or buildings with masonry walls potentially relying on roof bracing, engage structural engineers before commencing work. Document your decision-making process regarding structural engineering including factors considered, experience and qualifications of persons making assessments, and rationale for concluding structural engineering was or was not required—this documentation demonstrates due diligence if your decisions are questioned during incident investigations.

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Key Controls

• Pre-start briefing covering hazards
• PPE: hard hats, eye protection, gloves
• Emergency plan communicated to crew

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Roofing Removal Safe Work Method Statement

What this SWMS covers

Why this SWMS matters

Hazard identification

Falls from Height During Roof Access and Material Removal

Exposure to Asbestos from Asbestos Cement Roofing Materials

Manual Handling Injuries from Lifting and Carrying Roofing Materials

Structural Instability During Roof Structure Removal

Falling Objects Striking Workers or Public Below Roof

Heat Stress During Summer Roofing Removal Operations

Control measures

Comprehensive Fall Protection Systems Meeting AS/NZS 1891 Standards

Mandatory Asbestos Identification and Licensed Removal Before General Demolition

Material Lowering Systems Preventing Manual Throwing of Materials

Weather Monitoring and Work Suspension Procedures

Systematic Material Removal Sequences Maintaining Structural Stability

Comprehensive Personal Protective Equipment for Roofing Removal

Personal protective equipment

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

During work

After work

Step-by-step work procedure

Conduct Pre-Demolition Asbestos Assessment and Licensed Removal

Install Fall Protection Systems Before Roof Access

Establish Ground Level Exclusion Zones and Material Lowering Systems

Don Personal Protective Equipment and Conduct Fall Protection Training

Access Roof and Attach to Fall Protection Anchor Points

Remove Roofing Materials Following Systematic Sequence

Lower Materials Using Controlled Systems

Monitor Weather and Implement Work Suspension Protocols

Secure Work Area and Implement Public Safety Measures

Document Operations and Maintain Regulatory Compliance Records

Frequently asked questions

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