Roofing

Roofing SWMS

• Heat Stress Safe Work Method StatementEssential procedures for managing extreme heat exposure during roofing work in Australian summer conditions including work-rest cycles and hydration requirements
• Painting Asbestos Roofs Safe Work Method StatementSpecialised procedures for coating and sealing asbestos-containing roofing materials whilst minimising fibre release and worker exposure
• Roof Edge Protection Safe Work Method StatementDraft guidance for installing and maintaining roof-edge barriers, with site-specific design and competent review.
• Roof Work Safe Work Method StatementGeneral procedures for all roof working activities including access systems, fall protection, weather monitoring, and emergency response for maintenance and repairs
• Roofing - Sheeting Safe Work Method StatementDetailed procedures for metal roof sheeting installation including material handling, fastening systems, working in exposed conditions, and fall prevention
• Roofing - Tiled Safe Work Method StatementComprehensive procedures for concrete and terracotta tile roof installation including manual handling, working on sloped surfaces, and managing fragile materials
• Roofing Removal Safe Work Method StatementHigh-risk work procedures for safely removing existing roof coverings including asbestos identification, structural stability assessment, and safe lowering of materials
• Skylight-Whirlybird Installation Safe Work Method StatementProcedures for creating and sealing roof penetrations for natural lighting and ventilation whilst maintaining fall protection and weatherproofing integrity

All Roofing documents (8)

What is Roofing work?

Roofing work encompasses all activities involved in the installation, maintenance, repair, and removal of roof coverings and associated structures on buildings of all types. This specialised construction trade requires workers to operate at heights, often on sloped and potentially unstable surfaces, whilst handling heavy materials and operating specialised equipment in conditions exposed to Australian weather extremes.

Roof sheeting installation involves the placement and securing of metal roofing materials including corrugated steel, COLORBOND, zinc-aluminium coated steel, and other metal roof coverings. This work requires precise measurement, cutting, lifting materials to height, securing to roof structures with appropriate fasteners, and ensuring proper overlap and flashing installation for weatherproofing. Workers must coordinate material delivery, establish safe access systems, implement fall protection measures, and work with power tools at heights whilst managing materials that can act as sails in windy conditions.

Tiled roofing work involves the installation of concrete or terracotta roof tiles, which are significantly heavier than metal alternatives and require different installation techniques. This labour-intensive work involves establishing batten systems, laying underlay membranes, cutting and shaping tiles to fit valleys and edges, bedding and pointing ridge capping, and installing ventilation and penetration flashings. The weight and brittleness of roof tiles create particular manual handling and breakage hazards, whilst the finished tile surface becomes extremely slippery when wet.

Roof work encompasses general roofing activities beyond new installation, including maintenance inspections, repairs to damaged sections, cleaning, painting, and installation of roof-mounted equipment such as solar panels, antennas, skylights, and whirlybirds. This work often occurs on existing, potentially fragile or deteriorated roof surfaces where unexpected structural weakness or concealed asbestos materials may be encountered. Workers must assess roof integrity before accessing, identify safe load-bearing paths, and avoid stepping on fragile materials.

Select fall controls for the actual roof, access and work sequence. First consider working from the ground or solid construction. Where that is not reasonably practicable, follow the fall-control hierarchy: fall prevention devices, then work positioning, then fall arrest, as each higher control is not reasonably practicable. Guardrails are a fall prevention device. Roof safety mesh can protect against falls through roof material; it does not protect against falls over roof edges or through roof holes. Use a system designed for the roof pitch, supporting structure and work. Follow the applicable standards, engineering design and manufacturer instructions for rail heights, gaps, post spacing, loads, fixings and falling-object protection. Do not use dimensions from a generic guide as installation specifications.

Roofing removal work involves the safe dismantling and removal of existing roof coverings prior to replacement or building demolition. This high-risk activity requires careful planning to prevent sudden structural collapse, management of asbestos-containing materials common in older roofs, safe lowering of removed materials, and protection of areas below from falling objects. Removal work often reveals unexpected hazards including deteriorated roof structures, concealed services, and accumulated debris.

Roof work also needs planning for heat, weather, fragile materials and openings such as skylights. Assess these conditions before access and as the work changes.

Why it matters

A roof fall can cause serious injury or death. Controls must be in place before anyone is exposed, including the people installing or removing edge protection. A SWMS records the planned controls; it does not replace their installation, inspection or use.

For construction work, model r291 includes a risk of falling more than 2 metres. Model r299 requires a SWMS before HRCW starts. Fall risks below that height still need controls. Check local law: Victoria uses the OHS Regulations 2017; WA uses the WHS (General) Regulations 2022.

Select fall controls for the actual roof, access and work sequence. First consider working from the ground or solid construction. Where that is not reasonably practicable, follow the fall-control hierarchy: fall prevention devices, then work positioning, then fall arrest, as each higher control is not reasonably practicable. Guardrails are a fall prevention device. Roof safety mesh can protect against falls through roof material; it does not protect against falls over roof edges or through roof holes.

Provide information, training, instruction and supervision suited to the task and equipment. Verify installer competence, rescue arrangements and any applicable high-risk work licences. A generic guide cannot prescribe one training unit or refresher interval for every roofing task.

Set weather limits for the actual roof, materials, lifting equipment and fall protection system. Use manufacturer limits and site assessment for wind, rain, lightning and heat. Stop when conditions make the planned controls ineffective; secure materials and use the agreed safe exit route. There is no single wind speed or temperature that makes every roofing job safe.

Main hazards

• Falls from Roof Edges and OpeningsUnprotected edges, fragile roof material and openings can expose workers to serious or fatal falls. Check the actual roof, safe access and fall controls before anyone goes onto it.
• Extreme Heat Stress and DehydrationDirect sun, physical work and hot roof surfaces can cause heat illness. Plan shade, drinking water, rest, supervision and work changes for actual conditions.
• Severe Weather Exposure and Surface ConditionsSet weather limits for the actual roof, materials, lifting equipment and fall protection system. Use manufacturer limits and site assessment for wind, rain, lightning and heat. Stop when conditions make the planned controls ineffective; secure materials and use the agreed safe exit route. There is no single wind speed or temperature that makes every roofing job safe.
• Manual Handling Injuries from Heavy Roofing MaterialsAssess the load, reach, posture, repetition, roof pitch and wind. Use mechanical handling where reasonably practicable and plan storage and delivery to avoid carrying loads up ladders. There is no universal safe lifting weight or national 16 kg team-lift rule.
• Contact with Overhead PowerlinesLocate overhead services and agree controls with the network operator before bringing people, plant or roofing sheets near them. Use the applicable approach distances and isolation arrangements; do not assume a clearance from a generic guide is safe.
• Lacerations from Sharp Metal Edges and Flying DebrisMetal roofing materials feature extremely sharp edges capable of causing severe lacerations, with corrugated profiles creating multiple cutting surfaces along each sheet. Freshly cut metal edges from shears or circular saws are particularly dangerous, creating razor-sharp burrs and shards. Workers handling, positioning, and walking across metal roofing sustain cuts to hands, arms, legs, and torsos from contact with sheet edges. The elevated working position and need to control large sheets in wind creates circumstances where maintaining safe grip and avoiding contact with edges is challenging. Cutting operations using powered tools generate metal shards and swarf that become embedded in skin and eyes, whilst grinding sparks can cause burns and ignite flammable materials. Dropped tools, screws, and metal offcuts can fall considerable distances, striking workers below with significant force. Worn gloves lose their protective capacity but workers may continue using them, exposing hands to cuts. This hazard requires comprehensive PPE including heavy-duty cut-resistant gloves, long-sleeved protective clothing, safety glasses, and establishment of exclusion zones below work areas.
• Asbestos Exposure in Existing RoofsDo not identify asbestos by appearance alone. Before disturbing suspected material, stop and arrange assessment by a competent person. Follow the local asbestos identification, removal licensing, control and disposal requirements; do not rely on a general roofing SWMS as removal instructions.
• Inadequate Access and Egress SystemsSafe access to and from roof working areas is essential but often inadequately provided. Ladders that are too short, inappropriately positioned, unsecured, or damaged create significant fall hazards during the crucial access and egress phases. Workers carrying tools or materials whilst climbing ladders face increased instability and reduced ability to maintain three points of contact. Ladder angles that are too steep or too shallow increase fall risk, whilst inadequate tie-off at the top or unstable footing at the base cause ladder movement. Access through roof spaces, skylights, or hatches may require working in confined spaces with inadequate lighting, ventilation, or emergency egress. Scaffolding access may feature stairs that are too steep, lack handrails, or have open risers allowing foot slippage. During emergencies including weather events, injuries, or structural failures, rapid evacuation becomes essential but may be impeded by inadequate egress routes. Night work compounds access hazards through reduced visibility. This hazard requires comprehensive planning including purpose-built access systems, pre-use inspection, weather monitoring, and maintained emergency egress routes.