Roofing - Sheeting Safe Work Method Statement

Physical edge protection systems meeting AS/NZS 4576 specifications must be installed around the entire roof perimeter before any roof sheeting work commences. This protection must include guardrails with top rails at 900-1100mm height, mid-rails or mesh infill preventing gaps exceeding 225mm, structural capacity to withstand 1.5kN loads applied in any direction, and toe boards minimum 100mm height preventing materials from rolling off edges. Edge protection provides collective fall prevention for all workers conducting sheeting installation without requiring individual workers to wear harnesses or maintain constant awareness of edge locations. The hierarchy of control under WHS legislation requires physical edge protection to be used in preference to personal fall arrest systems using harnesses, which should only be used where physical barriers are genuinely not reasonably practicable such as on very steep pitched roofs or during edge protection installation itself. Edge protection must remain in place throughout entire sheeting installation period and must not be removed until all work at heights is completed. Temporary removal for material access must follow permit-to-work procedures with alternative controls implemented during removal period. Daily inspection of edge protection must be conducted before work commences, verifying structural integrity, complete coverage, and absence of gaps or damage. Any deficiencies must be rectified before roofing work proceeds. Your SWMS must specify the type of edge protection being installed, installation methodology, inspection procedures, and protocols for maintaining protection throughout work duration.

Roof sheeting installation must be suspended when sustained wind speeds exceed 40 km/h or when wind gusts exceed 50 km/h, as winds at or above these levels create forces that make safe sheet control impossible and create significant risk of workers being pulled off balance or over edges by wind-caught materials. Wind speed should be monitored using handheld anemometer at roof level in exposed positions, not ground level where readings underestimate actual roof exposure. Monitoring should occur at work commencement and hourly throughout work period as wind conditions commonly deteriorate during daytime. Additionally, work should be suspended if workers observe difficulty controlling sheets regardless of measured wind speed, if sudden gusts are occurring creating unpredictable forces, or if Bureau of Meteorology forecasts high winds or storm activity. Wind affects roof sheeting work through multiple mechanisms including catching large sheets acting as sails and pulling them from workers' grasp or dragging workers toward edges, lifting partially secured sheets causing material damage and potential worker entrapment, creating projectile hazards from loose materials, and making stable footing difficult on exposed roof surfaces. Conservative approach to wind suspension is essential as attempting to continue work in marginal conditions creates serious incident risk whilst typically resulting in poor quality work and material damage requiring rework. Many Australian locations experience calm morning conditions giving way to afternoon winds, suggesting work scheduling favoring early starts to complete sheeting installation before winds develop. When work must be suspended for wind, establish procedures for securing partially installed sheets preventing damage to incomplete work, and communicate revised schedule to clients managing expectations that roofing work must be flexible to accommodate weather conditions.

Large roof sheets must be lifted using team lifting with minimum two workers for sheets exceeding 4 metres length or 15 kg weight, and three or more workers for sheets exceeding 6 metres or 25 kg, never attempting single-person handling of oversized materials. Team lifting requires coordination with clear communication including counting down before synchronized lifting, maintaining even load distribution with workers positioned at opposite ends of sheets, and coordinated movement when carrying materials across uneven roof surfaces. For projects involving large sheet quantities, mechanical lifting aids including roof hoists, conveyors, or material lifts should be used eliminating repetitive manual handling strain on workers. Mechanical lifting is strongly preferred over manual methods as it eliminates cumulative trauma from sustained physical exertion. When passing sheets from ground crew to roof crew, coordinate transfer to maintain control throughout changeover preventing dropped materials. Never carry sheets whilst climbing ladders as this prevents maintaining three-point contact and creates severe fall risk - use mechanical lifting or pass materials after workers are positioned on roof via scaffold platforms or other methods. Proper manual handling technique includes bending knees rather than back when lifting from ground, keeping loads close to body, avoiding twisting motions whilst carrying materials, and taking regular rest breaks preventing fatigue that impairs safe handling. Workers must be trained to recognize early symptoms of manual handling injury including back pain, shoulder strain, and muscle fatigue, with immediate reporting requirements allowing intervention before serious injuries develop. Your SWMS must specify team lifting requirements for different sheet sizes, availability of mechanical aids, and manual handling training for all workers.

Cut-resistant gloves rated minimum Level D per AS/NZS 2161.2 are mandatory during all roof sheeting handling operations as metal edges can cause severe lacerations to unprotected hands. Gloves must provide both cut protection from sharp edges and adequate grip on metal surfaces to prevent materials slipping. Long-sleeved shirts covering arms protect against incidental contact with sharp edges when reaching across installed sheets. Safety glasses compliant with AS/NZS 1337 with side shields protect eyes from metal swarf generated during cutting operations and from debris. Steel toe cap safety boots compliant with AS/NZS 2210.3 with slip-resistant soles protect feet from crushing injuries if materials are dropped and provide traction on sloped metal surfaces. Hard hats with chin straps protect against falling objects and head impacts whilst preventing dislodgement during overhead work. Hearing protection rated Class 4 or 5 per AS/NZS 1270 is required during sustained power tool operation including screw guns to prevent cumulative hearing damage from noise exposure exceeding 85 decibels. Sun protection including UPF 50+ long sleeves, wide-brimmed hard hat, and SPF 50+ sunscreen protects against solar UV exposure during outdoor work, with sunscreen requiring reapplication every 2 hours. If working on roofs without physical edge protection, full body harness compliant with AS/NZS 1891.1 with energy-absorbing lanyard must be worn and attached to certified anchor points throughout work period. All PPE must be inspected before use verifying serviceable condition, with damaged items removed from service immediately. Workers must be trained in correct PPE use including proper glove selection, harness donning and adjustment, and respirator fit testing if respiratory protection is required for any operations. Multiple pairs of gloves should be available allowing changes when gloves become wet or worn, as continuing to use ineffective PPE provides false sense of protection whilst offering no actual safety benefit.

Heat stress prevention during roof sheeting installation requires multiple controls implemented simultaneously addressing the extreme temperatures, physical exertion, and thermal load from PPE. Work scheduling to commence early (5:00-6:00 AM) and suspend during peak afternoon heat (typically 12:00 PM onward when temperatures exceed 32°C) provides elimination-level control by removing workers from heat exposure during most dangerous period. Mandatory work-rest cycles based on temperature ensure workers recover between heat exposure periods rather than accumulating heat stress - implement 45 minutes work and 15 minutes rest when temperatures are 30-35°C, or 30 minutes work and 20 minutes rest above 35°C. Provide cool drinking water accessible at roof level requiring workers to consume minimum 250ml every 15-20 minutes, with consumption commencing before thirst develops rather than waiting until dehydration symptoms appear. Establish air-conditioned rest facilities or shaded areas with fans where workers achieve genuine core temperature reduction during breaks - rest in ambient temperature shade provides minimal cooling benefit. Suspend all roof sheeting work when Bureau of Meteorology forecasts temperatures exceeding 38°C or issues extreme heat warnings, as heat stress risk remains high even with other controls implemented. Train all workers and supervisors to recognize heat stress symptoms including profuse sweating, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and hot dry skin indicating heat stroke emergency, with mandatory immediate reporting and cooling intervention. Monitor workers throughout hot weather observing for reduced work pace, excessive fatigue, or behavioral changes suggesting heat stress, with supervisor authority to remove symptomatic workers from heat exposure. Provide cooling equipment including ice vests, evaporative cooling towels, and cold water for hand immersion during breaks. Light-colored clothing reflects solar radiation reducing heat absorption compared to dark colors. Acclimatize new or returning workers through progressive heat exposure over 7-14 days rather than full workload immediately. Document heat stress controls implemented and any symptoms observed in site diary demonstrating systematic heat management.

If a worker falls during roof sheeting work, immediately activate emergency response procedures beginning with ensuring your own safety before attempting assistance. If worker has fallen over roof edge to ground level, do not move them unless immediate danger exists such as fire, as movement can exacerbate spinal injuries. Call triple zero (000) immediately requesting ambulance and providing accurate location details including building address and access information. Render first aid within your competency level including controlling any bleeding, monitoring consciousness and breathing, and maintaining airway if unconscious. If worker is suspended in fall arrest harness after arrested fall, implement suspension trauma rescue immediately as suspended casualties can develop fatal circulation complications within minutes. Rescue requires cutting or lowering suspended worker to ground using rescue equipment that should be pre-positioned at site, never leaving suspended casualties hanging whilst waiting for emergency services. For falls without serious injury, still seek medical assessment as internal injuries or shock can develop. Preserve incident scene preventing disturbance of equipment or fall location as WorkSafe will investigate serious incidents. Notify site supervisor and management immediately who will coordinate WorkSafe notification (mandatory for serious injuries requiring hospitalization). Document incident details including time, location, circumstances, injuries sustained, and emergency response actions taken. Conduct incident investigation identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions preventing recurrence. Provide support to affected worker and crew members who may be traumatized by witnessing incident. Review and update SWMS and emergency procedures based on incident learnings. Falls from roofs are preventable through proper fall protection implementation - most falls occur when edge protection is absent or when workers bypass existing protections. Emergency response preparation through training, equipment provision, and regular drills ensures effective intervention if incidents occur despite preventive controls.