Method statement for roof access and roof work
A roof-work method statement must describe safe access, the work area, roof condition and the collective measures that prevent falls. It should address open edges, fragile rooflights and sheets, falling materials, weather, manual handling and rescue after a fall. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require avoidance of height where possible and prioritise collective protection such as suitable scaffolding and guardrails over personal systems. Roof workers need appropriate competence, supervision and equipment inspection. Do not assume a surface is load-bearing because it looks sound. Mark fragile areas from a survey, provide protected access or crawling boards where justified, establish a ground-level exclusion zone, and set clear wind, rain or ice limits before the team goes up.
- ✓5 steps from preparation to completion
- ✓Covers: 3 key hazards and their controls
- ✓Permits: roof access permit where site rules require
In short
A method statement sets out how a task will be carried out safely, step by step: preparation, set-up, the work itself and completion, with the plant, permits, competence and supervision needed. It puts the controls identified in the risk assessment into a safe system of work.
What it must include
- ✓Task description, location and duration
- ✓Step-by-step sequence of works
- ✓Plant, equipment and materials
- ✓Permits and isolations required
- ✓Competence, training and supervision
- ✓PPE and emergency arrangements
You stay the duty holder: review the document for your site before work starts. SitePaper is a drafting tool, not a consultancy.