Roofing work happens at height and often involves hot processes when working with roofing felt. This makes safety a central part of the trade every single day.
§Work at height
The greatest risk in the trade is falling from height. Use railings, securing and the right safety equipment, keep the roof tidy and be aware of edges and openings. A fall from a roof can have serious consequences so securing at height is essential.
§Heat processes
Work with roofing felt may involve heat, and fire risk is a real consideration. Keep things tidy, remove flammable material from the work area, and have fire extinguishing equipment nearby. Always follow the rules that apply to hot work at your workplace.
§Weather and ground conditions
A roof can be slippery in rain and wind makes work at height more dangerous. Assess the weather and postpone if conditions are too uncertain. Safety comes before finishing on time.
§Quality: a tight roof
Quality in roofing is primarily about tightness. The membrane must be continuous, the joints tight, and details such as edges, drainage and penetrations correctly executed. A roof that looks nice but is leaky is not a good roof.
| Quality requirements | What you check |
|---|---|
| Tightness | Is the membrane continuous without holes? |
| Joints | Are overlaps and joints tight? |
| Details | Are edges, drains and feed-throughs correctly sealed? |
| Drainage | Can water escape so it does not accumulate? |
“A roof is judged not in sunshine but when it rains. That is when it shows whether the work was done correctly.”