When it comes to working on roofs, safety should always be a top priority. One of the most significant hazards a worker faces is the risk of falling through fragile rooflights or skylights.
Falls through fragile materials such as rooflights account for a quarter of deaths in the construction industry.
But the dangers are not just limited to construction companies, other people will need to access your roof at some stage. This could be for maintenance purposes, to install plant and equipment or to carry out a survey. So it’s vital that you put measures in place to protect anyone accessing your roof from falls through fragile.
The dangers of fragile rooflights and skylights
Rooflights and skylights are commonly found in industrial and commercial buildings. While these features provide natural light, they often pose a hidden risk to individuals working on the rooftops. Key reasons these structures can be dangerous include:
- Structural integrity: Many older rooflights and skylights are made of fragile materials such as glass or plastic. These can deteriorate over time due to weather exposure and weakens the structure’s integrity. This increases the risk of collapse when stepped on.
- Inadequate load-bearing capacity. Fragile rooflights and skylights are not generally designed to bear a person’s weight. It’s virtually impossible to tell how much load the structure is, so it’s always best to assume they’re unsafe. Workers stepping or falling on them can shatter, leading to severe injury or even a fatality.
- Poor visibility: Fragile rooflights and skylights can blend in with the roofing material. Dirt or moss can also make them difficult to see. This lack of visibility can further increase the likelihood of accidents.
Protective measures for people on your fragile roofs
To safeguard individuals working on your roofs effectively, you must take proactive steps to mitigate the risks associated with fragile rooflights and skylights. Here are some recommended strategies:
- Risk assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment before any work is carried out on the roof.
- Identify the location and condition of all rooflights and skylights. and determine the potential hazards.
- Regular inspection & maintenance: Put in place a routine maintenance programme. This will help identify any issues and allow damaged units to be replaced.
- Safety signage and barriers: Warn people about fragile rooflights and skylights with signs. Install barriers around the fragile material, such as guardrails, to prevent accidental falls.
- Safe working practices: Train workers on safe practices when working on rooftops. By doing this, they’ll understand why they need to avoid contact with fragile rooflights and skylights.
- Fall protection systems: Use fall protection, such as rooflight covers, to prevent falls through fragile areas.
Safety around fragile materials is essential
Protecting individuals working on your roofs from falls through fragile rooflights, and skylights is paramount. Understanding the dangers associated with these structures and implementing appropriate safety measures can create a secure working environment on your rooftops.
By prioritising safety, you can minimise the risk of accidents and ensure everyone returns home safely at the end of the day.
Remember, safety should be the first consideration when it comes to rooftop work.
