Roofing RAMS Guide for UK Contractors
Falls from roofs and through fragile surfaces are among the most common causes of construction fatalities in the UK. A roofing RAMS must address work at height controls, fragile surface assessment, access equipment, weather restrictions, falling objects, and a written rescue plan — in detail, not just as generic bullet points.
Key Topics in a Roofing RAMS
- Work at height hierarchy
- WAH 2005 requires collective protection (edge protection system, safety nets) to be used where practicable before resorting to personal fall arrest equipment. The RAMS must document why collective protection was or was not used.
- Fragile surface assessment
- Any roof surface that cannot support the weight of a person at any point must be treated as fragile: GRP and polycarbonate rooflights, asbestos cement, corroded metal decking. Roof boards, walkways, or netting are required before access. The RAMS must record the fragile surface assessment result.
- Rescue plan
- Where personal fall arrest equipment is used, a written rescue plan is required under WAH 2005. Named rescuer, rescue equipment on site, call sequence for emergency services. Suspension trauma can cause incapacitation within minutes — the plan must not rely on 999 alone.
- Weather restrictions
- Pitched roof work above Beaufort Scale 5 is typically stopped. The RAMS must state the specific weather restrictions and name the person with authority to stop work. Weather must be checked before each work period.
- Hot works
- Torch-applied felt and bitumen work requires a hot works permit, fire watcher during and 60 minutes after, CO² extinguisher on roof, and no combustible materials beneath the work area.
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