Does my roof need edge protection?

Prioritise roof prevention on your construction site

Does my roof need edge protection? Episode 3 of our 5 part web series answers these questions and everything related to edge protection, safety rail, and fall protection.

Hi everyone! We’re back with another series of V TV! This series gives you the top 5 insider roofing trade tips.

5 Insider Roofing Trade Tips

We’re diving deeper into key aspects of roofing that you might not be familiar with but should consider when incorporating roofing services into your construction project.

Over the course of five episodes, we’ll share insider tips to address any concerns and guide your roofing decisions.

In this episode, we discuss a very common question around residential roof replacements:

 “Does your property need edge protection?”

Key Points

Watch the episode below or read on to find out about:

• What is edge protection?
• Why is it required?
• When is it required?
• Types of edge protection, and
• Problems that may occur and how VPR can solve them for you

What is edge protection?

Edge protection, fall protection, safety rail — what are they?

These terms all refer to safety equipment that prevents workers from falling while repairing or replacing roofs. Edge protection systems act as physical barriers that help prevent falls and injuries from heights. While they come in various forms, they are temporary systems installed around the perimeter of a roof structure to prevent accidents.

Why is edge protection required?

Edge protection is a vital safety measure that Workplace Health and Safety regulations require for all roof construction companies. These regulations mandate that employers implement effective control measures to protect workers from the risk of falling from heights. Given that roof work poses significant fall hazards, temporary edge protection systems are critical to risk assessment and height safety.

By installing these systems, companies not only comply with legal safety requirements but also significantly reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents, ensuring a safer environment for workers. Edge protection provides peace of mind, allowing roofing projects to proceed efficiently while minimising the risk of accidental falls or harm.

When is it required?

Edge protection is required for:

1. Housing construction work where there is a potential for a person to fall more than 3 metres; or
2. Other construction work where there is a potential for a person to fall more than 2 metres; or
3. Construction work on a roof or partly completed roof surface with a slope not over 26°

Fall height refers to the lowest point a person could potentially fall, usually the gutters. On a typical single-storey home, gutters are around 3 meters high, meaning edge protection is generally required in most cases.

Types of Roof Edge Protection

Different types of edge protection are designed to suit particular situations. All these types of protection serve the same purpose: adhering to Workplace Health and Safety regulations and minimising the risks of roof workers injuring themselves from a fall.

The most commonly used types of roof edge protection are:

a. Pole Up: This system is widely used in the roofing industry. It essentially has several poles extending from the ground to the roof line and features three horizontal safety rails. This system allows workers to install roofs confidently as it creates a physical barrier preventing key risk factors such as falling off.

b. On Roof: In this setup, a fixed guardrail is directly installed on the roof. While it may leave some holes or damage, which can be less than ideal, at Vantage Point Roofing, we patch and restore the roof to its original condition after the roof service has been completed. When considering a quote, it’s important to check if the company offers this aftercare service for roof edge protection.

c. Ground-Up Scaffold: This involves scaffolding installed from the ground up, creating a safe working platform, especially for steep roofs over 6.5 meters or challenging access points. It provides a secure area for workers to stand while performing roof work.

Problems that occur when setting up an edge protection system

One common issue with edge protection systems is that they are often fixed directly into roof cladding, walls, eaves, or fascia, which can leave small holes when the system is removed. Unfortunately, many companies don’t address this damage, leaving the worksite with unsightly holes that homeowners are left to repair.

At Vantage Point Roofing, we take a different approach. We ensure that any holes left behind are properly patched and painted at no extra cost to you, restoring your home to its original condition. It’s just one way we prioritise quality and customer satisfaction.