Roof Ladders

Slates and tiles do not provide a safe footing especially when they are wet. Properly designed roof ladders or crawling boards are an essential aid to any work on sloping roofs. They should be long enough to span the supports (at least three rafters) and securely placed. Roof ladder anchorages should bear on the opposite roof and not rely on the ridge tiles for support as these can easily break away. Do not use gutters to support any ladder.

Short-duration work means tasks that are measured in minutes rather than hours such as replacing a few tiles. 

Work on a roof is still dangerous even if it only lasts a short time. Appropriate safety measures are essential.

For short-duration work it may not be reasonably practicable to provide full edge protection (but if it is it should be provided). This does not mean that nothing needs to be provided in its place. The minimum requirements for short-duration work on a roof are:

• a safe means of access to roof level; 
• a properly constructed and supported roof ladder. 

Roof workers should not work directly on tiles or slates.