Roofwork can pose a high level of risk, with many fall hazards likely to be present. Fragile rooflights, exposed edges and access hatches all present risks of falls from height and suitable control measures need to be put in place to minimise these risks. With recent fines in the region of £250K imposed on building owners, not dealing with the risks associated with roofwork can prove costly, not only in financial terms but also with regard to the safety of operatives working at height.

Where collective fall protection solutions are not viable personal fall protection must be used. Personell fall protection will often rely on the use of horizontal lifeline systems which are fixed to the roof sheeting, rather than through it and back to the underlying support structure. Horizontal lifeline systems are typically made up of end anchor posts with intermediate posts set at regular intervals to support the tensioned cable, reduce deflection and allow the system to progress around corners and other obstructions. With careful consideration of the access requirements of operatives that need to work on the roof and selection of appropriate user equipment, fall protection systems can be designed to provide 'fall restraint' rather than 'fall arrest'.
 
CSS Worksafe have 20 years experience in the design, installation, inspection and re-certification of fall protection systems and can offer a range of cable and rail fall restraint and fall arrest systems for all types of roof.