Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out a clear, step-by-step process for protecting customer property before, during and after roofing works. It helps roofing businesses control WHS and damage risks on site, safeguarding people, structures and belongings while reinforcing a professional, customer-focused image.

Roofing work exposes customer property to a range of risks – from falling tools and debris to water ingress, dust, noise and inadvertent damage to landscaping, vehicles and internal finishes. In the Australian context, with highly variable weather and strict WHS expectations, failing to manage these risks can quickly escalate into safety incidents, costly rectification works, insurance disputes and reputational damage. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured approach to planning and carrying out roofing activities in a way that systematically protects customer property and the people who may be on or near the site.

The document guides your team through pre-start inspections, customer communication, site isolation, installation of protective coverings and barriers, and safe work practices that minimise damage and injury risks. It also addresses how to respond if damage occurs, including incident reporting, corrective actions and customer follow-up. By embedding this SOP into your business, you create a consistent, defensible process that supports WHS due diligence, reduces conflict with clients, and helps your crews deliver high-quality roofing works with fewer complaints, call-backs and insurance claims.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of damage to customer buildings, vehicles, gardens and internal finishes during roofing works.
• Ensure roofing activities are planned and executed in line with Australian WHS obligations and duty of care.
• Standardise how crews assess sites, install protection, and communicate with customers before work begins.
• Minimise disputes, complaints and insurance claims by documenting clear controls and incident response steps.
• Enhance your company’s professional reputation by demonstrating care, respect and consistency on every job.

Who is this for?

• Roofing Contractors
• Residential Roofing Supervisors
• Commercial Roofing Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Site Supervisors
• WHS Advisors and Safety Officers
• Operations Managers
• Insurance and Warranty Managers
• Quality and Compliance Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Falling objects from roof level impacting people, vehicles or property
• Slips, trips and falls caused by poorly managed debris, offcuts and materials
• Water ingress into the building during roof removal or unexpected weather events
• Damage to electrical installations, solar systems, air-conditioning units and antennas
• Damage to customer vehicles, driveways, external fixtures and landscaping from material handling
• Dust, noise and vibration affecting occupants, neighbours and sensitive equipment
• Unsecured work areas leading to unauthorised access by occupants, children or members of the public
• Manual handling injuries associated with moving protective barriers, tarps and coverings

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisor, Workers, Subcontractors)
• 4.0 Pre-Start Planning and Customer Communication
• 5.0 Site Inspection and Property Risk Assessment Checklist
• 6.0 Protection of Building Exterior (walls, windows, gutters, downpipes, façades)
• 7.0 Protection of Interior Areas (ceilings, furnishings, finishes, sensitive equipment)
• 8.0 Protection of Vehicles, Driveways and External Fixtures
• 9.0 Protection of Landscaping, Gardens and Outdoor Structures
• 10.0 Weather Management and Water Ingress Controls (tarps, temporary waterproofing)
• 11.0 Material Handling, Access and Exclusion Zones
• 12.0 Housekeeping, Waste Management and Debris Control
• 13.0 Communication with Occupants and Neighbours During Works
• 14.0 Incident, Damage and Near Miss Reporting Procedures
• 15.0 Corrective Actions, Repairs and Customer Follow-Up
• 16.0 Training, Competency and Induction Requirements
• 17.0 Monitoring, Audit and Continuous Improvement
• 18.0 Document Control and Record Keeping

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and state/territory equivalents
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls in Housing Construction
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still widely referenced)
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• AS 1562.1: Design and installation of sheet roof and wall cladding – Metal
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites