Product Overview

Summary: This Emergency Evacuation from Roofs SOP sets out clear, step-by-step actions for safely getting workers off roofs during fires, severe weather, structural failures, and other critical incidents. It helps Australian workplaces manage high-risk evacuations in a calm, controlled way, reducing panic, confusion, and the likelihood of falls or serious injury.

Work carried out on roofs is inherently high risk, and that risk increases dramatically in an emergency. Whether it is a sudden storm, fire, structural compromise, or medical incident, workers on roofs are often exposed, elevated and reliant on fixed access points that can quickly become unsafe or blocked. This Emergency Evacuation from Roofs Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, repeatable method for getting people off roofs quickly and safely, while maintaining control over the incident and meeting Australian WHS obligations.

The SOP guides businesses through pre-planning roof evacuations, establishing safe egress routes, nominating competent leaders, and integrating with site-wide emergency procedures and wardens. It details how to assess evacuation options in real time, use fall protection systems during evacuations, manage communication between the roof and ground, and coordinate with emergency services. By implementing this procedure, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, protect workers and contractors operating at height, and significantly reduce the likelihood of falls, entrapment, or chaotic evacuations that lead to serious harm and regulatory scrutiny.

Key Benefits

• Ensure workers on roofs can be evacuated quickly and safely under a range of emergency scenarios.
• Reduce the risk of falls from height, entrapment and panic-related incidents during evacuations.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation and due diligence for high-risk work at heights.
• Standardise emergency responses across roofing, maintenance and contractor teams, improving coordination with site wardens and emergency services.
• Improve worker confidence through clear instructions, training guidance and rehearsal requirements for roof evacuations.

Who is this for?

• Site Supervisors
• Roofing Contractors
• Construction Project Managers
• Facility and Maintenance Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Emergency Wardens and Fire Wardens
• Building Owners and Property Managers
• Telecommunications and Solar Installers

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from height during emergency egress
• Collapse or structural failure of roofing or access systems
• Slips and trips on wet, unstable or debris-covered roof surfaces
• Exposure to severe weather (high winds, lightning, hail, extreme heat)
• Fire, smoke and heat affecting roof areas and access points
• Electrical hazards from overhead power lines, solar PV systems or rooftop plant
• Panic, poor communication and uncoordinated evacuation leading to unsafe behaviours
• Medical emergencies occurring on roofs (e.g. heat stress, cardiac events, injury)

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Roof Types Covered
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisors, Workers, Wardens, Contractors)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Pre-Emergency Planning for Roof Evacuations
• 6.0 Roof Access, Egress and Safe Assembly Points
• 7.0 Required PPE, Fall Protection and Emergency Equipment
• 8.0 Communication Protocols Between Roof and Ground
• 9.0 Step-by-Step Emergency Evacuation Procedure from Roofs
• 10.0 Specific Procedures for Different Emergency Scenarios (Fire, Weather, Structural Failure, Medical Emergency)
• 11.0 Coordination with Site Emergency Plans and External Emergency Services
• 12.0 Training, Drills and Competency Requirements
• 13.0 Post-Incident Review, Reporting and Corrective Actions
• 14.0 Document Control and Review

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory variants)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory variants) – Part 4.4 Falls
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• AS 3745: Planning for emergencies in facilities
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS 1657: Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation