Product Overview

This Roof Maintenance and Repair Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls for all stages of roof access, maintenance, and repair activities. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of roof work safety and WHS compliance for maintenance and repair tasks on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Accessing roof edges safely, including the use of fall prevention systems, guard rails, and safe approach distances
• Climbing onto roofs using ladders, stair systems, or fixed access points in accordance with safe access procedures
• Controlling movement on pitched roofs, including use of roof ladders, roof brackets, and appropriate footwear
• Cutting roof openings safely, including isolation of services and control of debris, dust, and falling objects
• Determining roof or surface integrity before loading, walking, or placing equipment on any roof area
• Dismantling and removing old roofing materials while managing sharp edges, manual handling, and potential asbestos-containing materials
• Fixing leaks in roofs, including temporary and permanent repair methods and weather-related risk controls
• Managing load distribution on roof surfaces to prevent overloading, collapse, or damage to structural members
• Maintaining balance on roofs using suitable work positioning, edge protection, and housekeeping controls
• Carrying out maintenance work on top of buildings, including coordination with building occupants and securing tools and materials
• Navigating around rooftop obstacles such as skylights, vents, plant platforms, and fragile roofing elements
• Patching holes in roofs and reinstating weatherproofing while controlling the risk of falls through openings
• Recycling and disposing of old roofing materials in line with environmental and waste management requirements
• Removing roof obstructions such as debris, vegetation, or redundant fixtures without compromising roof integrity
• Repairing chimneys and associated flashings, including access, stability, and falling object controls
• Selection and use of fall arrest systems, harnesses, and anchor points for roof maintenance activities
• Emergency response planning for roof work, including rescue procedures for falls and sudden weather changes

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for roofing contractors, maintenance plumbers, builders, facility managers, and site supervisors responsible for roof maintenance and repair work at heights.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Guidance on controlling fall risks when working on roofs and at heights
• Construction Work Code of Practice: Requirements for planning and carrying out construction-related roof maintenance and repair activities
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for safe access, amenities, and emergency planning on worksites
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices: Selection, use, and maintenance of harnesses, lanyards, and fall-arrest equipment
• AS/NZS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders: Design and use of fixed access systems for roofs and elevated areas
• AS/NZS 4389 Safety mesh: Requirements for safety mesh used in roofing applications to prevent falls through fragile surfaces
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017