Product Overview

This Roof Tiling and Shingle Installation Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a comprehensive safety and procedural guide designed to help your team control risks and maintain WHS compliance when working on tiled and shingle roofs. It provides end-to-end coverage of planning, access, installation, replacement, and finishing tasks associated with Roof Tiling and Shingle Installation on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe removal and replacement of damaged or broken roof tiles, including manual handling controls
• Management of roof tile displacement risks due to wind, impact, poor fixing, or foot traffic
• Installation of new tiled roofing systems, from set-out and batten checks through to final fixing
• Application and sealing of hip and ridge caps to prevent water ingress and ensure structural integrity
• Securing shingle courses to manufacturer specifications to prevent uplift, slippage, and leaks
• Sliding and positioning new shingle strips safely on pitched roofs while maintaining three points of contact
• General tile roofing activities including cutting, trimming, and fitting tiles around penetrations and flashings
• Selection, inspection, and use of fall protection systems such as roof rails, harnesses, and anchor points
• Safe use of ladders, roof access systems, and edge protection when accessing and exiting roof areas
• Use of power tools and hand tools for cutting, drilling, and fixing tiles and shingles
• Housekeeping and control of falling objects, including securing loose materials and tools on the roof
• Weather monitoring and controls for working in high winds, rain, heat, or other adverse conditions
• Hazard identification for fragile surfaces, skylights, roof lights, and brittle sheeting in the work area
• Manual handling and ergonomics when carrying tiles, shingles, and equipment to and across the roof
• Emergency response planning for roof work incidents, including rescue from height and first aid arrangements

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for roof tilers, shingle installers, residential and commercial roofing contractors, builders, and site supervisors responsible for managing roof tiling and shingle installation works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Construction Work – Guidance on managing risks associated with construction activities, including roof work
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Requirements and controls for preventing falls from height during roof tiling and shingle installation
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Risk management for lifting, carrying, and handling tiles, shingles, and equipment
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use, and maintenance of harnesses, lanyards, and anchor systems for roof work
• AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for scaffolding – Guidance on the safe use of scaffolding and edge protection around roof perimeters
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding – Requirements for the design, construction, and use of scaffolding supporting roof access
• AS/NZS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Requirements for safe fixed access to roof work areas
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017