Product Overview

Summary: This Roof Work and Elevated Surfaces Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step framework for planning and carrying out work at height safely and in line with Australian WHS requirements. It helps businesses control fall risks, manage contractors, and demonstrate due diligence whenever workers access roofs, platforms, scaffolds, or other elevated areas.

Roof work and access to elevated surfaces are among the highest-risk activities on Australian worksites, with falls from height remaining a leading cause of serious injury and fatalities. This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a practical, repeatable method for planning, authorising, and carrying out work on roofs, platforms, walkways, mezzanines, and other elevated structures. It focuses on eliminating or minimising fall risks through the hierarchy of control, from engineered edge protection and fall prevention systems through to administrative controls and fall-arrest where necessary.

Developed specifically for Australian workplaces, this SOP helps PCBUs, officers, and supervisors meet their obligations under WHS legislation by documenting how roof and elevated work will be assessed, controlled, communicated, and monitored. It covers everything from pre-start inspections, weather and access assessments, safe use of ladders and roof anchor points, to managing fragile roofing materials, skylights, and service penetrations. By implementing this procedure, organisations can reduce the likelihood of falls, improve contractor management, and provide consistent guidance to workers and subcontractors across multiple sites, supporting safer operations and stronger regulatory compliance.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of falls from height by standardising how roof and elevated work is planned, authorised, and supervised.
• Ensure alignment with Australian WHS legislation and relevant Codes of Practice for managing the risk of falls at workplaces.
• Improve contractor management by clearly defining access controls, permits, and competency requirements for anyone working at height.
• Enhance worker awareness through clear instructions on hazard identification, equipment selection, and use of fall-prevention systems.
• Minimise project delays and incident-related costs by preventing injuries, near misses, and damage to roofing structures and plant.

Who is this for?

• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers
• Facilities and Maintenance Managers
• Roofing Contractors
• Electricians and HVAC Technicians
• Building Managers
• Property and Asset Managers
• Safety Advisors and Consultants
• Operations Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from roofs, edges, and open sides of elevated surfaces
• Falls through fragile roofing materials, skylights, and roof penetrations
• Falls from ladders used to access roofs and platforms
• Slips and trips on wet, uneven, or cluttered elevated surfaces
• Structural failure or collapse of roof sections, platforms, or walkways
• Falling objects striking people below (tools, materials, debris)
• Electrical contact with overhead powerlines and rooftop services
• Adverse weather conditions such as high winds, rain, or heat stress
• Incorrect use or failure of fall-arrest and restraint systems
• Manual handling injuries while lifting or carrying materials at height

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Applicable Work Areas
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Planning Roof and Elevated Surface Work
• 5.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Work at Height
• 6.0 Hierarchy of Control for Falls from Height
• 7.0 Access to Roofs and Elevated Surfaces (Ladders, Stairs, Platforms)
• 8.0 Edge Protection, Guardrails and Fall-Prevention Systems
• 9.0 Use of Fall-Arrest and Restraint Systems (Anchors, Harnesses, Lifelines)
• 10.0 Working on Fragile Roofs, Skylights and Roof Penetrations
• 11.0 Control of Weather, Environmental and Electrical Hazards
• 12.0 Housekeeping, Material Handling and Falling Object Controls
• 13.0 Permit-to-Work and Roof Access Authorisation Process
• 14.0 Pre-Start Checks, Toolbox Talks and Communication
• 15.0 Emergency Response and Rescue Procedures for Falls from Height
• 16.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Storage of Height Safety Equipment
• 17.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 18.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
• 19.0 Recordkeeping and Documentation Requirements

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and corresponding state/territory Acts)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and corresponding state/territory Regulations), Part 4.4 Falls
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work
• AS/NZS 1891.1: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Harnesses and ancillary equipment
• AS/NZS 1891.2: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Horizontal lifeline and rail systems
• AS/NZS 1891.4: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use and maintenance
• AS/NZS 1657: Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation
• AS/NZS 4576: Guidelines for scaffolding
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use