Roofing method statement example: strip and re-cover, working from scaffold

HSE five steps · CDM 2015

You write this: Strip and re-cover a pitched domestic roof with new breathable felt, battens and concrete interlocking tiles, working from an erected scaffold.
You get this: Apex Roofing Ltd will strip and re-cover a pitched domestic roof with new breathable felt, battens and concrete interlocking tiles, working from an erected scaffold, at 8 Beech Avenue, Bristol BS6 7** (project reference AR-0613) for a private homeowner. Works start on Tue 17 Jun 2026 and are planned to take 4 days. Flashings will be done with a gas torch under a hot works permit. The house stays occupied and the roof is worked in sections so it is never left open overnight. Access to the roof is from the scaffold using roof ladders, and waste goes down a debris chute. The work is supervised by S. Patel, Roofing Foreman, and follows the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and CDM 2015. Items to confirm before work starts: (1) The age of the house, and whether the homeowner holds an asbestos register or management survey covering the roof, loft and eaves, must be confirmed by S. Patel with the homeowner before the first tile is lifted. (2) The scaffold is by others, so the scaffold contractor's handover certificate, the loading bay position, the stair or ladder access and the edge protection to the eaves and gables must be confirmed with them before anyone goes on the roof. (3) The existing roof covering, roof pitch and height, any rooflights or chimneys, how tiles and battens will be lifted to the roof, the material the flashings are made from (if it is lead, a lead COSHH assessment must be added), the tile cutting tools to be used and the skip position (a highway licence is needed if it is on the road) must be confirmed by S. Patel with the homeowner and scaffold contractor on the pre-start walk. (4) Which rooms the homeowner will clear or keep shut, where the toilet and welfare arrangements are, and where pets and children will be kept, must be agreed with the homeowner on the same walk.

Generated for an example job to show the format. Make your own site-specific version and have a competent person review it.

Document details
Contractor	Apex Roofing Ltd
Author	S. Patel, Roofing Foreman
Client / Principal Contractor	Private homeowner
Site	8 Beech Avenue, Bristol BS6 7**
Project reference	AR-0613
Start / duration	Tue 17 Jun 2026 / 4 days

1. Scope of works

Apex Roofing Ltd will strip and re-cover a pitched domestic roof with new breathable felt, battens and concrete interlocking tiles, working from an erected scaffold, at 8 Beech Avenue, Bristol BS6 7** (project reference AR-0613) for a private homeowner. Works start on Tue 17 Jun 2026 and are planned to take 4 days. Flashings will be done with a gas torch under a hot works permit. The house stays occupied and the roof is worked in sections so it is never left open overnight. Access to the roof is from the scaffold using roof ladders, and waste goes down a debris chute. The work is supervised by S. Patel, Roofing Foreman, and follows the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and CDM 2015. Items to confirm before work starts: (1) The age of the house, and whether the homeowner holds an asbestos register or management survey covering the roof, loft and eaves, must be confirmed by S. Patel with the homeowner before the first tile is lifted. (2) The scaffold is by others, so the scaffold contractor's handover certificate, the loading bay position, the stair or ladder access and the edge protection to the eaves and gables must be confirmed with them before anyone goes on the roof. (3) The existing roof covering, roof pitch and height, any rooflights or chimneys, how tiles and battens will be lifted to the roof, the material the flashings are made from (if it is lead, a lead COSHH assessment must be added), the tile cutting tools to be used and the skip position (a highway licence is needed if it is on the road) must be confirmed by S. Patel with the homeowner and scaffold contractor on the pre-start walk. (4) Which rooms the homeowner will clear or keep shut, where the toilet and welfare arrangements are, and where pets and children will be kept, must be agreed with the homeowner on the same walk.

2. Sequence of works

Method statement, safe system of work

Before any work starts, S. Patel obtains the homeowner's asbestos register or management survey and checks it covers the roof, loft, eaves, soffits and any boxing in the work area (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Regulation 5). If it does not cover the area, a refurbishment survey of that area is arranged first and work does not start until it is done.
Carry out the pre-start walk with the homeowner. Agree the exclusion zone, deliveries, skip and chute position, parking, pets and children, which rooms to clear, welfare, and the route operatives use through or around the house.
Hold a briefing for all operatives on this RAMS, the emergency arrangements and the stop-work rules. Everyone signs to confirm they have read and understood it. Check CSCS cards and working-at-height training records.
Check the scaffold handover certificate and the inspection record, and do a visual check of the scaffold. Look for complete guardrails, toe boards, brick guards, platform boards, ties, a safe loading bay and safe access. Do not alter or remove any scaffold component. Report faults to the scaffold contractor and do not use the scaffold until they are put right.
Set up the ground exclusion zone around the house with barriers and signs, including the chute and skip area. Keep the pavement and the homeowner's entrance clear and arrange a safe pedestrian route. Fit debris netting or fans if the scaffold contractor can provide them.
Check the weather forecast and wind speed. Do not start stripping if rain, strong wind, ice or poor visibility is forecast for the working period.
Ask the homeowner to clear and cover valuables in the rooms and loft below the roof. Cover the loft hatch area and any exposed ceilings below the work area with sheeting.
Install the debris chute into the skip. Make sure it is properly secured and the base is guarded.
Strip the old roof covering in small sections working down the slope, using the roof ladders for access. Take only as much off as can be felted, battened and tiled again in the same working day.
Lower tiles, battens and old felt using the chute or by hand to the scaffold platform. Do not throw anything from the roof or scaffold. Stack only on the loading bay within its safe working load.
Stop work immediately if any suspect material is found during stripping, such as boards, soffits, sheeting, flue pipes or insulation not covered by the register. Keep people away, secure the area, tell S. Patel and the homeowner, and do not carry on until the material has been identified.
Inspect the exposed rafters and report any damaged timber to S. Patel and the homeowner before covering over. Do not walk on or between rafters that look unsound.
Fix the new breathable felt from the eaves upward, lapped and held in place so it will not blow off, followed by the battens. Spread loads of tiles over several rafters and keep to the roof ladders when moving across the slope.
Cut tiles at a designated cutting station on the scaffold or at ground level, using a cutter with water suppression or on-tool extraction, away from the house, the public and other operatives. Face-fit tested FFP3 masks are worn for cutting.
Fix the concrete interlocking tiles from the eaves upward, working across the roof from the roof ladders. Tiles are lifted up in small batches by the agreed method and never left loose on the slope.
Do the flashings only after the hot works permit has been signed. Clear combustible material, keep a fire extinguisher at hand, use a fire watcher, and keep the gas cylinder upright and secured at ground level. Check the work area for at least 60 minutes after the torch is put out.
Finish the ridge and verge details as agreed, then check the whole roof for loose tiles and unfixed material.
At the end of each day, make the roof weathertight with felt or sheeting secured against the wind. Tidy the scaffold, remove or secure the roof ladders and loose materials, shut the chute, and make sure the ground barriers are in place.
On completion, clear all waste from the scaffold, garden and driveway using an H-class or M-class vacuum for dust and no dry sweeping. Remove the chute, check the work area with the homeowner and hand the scaffold back to the scaffold contractor.

3. Risk assessment

Built on the HSE five steps, MHSWR 1999 regulation 3 and the hierarchy of control.

Fall from height: roof slope, eaves and gable edges while stripping, felting, battening and tiling
Medium
Who / how
Roofing operatives (fatal or life-changing injuries from a fall); homeowner and others below if a person or material falls
Existing controls
Scaffold erected by others with guardrails, toe boards and brick guards; operatives hold working-at-height training
L×S
4×5=20
Additional controls
Work at Height Regulations 2005: avoid working at height where practicable by lifting materials mechanically or by chute and not by climbing. Confirm the scaffold has a full eaves-level working platform with edge protection to the roof perimeter, with a handover certificate, before anyone goes on the roof. Roof ladders secured over the ridge or to a purpose-made anchor are used for all work on the slope. Work in small sections. No working on the roof in wet, icy or windy conditions. Operative briefing and supervision by S. Patel. Footwear with a good grip and helmet with chin strap as the last line of defence.
Fall through the roof structure: gaps between rafters and battens, hatches, chimney openings and any rooflights once the covering is stripped
Medium
Who / how
Roofing operatives (falls into the loft or the room below); homeowner or others working below
Existing controls
Operatives briefed and trained; scaffold platform at eaves
L×S
3×5=15
Additional controls
Strip and re-cover in small bays so that gaps are never left open at the end of the day. Work from roof ladders or crawling boards that span the rafters and never step between rafters. Cover or guard any rooflights, hatches and openings before work starts. Homeowner asked to keep loft and rooms below the work clear and to keep people out. Defective timbers reported and made safe before anyone walks on them. Weathertight sheeting is fixed at the end of each day. Footwear with a good grip as backup.
Scaffold (by others): incomplete, altered, overloaded or uninspected scaffold, falls from the platform, collapse under stacked tiles
Medium
Who / how
Operatives on the scaffold; homeowner, public and others below if the scaffold or material falls
Existing controls
Scaffold erected by others; inspections by the scaffold contractor
L×S
3×5=15
Additional controls
Do not use the scaffold without a handover certificate and a valid inspection record (Work at Height Regulations 2005, scaffolds inspected before first use and at intervals not exceeding 7 days and after bad weather). Operatives do a visual check each day. Do not alter or remove any scaffold part. Report any defects to the scaffold contractor and stop using the affected lift. Agree the loading bay's safe working load with the scaffold contractor and do not exceed it, spreading tile stacks. Ties and sheeting checked after high winds.
Access ladders and roof ladders: ladder slipping, kicking out, unsecured at the top, or overreaching
Low
Who / how
Roofing operatives
Existing controls
Roof ladders listed as plant; operatives trained in working at height
L×S
3×4=12
Additional controls
Use the scaffold stair or a tied scaffold ladder to reach the platform and use ladders only for short-duration roof access. Roof ladders must be a suitable type with hooks over the ridge, and checked before use for damage. Three points of contact, never carry loads in the hands while climbing. Footwear kept clean and dry. Damaged ladders taken out of use (Work at Height Regulations 2005, ladders). Gloves with a good grip as backup.
Falling objects: tiles, battens, tools and debris falling from the roof or scaffold onto the ground
Medium
Who / how
Homeowner and family, operatives below, passers-by and visitors (serious head injury or death)
Existing controls
Debris chute; scaffold toe boards
L×S
4×5=20
Additional controls
Barrier off and sign an exclusion zone below the work, including the chute and skip area. Fit a chute with a secured top and a guarded base. Nothing is thrown. Tiles and battens are passed in small amounts and stacked inside the toe boards. Tools tethered or kept in a bag. Operatives lower materials by hand-to-hand or by the chute. No loading or tipping at the chute when anyone is below. Work at Height Regulations 2005 (Regulation 10, falling objects). Hard hats (BS EN 397) in the work area and for anyone entering the exclusion zone.
Members of the public and other trades nearby: pedestrians on the pavement, neighbours, passing children, delivery drivers, and other trades if on site
Medium
Who / how
Passers-by, neighbours, delivery drivers and other trades (struck by falling materials, vehicles, or the skip and deliveries)
Existing controls
Barriers and signs; operatives briefed
L×S
3×4=12
Additional controls
Exclusion zone fenced and signed at ground level, with a safe walking route past it. A banksman or supervisor controls deliveries and skip collections when the pavement is in use. Deliveries timed away from school run and rush hour where possible. No work over a public footway unless it is fully protected by a covered walkway or fan. Any other trades on site briefed on the exclusion zones and kept out from beneath the roof. Gates and ladders secured when the site is unattended. Hi-vis (BS EN ISO 20471) when working near vehicles.
Occupied property: homeowner, family members, visitors and pets in the house while the roof is open, including dust, noise, water ingress and uncontrolled access to the scaffold
Low
Who / how
Homeowner and family, any children, visitors and pets (injury from falling debris, dust and noise); the building contents (water damage)
Existing controls
Pre-start agreement with the homeowner; scaffold access controlled by operatives
L×S
3×3=9
Additional controls
Agree on the pre-start walk which rooms to clear and which to keep shut, and where children and pets are kept during working hours. Ceilings and loft hatches below the work area are sheeted. Roof is felted and weathertight at the end of each day, and sheeting is on standby. Scaffold access ladders are removed or boarded off and gates locked when no one is on site. No operative enters the house except by agreed route. Dust and noise warnings are given to the homeowner before cutting. Homeowner shown the contact number for S. Patel.
Manual handling: carrying concrete tiles, bundles of battens, rolls of felt, ladders and waste
Medium
Who / how
Roofing operatives (back, shoulder and upper limb injuries, dropped loads)
Existing controls
Operatives are trained; tiles delivered in packs
L×S
4×3=12
Additional controls
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992: avoid handling where reasonably practicable. Have the tiles unloaded by the supplier's vehicle as close to the scaffold loading bay as possible, and use mechanical lifting or an appropriate ladder hoist where possible (to be confirmed with the scaffold contractor). Carry tiles in small batches, share heavy and awkward loads and rotate tasks. Lighter loads on the roof slope. Use the chute for waste. Keep walkways clear. Gloves (BS EN 388) and sturdy boots as backup.
Hot works: gas torch used for flashings near roof timbers, felt, insulation and dry debris
Medium
Who / how
Operatives (burns); homeowner and family (house fire); neighbours
Existing controls
Hot works permit required for flashings
L×S
3×5=15
Additional controls
Consider eliminating the flame: use a non-flame method for flashings if the product allows and the homeowner agrees. If the torch is used, the hot works permit must be signed before use. Clear combustibles from the work area and shield timbers. Keep a charged fire extinguisher at hand and a trained fire watcher, and check the area for at least 60 minutes afterwards. Keep the gas cylinder upright, secured and at ground level, with a regulator and hose in good condition and flashback arrestors fitted. Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 apply. Heat-resistant gloves and eye protection as backup.
Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust from cutting concrete interlocking tiles and stripping existing masonry-based roof coverings
Medium
Who / how
Operatives cutting and stripping, and anyone nearby breathing the dust, including the homeowner and family (silicosis, lung cancer, COPD)
Existing controls
Cutting done outdoors; operatives briefed
L×S
4×5=20
Additional controls
Plan the work to reduce cutting by setting out tile courses and using the factory-cut tiles where possible. Use a tile cutter with on-tool extraction (M-class or H-class vacuum) or water suppression on every cut. Cut in a designated area away from the house, windows, neighbours and other operatives, and keep others away. Clean up with an H-class or M-class vacuum, never dry sweeping or compressed air. Then use RPE with an assigned protection factor of at least 20 (FFP3 disposable or equivalent), face-fit tested and worn clean shaven. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002. HSE guidance: Construction Information Sheet CIS36 Construction dust. The RCS workplace exposure limit is 0.1 mg/m3 (8-hour TWA) in HSE EH40/2005.
Disturbing unidentified asbestos-containing materials in the existing roof, eaves, soffits, boxing, flues or loft (building age not stated)
Medium
Who / how
Operatives, homeowner and family, neighbours (long-term lung disease if fibres are released)
Existing controls
Operatives briefed to report suspect materials
L×S
2×5=10
Additional controls
Pre-start check: obtain the client's asbestos register or management survey and confirm it covers the roof, loft and eaves before work starts. Where it does not cover the area, a refurbishment survey of that area is needed first (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Regulation 5). Stop-work rule: if suspect material is found, stop, keep people away, secure the area and report to S. Patel and the homeowner before work carries on. Nothing is broken up, swept or removed until it is identified. No presumption that asbestos is present; this is a check to be made.
Noise and vibration from the tile cutter and powered hand tools, and from hammering
Low
Who / how
Operatives using or working near the tools; homeowner and neighbours (nuisance, hearing damage with repeated exposure)
Existing controls
Operatives trained; cutting done outdoors
L×S
3×3=9
Additional controls
Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005: choose quieter, well-maintained tools and keep cutting to a minimum by good setting out. Cut at one position and tell the homeowner and neighbours when noisy work is planned. Rotate tasks to limit exposure, and keep other people away from the cutting station. Hand-arm vibration limited by using sharp blades and tools in good condition. Hearing protection (BS EN 352) where noise is above the action values or where it is difficult to hold a normal conversation at 2 m.
Weather: rain, wind, ice, cold and heat while working on an open roof
Medium
Who / how
Operatives (slips, falls, chilling or heat stress); homeowner (water in the house); people below (blown materials)
Existing controls
Weather forecast checked; roof worked in sections
L×S
4×4=16
Additional controls
Check the forecast and wind before each day and stop roof work in high winds, rain, ice or poor light. Do not strip more than can be made weathertight the same day. Secure felt, sheeting and loose tiles at the end of each day. Provide drinking water and shade and arrange rest breaks in hot weather. Warm and waterproof clothing and sun protection as backup.
Slips, trips and cuts: loose tiles, battens, nails, offcuts and waste on the scaffold, roof, ground and walkways; sharp tile edges and hand tools
Low
Who / how
Operatives, homeowner and visitors (sprains, cuts, falls)
Existing controls
Debris chute; skip on site
L×S
4×3=12
Additional controls
Keep the scaffold platform, roof ladder access and the ground walkways tidy with waste moved down the chute as the work goes on. Pull or bend over nails when stripping battens. Keep waste off the scaffold at the end of the day. Cutting tools stored safely with guards in place (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998). Keep walkways clear of tools and cables. Gloves (BS EN 388) and boots with a good grip as backup.
Dust, bird droppings and insulation fibres in the loft and under the old roof covering
Low
Who / how
Operatives stripping the roof (skin and eye irritation, respiratory irritation, infection risk from droppings)
Existing controls
Operatives briefed; work done outdoors
L×S
3×2=6
Additional controls
Damp down dusty areas and remove debris as it is lifted by using the chute. Use a vacuum with a suitable filter for loft clean-up and do not dry sweep. Operatives wash hands before eating, drinking and smoking, with washing facilities provided. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002. Disposable dust mask (minimum FFP2) and gloves, eye protection as backup.

Risk assessment: hazards, who may be harmed, controls and residual risk
Hazard	Who / how	Existing controls	L×S	Additional controls	Residual
Fall from height: roof slope, eaves and gable edges while stripping, felting, battening and tiling	Roofing operatives (fatal or life-changing injuries from a fall); homeowner and others below if a person or material falls	Scaffold erected by others with guardrails, toe boards and brick guards; operatives hold working-at-height training	4×5=20	Work at Height Regulations 2005: avoid working at height where practicable by lifting materials mechanically or by chute and not by climbing. Confirm the scaffold has a full eaves-level working platform with edge protection to the roof perimeter, with a handover certificate, before anyone goes on the roof. Roof ladders secured over the ridge or to a purpose-made anchor are used for all work on the slope. Work in small sections. No working on the roof in wet, icy or windy conditions. Operative briefing and supervision by S. Patel. Footwear with a good grip and helmet with chin strap as the last line of defence.	Medium
Fall through the roof structure: gaps between rafters and battens, hatches, chimney openings and any rooflights once the covering is stripped	Roofing operatives (falls into the loft or the room below); homeowner or others working below	Operatives briefed and trained; scaffold platform at eaves	3×5=15	Strip and re-cover in small bays so that gaps are never left open at the end of the day. Work from roof ladders or crawling boards that span the rafters and never step between rafters. Cover or guard any rooflights, hatches and openings before work starts. Homeowner asked to keep loft and rooms below the work clear and to keep people out. Defective timbers reported and made safe before anyone walks on them. Weathertight sheeting is fixed at the end of each day. Footwear with a good grip as backup.	Medium
Scaffold (by others): incomplete, altered, overloaded or uninspected scaffold, falls from the platform, collapse under stacked tiles	Operatives on the scaffold; homeowner, public and others below if the scaffold or material falls	Scaffold erected by others; inspections by the scaffold contractor	3×5=15	Do not use the scaffold without a handover certificate and a valid inspection record (Work at Height Regulations 2005, scaffolds inspected before first use and at intervals not exceeding 7 days and after bad weather). Operatives do a visual check each day. Do not alter or remove any scaffold part. Report any defects to the scaffold contractor and stop using the affected lift. Agree the loading bay's safe working load with the scaffold contractor and do not exceed it, spreading tile stacks. Ties and sheeting checked after high winds.	Medium
Access ladders and roof ladders: ladder slipping, kicking out, unsecured at the top, or overreaching	Roofing operatives	Roof ladders listed as plant; operatives trained in working at height	3×4=12	Use the scaffold stair or a tied scaffold ladder to reach the platform and use ladders only for short-duration roof access. Roof ladders must be a suitable type with hooks over the ridge, and checked before use for damage. Three points of contact, never carry loads in the hands while climbing. Footwear kept clean and dry. Damaged ladders taken out of use (Work at Height Regulations 2005, ladders). Gloves with a good grip as backup.	Low
Falling objects: tiles, battens, tools and debris falling from the roof or scaffold onto the ground	Homeowner and family, operatives below, passers-by and visitors (serious head injury or death)	Debris chute; scaffold toe boards	4×5=20	Barrier off and sign an exclusion zone below the work, including the chute and skip area. Fit a chute with a secured top and a guarded base. Nothing is thrown. Tiles and battens are passed in small amounts and stacked inside the toe boards. Tools tethered or kept in a bag. Operatives lower materials by hand-to-hand or by the chute. No loading or tipping at the chute when anyone is below. Work at Height Regulations 2005 (Regulation 10, falling objects). Hard hats (BS EN 397) in the work area and for anyone entering the exclusion zone.	Medium
Members of the public and other trades nearby: pedestrians on the pavement, neighbours, passing children, delivery drivers, and other trades if on site	Passers-by, neighbours, delivery drivers and other trades (struck by falling materials, vehicles, or the skip and deliveries)	Barriers and signs; operatives briefed	3×4=12	Exclusion zone fenced and signed at ground level, with a safe walking route past it. A banksman or supervisor controls deliveries and skip collections when the pavement is in use. Deliveries timed away from school run and rush hour where possible. No work over a public footway unless it is fully protected by a covered walkway or fan. Any other trades on site briefed on the exclusion zones and kept out from beneath the roof. Gates and ladders secured when the site is unattended. Hi-vis (BS EN ISO 20471) when working near vehicles.	Medium
Occupied property: homeowner, family members, visitors and pets in the house while the roof is open, including dust, noise, water ingress and uncontrolled access to the scaffold	Homeowner and family, any children, visitors and pets (injury from falling debris, dust and noise); the building contents (water damage)	Pre-start agreement with the homeowner; scaffold access controlled by operatives	3×3=9	Agree on the pre-start walk which rooms to clear and which to keep shut, and where children and pets are kept during working hours. Ceilings and loft hatches below the work area are sheeted. Roof is felted and weathertight at the end of each day, and sheeting is on standby. Scaffold access ladders are removed or boarded off and gates locked when no one is on site. No operative enters the house except by agreed route. Dust and noise warnings are given to the homeowner before cutting. Homeowner shown the contact number for S. Patel.	Low
Manual handling: carrying concrete tiles, bundles of battens, rolls of felt, ladders and waste	Roofing operatives (back, shoulder and upper limb injuries, dropped loads)	Operatives are trained; tiles delivered in packs	4×3=12	Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992: avoid handling where reasonably practicable. Have the tiles unloaded by the supplier's vehicle as close to the scaffold loading bay as possible, and use mechanical lifting or an appropriate ladder hoist where possible (to be confirmed with the scaffold contractor). Carry tiles in small batches, share heavy and awkward loads and rotate tasks. Lighter loads on the roof slope. Use the chute for waste. Keep walkways clear. Gloves (BS EN 388) and sturdy boots as backup.	Medium
Hot works: gas torch used for flashings near roof timbers, felt, insulation and dry debris	Operatives (burns); homeowner and family (house fire); neighbours	Hot works permit required for flashings	3×5=15	Consider eliminating the flame: use a non-flame method for flashings if the product allows and the homeowner agrees. If the torch is used, the hot works permit must be signed before use. Clear combustibles from the work area and shield timbers. Keep a charged fire extinguisher at hand and a trained fire watcher, and check the area for at least 60 minutes afterwards. Keep the gas cylinder upright, secured and at ground level, with a regulator and hose in good condition and flashback arrestors fitted. Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 apply. Heat-resistant gloves and eye protection as backup.	Medium
Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust from cutting concrete interlocking tiles and stripping existing masonry-based roof coverings	Operatives cutting and stripping, and anyone nearby breathing the dust, including the homeowner and family (silicosis, lung cancer, COPD)	Cutting done outdoors; operatives briefed	4×5=20	Plan the work to reduce cutting by setting out tile courses and using the factory-cut tiles where possible. Use a tile cutter with on-tool extraction (M-class or H-class vacuum) or water suppression on every cut. Cut in a designated area away from the house, windows, neighbours and other operatives, and keep others away. Clean up with an H-class or M-class vacuum, never dry sweeping or compressed air. Then use RPE with an assigned protection factor of at least 20 (FFP3 disposable or equivalent), face-fit tested and worn clean shaven. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002. HSE guidance: Construction Information Sheet CIS36 Construction dust. The RCS workplace exposure limit is 0.1 mg/m3 (8-hour TWA) in HSE EH40/2005.	Medium
Disturbing unidentified asbestos-containing materials in the existing roof, eaves, soffits, boxing, flues or loft (building age not stated)	Operatives, homeowner and family, neighbours (long-term lung disease if fibres are released)	Operatives briefed to report suspect materials	2×5=10	Pre-start check: obtain the client's asbestos register or management survey and confirm it covers the roof, loft and eaves before work starts. Where it does not cover the area, a refurbishment survey of that area is needed first (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Regulation 5). Stop-work rule: if suspect material is found, stop, keep people away, secure the area and report to S. Patel and the homeowner before work carries on. Nothing is broken up, swept or removed until it is identified. No presumption that asbestos is present; this is a check to be made.	Medium
Noise and vibration from the tile cutter and powered hand tools, and from hammering	Operatives using or working near the tools; homeowner and neighbours (nuisance, hearing damage with repeated exposure)	Operatives trained; cutting done outdoors	3×3=9	Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005: choose quieter, well-maintained tools and keep cutting to a minimum by good setting out. Cut at one position and tell the homeowner and neighbours when noisy work is planned. Rotate tasks to limit exposure, and keep other people away from the cutting station. Hand-arm vibration limited by using sharp blades and tools in good condition. Hearing protection (BS EN 352) where noise is above the action values or where it is difficult to hold a normal conversation at 2 m.	Low
Weather: rain, wind, ice, cold and heat while working on an open roof	Operatives (slips, falls, chilling or heat stress); homeowner (water in the house); people below (blown materials)	Weather forecast checked; roof worked in sections	4×4=16	Check the forecast and wind before each day and stop roof work in high winds, rain, ice or poor light. Do not strip more than can be made weathertight the same day. Secure felt, sheeting and loose tiles at the end of each day. Provide drinking water and shade and arrange rest breaks in hot weather. Warm and waterproof clothing and sun protection as backup.	Medium
Slips, trips and cuts: loose tiles, battens, nails, offcuts and waste on the scaffold, roof, ground and walkways; sharp tile edges and hand tools	Operatives, homeowner and visitors (sprains, cuts, falls)	Debris chute; skip on site	4×3=12	Keep the scaffold platform, roof ladder access and the ground walkways tidy with waste moved down the chute as the work goes on. Pull or bend over nails when stripping battens. Keep waste off the scaffold at the end of the day. Cutting tools stored safely with guards in place (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998). Keep walkways clear of tools and cables. Gloves (BS EN 388) and boots with a good grip as backup.	Low
Dust, bird droppings and insulation fibres in the loft and under the old roof covering	Operatives stripping the roof (skin and eye irritation, respiratory irritation, infection risk from droppings)	Operatives briefed; work done outdoors	3×2=6	Damp down dusty areas and remove debris as it is lifted by using the chute. Use a vacuum with a suitable filter for loft clean-up and do not dry sweep. Operatives wash hands before eating, drinking and smoking, with washing facilities provided. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002. Disposable dust mask (minimum FFP2) and gloves, eye protection as backup.	Low

4. COSHH assessment

Built on COSHH 2002 regulations 6 and 7 and HSE guidance L5.

Check each entry against the supplier's Safety Data Sheet before work starts. Take workplace exposure limits from HSE EH40/2005.

Respirable crystalline silica dust from cutting and stripping concrete interlocking tiles

Task or use: Dust created when cutting concrete interlocking tiles at the hips, verges, valleys and ridge, and when stripping and breaking existing masonry-based roof coverings
Route of exposure: Inhalation of fine dust; eye contact
Who could be harmed: Operatives cutting and handling tiles, and anyone nearby, including the homeowner and family, breathing the dust. Long-term exposure can cause serious and irreversible lung disease.
Hazards: Breathing in fine silica dust over time can cause silicosis, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The dust can also irritate the eyes and nose. The tile manufacturer's information should be checked for hazards (section 2 of any Safety Data Sheet).
Controls: Eliminate or reduce: plan the roof layout so as to reduce cutting, and use the manufacturer's factory-made fittings and cut sizes where possible
Substitute: no dry cutting; use water suppression for each cut
Engineering: tile cutter with on-tool extraction (M-class or H-class vacuum) or a wet-cutting saw
Administrative: cut in one designated area away from the house, windows and other people; keep others out; limit time spent cutting
Clean up wet or with an H-class or M-class vacuum, never dry sweeping or compressed air
PPE: RPE with an assigned protection factor of at least 20 (FFP3 disposable or equivalent, BS EN 149), face-fit tested and worn clean shaven
Eye protection (BS EN 166)
Work clothing that is changed or brushed off with a vacuum before entering the house or vehicle
Storage and disposal: Collect dust, slurry and offcuts and keep them contained in sealed bags or the skip so they do not blow away. Dispose of waste through a licensed waste carrier. Do not wash slurry into drains.
First aid and spillage: If dust gets in the eyes, rinse with clean water for several minutes and get medical advice if irritation continues. If someone has breathed in a lot of dust, move them into fresh air and get medical advice if they cough or have difficulty breathing. For spilt dust, damp down or use an H-class or M-class vacuum. Do not dry sweep.
Health surveillance: Not expected for a short job of this size. Operatives who regularly work with silica should be on the employer's health surveillance programme; Apex Roofing Ltd to confirm that this is in place.
Check against the Safety Data Sheet: Before work starts, confirm from the tile supplier's Safety Data Sheet or product information whether the tiles contain crystalline silica, and take any hazard statements and the RPE and PPE specification from it. Take the workplace exposure limits from HSE EH40/2005. Assessment under COSHH 2002 and HSE COSHH guidance (L5, the COSHH Approved Code of Practice).

Gas for the torch used on flashings

Task or use: Gas torch used for flashings, supplied from a gas cylinder at ground level
Route of exposure: Inhalation of fumes and gas; skin and eye contact with hot material or flame
Who could be harmed: Operatives using the torch and anyone nearby, including the homeowner and family, if there is a gas leak or fire
Hazards: The gas is flammable and can cause fire or explosion if it leaks or is misused. Burns from flame, hot material and the torch. Fumes and heated materials can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Check section 2 of the supplier's Safety Data Sheet for the specific hazards of the gas and of the flashing materials used.
Controls: Eliminate or substitute: use a non-flame method for the flashings if the product and the homeowner allow
Engineering: regulator, hose and torch in good condition, with flashback arrestors fitted; hose clips checked for leaks before use
Engineering: cylinder kept upright, secured and at ground level, with only the quantity needed on site
Administrative: hot works permit signed before use, fire watcher, clear combustibles, extinguisher to hand, post-work check for at least 60 minutes
Administrative: cylinders shut off and stored in a safe place at the end of each working period
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 also apply to the gas
PPE: Heat-resistant gloves
Eye protection (BS EN 166)
Flame-resistant or close-fitting work clothing
Safety boots with grip (BS EN ISO 20345)
Storage and disposal: Store cylinders upright, secured, outside, away from the house and from sources of ignition, and locked in the van or a secure place when not in use. Return empty or unused cylinders to the supplier. Do not leave them on the scaffold or roof.
First aid and spillage: For a gas leak, shut off the cylinder if safe, remove ignition sources and keep people away. For burns, cool under running water for at least 20 minutes and get medical help. In a fire, call 999, shut off the gas only if safe, and use the extinguisher only if trained.
Health surveillance: None expected for this short, intermittent use.
Check against the Safety Data Sheet: Before work starts, confirm from the gas supplier's Safety Data Sheet the hazards, the PPE specification and the storage requirements, and from the flashing material's data sheet any fumes or hazards when heated. If lead is used, a separate lead assessment is needed. Take workplace exposure limits from HSE EH40/2005. Assessment under COSHH 2002 and HSE COSHH guidance (L5, the COSHH Approved Code of Practice).

Wood dust from cutting battens

Task or use: Cutting roof battens to length for fixing to the rafters
Route of exposure: Inhalation of dust; skin and eye contact
Who could be harmed: Operatives cutting the battens and anyone nearby
Hazards: Wood dust can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and skin and can cause asthma or skin allergies in some people. Some treated timber carries extra hazards. Check the supplier's information for the battens and section 2 of any Safety Data Sheet for treated timber.
Controls: Eliminate: order battens cut to length where possible, or cut as few as possible
Engineering: cut outdoors in open air; use on-tool extraction on any power saw
Administrative: keep others away while cutting, limit time spent cutting, and clean up with a vacuum and not by dry sweeping or blowing the dust
Wash hands and face before eating, drinking and smoking
PPE: Disposable dust mask (minimum FFP2, BS EN 149) if cutting creates visible dust
Eye protection (BS EN 166)
Gloves (BS EN 388)
Storage and disposal: Store battens dry and off the ground. Collect sawdust and offcuts in the skip or bags and dispose of them as waste via a licensed waste carrier. Do not burn treated timber.
First aid and spillage: Rinse dust from the eyes with clean water. Wash skin with soap and water. Move into fresh air if irritated by dust and get medical advice if symptoms continue. Vacuum up dust spills.
Health surveillance: None expected for the short and intermittent exposure on this job.
Check against the Safety Data Sheet: Before work starts, confirm from the timber supplier whether the battens are treated, and if so take the hazards and PPE specification from the Safety Data Sheet. Take workplace exposure limits for wood dust from HSE EH40/2005. Assessment under COSHH 2002 and HSE COSHH guidance (L5, the COSHH Approved Code of Practice).

5. Plant & equipment

Scaffold (by others) with handover certificate
Roof ladders (hooked over the ridge) and access ladders
Debris chute and skip
Gas torch and gas cylinder with regulator, hose and flashback arrestors
Fire extinguisher for hot works
Tile cutter with water suppression or on-tool extraction, and an M-class or H-class vacuum (to be confirmed)
Hand tools for stripping, battening and tiling
Barriers, signs and sheeting for the exclusion zone and weather protection

6. Materials / COSHH

Materials are new breathable felt, battens and concrete interlocking tiles, plus gas for the flashing torch. Hazardous substances are respirable crystalline silica dust from cutting concrete tiles, gas for the torch, and wood dust from cutting battens. Details are in the COSHH assessments.

7. PPE

Hard hat with chin strap (BS EN 397)
Safety boots with a good grip (BS EN ISO 20345)
Gloves for handling (BS EN 388) and heat-resistant gloves for the torch
Eye protection (BS EN 166)
Hearing protection where needed (BS EN 352)
FFP3 face-fit tested RPE for cutting and stripping dust (BS EN 149)
Hi-vis clothing (BS EN ISO 20471)
Weather and sun protection as needed

8. Competence & training

All operatives hold valid CSCS cards and working-at-height training, to be checked by S. Patel before they start. The foreman briefs everyone on this RAMS before work starts and they sign to confirm they have understood it. Anyone using a RPE mask must be face-fit tested. Only operatives trained to use the gas torch carry out the flashing work, and the permit holder and fire watcher are named on the hot works permit. Supervision is by S. Patel, Roofing Foreman, throughout the work.

9. Permits

Hot works permit for flashings with the gas torch, signed before the torch is lit and closed out after the post-work check
Scaffold handover certificate and the current inspection record, checked before any roof work starts (not a permit but must be in place)
Highway or skip licence if the skip or any scaffold or barrier is on the public road or footway (to be confirmed with the homeowner and scaffold contractor)

10. Access & egress

Access to the roof is by the scaffold stair or tied ladder from the agreed route around the house, and then by roof ladders on the slope. The route is agreed with the homeowner on the pre-start walk and kept clear. The ground exclusion zone and pedestrian route are signed. Ladders are removed or the access is boarded off when the site is unattended. Deliveries and the skip are controlled by the foreman and kept clear of the entrance and pavement.

11. Welfare

Toilet, washing and drinking water facilities to be agreed with the homeowner on the pre-start walk, or a portable unit provided if the house cannot be used. A place to eat and rest out of the weather is agreed. Hot-weather drinking water and cold-weather breaks are provided. Operatives wash hands before eating, drinking and smoking.

12. First aid

A first aid kit is kept on site and in the van, and a trained first aider is named at the pre-start briefing. All injuries are reported to S. Patel and recorded in the accident book, and RIDDOR reportable events are reported by Apex Roofing Ltd. For burns, cool under running water for at least 20 minutes. The nearest A&E is to be confirmed and given at the briefing.

13. Emergency procedures

In an emergency call 999 and give the address, 8 Beech Avenue, Bristol BS6 7**. The foreman, S. Patel, takes charge. For a person injured at height, do not move them unless they are in danger and do not attempt rescue by ladder alone. Keep them still and warm until the ambulance arrives, and send someone to meet the crew at the gate. For fire, stop the torch, shut off the gas if safe, raise the alarm, get everyone including the homeowner out and call 999. Use the extinguisher only if trained. The assembly point is at the front of the property, away from the scaffold. If suspect asbestos is found, stop work, keep everyone away and report to S. Patel and the homeowner.

14. Environmental

Waste is taken from the roof by the chute to a skip and removed by a licensed waste carrier, with waste transfer notes kept (duty of care, Environmental Protection Act 1990). Old and new tiles and timber are kept separate for recycling where possible. No burning of waste on site. Dust is kept down by wet cutting or extraction, and slurry is not washed into drains. Gas cylinders are stored securely and removed daily or secured. Noisy work is limited to reasonable hours and neighbours are told in advance. The gardens, drives and pavements are protected from debris and cleaned at the end of each day.

This document was AI-generated as a drafting aid. It is not a substitute for professional health & safety advice. It must be reviewed, verified and made site-specific by a competent person before use, briefed to all operatives, and updated when site conditions or the method change. The provider accepts no liability for use of this document on site.

Roofing method statement: what it covers

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