RAMS, CPP & Site Documents for Roofers

Built for Roofers

Real work, real hazards. Here are examples of what The Site Book creates RAMS for:

CDM 2015 Compliance for Roofers

Roofing is statistically the most dangerous construction trade in the UK. HSE data shows that falls from height account for over 25% of construction fatalities, with roofing work disproportionately represented in these figures. CDM 2015 places specific duties on roofing contractors under Regulation 15: planning for fall prevention using the hierarchy of controls, identifying fragile surfaces before work starts, and ensuring adequate edge protection or safety netting is in place before anyone accesses the roof. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require a systematic approach — avoid work at height where possible, use work platforms with edge protection where avoidance is not practicable, and use personal fall arrest equipment only as a last resort. Pre-start checks are critical: scaffold must be inspected by a competent person under NASC SG4:15 guidelines, fragile surface surveys must identify rooflights, cement fibre sheets, and deteriorated felt, and weather risk assessments must set clear wind speed limits for exposed positions. HSE guidance document INDG284 'Working on roofs' provides the practical framework that every roofing RAMS should reference.

Common Hazards We Cover

These are the real risks roofers face on site every day. Your RAMS will address each one with specific control measures.

• Falls from height — the leading cause of fatal injuries in roofing, including falls from edges, through fragile surfaces, and from ladders
• Fragile roof surfaces — cement fibre sheets, rooflights, skylights, and deteriorated felt that will not support body weight
• Manual handling of heavy materials at height — tile bundles, lead rolls, and insulation boards carried up ladders or hoisted by crane
• Hot works — torch-on felt roofing creates fire risk, particularly near timber decking and insulation
• Asbestos — cement fibre roof sheets, soffits, and downpipes on pre-2000 buildings are likely to contain asbestos
• Weather exposure — wind loading at height, rain on slippery surfaces, cold stress in winter, UV and heat in summer

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need RAMS as a roofer?

Absolutely. Roofing is classified as high-risk work under CDM 2015 due to the inherent fall hazards. Every principal contractor will require your RAMS before allowing you on site. Even on domestic jobs, RAMS are critical — roofing accounts for more fatal falls in construction than any other trade. Your RAMS must be specific to the job, not a generic template.

How long does it take to create RAMS for roofing work?

Under 5 minutes with The Site Book. Describe the job — for example, 're-tile pitched roof on a 1960s semi with scaffolding' — and the AI creates RAMS covering fall protection, fragile surfaces, manual handling at height, weather conditions, and all relevant control measures.

Does The Site Book cover the Work at Height Regulations?

Yes. The Site Book generates RAMS that specifically address the Work at Height Regulations 2005, including hierarchy of control for fall prevention, edge protection requirements, fragile surface identification, and rescue planning. It also references HSE roofing guidance (INDG284) and covers hot works, asbestos in roof materials, and other roofing-specific hazards.

What fall protection should be included in roofing RAMS?

Your RAMS must follow the hierarchy of controls in the Work at Height Regulations 2005 Schedule 6. First preference is collective protection — scaffold with guard rails and toe boards to NASC SG4:15 standard, providing edge protection around the full perimeter. Second is safety netting below fragile surfaces to catch falls through rooflights or deteriorated sheeting. Harness and lanyard systems are the last resort, used only where collective protection is not reasonably practicable, and require a rescue plan before work starts. Your RAMS should specify which system is used and why the hierarchy was followed.

Do I need a hot works permit for torch-on felt roofing?

Yes, whenever using a gas torch near combustible materials such as timber decking, PIR insulation boards, or existing bitumen felt. The hot works permit should specify a fire watch period of at least 60 minutes after torch work ceases, fire extinguisher placement within 2 metres of the work area, and prohibited zones where torching is not permitted (near roof vents, close to party walls). The Fire Protection Association RC4 guidance provides the industry standard for hot works on roofs. The Site Book generates RAMS that include these hot works controls automatically when torch-on felt is specified.

How does The Site Book handle weather risks for roofing?

RAMS generated by The Site Book include weather-related controls specific to roof work: wind speed limits for exposed positions (typically 23 mph or Beaufort Force 6, reduced for scaffold-dependent work), rain and ice protocols covering non-slip footwear and suspended work thresholds, UV exposure controls for summer working including hydration and shade breaks, and cold stress management in winter. The Construction Phase Plan includes a weather monitoring requirement with clear stop-work triggers for each hazard.

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