Health and Safety Executive CDM 2007, Construction clients and fragile roofs Russell Adfield Construction Sector

Construction Clients Strategy Under CDM 2007, a client is any organisation or individual for whom any construction project is carried out in association with a business undertaking. Client duties apply to any business that seeks or accepts the services of architects, builders or workers to carry out building, maintenance or refurbishment This definition is very wide and includes companies, partnerships and sole traders. Clients can therefore be referred to as ‘frequent’ or ‘one-off’.

Construction Clients Strategy What we want to achieve Highlight that clients have duties to ensure building work is managed safely under the CDM Regulations 2007 and to raise awareness of one of the most serious accident hazards on small commercial sites – that being falling from or through roofs – particularly – fragile roofs.

Construction Clients Strategy Why we want to achieve it A client is one of the greatest influences over the procurement and delivery of any construction project. An effective health and safety system depends on all duty holders, understanding and discharging their responsibilities to a minimum standard. Small one-off clients are often unfamiliar with their responsibilities Construction incident rates are high on small sites – especially from roof work

Fragile Roofs Falls through fragile roofs and fragile roof lights cause death and serious injury. They account for almost a fifth of all the fatal accidents which result from a fall from height in the construction industry.

Fragile Roofs Deaths caused by falls through fragile surfaces occur mainly to those working in the building maintenance sector when carrying out small, short-term maintenance and cleaning jobs. On average 7 people are killed each year after falling through a fragile roof or fragile roof light. Many others suffer permanent disabling injury. These accidents usually occur on roofs of factories, warehouses and farm buildings when roof repair work or cleaning is being carried out.

Fragile Roofs – Which surfaces present a particular risk? The following are likely to be fragile: –old roof lights;■■ –old liner panels on built-up sheeted roofs;■■ –non-reinforced fibre cement sheets;■■ –corroded metal sheets;■■ –glass (including wired glass);■■ –rotted chipboard; and■■ –slates and tiles.■■ Remember: Fragile roof incidents are not inevitable

What does the Client need to do Always consider roofs as FRAGILE unless proved otherwise by a proper survey. Before work starts: –Ensure that a competent person assesses the roof using a safe system of work –Ensure the work is properly planned in advance by a contractor with sufficient expertise in working on fragile roofs. –Specify non-fragile assemblies for new and replacement roofs. –Satisfy yourself that the contractors have allowed sufficient time to carry out the work safely. After work starts: –Ensure the planned safe system of work is implemented.

What does the Client need to do Obtain information about their legal duties and how to carry them out Obtain information about how roof work should be undertaken safely Appoint reputable and competent roofing contractors Ensure the contractor is familiar with current safe roof work standards Discuss how the work is to be undertaken with the contractor Ensure the contractor carries out the work to those standards

Information and guidance for clients HSE Website – The construction pages provide all guidance free to download Want construction work done safely? Clients duties in respect of work on fragile roofs Health and Safety in Roof Work 3.htm

Information and guidance for clients – Safe roof work methods