1. From regulation to understandig
Some aspects regarding guidelines of Hot Work for Roofing in Finland

2. The Finnish Roofing Association
55 member companies
represents its members in relations with authorities who regulate the building industry, other organisations and third parties. The association bears partial responsibility for setting up norms for the sector and provides statements on general issues relating to the sector
promotes research and investigation work to develop the roofing systems and work methods best suited to Finnish conditions and implements the circulation of relevant guidelines among entrepreneurs in the sector
develops contract terms suited for the sector and monitors compliance with these – to the benefit of its members and the entire construction industry
promotes safety at work and hot work safety in cooperation with the authorities and insurance companies
develops employee training and educates office staff working in the sector with the goal of continuous improvement of know-how and skills within the sector
takes responsibility for its own part for the advisory, informative, and communication activities of the roofing sector targeted at construction clients
follows the international development of the sector through professional literature, international exhibitions, and direct contacts
concludes collective labour agreements for the sector.

3. 34 contractor members
Representing € million annual turnover in Finnish roofing industry
Representing some % of the Finnish roofing industry
Roofings for low pitched roofs should be continuos – all seams must withstand water pressure
the principle material for low pitched roofs is two-ply modified bitumen membrane.
For best results the membranes are bonded or torched together – thus the need for hot work.
Member companies cover some 4-5 million sq-m annually, most of which using hot work.

4. 21 industrial members Providing materials and tools for contractors
Bitumen and PVC membranes, sheet metal, tiles, thermal insulation etc
Lemminkäinen, Katepal, Icopal, Monier, Saint-Gobain, Rautaruukki, Dow, Rockwool, Sika, Trelleborg etc

5. The rules and regulations
National Hot work standard
Applies for roofing as well, but not designed for it
Insurance Companies’ protection guidelines
New guidelines are being drafted. Their focus will be on main principles rather than details.
Hot Work Licence for roofing
Required for anyone doing hot work on roofs
One day of education and passing the exam
-> The basic structure works well

6. Problems?
The national Hot Work Standard was originally drafted for ”normal” hot work, i.e. welding etc
Hot work for roofing is very different from other hot work
Accidents tend to be expensive
Differencies in guidelines, rules, and regulation seem to confuse people
Hot Work on roofs requires knowledge of materials and structure, and understanding the dangers in different tasks – a good roofer must always understand what he is about to do and why

7. Roofing standard
The Finnish Roofing Association is drafting new standard for hot work in Roofing, in cooperation with SPEK, SPPL (Finnish Fire Officer association), and the insurance branch.
The standard focuses on details, including:
Hot work licence for roofing
Hot work checklist and – permission
Initial extinguishing equipement
Hot work equipement
Fire watch during and after hot work
Choosing work methods with a view to fire safety issues at the site.

8. Conclusion
The existing guidelines consist of rules and regulation, but hot work requires basic understanding of the structures, work methods, materials, tools, and risks.
Both knowledge and understanding are necessary to perform hot work safely, our challenge is to ensure that the workers have both.