Fragile Surface Identification and Protection
Working at Height › General › Fragile Surface Identification and Protection
Fragile Surface Identification and Protection
Fragile surfaces such as roof lights, fibre cement sheets, and corroded metal decking cause fatal falls every year on UK construction sites. Workers can fall through materials that appear solid but cannot support their weight. Identifying and protecting fragile surfaces before anyone works on or near them is a legal requirement under the Work at Height Regulations.
- Carry out a fragile surface survey before any work begins on or near a roof or elevated structure.
- Mark all identified fragile surfaces with warning signs visible from both above and below.
- Install permanent or temporary covers over roof lights that are strong enough to bear a person's weight.
- Use crawling boards or staging platforms to spread loads when working on or near fragile materials.
- Erect barriers or guard rails at least two metres from any fragile surface to prevent approach.
- Brief all operatives on the location of fragile surfaces before they access any roof area.
- Assume any surface is fragile unless a competent person has confirmed it can support the load.
- Install safety netting beneath fragile surfaces as a secondary fall protection measure where required.
- Review the pre-construction information pack for existing fragile material records before starting work.
If someone falls through a fragile surface, call 999 immediately. Do not attempt to reach the casualty by walking on the same surface. Access from below using a safe route and administer first aid while awaiting emergency services.
- Fragile surfaces cause fatal falls and must be identified before any roof work begins
- Assume all surfaces are fragile until a competent person confirms they can support loads
- Roof lights must be covered with load-bearing protection and clearly marked with warning signs
- Barriers should be placed at least two metres from any identified fragile surface
- Safety netting beneath fragile areas provides essential secondary fall protection on site
RAMS Builder
Generate professional Risk Assessment and Method Statements in minutes. 10 document formats, site-specific content, instant Word download.