Roof Light and Skylight Protection Methods
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Roof Light and Skylight Protection Methods
Roof lights and skylights are fragile surfaces that cannot support a person's weight. They are a leading cause of fatal falls through roofs on UK construction sites. Many are difficult to see when dirty, painted over, or covered by insulation. Protecting every roof light before anyone accesses the roof is a legal requirement. This talk explains the protection methods available and the rules every operative must follow.
- Identify every roof light and skylight from the building plans and a physical roof survey before access.
- Install permanent or temporary covers over all roof lights strong enough to support a person's weight.
- Secure covers against displacement using fixings or weighted edges — not just placed loosely on top.
- Mark all covered roof lights with high-visibility warning signs visible from the working surface.
- Install guard rails around any roof light that cannot be fully covered due to access requirements.
- Brief all operatives on the number and exact locations of roof lights before anyone accesses the roof.
- Inspect roof light covers daily and after adverse weather to confirm they remain secure and visible.
- Assume any translucent panel in a roof is fragile until a competent person confirms otherwise.
- Never step on or place loads directly onto any roof light, covered or otherwise.
If someone falls through a roof light, call 999 immediately. Do not walk on the same roof surface to reach them. Access the casualty from below using a safe route and administer first aid while awaiting the ambulance.
- Every roof light must be covered with a load-bearing protector before anyone accesses the roof
- Covers must be fixed securely against displacement and not just placed loosely over the opening
- Mark all protected roof lights with high-visibility warning signs visible from the working surface
- Assume all translucent roof panels are fragile until a competent person confirms they are safe
- Never step on or place any load onto a roof light whether it is covered or not
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