Skylights and roof lights are common features in modern buildings, providing natural light and ventilation to the interiors. While these features offer several benefits, they also pose a significant risk to those working at height on the roof. Without appropriate protection systems in place, workers can easily fall through the skylight or roof light, resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. Therefore, it is essential to install skylight and roof light protection systems to limit the risk of such accidents.
The Importance of Skylight and Roof Light Protection Systems
Falls from height are one of the most common causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. Workers who are working on roofs or near skylights and roof lights are particularly vulnerable to falls. According to HSE INDG 284, around 7% of all fatal injuries in the construction industry are caused by falls from roofs or through skylights and roof lights. These accidents can be prevented by taking appropriate safety measures, including installing skylight and roof light protection systems.
HSE INDG 284 recommends that employers and building owners take necessary precautions to prevent falls from roofs, skylights, and roof lights. This includes conducting a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards, implementing appropriate safety measures, and providing adequate training to workers. Employers should also ensure that all safety equipment, including skylight and roof light protection systems, are installed and maintained correctly.
HSG-33, a guide for managing work at height, emphasises the importance of installing skylight and roof light protection systems. The guide advises that skylights and roof lights should be regarded as fragile surfaces and that workers should not walk or stand on them. Employers are advised to install skylight and roof light protection systems to prevent workers from accidentally falling through these surfaces.
Different Types of Skylight and Roof Light Protection Systems
There are several different types of skylight and roof light protection systems on the market. The most common types include:
Skylight and Roof Light Covers – These are covers made of a strong, durable material that can withstand the weight of a person. They are designed to be placed over the skylight or roof light, preventing workers from accidentally falling through. Skylight and roof light covers can be made from materials such as polycarbonate or metal.
Skylight and Roof Light Barriers – These are barriers that are installed around the skylight or roof light, preventing workers from accessing the area. Barriers can be made from materials such as metal, plastic, or fibreglass. They can be freestanding or attached to the roof surface.
Skylight and Roof Light Guardrails – These are guardrails that are installed around the skylight or roof light. They are designed to prevent workers from accidentally falling through the opening. Guardrails can be made from materials such as aluminium or steel.
Skylight and Roof Light Grilles – These are grilles that are installed over the skylight or roof light, preventing workers from accidentally falling through. They are made from materials such as aluminium or stainless steel.
Each of these protection systems has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, skylight and roof light covers are easy to install and maintain, but they may not be suitable for roofs with a high footfall. Skylight and roof light barriers are excellent for restricting access to the area, but they may not provide adequate protection for workers. Skylight and roof light guardrails are the most effective protection systems, but they require more installation time and are more expensive.
Regulations and Standards for Skylight and Roof Light Protection Systems
Several regulations and standards govern the installation and use of skylight and roof light protection systems. These include:
EN 13374-2013 – Temporary Edge Protection Systems
EN 13374-2013 is the European standard that specifies the safety requirements for temporary edge protection systems used during construction work, maintenance, and demolition of buildings and structures. This standard applies to edge protection systems that are free-standing, fixed to the structure, or anchored to the ground.
Edge protection systems are an essential part of roof safety, particularly when working on flat roofs or roofs with steep pitches. Temporary edge protection systems can be used on a wide range of roofs, including metal, concrete, and timber. These systems are designed to provide fall protection to workers who are carrying out maintenance, repair, and construction work on roofs. They are also useful for preventing tools and materials from falling from the roof and causing damage or injury.
Temporary edge protection systems can be made of a range of materials, including aluminium, steel, and plastic. They can be freestanding or fixed to the structure. The type of edge protection system used will depend on the type of roof, the work being carried out, and the duration of the work.
BSEN 1991-1-4:2005 Amendment 1:2010 – Actions on Structures – Wind Actions
BSEN 1991-1-4:2005 Amendment 1:2010 is a British Standard that specifies the actions on structures due to wind. The standard provides information on the calculation of wind loads for buildings and structures, including those with roof lights and skylights. It specifies the design wind speeds for different locations in the UK and the wind load factors that should be applied to structures.
This standard is relevant to the design and installation of roof light and skylight protection systems as it provides information on the wind loads that these systems will need to withstand. It is important to ensure that roof light and skylight protection systems are designed and installed to withstand the wind loads that they are likely to encounter. Failure to do so could result in the systems being blown away, which would leave the roof open to fall hazards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of skylights and roof lights in buildings can provide many benefits, such as natural light and ventilation. However, these features can also pose significant risks to workers who are carrying out maintenance, repair, and construction work on roofs. To manage these risks, it is essential to install appropriate protection systems.
The above regulations and standards are in place to ensure that skylight and roof light protection systems are designed, installed, and maintained to the highest standards of safety. It is important to select the correct protection system for the type of roof and work being carried out. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure that protection systems continue to provide adequate fall protection.
In addition to skylight and roof light protection systems, other fall protection systems should also be used when working at height on a roof. Edge protection systems, safety harnesses, and safety nets are all effective ways of preventing falls from roofs.
Overall, it is crucial to recognise the importance of safety when working at height on roofs. Employers and employees have a responsibility to ensure that they are using the correct safety equipment and protection systems, and that they are following safety procedures and guidelines. By doing so, they can help prevent accidents and injuries and ensure that workers return home safely at the end of the day.
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