Do You Need Scaffolding to Replace Ridge Tiles?

There are many different types of scaffolding that have a range of uses for different projects. Roofing jobs involve working at height, meaning that scaffolding is more than likely required. In this blog, we discuss how to choose the right scaffolding for your requirements.

So do you need scaffolding to replace ridge tiles? Yes. All roofing jobs require you to erect scaffolding, especially where the job is greater than 4 feet high. This ensures the safety of workers and anyone who is in the vicinity of the job as it can offer protection against debris and fall hazards. 

Read on to find out more about which roofing jobs require scaffolding and advice on the type of scaffolding to use. 

What Type of Scaffolding Do You Need to Replace Ridge Tiles?

There are many different types of scaffolding that have different uses for different projects. Scaffolding is required on projects where the height is greater than 4 feet above the ground and should be maintained throughout the project to increase the safety of everyone involved in the project. 

You are required to erect scaffolding to replace ridge tiles to prevent people and materials from falling, potentially injuring someone. We would recommend mobile scaffolding towers for this roofing job as it is unlikely to take longer than a day unless it’s a bigger building. These can easily and quickly be erected, manoeuvred and dismantled for speed and convenience. If you are travelling or have a larger project, we would recommend aluminium scaffolding for replacing ridge tiles as it is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. 

However, there are a few other things to consider when selecting scaffolding for your project including:

The Style of Roof 

Sloping roofs have added slip and fall hazards for both workers and materials so edge protection is required such as guardrails and toe boards fitted securely to the scaffolding structure. If the roof is considered fragile, scaffolding can provide a secure base for workers to move around as they work. Assume that all roofs are fragile and take extra precautions where necessary with glass or thin roofs. 

The Size of the Building/Roof 

Depending on the scope of the project, you may require scaffolding for a longer period of time, so consider this when hiring your scaffolding. The type of scaffolding you require could be impacted depending on the project’s timescale as it needs to be maintained at least once a week. For a short roofing job such as replacing ridge tiles, we would recommend hiring mobile scaffolding as it is easy to manoeuvre once erected. Any domestic roof work additionally requires edge protection, properly fitted around the property. 

Once the above points have been considered, you should be able to work out which type of scaffolding you require for replacing ridge tiles. If you are still unsure, contact a member of the Hi-Point team and we would be happy to advise. 

What Fall Protection is Required for Replacing Ridge Tiles?

When working at height, you are required to take certain precautions to protect the safety of anyone within the vicinity of the project, including all workers and members of the public. Any project 2m or above requires suitable fall protection by law to minimise the risk of serious injury. 

There are 4 methods of fall protection that should be combined to effectively minimise the risk of serious accidents. The 4 methods are:

• Fall elimination – Finding ways to complete the work without needing to be at height or reduce the amount of time needed to be at height. 
• Fall prevention – If the project or at least part of it must be completed at height, guards and barriers must be properly installed to prevent falls.
• Fall arrest – Methods used to catch workers in the event of a fall such as harnesses, anchorage and connectors.
• Administrative controls – This can include appointing a safety observer for the site and enforcing a safety policy. 

We have recently written a thorough blog which details the fall protection required for working at height. 

Scaffolding for Your Roofing Jobs at Hi-Point Access

At Hi-Point Access we only offer the highest quality scaffolding for your needs. Aluminium scaffolding is ideal for any job that requires travelling or quick erection due to it’s light weight and mobile scaffold towers are perfect for short jobs as they are easy to manoeuvre around the project’s vicinity To find the right scaffolding for your roofing jobs, contact a member of our team and we will be happy to advise. 

FAQs

Do You Need Scaffolding to Repair A Chimney?

Although it is not a legal requirement to use scaffolding to repair a chimney, it is strongly recommended to add a layer of protection for everyone involved. We have a full blog available on this topic which goes into more detail.

Do All Roofing Jobs Require Scaffolding?

There is a requirement for scaffolding on all jobs that require work on the entire roof of a building. If the work is over 4 feet in height, you are legally required to use scaffolding. You must also use appropriate safety equipment at heights of 6m or above. You can find out more about this topic in our recent blog.