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ACR's advice can assist building industry avoid roofwork...
ACR's advice can assist building industry avoid roofwork tragedy
Latest statistics show that falls from height in construction have reduced steadily from around 50 annually in 96/97 to 24 in 05/06. This reduction, in no small part, stems from the effort and commitment of individuals in the industry who, acting within companies, regulatory bodies or in collaborative groups, have worked hard to assail what at one time appeared to be an intractable problem.
One such UK body, The Advisory Committee for Roofwork (ACR), is dedicated to making work on roofs safer, and over 8 years has emerged as the UK’s leading post-CDM authority on roofwork safety. One of the Committee’s activities is to provide useful, free information on roofworking, something which it is ideally placed to achieve given its composition¹ of nominees from Trade Associations, organisations and the HSE, all with many years experience of involvement with the various aspects of working on roofs.
Many in the safety profession, and the building industry, are aware of the ACR's earlier expert work on fragile roof materials, but Committee publications (some in preparation²) now comprise of material standards, best practice guides and information sheets. Subject matter includes fragile roofs, nets, edge protection for roofwork, horizontal safety lines in roofwork, and workforce competence/general fitness.
Still, too many lose their lives or suffer disabling injuries in falls from height in construction and maintenance associated with roofworking.
Invariably, most falls could have been prevented by employing readily available means at the disposal of the contractor and described in guidance material.
¹ ACR comprises of: British Standards Institute; Concrete Tile Manufacturers Assoc; Fall Arrest & Safety Equipment Training; Fibre Cement Manufacturers Assoc; Flat Roofing Alliance; HSE; Metal Cladding & Roofing Manufacturers Assoc; National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers; National Federation of Roofing Contractors; Rural & Industrial Design & Building Assoc; Single Ply Roofing Assoc; Work at Height Safety Association.
² ACR final publications are all free to download, however please note the Committee never releases copies of draft documents.
05.09.06
