Is a harness enough, or do I need edge protection?

The hierarchy of control runs the other way: guard rails protect everyone on the roof without anyone having to clip on, so they come first. A harness is the control you fall back to where rails are not reasonably practicable — and then the SWMS must cover anchor points, inspection and, critically, how you rescue a suspended worker.

Does a single-storey roof still need a SWMS?

Almost always. The threshold is a fall of more than 2 metres, and the gutter line of a single-storey house is typically around 2.4–3 metres. Measure from the surface you would land on, not from ceiling height.

What about old asbestos-cement roofs?

Removing more than 10 m² of bonded asbestos sheeting requires a licensed removalist, and any disturbance of asbestos is its own high-risk category. If the existing roof is fibro, that belongs in the SWMS — or better, in a licensed removalist's scope before your crew arrives.

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Roofing SWMS template

Roof replacement and repairs including edge protection and material handling.

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Falls from roofs are the single biggest killer on Australian construction sites, which is why any roofing work above 2 metres is high risk construction work and legally requires a SWMS before anyone gets on the roof. Principal contractors know this, and roofing crews without a current, site-specific SWMS get turned away at induction.

This template covers metal roof installation and replacement: edge protection, removing existing sheets, installing new roofing, and flashings. The document it produces is built around the fall risk — how you get on the roof, what stops you coming off the edge, and what happens to the sheet you just cut when the wind picks up.

What this SWMS covers

The typical scope of work the document describes, step by step. The builder lets you add, remove and reword steps so the sequence matches your actual job.

1Site inspection and hazard walk
2Install edge protection
3Access roof
4Remove existing roof sheets
5Install new roofing
6Flashings and gutters
7Remove edge protection

Hazards and example controls

The controls below are starting points ordered by the hierarchy of control — the builder helps you adapt them to the site and add your own.

Fall from roof edge or through fragile surface

Install guard-rail edge protection before general roof access
Identify and barricade skylights and brittle sheeting from below
Use harness and static line only where guard rails are not practicable

Falling sheets, tools and offcuts

Establish an exclusion zone below the work area with signage
Secure loose sheets against wind uplift as they are laid
Lower materials — never drop them from the roof

Heat and UV exposure on the roof

Schedule roof work for early starts in hot months
Mandate long sleeves, sunscreen and water on the roof
Set trigger temperatures for rest breaks or stopping work

Manual handling of sheets in wind

Two-person carry for long sheets; stop sheet handling in high wind
Land material packs close to the work face by crane or hoist

High risk construction work

Risk of falling more than 2 metres

Roofing above 2 metres triggers the 'risk of falling more than 2 metres' category on effectively every job. Re-roofing older buildings can also trigger the asbestos category if the existing roof or its insulation contains ACM — the SWMS must say how that was checked before demolition of the old roof started.

All 18 high-risk categories explained

Common questions

Is a harness enough, or do I need edge protection?: The hierarchy of control runs the other way: guard rails protect everyone on the roof without anyone having to clip on, so they come first. A harness is the control you fall back to where rails are not reasonably practicable — and then the SWMS must cover anchor points, inspection and, critically, how you rescue a suspended worker.
Does a single-storey roof still need a SWMS?: Almost always. The threshold is a fall of more than 2 metres, and the gutter line of a single-storey house is typically around 2.4–3 metres. Measure from the surface you would land on, not from ceiling height.
What about old asbestos-cement roofs?: Removing more than 10 m² of bonded asbestos sheeting requires a licensed removalist, and any disturbance of asbestos is its own high-risk category. If the existing roof is fibro, that belongs in the SWMS — or better, in a licensed removalist's scope before your crew arrives.

Build your roofing SWMS now

Start from this template and answer a few questions about the job — state, site, crew, method. Preview the whole document free; pay only when you download the PDF.

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Before you start

Users are responsible for reviewing and adapting the SWMS to the actual worksite, work methods and applicable regulatory requirements before work begins.