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Advisory Committee on Roofsafety
News about changes and updates to the ACR website and publications and other items of interest associated with roofwork safety
Published - October 5th, 2016
Help GB Work Well Campaign
The ACR was addressed by Peter Baker â€“ HSEs Chief Inspector of Construction, at the meeting held on the 28th Sept where he presented the Help GB Work Well Campaign. The Campaign has six strands :- Acting together
These strands will focus the attention of health and safety and Help GB Work Well. Further information can be found by clicking the more info link below , It will take you to the HelpGBWorkWell page of the HSE website.
Published - September 1st, 2016
Correction to Revised ACR publication ( Blue Book)
There was an error in the recently released revision of the Blue Book . The title of the document referred to the old name of the Committee instead of the correct name of "Advisory Committee for Roofsafety". This has now been amended and a corrected version of the document is now available for download.
Published - August 29th, 2016
Revised ACR publications
The ACR committee is pleased to announce the publication of the following revised documenets
ACR[CP]001:2016 Rev 5 Recommended Practice for work on Profiled Sheeted Roofs (the Orange Book)
ACR [CP] 005:2016 Rev 3 Guidance Note for Competence and general fitness requirements to work on roofs. (the Black Book)
ACR [CP] 003:2016 Rev 2 Recommended Practice for Use of Safety Nets for Roofwork .( the Blue Book)
These publications have now been updated to reflect the changes brought about by the revised Construction (Design and Management ) Regulations 2015.
Published - February 17th, 2016
Revised ACR publication - ACR Information sheet number 4 rev3
The ACR is pleased to announce the publication of it's revised Information Sheet No 4
The original Information sheet No 4 provided information in regard to the issues surrounding the relationship between BS EN 795 and the European PPE Directive 89/686/EEC (both of which deal with various types of Fall Protection Anchors)
With the publication in 2012 of the non-harmonised standard, EN 795, many Clients and Manufacturers are left in confusion and difficulty when trying to now specify an appropriate approval for an eyebolt, horizontal life line system or track system. Rev1 subsequently provided an overview of the current situation regarding the approval process.
However many seem confused with regards to testing to EN 795 1996 and 2012 as well as the requirement to CE marking generally. Rev 2 provided summary points to assist readers understanding the requirements,
Rev 3 updates this document following the publication of EN 795: 2012 in the Official Journal (December 2015) of the EU harmonising types B and E equipment .( These types of equipment are required to be CE approved with the provisions of the PPE Directive 89/686/EEC.)
This documents can be downloaded free of charge from the ACR website
Published - October 6th, 2015
Revised ACR publications - The Magenta Books Parts 1 and 2
The ACR Committee is pleased to announce the publication of ACR[CP]007: 2015 Rev2 - (Part 1) Best Practice for the use of Horizontal Safety Lines in Roofwork and ACR[M]002:2015 Rev2 - (Part2) Testing of Roof Anchors on Roof Systems - the Magenta books
Where the use of collective protection is not possible on roofs, personal protection equipment must be used. Many of these rely on horizontal safety lines fixed, using top fix anchors, to the roof sheeting rather than through them to the roof support structure. Part 1 of this Best Practice Guide addresses these issues and gives practical advice on what the ACR considers is â€˜current best practiceâ€™ for the design, installation; commissioning, operation, use and maintenance of horizontal safety lines and single point anchors fixed or supported by â€˜top fixâ€™ brackets.
Whilst it primarily concentrates on profiled roofs, those engaged in other similar activities can also benefit from the advice given, as many of the principles do apply and offer good practice.
Part 2 is a material standard which addresses the performance issues and gives practical advice on what the ACR considers is â€˜current best practiceâ€™ for the testing of Roof Anchors on Roof Systems.
Both Magenta Books have been reviewed and updated to take account of EN 795 2012 Personal fall protection equipment â€“ Anchor devices and CEN TC 16415 2013 Personal fall protection equipment â€“ Anchor devices â€“ Recommendations for anchor devices for use by more than one person simultaneously. Additionally both publication have also been reviewed and updated to reflect CDM 2015 latest requirements.
Published - July 23rd, 2015
ACR publishes Article - " CDM 2015"
Mr Ralph N Bennett of NFRC has published an item on CDM 2015
The article is a precis of the new CDM regulations highlighting the significant changes from CDM 2007 .
Published - June 18th, 2015
Revised ACR publication - The Purple Book
The ACR Committee is pleased to announce the publication of ACR[CP]006:2015 Rev3 - Practical methods of providing edge protection for working on roofs - ( The Purple Book)
This Good Practice Guide has been drawn up to provide information on practical methods that can be used to prevent workers on roofs falling off an exposed edge. The edge protection systems dealt with in this guide are, at the time of writing, generally available and considered good practice when constructed correctly and erected safely. They can be erected using readily available components.
This revision only contains minor reference corrections and picture format error corrections .
Published - June 16th, 2015
Revised ACR publication - ACR Information sheet number 4 rev2
However many seem confused with regards to testing to EN 795 1996 and 2012 as well as the requirement to CE marking generally. Rev 2 now provides summary points that may assist readers understanding the requirements
Published - May 29th, 2015
CDM 2015 and ACR Publications - Update
All the ACR publications are currently being reviewed and updated to reflect the changes in CDM Legislation which came into force on the 6th April 2015. Until individual publications are updated any reference to CDM within existing documents should be interpreted as meaning the latest version of CDM and any reference to CDM Coordinator should be read as Prinicpal Designer.
Published - December 18th, 2014
Revised ACR publications - The Orange Book and the Orange Book Commentary
The ACR committee is pleased to announce the publication of ACR[CP]001:2014 Rev4 Recommended Practice for work on Profiled Sheeted Roofs (the Orange Book ) and ACR[COM]001:2014 Rev1 - Orange Book Commentary.
To ensure safety during roofwork requires the commitment of all those involved in the procurement process. ACR[CP]001 Recommended Practice for work on Profiled Sheeted Roofs (Rev4) gives advice on how this can be achieved, by addressing: The planning of, and safe systems of work for, work at height; The selection and use of work equipment for work at height; The management and supervision of work at height; The competence of workers performing work at height; and The role designers can play in limiting hazards. The delivery of improvements in roof safety in the prevention of falls from height will only be achieved with the full involvement of all those with a role to play, i.e. employers, workers, trades unions, trade associations, manufacturers, trainers and others. This guide gives practical advice on the duties placed on clients, contractors, designers and manufacturers and includes recommendations for good practice in roof safety while working on roofs. It concentrates on profiled roofs. Nevertheless, those engaged in other similar activities would benefit from the advice given, as many of the principles do apply and offer good practice. Since its introduction ACR[CP]001 Recommended Practice for work on Profiled Sheeted Roofs (the Orange Book ) has made a significant contribution to safety in roof work in the UK . However, since its publication, the ACR has received many requests for clarification of the recommendations contained in the Orange Book. These were addressed by ACR[COM]001 ( the Orange Book Commentary.)
This commentary has now been updated by the ACR to provide informative guidance on the recommendations contained in Revision 4 of the â€œOrange Bookâ€� . Users are reminded that all advice or information contained in publications by the ACR is intended for users who will evaluate the significance of the advice or information, including its limitations, and take responsibility for its use and application.Additionally elements of the guidance may go further than the minimum needed to comply with health and safety law.
Both The Orange Book and the Orange Book Commentary are free and can be downloaded from the ACR website
Published - November 28th, 2014
The ACR Committee is pleased to announce the publication of ACR[CP]006:2014 Rev2 - Practical methods of providing edge protection for working on roofs - ( The Purple Book)
This Revision contains updated information taking into account the latest version of BS EN 13374.
Published - June 3rd, 2014
Revised ACR publication - ACR Red Book Fifth Edition -Test for non fragility of Profile Sheeted Roofing Assemblies
The ACR is pleased to announce the publication of 5th Edition of its material standard - The Red Book ACR[M]001:2014
Since the ACR Red Book was first published there has been clear guidance on the test methods for non-fragility of roofing materials including rooflights manufactured from plastic materials. It has been less clear where glass rooflights are concerned. This has caused confusion amongst specifiers as to what testing requirements are appropriate for glass. The Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT), based at Bath University, also produced guidance and test methods for testing glass rooflights, TN66 and TN67.
The ACR tests do not include a hard body impact test and the CWCT tests are not appropriate for plastic rooflights therefore neither standard was appropriate for all circumstances. The CWCT TN66 and TN67 tests were also considered to be onerous and inappropriate to be specified on projects with only small areas of glazing, therefore the need for new cohesive guidance was identified. The result was that the National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers (NARM) worked closely with CWCT to develop a new standard, TN92, which offers a simplified method of testing as well as prescribing some deemed to satisfy criteria for specifying glass rooflights. The ACR Red Book has now been revised and re-issued as the 5th Edition to include reference to the CWCT standards as the most appropriate tests for glass rooflights which means that specifiers that now refer to testing for non-fragility to ACR[M]001:2014 can be sure that whatever rooflight material is being used on their project the recommendations within the Red Book will provide clarity in guiding them to the correct test for their chosen rooflight material.
The 5th Edition can be downloaded free of charge from the ACR website
Published - June 2nd, 2014
Revised ACR publication - ACR Information sheet number 4
With the publication in 2012 of the non-harmonised standard, EN 795, many Clients and Manufacturers are left in confusion and difficulty when trying to now specify an appropriate approval for an eyebolt, horizontal life line system or track system. This revision provides an overview of the current situation regarding the approval process
Published - May 22nd, 2014
ACR publishes Article - "What is the point of a Non-Fragile Roof ?"
This article was issued to the building/roofing press in May 2014 and has been published in the Trade Press. The article is directed at designers and contractors to understand the issues of creating a non fragile roof and how long it will remain non fragile. It focuses on two specific aspects 1. How do we know when a roof designed to be non-fragile eventually becomes fragile when the test procedure can only be applied to a new roof. 2. How do designers who design for a long term non fragile roof, stop the serious issue of main contractors and sub-contractors changing the roof specification to use inferior and cheaper products with result that the expected life of the non fragile roof is considerably reduced and in some cases is fragile when installed. The article is designed to help people realize that roofs, no matter how well designed and built, will eventually become fragile. It is important for all involved in the design and construction, to build to the highest standards to ensure that the roof remains non fragile for as long as possible thereby reducing the risk to life of those people who need to access the roof during the life of the building.
Published - January 30th, 2014
ACR welcomes HSE launch of overhaul of work at height guidance
The ACR welcomes the overhaul of guidance on working at height by HSE which was launched on 28 January 2014, as part of the governments long-term economic plan to abolish or improve outdated, burdensome or over-complicated regulations which waste businesses time and money.
More than a million British businesses and 10 million workers are estimated to carry out jobs involving some form of work at height every year. Roofwork is one of these jobs. Falls are one of the biggest causes of death and serious injury at work. Now the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has overhauled its guidance for such activity, setting out in clear, simple terms what to do and what not to do â€“ and importantly debunking common myths that can confuse and mislead employers.
Published - June 12th, 2012
New ACR publications - Information sheets No 3 & 4
The ACR is pleased to announce the publication of it's Information Sheets No 3 and No 4
ACR Information sheet No. 3 - Planning Minor roof works is intended for clients who have a duty under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007, ie, any person who has minor roof work carried out in furtherance of a business.
(Minor roof work includes: replacing a tile or tiles, cleaning or replacing a roof light1, carrying out an inspection on the roof or any other work that lasts for less than a day. ) It include a questionnaire which may be reproduced and sent to Companies, to help assess their competence, when selecting a Contractor to carry out the work.
ACR Information sheet No 4 - provides information in regard to the current issues surrounding the relationship between BS EN 795 and the European PPE Directive 89/686/EEC(both of which deal with various types of Fall Protection Anchors)
Both documents can be downloaded free of charge from the ACR website
Published - April 15th, 2012
New and Revised ACR publications - Information sheet No 2 and the Green Book
The ACR is pleased to announce the publication of Information Sheet No 2:2012 Safe Handling of Solar Collectors and other Large Items on roofs. This is a new publication intended to assist all those involved in arranging for work and working on roofs handling solar collectors and other large items. It provides basic information and lists issues to be considered to plan,manage and supervise the work to ensure it is carried out safely.
and The second edition of the Green Book ACR [CP] 002:2012 Guidance Note for Safe Working on Fragile Roofs or roofs with fragile elements Covering the Designing, Planning and carrying out of Inspection, Maintenance, Repair and Refurbishment Work.
This revision is an update of the guidance information with minor changes to individual paragraphs to improve clarity or guidance.
New sections on: Cleaning a rooflight from above; Accessing valley gutters and adjacent roof slopes; Replacing damaged roof sheets from below: Changes to the diagrams in Appendix 2 to bring the advice in line with HSG33 Health and Safety in Roof work and Appendix 3: has been updated to reflect requirements of Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006.
Published - March 15th, 2012
Revised ACR publication - The Black Book
The ACR is pleased to announce the publication of the second edition of the Black Book - ACR (CP) 005:2102rev2 . - Guidance Note for Competence and general fitness requirements to work on roofs. It applies to all inspection, new build, maintenance, repair and refurbishment work The revision is an update of the guidance information.
The document can be downloaded free of charge from the ACR website
Published - March 8th, 2012
Revised ACR publication - Information sheet no 1
The ACR is pleased to announce the publication of Information Sheet No 1 Selecting a Competent Roofing Contractor - rev02:2102. This revision is an extensive rewrite of the guidance which now extends to 3 pages.
Published - December 1st, 2011
New ACR publication - Orange Book Commentary
The ACR committee is pleased to announce the publication of ACR[COM]001:2011 - Orange Book Commentary.
ACR[CP]001 Recommended Practice for work on Profiled Sheeted Roofs (the Orange Book â€“ currently Rev 3 published 2007) has made a significant contribution to safety in roof work in the UK since its introduction. However, since its publication, the ACR has received many requests for clarification of the recommendations contained in the Orange Book. This new publication has been drawn up by the ACR and is intended to provide informative guidance on the recommendations contained in the â€œOrange Bookâ€�. Users are reminded that all advice or information contained in publications by the ACR is intended for users who will evaluate the significance of the advice or information, including its limitations, and take responsibility for its use and application.
The commentary is free and can be downloaded from the ACR website
Published - November 7th, 2011
The Red Book Test for Non Fragility of Profiled Sheeting and Large Element Roofing Assemblies has been reviewed and is now released as the 4th Edition with immediate effect. There are some important changes which are highlighted on page 2 of the new edition and all Test Providers must ensure that they fully understand these changes. Of particular note, there has been a clarification of the test procedure when the test bag bounces on impact to a safe landing area e.g. on to another sheet or resting over a purlin. A Competent Person would recognise that the purpose of the test is to see if the test bag will fall through the impacted test sheet. Clearly this will not happen if the test bag has bounced to safety and thus the Competent Person would move the bag to the test area or re run the test. This has now been described in the procedure. The ACR take the view that the evidence suggests that this procedure was already being adopted by the Competent Person and the need to re-run all previous tests under the previous editions of the Red book is not considered necessary. The 4th edition also highlights that purlin centres can be critical to the test performance and this also applies to purlin centres that are closer together than the normal requirements. There is a normal reaction to think that when purlins are closer together, the roof structure will be stronger. However some roofing material perform less well when the structure becomes more rigid when the impact energy is not dissipated by flexing the roofing material but the impact energy is converted into breaking the material. Purlin Centres that are closer than the norm are quite common at the eaves and ridge areas of the roof and therefore important that sheets are tested to this worst case situation.
Published - May 17th, 2011
Following ACRs change of name to Advisory Committee for Roofsafety, all new documents will reflect the new title.Existing documents will carry the original name of Advisory Committee for Roofwork until they undergo revision to their content. Publicity
An introductory article on the work of ACR has been sent to RCI for inclusion in an upcoming edition of the magazine. Publications
HSEs flagship document: HSG33 Health and Safety in Roofwork, has been revised and is available as download from the HSE website.This latest Health and Safety Executives key document can be downloaded free via this link. At the last meeting of the ACR in January the status of the following ACR Publications was confirmed: Red Book
The revision of the Red Book Test for non fragility of profiled sheeting and large Element Roofing Assemblies, is nearing completion and will be confirmed at the May meeting. Green Book
The revision of the Green Book Safe Working on Fragile Roofs has received its final proofing and will be issued shortly. Orange Book
The revision to the Orange Book Recommended Practice for work on Profiled Sheeted Roofs and it's associated commentary document are to be the subject of final discussions at the next meeting. Brown Book
The text of the new Brown book Handling Roof Materials is currently undergoing final review by the drafting panel and is due to be presented to the May meeting of the committee. Yellow information sheet
The new Yellow information sheet No 2 Safe Handling of Solar Collectors and other Large Items on Roofs is has been finalised and is to be reviewed at the May meeting.
Published - January 25th, 2011
ACR Update.
At the last meeting of the ACR, it was agreed to change the Committee's name from Advisory Committee for Roofwork to Advisory Committee for Roofsafety,
This name change will not affect the address of the website.
There has been an agreement between the ACR and RCI to develop and provide news to RCI. An initial press release will be an introductory article on ACR.
The re- publication of HSG 33 by the HSE is still awaited.
The status of the following ACR Publications was agreed: Red Book
The revision of the Red Book Test for non fragility of profiled sheeting and large Element Roofing Assemblies, is nearing completion.
The revision of the Green Book Safe Working on Fragile Roofs is nearing completion.
The text of the new Brown book Handling Roof Materials is currently undergoing final discussions within the committee and may be finalised at the January 2011 meeting of the committee.
The new Yellow information sheet No 2 Safe Handling of Solar Collectables and other Large Items on Roofs is progressing well.
Published - January 15th, 2011
ACR changes it's name
The Advisory Committee for Roofwork has decided to change it's name.
It is now to be known as "The Advisory Committee for Roofsafety" which the Committee considers better represents it's role and the nature of the advice it gives.
The ACR website has been updated to reflect this change however current ACR publications will only change to the new title as and when each is due to be updated and reissued.
Published - February 20th, 2010
ACR update following the January 2010 Advisory Committee for Roofwork meeting
At the January 2010 meeting of the ACR the status of the following Publications was agreed:
Red Book (Test For Non fragility )
The work on this update has now reached the stage where more persons are required to discuss the suggested revisions, these will be progressed further at the next meeting in April 2010.
Concern has been expressed that Competent Persons may be incorrectly interpreting the requirements for bag retention on the test sample
Green Book (Safe working on Fragile Roofs)
The work of this update has now reached the stage where the sub committee will be finalizing their suggestions, after this their suggestions / recommendations for revision will be offered to the the committee ,for ratification, hopefully this will be before the next meeting in April.
Brown Book ( Handling of Roof Materials)
The work on this new publication has now reached the stage where the sub committee will be finalizing their suggestions. After this their suggestions / recommendations for revision will be offered to the the committee ,for ratification, hopefully this will be before the next meeting in April.
Yellow Information sheet 2 ( safe handling of Solar Collectors and other large Items on Roofs)
The work on this new publication has now reached the stage where the creator needs to re-visit the document to target it towards a broader target arena than those that the document was originally aimed to service.
The Committee are always looking to explore new methods of work and techniques which avoid working at height. To this end arrangements have been agreed for the Committee to receive a presentation of the new FixSafe system by Filon at the next Committee meeting. If your Company has developed a new safety product/system to improve safety whilst working on roofs which you would like to bring to the attention of the Committee please contact the Secretary using the contact form on the ACR website.
HSE launches WAIT Toolkit
On the 1st February 2010 the HSE launched the Work at height,Access equipment Information Toolkit (WAIT) - A user friendly toolkit of advice, guidance and many other useful resources, to help people who occasionally work at height, understand how to do so safely and be aware of some types of access equipment that are available.
Details of this free tool can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/falls/wait/index.htm
Published - August 31st, 2009
New ACR Publication - Magenta Book (part 2) Testing of roof anchors on Roof systems
The ACR Committee is pleased to announce the publication of ACR [M] 002:2009 Testing of Roof Anchors on Roof Systems - being part 2 of the Magenta Book Where the use of collective protection is not possible on roofs, personal protection equipment must be used. Many of these rely on horizontal safety lines fixed, using top fix anchors, to the roof sheeting rather than through them to the roof support structure. This has raised concerns about the adequacy of testing of such systems. This material standard addresses this issue and gives practical advice on what the ACR considers is current best practice for the testing of Roof Anchors on Roof Systems. It concentrates on profiled roofs. This publication should be read in conjunction with part 1 of the magenta book - ACR [CP] 007:2008 - Recommended practice for use of horizontal safety lines in roofwork.
This new document is now available to download free of charge from the ACR website.
Published - May 8th, 2009
ACR Publications update following the April 2009 Advisory Committee for Roofwork meeting
At the April 2009 meeting of the ACR the status of the following Publications were agreed,
Imminent Release, The following publications have completed their prepublication approval stage and will shortly be available to down load free of charge from the ACR website.
The Magenta Book Part 2 ( Testing of Roof Anchors on Roof Systems) . This document compliments The Magenta Book part 1 and deals with the testing of top fix anchors for horizontal lifelines and other systems.
Commentary for the Orange Book ('Recommended Practice for Work on Profiled Sheeted Roofs) - this is a new commentary offering clarification to various paragraphs of the Orange Book and is to be read in conjunction with it.
Documents that are currently under development, The following publications are currently completing their drafting stages and it is hoped will be available later this year
Yellow Information Sheet 2 (Safe Handling of Solar Collectors and other Large Items on Roofs) The Brown Book (Handling Roof Materials) Document due for revision, The Red Book (Test for non-fragility of Profiled Sheeted Roofing Assemblies) is now due for revision. If you have any comments about this document you are invited to submit them for consideration by the Committee using the feedback form on the ACR website.
Published - April 17th, 2009
New ACR Publication - Practical methods of providing edge protection for working on roofs
The ACR Committee is pleased to announce the publication of ACR[CP]006:2009 - Practical methods of providing edge protection for working on roofs - ( The Purple Book)
This Best Practice Guide has been drawn up to provide information on practical methods that can be used to prevent workers on roofs falling off an exposed edge. The edge protection systems dealt with in this guide are, at the time of writing, generally available and considered good practice when constructed correctly and erected safely. They can be erected using readily available components.
Published - February 9th, 2009
ACR update following the January 2009 Advisory Committee for Roofwork meeting
Following a review of recent accident statistics the Committee agreed the following statement :
All ACR members are all committed to encouraging and insisting on methods intended to reduce accidents and falls during roofing works. To this end we have produced several Guidance documents (as coloured books) and Information Sheets covering many facets of Roof Safety.
However, there is now very strong evidence from HSE's statistics that serious and fatal accidents are not occurring to members of competent trade federations, but to untrained or inexperienced personnel.
The memberships of these federations are scrutinised and vetted for their safety policy during their application process, and are expected to be diligent at all times. Their staff and operatives generally receive safety training, and they are encouraged to utilise the PPE items issued to them.
This attitude and attention to safety seems to have borne fruit. Examination of the available statistics clearly shows that accidents occur to untrained or inappropriate visitors to roof.
The building owner's maintenance person may not have any formal training regarding working on roofs, and this is likely to be the case even with some professional surveyors with limited experience.
Therefore there are two pieces of primary advice the ACR wishes to promote:
A) untrained personnel should never be allowed onto roofs, unless closely accompanied and supervised by an experienced / competent person, and
B) if you require roof work, or other works undertaken on a roof, always select a competent contractor from a competent Trade Association.
Published - January 30th, 2009
Company and Director found guilty of manslaughter after worker falls through roof skylight
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is urging companies to carry out full risk assessments following the prosecution of a company and its owner and director at Hove Crown Court on 5th January 2009.
On 29 November 2005, the Company employed a 20-year-old worker to carry out work at the Bellbrook Industrial Estate, Uckfield.
The worker fell through a skylight onto the factory floor whilst carrying out roofing repairs. He was not wearing a safety harness and had not received full safety training. He died in hospital the following day from his injuries.
Published - October 3rd, 2008
Announcement of Revised ACR Publications and an ACR update following the July 2008 Advisory Committee for Roofwork meeting
Following the 30th July 2008 meeting the ACR is pleased to announce that :-
Existing Publications update
A revised version of the Orange Book "Recommended Practice for Work on Profiled Sheeted Roofs" amended to provide advice on the removal of materials from a roof , has now been published.
A revised version of the Blue Book "Recommended Practice for Use of Safety Nets for Roofwork", amended to provide advice concerning leading edge protection has also been published .
These can be downloaded free of charge from the ACR website
The Magenta Book (Part2) - Testing of Roof Anchors on Roof Systems" is now at the final stage of editing prior to internal circulation within the Committee for prepublication comment.
Work has commenced on new guidance concerning "Safe Installation of Solar/PV Collectibles and other Large Items on Roofs"
Construction Plant Competence Scheme Update
The Committee were informed of imminent changes that have been announced to the CPCS card scheme, namely : - Introduction of a theory test for most card holders with a cost of up to Â£100 per person and a Â£25 registration fee.
- Introduction of practical tests for plant operation, some of which, for example crane drivers will cost up to Â£750 per person.
These changes are expected to be introduced this year, and it was thought that there would only be a limited number of accredited assessment centres available due to the criteria of area specified as required for plant operation.
Further information can be obtained from the CPCS Helpdesk on 0870 417 7274 or the Construction skills website
Published - September 5th, 2008
Prison sentence for Company director following fall through a roof
A company director has been jailed for manslaughter following the death of a worker who fell through a rooflight in January this year
Published - May 8th, 2008
Announcement of New ACR Publications and an ACR update following the April 2008 Advisory Committee for Roofwork meeting
At the April ACR meeting:
Appointment of New ACR Chairman
His term of office having ended, Mr Tony Hutchinson was replaced as Chairman by Mr Ralph Bennett of the MCRMA.
The new Chairman thanked Mr Hutchinson for all his work during his term of office.
New HSE Representative
The Chairman welcomed Mr Jim Grieve H.M. Principal Specialist Inspector ( Construction Engineering) to the Committee.
(Mr Grieve replaces Mr. M. Hadfield.)
Update on Existing and New Publications
The ACR is pleased to announce that :-
A revised version of the Orange Book, which has now been amended to provide advice on the removal of materials from a roof described in the last news update, should be published shortly.
A new guide: the Magenta Book 'The use of Horizontal Safety Lines in Roofwork' has been published and is now available.
One of the main causes of deaths and injuries at work each year is falling from height, particularly through or from roofs. To ensure safety during roofwork requires the commitment of all those involved in the procurement process. Where collective protection is not possible personal protection equipment must be used. Many of these rely on horizontal safety lines fixed, using â€˜top fixâ€™ anchors, to the roof sheeting rather than through them to the roof support structure. This has raised concerns about:
Â· The horizontal safety line and anchor reliability;
Â· The frequency of inspection;
Â· The adequacy of testing; and
Â· Their overall performance
Part 1 of this new Best Practice Guide addresses some of these issues and gives practical advice on what the ACR considers is â€˜current best practiceâ€™ for the design, installation; commissioning, operation, use and maintenance of horizontal safety lines and single point anchors fixed or supported by â€˜top fixâ€™ brackets. Part 2 of the guide, which covers testing of such installations, is still in preparation and will be published in due course
The Guide concentrates on installations on profiled sheets roofs. Nevertheless,those engaged in other similar activities can benefit from the advice given, as many of the principles do apply and offer good practice. Part 1 of this new document is now available to download free of charge from the ACR website.
Company Boss jailed following roofwork fatality
A company boss has been jailed for 10 months for the death of a teenage worker during his first week working on a roof.
For full details see: newspaper report (click here)
Roof Access Reminder
The ACR believes strongly that no one should access a roof unless there was good reason to do so. They would like to remind everyone that access on to roofs should only be carried out by competent operatives ( who are correctly trained to work at height ) after a thorough risk assessment has been carried out and following a task specific method statement.
Published - February 14th, 2008
ACR update following the January 2008 Advisory Committee for Roofwork meeting
At the January ACR meeting:
An ACR statement concerning the inspections of permanently installed safety lines on roofs was agreed and
HSE Publications HSG 33 and INDG284
The ACR passed comment to the HSE on the revisions to HSG 33 and INDG284.
Update on Existing Publications
An addition to the Orange Book providing advice on the removal of materials
from a roof described in the last news update was agreed. Following circulation to all members as a final editorial check,
it is intended this will be published by the end of the month.
The final version of Magenta Book 'The use of Horizontal Safety Lines in Roofwork' was also
agreed and following a final editorial check was also authorised to be published.
Two items of future new work were agreed:
1. An Explanatory Commentary for the Orange Book
2. A new publication 'Handling Roofing Materials on Site'.
Published - December 10th, 2007
Manslaughter conviction and jail sentence for a fall through a fragile roof.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning companies whose business involves working at height to ensure they provide suitable safety equipment and have appropriate procedures in place before allowing their staff to work in potentially dangerous situations. It follows the prosecution of a North Wales roofing contractor in relation to an incident where one of his employees sustained serious injuries, and later died, after a 25ft fall through a skylight on the roof of the Comet store in Wrexham.
The director of the roofing firm was jailed for a total of two and a half years following a hearing at Mold Crown Court.
The health and safety charge was brought under section 2(1) Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 which states: "It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees."
The HSE Inspector indicated it was not acceptable for employers to cut corners: - "Health and Safety rules are not there to inconvenience employers or to wrap employees or others in cotton wool - they are in place to ensure incidents like this are prevented, and the risk of this incident happening would have been significantly reduced had appropriate safety equipment been provided."
Published - November 17th, 2007
ACR update following the October 2007 Advisory Committee for Roofwork meeting
The following items/topics were discussed at the ACR meeting held on the 31st October 2007 in London
The Chairman welcomed the new representatives of the NFRC ( Ian Henning) and the BSIF,HSG ( Graham Willmott ) who were attending the Committee for the first time.
Following the observed growth in installation of solar and PV panels on roofs, the committee decided to publish a safety information sheet targeted at the various trades who were carrying out such work. This guidance will be called 'Safe Installation of Solar Collectibles and Other Large Items'.
Existing Publications: It was decided to update the Orange Book ' Recommended practise for work on Profiled Sheeted Roofs' to cover the safe removal of items and materials which it had been highlighted was missing from the document.
The Magenta Book 'The use of Horizontal safety Lines in roofwork' has been split into 2 documents a 'safe use' guide and a 'testing' standard. The 'safe use' guide has now moved to the pre-publication phase and following an editorial review ought to be available for publication shortly. The 'testing' standard was still being drafted by the sub group and it was hoped that a draft for internal consultation would be available by the next ACR meeting ( January 2008)
HSG33 update
Following input by the Committee to the rewrite of this document it was reported that publication of this document by HSE was expected around March 2008
Published - October 1st, 2007
New ACR Publication - Recommended Practise for the Use of Safety Nets for Roofwork
The ACR Committee is pleased to announce the publication of ACR (CP) 003:2007 - Recommended Practise for the Use of Safety Nets for Roofwork - (The Blue Book.)
One of the ways of collectively protecting roof workers whilst working on roofs is the use of correctly installed safety nets, closely slung under the work area.
This publication aims to give advice on how this can be achieved and compliments the new BS 8411:2007 Code of Practice for Safety Nets on Construction Sites and other Works published earlier this year
Published - August 24th, 2007
Updated ACR Guide Published - Recommended Practice for Work on Profiled Sheet Roofing
The ACR Committee announces the publication of the updated version (Rev 2) of the Orange Book. - ACR (CP) 001 - Recommended Practice for Work on Profiled Sheet Roofing
This guide gives practical advice on the duties placed on clients, contractors, designers and manufacturers and includes recommendations for good practice while working on roofs. Whilst it concentrates on profiled roofs, those engaged in other similar activities would benefit from the advice given, as many of the principles do apply and offer good practice.
ACR (CP) 001 : 2007 Rev 2 - Recommended Practice for Work on Profiled Sheet Roofing can be downloaded free of charge from the ACR website
Published - August 7th, 2007
ACR update following the July 2007 meeting of the Advisory Committee for Roofwork
At the July Meeting the following items were recorded/discussed:
The new HSE representative, Mark Hatfield, was welcomed to the committee.
It was agreed that during the construction of roofs comprising of small elements (slating and tiling) there were a number of important safety issues that needed to be addressed to ensure that there was a reduction in the number of accidents and injuries. Statistics showed that the number of accidents, caused by operatives falling through these roofs once completed was very small, whereas the number of accidents caused by operatives falling of the edges or through partly completed roofs was relatively high.
It was therefore agreed that a fragility test for â€˜small element' roofs would not be developed by the ACR, but that the contractors associationsâ€™ would continue to work with the HSE to develop techniques and working practices that reduce the number of accidents during construction and maintenance work on small element roofs.
Training for Roofwork
It was agreed that there was significant concern that the health and safety training presently being provided to trainee roofworkers was not adequate. A sub committee was formed that would provide advice to the HSE on advice to be published in the revised HSG 33. It was further agreed that this sub committee would liaise with ACWAHT to produce advice on the training required for a roofworkers.
ACR Publications update
It was reported that the Orange Book: Recommended Practice for work on Profiled Sheeted Roofs had been successfully revised and once the back page, with members names and addresses, had been corrected it would be published.
It was recorded that the Blue Book: The use of Nets for Roofwork was now ready, once the Chairmanâ€™s comments had been added, for the final internal consultation.
It was reported that the Purple Book: Edge Protection for Roofwork was currently out for internal Consultation within the ACR and so should be published soon.
It was reported that the Magenta Book: The Use of Horizontal Safety Lines in Roofwork was now ready for circulation within the full ACR for a two months consultation.
Published - May 1st, 2007
ACR update following the March 2007 meeting of the Advisory Committee for Roofwork
At the March Meeting applications for membership to the Committee were considered
The ACR is delighted to welcome the British Safety Industry Federation, Height Safety Group (BSIF,HSG), into membership. Many of the HSG members fit safety lines to roofs and their specialist expertise will be of great benefit to the Committee.
ACR Publications.
The Red Book ( non fragility testing standard) - Although previously reported that negotiations had begun with BSI with the intention of converting this publication to a British Standard the Committee reviewed this position and decided not to proceed with this course of action.
The Blue Book ( the use of nets in roofwork) - It is understood that BS 8411: 2007 on the use of nets is nearing publication. As work on this guide had been suspended, awaiting the publication of the new revised British Standard to ensure that no conflict existed between the 2 documents, work will now recommence. The Blue book will now be taken to "Final draft" stage.
The Orange Book ( work on Profiled sheeted roofs ) -The revision of this guide is proceeding and it is hoped that a revised edition of this guide will be ready for publication during 2007.
The Magenta Book (the Use of Horizontal safety lines in roofwork) - Due to the departure of the existing editor , no progress had been made on this guide. A new editor was appointed to take the work forward. It is likely that the existing work already done will be split into two separate publications - a Manufacturing standard and a Usage guide.
The Purple Book (edge protection for roofwork) - The final draft is due to be circulated to the Committee for comment shortly.
From issues highlighted in the work already done on the Magenta book it was decided that work would commence on developing a standardized 'permit to work' for use in roofwork.
Non ACR Publications
work on the revision of HSG 33 this is proceeding under the control of HSE
Published - January 31st, 2007
Replacement of the HSE representative on ACR
At the recent ACR meeting in January the Committee were notified that Dave Thomas, the HSE representative on the ACR, had resigned from the HSE.
The Committee unanimously thanked Dave for his support and help over the years and wished him all the best for the future; hoping that he would remain as a co-opted member of the ACR. It was also unanimously agreed that the ACR would ask the HSE to quickly replace Dave with another working at height expert and that they would be the HSE representative on the ACR committee.
Published - January 13th, 2007
Fragile roof fall death results in a total of Â£144,000 in fines and costs
On the 22nd of December 2006 the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) successfully brought criminal charges against five different parties after the death of of a worker who had fallen through a fragile rooflight. Between them the parties were fined a total of Â£87,000 and ordered to pay Â£57,228 costs at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court. The worker killed had fallen eight metres to his death when he stepped on a fragile roof light at Chesford Grange in Warrington on 20 September 2002.
He and another untrained demolition worker, were using the roof to access another roof on the site. more info
Published - December 21st, 2006
The Advisory Committee for Roofwork to help with the revision of HSG33
The ACR is pleased to announce that they has been asked to assist HSE with the revision of the HSE publication HSG 33 - "Health and Safety in Roof work". An ACR sub group comprising representative of FASET, FCMA, FRA, MCRMA, NARM, NFRC, RIDBA and WAHSA Trade Associations has been formed to do this work. The first meeting of the sub Group was held on the 20th December 2006. The intended publication date for this revised document is not known at this stage & will ultimately be decided by HSE.
Published - October 13th, 2006
ACR update following the October meeting of the Advisory Committee for Roofwork
At the October meeting of the ACR the members discussed the use of MEWPs ( Mobile Elevating Work Platforms)as a temporary means of access on to roofs .
In light of the apparent conflict between the guidance in BS EN280:2001, BS 8460:2005, the acceptability of such activity to HSE and anecdotal evidence related to observed unsafe practises the Committee decide to start a new work item on this subject. It is intended that this guidance will be known as the Pink Book and it is likely to be ready for publication during 2007.
(As with all other ACR publications will be available for free download from the ACR website publications page.)
Update on other publications:
The Red Book ( Testing for non fragility) - Discussions have been commenced with BSI with a view to converting this materials standard to a British Standard.
The complaints procedure is being clarified and updated
The Orange Book ( Recommended practices for work on profiled sheeted roofs) - a sub group was set up to review and update this guidance. The Committee would welcome any suggestions regarding safety issues which are not currently addressed in this guidance for inclusion in this review. If you wish to suggest an issue for consideration please use the Committee contact form on the ACR website.
The Purple Book ( Edge protection for Roofwork) - This document has completed it's final edit and is now entering prepublication phase. It is anticipated that the document will be available in late 2006 /early 2007
The Magenta Book (The use of Horizontal Safety Lines in Roofwork) - This guidance has completed the initial draft stage and is currently the subject of the first consultation within the Committee, This consultation phase closes on the 27th October 2006. The next phase (2nd draft) is due for completion by the end of the year. It is anticipated that the document will be ready for publication published by mid to late 2007.
Published - August 30th, 2006
ACR welcomes latest HSE Accident statistics
The ACR welcomes the reduction in fatalities and injuries on construction sites shown in the recent statistics released by the HSE.
The statistics show that since 1997 the number of fatalities per year from falls from height has almost halved the largest reduction of all the different kinds of accidents on construction sites recorded by the HSE.
The ACR is delighted that it's work to reduce the number of falls from height is continuing to help reduce the number of accidents.
Published - July 24th, 2006
ACR publications update following July Meeting of Advisory Committee for Roofwork
At the July 2006 meeting of the Committee the ACR members decided to include the disclaimer, which was introduced in recent publications, to all its documents Amended versions of the Red book (Test for Non- Fragility of Roofing Assemblies), Green Book (Safe Working on Fragile roofs) and the Orange book (Recommended practice for work on Profiled Sheeted Roofs) are now available for free download.
NOTE: Apart from the inclusion of the disclaimer there are NO other changes to the text of these documents
Published - June 8th, 2006
New ACR Chairman and change of address of the Secretariat
The ACR is pleased to announce that Mr Tony Hutchinson of the FCMA, was recently elected to the position of Chairman of the Committee. Mr Hutchinson replaces Mr Chris Pearce of NARM following his completion of the fixed 2 year term of office.
The contact address for correspondence to the Committee has also changed. See website for full details.
Published - May 8th, 2006
Publication update - ACR Information Sheet 1 - download link correction
It has been discovered that the download link for ACR Information Sheet No 1 - The Client Guide to Selecting a Competent Roofing Contractor - was inoperable.
This error has now been corrected and the document is available for download, free of charge, by following the link in this news item
New ACR publication - Competence and Fitness Requirements for roofwork
The ACR Committee announces the publication of ACR (CP) 005 : 2006 - Guidance note for competence and general fitness requirements to work on roofs.
This guide provides advice on what constitutes competency to organize and plan, manage, supervise and work on roofs. In addition it gives very general advice on the legal duties for the commissioners of, and clients for , roofwork. It can be downloaded free of charge.
Published - April 18th, 2006
ACWAHT published new Awareness Syllabus for Work at Height Training
In 2004/05, 53 people died and nearly 3800 suffered a serious injury as a result of a fall from height. All industry sectors are exposed to the risks presented by this hazard although the level of incidence varies considerably
The Advisory Committee on Work at Height Training ( ACWAHT) has just published its awareness syllabus for working at height.
The concept for this syllabus was borne initially out the desire to establish what every worker should know about work at height activity to keep them safe, until they have been fully trained in any particular aspect. It is not a substitute for detailed training to undertake a task, but provides basic information on safe working practice for work at height. ACWAHT recommends that these be covered in training courses.
The syllabus is now available for download free of charge from the ACWAHT web site
Published - March 30th, 2006
New ACR Publication - ACR Information sheet 1- now available.
The ACR Committee announces the publication of the ACR Information Sheet 1 Selecting a Competent Contractor. This was previously the work item known as the Yellow book. The information sheet is now available by free download from the ACR website
Published - January 23rd, 2006
18 months custodial sentence for Construction Company Owner following fall during construction of a barn roof
Whilst installing a barn roof, 2 workers worked at roof height from a 'home-made' basket balanced on the forks of a telehandler.
The telehandler tipped over, throwing both men approximately 25 feet to the ground. One man serious injuries and the other suffered fatal injuries from which he died.
Further details of the case can be found on the HSE's web site
Published - December 20th, 2005
Update on new ACR Publications due early in 2006
Two new publications : ACR CP[005] [ competence and fitness standards for roofwork ] - the Black Book - and ACR CP[004] [ A clients guide to selecting competent contractors and suppliers] have entered their pre publication draft stage and should be available early in 2006. This latter document is now likely to be an information sheet (IS) rather than a code of practise (CP)
New Draft British Standard ( BS8454)
A draft of BS8454 the new British Standard for Delivery of training for work at height [ref: DPC: 05/30117509 DC] has been issued for public comment by BSI . the closing date for comments is the 31st March 2006.
Published - October 9th, 2005
Changes to ACR website
The ACR web site has been updated to reflect the new work item on the Use of Horizontal Lifelines in Roofwork (the Magenta book).
A link has been provided from the home page so that current news feed items ( this file) can be directly viewed via the web site
Following comments received that the validation complaints procedure was unclear extra clarification has been updated in the FAQ section
Published - July 30th, 2005
New work item agreed - Use of Horizontal Safety Lines in Roofwork - the Magenta Book
At the ACR meeting in July 2005, following concerns reported about incorrect installation and testing of horizontal safety lines on roofs the Committee agreed to start a new work item on this subject. It is intended that this guidance will be known as the Magenta Book and is likely to be ready for publication during 2006. As with all other ACR publications will be available for free download from the ACR website publications page.
Published - July 19th, 2005
RED Book ( 3rd Edition -Non fragility testing) - Error in document
A typographical error has been identified in the recent release of the Red Book( 3rd Edition -Non fragility testing). The header text at the top of each page incorrectly identifies the year of publication as 2004. The correct date should be 2005 as is shown on the from cover. An corrected version of the pdf file is now available for download. There is currently no intention to reprint an ammended hard copy.
Published - June 10th, 2005
New ACR Publications (Red and Green Books) now available
The ACR Committee announces the publication of the Red book ( 3rd Edition -Non fragility testing) and the Green Book ( New publication - Safe working on Fragile Roofs). Both are now available in hardcopy from ACR member organizations and by free download from the ACR website
Published - February 14th, 2005
Read the paper about the history and work of ACR submitted by the Chairman to contribute to the Health and Safety Summit 2005