Work at Height Training: Rooftop Worker - RSTC-1049

This rooftop worker training course is designed for those required to work on fragile and non-fragile roofs, using a range of fall protection systems. It provides the practical knowledge and hands-on experience required to work safely, compliantly and confidently at height in rooftop environments.

The course builds on the core competence developed in the Work at Height: Equipment User course and focuses specifically on the unique hazards and controls associated with roof work.

Why Work at Height Rooftop Worker Training Matters

Falls from roofs remain one of the most common causes of serious injury and fatal accidents in the UK workplace. Fragile surfaces, unprotected edges, poor planning and inappropriate use of fall protection systems are frequent contributing factors.

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR), employers must ensure that work at height is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent persons. This includes having suitable fall prevention, fall protection and rescue arrangements in place.

This course helps organisations meet these duties by developing practical, role-specific competence, not just awareness.

Who Should Attend

This course is suitable for:

  • Maintenance and facilities personnel working on roofs
  • Contractors carrying out inspection, repair or installation work
  • Engineers accessing plant and equipment on rooftops
  • Anyone required to use fall protection systems while working on roofs

Prerequisite

Delegates must have completed:

  • Work at Height: Equipment User (RSTC-1046)

This ensures all delegates already understand core equipment use and inspection principles before focusing on rooftop specific hazards.

What You'll Learn

By the end of the course, delegates will understand:

Rooftop Risk Assessment & Planning

  • Identification of roof-specific hazards
  • Fragile vs non-fragile surfaces
  • Planning work using the hierarchy of control
  • Development of site-specific risk assessments and method statements

Fall Protection for Roof Work

  • Selection and use of work restraint systems
  • Fixed and temporary fall arrest systems
  • System limitations and compatibility

Anchors & Access

  • Identification and selection of suitable anchor points
  • Temporary and permanent anchor systems
  • Safe access and egress to roof areas
  • Management of drop zones and exclusion areas

Fragile Surfaces

  • Identification of fragile materials and structures
  • Control measures to prevent falls through fragile surfaces
  • Safe movement across roof areas

Rescue & Emergency Planning

  • Legal requirements for rescue arrangements
  • Use of double lanyards and temporary fall arrest systems
  • Understanding suspension intolerance
  • Planning and responding to rooftop emergencies

Practical Training & Assessment

Practical elements are a key focus of this course and include:

  • Inspection and correct use of rooftop fall protection equipment
  • Setting up and using work restraint systems
  • Using fixed and temporary fall arrest systems
  • Safe movement across roof surfaces
  • Applying control measures for fragile roofs
  • Scenario-based exercises reflecting real workplace situations

Delegates are assessed throughout the course via continuous practical observation and participation in scenarios.

Course Details

  • Course Code: RSTC-1049
  • Duration: 1 Day
  • Certification: Reece Safety in-house certificate
  • Revalidation: Every 3 years

Course Delivery Options

Rooftop Worker training can be delivered:

  • At one of our training centres in Elland, West Yorkshire or Bury, Manchester
  • Using our container training units (CTU)
  • Via our mobile training unit (MTU)
  • On client sites using existing rooftop systems (subject to site assessment)