This Adverse Weather Stop-Work SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out when and how to stop roof work as the weather turns, and how to resume safely. It covers the wind, lightning, heavy rain and extreme heat triggers, who can call and clear a stop-work, coming down off the roof, securing tools, materials and roof sheeting, isolating cranes and hoists, and the checks before restarting. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Roofing contractors and roof plumbers
Metal roofing and guttering installers
Builders and site supervisors
Solar panel installers
Roof restoration and repair businesses
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Loss of balance or footing on a wind-affected or wet roof
Being struck by wind-blown tools, offcuts or loose roof sheeting
Lightning strike to workers on an exposed, elevated roof
Slips on rain-wetted, condensation-affected or ponded roof surfaces
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke during roof work in high temperatures
Materials or tools made airborne by sudden wind gusts
Suspended loads on a hoist or crane becoming uncontrolled in high wind
Hidden storm damage or water ingress affecting the roof on return
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from the weather forecast and stop-work authority to escape routes and access equipment
A 12-step operating procedure covering wind, lightning, rain and heat triggers, descent, securing sheeting and headcounts
Isolation and energy control for cranes, hoists, EWPs, power tools, leads and loose materials before leaving the roof
8 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps, including the checks before work resumes
Emergency actions for fast-developing storms, lightning strike, wind-blown material injuries and heat stress
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Roofing SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover edge protection or harness use?
No. Roof edge protection and fall-arrest systems are covered separately in your working at heights procedure.
Who can call a weather stop-work?
The supervisor or other person given authority calls a general stop-work and authorises the restart. Any worker can still stop their own work and move to shelter if they believe conditions are unsafe.
Does it set out what to check before going back on the roof?
Yes. It covers checking for water, ponding, debris, shifted materials and storm damage, re-checking access equipment and hoists, and repeating the pre-operational checks.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
