This Skylight & Fragile Surface Protection SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how to identify and protect existing skylights, roof lights and fragile or brittle roof sheeting before other trades or maintenance work happens on or near a roof. It covers inspecting the roof, cordoning off exclusion zones, installing secured covers, barriers and guardrails, using load-distributing access and fall arrest, and telling other trades where the fragile points are. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Roofing and roof maintenance contractors
Building and facility maintenance teams
Solar installers and electricians working on roofs
HVAC and refrigeration technicians
Builders managing work on existing roofs
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
Falling through skylights, roof lights or brittle sheeting
Hidden roof voids, penetrations and openings covered by dirt or debris
Weathered or discoloured surfaces mistaken for trafficable roofing
Temporary covers, barriers or guardrails failing or being dislodged
Slips and trips from moisture, debris or uneven surfaces
Falls while installing or removing covers near open edges
Other trades unknowingly entering unprotected fragile areas
Cuts from broken or brittle sheeting edges
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from training and roof plans to ground-level inspection, weather, cover condition, exclusion zones and rescue planning
A 10-step operating procedure covering cordoning, safe access routes, covers, barriers and guardrails, fall arrest and communicating fragile points
Isolation and energy control by cordoning the area at ground level and on the roof before fragile surfaces are uncovered
6 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for falls through skylights or fragile surfaces and failed covers or barriers
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 installing roof safety mesh?
No. Installing safety mesh under new roof sheeting is covered by the Roof Safety Mesh Installation SOP. This one protects fragile surfaces on existing roofs.
How should workers treat roof sheeting they're unsure about?
The SOP requires all roof sheeting, skylights and roof lights to be treated as fragile and non-trafficable unless a competent person has confirmed otherwise.
Does it cover operating EWPs to access the roof?
No. Operation of powered mobile plant or elevating work platforms used to access the roof is covered by their own procedures.
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.
