View Full Version : roof removal with no scaffolding
hifinutt
23-04-2018, 15:28
had a fascinating day today watching 2 guys dismantle a substantial roof of my neighbour 4 bed house with no scaffolding , no shoots , no skips or anything !!!
just read this from a scaffolding company speel
Jobs that involve working on the entire roof will also need scaffolding. Scaffolding is not only designed to keep those working at height safe, but also those on the ground. If there is any risk of tools or materials falling from the roof, then scaffolding with an edge fitted around the platform is essential. This type of scaffolding can be hired easily from many local scaffolding suppliers. If materials are being passed from the roof to the ground a chute can be fitted to the edge of the scaffolding to allow for safe transportation.
amazing really that folks are still doing jobs like this in this day and age
i am sure you have all seen horror stories with building work :)
My son in law is a roofer to trade although he is a lecturer now on roofing. He used to do roofs sometimes this way. It's hard work humping it all up etc. If there are no members of public near them it will be ok but it doesn't take much for an incident to occur. Most companies would scaffold it
hifinutt
23-04-2018, 15:49
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/901/40938638754_fdf7a6cebf_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25nBe2d)P1060114 (https://flic.kr/p/25nBe2d) by , on Flickr
No legal requirement for it if only 2 working. Think when 5 you need a safety plan etc
hifinutt
23-04-2018, 16:14
ah thats interesting
Pigmy Pony
23-04-2018, 19:27
When 'solar' was big a few years ago, scaffolding companies were having a boom time. Certainly we always used them.
Not so much now.
With scaffolding costs so high, and profit margins so small these days, customers often give the work to the cheapest guys, who are the ones prepared to 'risk it' in order to be competitive.
hifinutt
23-04-2018, 21:25
well we are just trying to figure out whether they are going to move the walls to abut ours and then potentially their gutter could overhang our place . this of course would stop us extending upwards . must get down and read the part wall act !!
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/880/41616268872_c0cd5f3b3f_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26pufR7)20180423_191954 (1) (https://flic.kr/p/26pufR7) by , on Flickr
George47
23-04-2018, 21:43
well we are just trying to figure out whether they are going to move the walls to abut ours and then potentially their gutter could overhang our place . this of course would stop us extending upwards . must get down and read the part wall act !!
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/880/41616268872_c0cd5f3b3f_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26pufR7)20180423_191954 (1) (https://flic.kr/p/26pufR7) by , on Flickr
They need to get your agreement during the planning process. If you have not been asked then probably not. Not to say they won't. Not sure this complies with the Working at Height Regs 2005. Not heard of the exemption for 2 people vs 5 people.
hifinutt
23-04-2018, 21:47
thanks george , the poor owner had not even heard of the party wall act so i have just printed out all 55 pages for him , from the plans i think they are planning to knock that side end down and abut the garage
If these guys get injured or worse, who's liable?
might be flattening off the roof on the side to make a proper room there. either way, any changes potentially interfere with your light and drainage so planning would have to be given, thus you should have been consulted....all imv
walpurgis
23-04-2018, 22:35
If these guys get injured or worse, who's liable?
They're probably Romanian or Estonian or whatever labourers working for a dodgy contractor. Bet they can't speak English. If one falls off and dies, they'll likely just cart him off and bury him quietly somewhere.
And I'm not kidding.
hifinutt
24-04-2018, 04:07
apparently plans say client is responsible for health and safety . drainage is a problem to consider and also what effect excavation so near to party wall could have on foundations. it is rather worrying . we had a planning notice but it was for a rear extention and nothing said about moving whole house nearer !!
ah what joy , i guess one will have to pay for a surveyor to look at issues
also if a window so close to property overlooking our place i guess would hinder anyone wanting to put extention on our side because it would then affect their light
George47
24-04-2018, 15:09
apparently plans say client is responsible for health and safety . drainage is a problem to consider and also what effect excavation so near to party wall could have on foundations. it is rather worrying . we had a planning notice but it was for a rear extention and nothing said about moving whole house nearer !!
ah what joy , i guess one will have to pay for a surveyor to look at issues
also if a window so close to property overlooking our place i guess would hinder anyone wanting to put extension on our side because it would then affect their light
Contact the local planning office/officer. They will tell you exactly what is planned and whether this work is going beyond what is planned. It may still be on-line. If they are not following it then talk to your neighbours and then the planning officer otherwise it could be built and then things get difficult.
On liability, it is the client under the 6 pack regs (CDM), but the client can argue that they used a competent contractor. If the guy was seriously injured he could argue the client knew it was unsafe as he saw the bad work practice but still let it go on. However, I think these small guys just flaunt things and hope to get away with it. But would you want a guy's death on your conscience to save a few quid? They could claim that they are a small builder but HSE still advises scaffolding should be used with ladders as a last resort.
hifinutt
24-04-2018, 15:52
thanks george , if folks put in deep foundations next to your existing walls what can it do ?
we had a planning notice but it was for a rear extention and nothing said about moving whole house nearer !!
i guess one will have to pay for a surveyor to look at issues
Get in touch with your local council planning dept ASAP.
they will be very interested if the plans are not being adhered to.
dont let it get so far as you having to pay someone to back up your case.
Putting aside planning for a moment my understanding for building works is that if foundations are being put in within 3-6m of your building, depending on depth of foundations, they need either your written permission or a party wall award. The reason is that the foundations could affect your property. Under the Party Wall Act my understanding is that you would be entitled to an independent surveyor to act on your behalf which they would have to pay for. The problem is if they don't proceed as they should your only recourse is to obtain an injunction, do you have legal cover as part of your home insurance? if you do you should contact your insurer.
If they need planning permission and don't have it the council may seek an injunction so definitely speak to the local planning department.
hifinutt
29-04-2018, 13:42
thanks sean
have spoken to planning enforcement and they are looking into it. seems they have planning permission for rear but they have taken down most of house . i have asked owner to get party wall agreement done asap and had them all round for a chat yesterday . trying to keep it friendly but legal at the moment as got to live with these folks for a few years !!
got a surveyor coming wed to look at . i must say its a bit of a shock , had to stop them yesterday knocking down the party wall whhich has my joists on and they have already broken through it
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2026 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.