In Roofing, MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) are a common way to work at height - and a common source of falls when they are misused. This guide explains how Roofing teams in Ireland use MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) safely, and why a Working at Heights Course ties it all together.
MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) in Roofing: where the risk lies
A re-slating job on a pitched domestic roof in winter, where one slip on a frosted slate can be fatal without edge protection and a rescue plan. MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) are suited to reaching height quickly and safely where the ground is suitable, especially for maintenance, installation and access work, but in a Roofing setting the margin for error is small.
Pre-use checks for MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms)
Before any Roofing worker uses MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms), confirm that:
- The harness and lanyard (where required for booms) are in date
- Ground conditions are firm, level and free of voids
- The platform, gates and guardrails are intact
- The rescue and emergency-lowering plan is understood
The relevant standard here is EN 280, operated by IPAF-trained and card-holding operators, thoroughly examined every 6 months.
Common MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) faults to never ignore
- Overreaching from the basket
- No rescue plan for entrapment
- Untrained operators
- Operating on soft or sloping ground
Fragile-roof work is one of the HSA's top fatal-fall causes. Crawl boards, perimeter protection and a documented rescue plan are expected before anyone steps onto the roof.
The Working at Heights Course makes compliance simple
Certifying your people is quicker than most employers expect. Our Working at Heights Course is delivered fully online, takes about 45 minutes, and issues a downloadable certificate the same day. It is CPD certified, RoSPA approved and QQI aligned, and it is written specifically for Roofing teams using MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms).
The Working at Heights Training covers the avoid-prevent-minimise hierarchy, ladder and stepladder safety, MEWPs and scaffolds, harnesses and anchor points, and how to carry out a proper risk assessment. Every learner finishes with a recognised Working at Heights Certificate that stands up to HSA inspection and supports your insurance position.
Training that goes beyond the tick-box
Documentation is what turns good practice into proven compliance for MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) in Roofing. Keep your risk assessment, your method statement, your equipment inspection logs and your training records together, and an HSA visit becomes a short, calm conversation rather than a drawn-out investigation.
Young and new workers are over-represented in fall statistics, and MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) in Roofing is no exception. Setting good habits from the very first day - never climbing on furniture, never overreaching, always inspecting equipment - is far easier than unlearning bad ones later. Early certification with a Working at Heights Course pays back for an entire career.
Frequently asked questions
Do Roofing workers need training to use MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms)?
Yes. Safe use of MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) is part of working at height. A Working at Heights Course covers selection, inspection and safe use for Roofing tasks.
How often should MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) be inspected?
Before every use by the operator, plus formal recorded inspections to the relevant standard. Keep the logs for HSA inspection.
Is online training enough for Roofing height work?
Our online Working at Heights Training covers the legal and safe-system knowledge; equipment-specific practical tickets (such as IPAF or PASMA) are added where the task requires them.
Get certified today
Do not wait for an HSA inspection or a near miss to act. Roofing teams can complete the Working at Heights Course online in 45 minutes and download a certificate the same day. For 10 or more learners, see our team training rates, or contact our team for a tailored quote.
Start the online Working at Heights Training now and put a recognised certificate in every worker's file before the next job at height begins.
