In Construction, Roof Ladders and Crawl Boards are a common way to work at height - and a common source of falls when they are misused. This guide explains how Construction teams in Ireland use Roof Ladders and Crawl Boards safely, and why a Working at Heights Course ties it all together.
Roof Ladders and Crawl Boards in Construction: where the risk lies
A two-storey block where roofers, blocklayers and a MEWP operator all work above ground on the same day, each needing their own safe system of work. Roof Ladders and Crawl Boards are suited to spreading load and providing footing on pitched or fragile roofs where access cannot be avoided, but in a Construction setting the margin for error is small.
Pre-use checks for Roof Ladders and Crawl Boards
Before any Construction worker uses Roof Ladders and Crawl Boards, confirm that:
- Access to the roof is safe and secured
- Weather conditions are suitable
- The ridge hook is sound and properly engaged
- Boards are undamaged and rated
The relevant standard here is used with edge protection and a rescue plan; selected for the roof pitch and fragility.
Common Roof Ladders and Crawl Boards faults to never ignore
- Use in wet or windy conditions
- No rescue plan
- Walking directly on fragile sheets
- No edge protection
Construction sites also fall under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013, with the PSCS coordinating work-at-height between contractors. Safe Pass covers site access but is not a Working at Heights ticket.
The Working at Heights Course makes compliance simple
Here is the good news: getting compliant is fast and inexpensive. 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 Construction teams using Roof Ladders and Crawl Boards.
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
The cheapest control is always to avoid the work at height in the first place. For Roof Ladders and Crawl Boards in Construction, that can mean long-handled tools, lowering the task to ground level, or designing the job so no one needs to climb. Where that is impossible, collective protection such as guardrails and platforms beats personal protection every time.
Competence is not the same as experience. A worker who has used ladders for twenty years can still carry twenty years of bad habits. Refresher training matters for Roof Ladders and Crawl Boards in Construction precisely because confidence drifts away from the rules over time, and a quick refresher resets it.
Frequently asked questions
Do Construction workers need training to use Roof Ladders and Crawl Boards?
Yes. Safe use of Roof Ladders and Crawl Boards is part of working at height. A Working at Heights Course covers selection, inspection and safe use for Construction tasks.
How often should Roof Ladders and Crawl Boards 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 Construction 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. Construction 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.
