COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Hazard Identification & Control in Roof Plumbing Worksites course. This program has been designed to equip you with the knowledge, practical methods, and regulatory awareness required to identify, assess, and control hazards across a wide range of roof plumbing worksite conditions—safeguarding both workers and the public.
Roof plumbing involves a high degree of risk due to the nature of the tasks performed at height, on sloped or unstable surfaces, and in varying weather conditions. This course begins by exploring the core responsibility of hazard identification within the broader framework of Work Health and Safety (WHS) obligations. You will learn why proactive identification and early intervention are critical to preventing incidents, and how these processes form part of your legal duties under Australian legislation.
A sound understanding of legal frameworks underpins all safe work practices. This section introduces the WHS Act and Regulations, Safe Work Australia Codes of Practice, and specific obligations for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs), supervisors, and individual workers. The section reinforces the importance of compliance with national standards to ensure all parties contribute to a safe and lawful worksite.
Identifying common hazards is a fundamental step in prevention. This section highlights the risks most frequently encountered in roof plumbing work—including working at heights, manual handling of heavy materials, exposure to sharp tools and hot surfaces, and repetitive strain. The section emphasises how recognising these hazards supports effective planning and team readiness.
Every site is different and must be assessed individually. This section provides guidance on how to conduct formal site-specific risk assessments, develop and use Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), and evaluate site-specific factors such as structural integrity, weather exposure, and access constraints prior to commencing work.
Falls remain the leading cause of injury in roof trades. This section covers the correct use of fall prevention systems, including compliant scaffolding, guardrails, edge protection, and fall arrest equipment. You’ll learn how to assess the adequacy of installed systems and verify that all controls meet AS/NZS 4994 and related Australian standards.
Access equipment presents significant safety concerns if not managed properly. This section explores how to inspect and set up ladders and scaffolding correctly, ensure stability and proper anchorage, and prevent overreach or unsafe loading. You will also learn how to assess whether existing access methods are fit for purpose.
Weather conditions can rapidly increase worksite risk. This section explains how to monitor environmental factors such as wind, rain, heat, and UV exposure. It includes guidance on postponing or adapting work during unsafe conditions, and using real-time weather data to inform daily decision-making.
Roof surfaces may include fragile zones and hidden penetrations. This section outlines how to identify risks such as skylights, brittle sheeting, or voids, and how to implement appropriate controls, including physical barriers, walk zones, and signage. It also covers team training to avoid stepping in unsafe areas.
Tools and equipment introduce another layer of potential hazard. This section focuses on the safe use of cordless tools, snips, nibblers, and power saws in elevated conditions. It also introduces methods for preventing dropped tools—such as tethering—and managing risks on sloped surfaces.
Manual handling in roof plumbing involves unique strain risks. This section covers the correct lifting, carrying, and positioning of long or heavy roof sheets, preventing overexertion or musculoskeletal injury. Secure storage practices are also addressed to prevent material collapse or displacement.
Roof plumbers may be exposed to hazardous substances. This section explores how to handle and store sealants, adhesives, primers, and solvents safely. It includes guidance on PPE selection, spill response, and disposal procedures, especially when working with lead-based or volatile compounds.
Electrical hazards are a serious risk on elevated sites. This section covers how to identify overhead powerlines, maintain exclusion zones, and isolate electrical systems when working near penetrations or conducting flashing installation. The section also reviews minimum clearance requirements and coordination with energy providers where applicable.
Working under the sun presents serious health risks. This section addresses heat stress, sunstroke, and UV-related illness. It provides practical strategies for hydration, shade, PPE use, and scheduling rest breaks. You’ll also learn how to monitor team members for early signs of heat-related conditions.
Roof spaces may constitute confined spaces depending on conditions. This section outlines how to recognise confined space risk, monitor air quality, ventilate enclosed areas, and implement rescue plans. It also explores how to prevent dangerous heat buildup and ensure safe entry protocols.
Biological hazards must not be overlooked. This section identifies risks from pests, faecal matter, and vermin in roof cavities and eaves. You will learn how to manage exposure safely using PPE, and when to engage licensed pest controllers to address infestations or remove hazardous materials.
Effective communication is essential for hazard control. This section outlines how to use radios, hand signals, and spotters to manage communication on elevated sites. It also provides strategies for encouraging apprentices and junior workers to report unsafe conditions, and for logging hazards using formal site registers.
Control measures must follow a structured hierarchy. This section introduces the five levels of control—elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative controls, and PPE—and explains how to apply them appropriately for different hazards. Emphasis is placed on reviewing controls regularly and updating them throughout the project lifecycle.
A safety-first culture protects everyone on site. This final section explores how to conduct effective toolbox talks, safety briefings, and daily check-ins. It also highlights the importance of recognising team members who demonstrate safe behaviours and promoting shared ownership of safety outcomes across all roles.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the practical tools, regulatory insight, and site-based strategies to identify and control hazards in roof plumbing worksites—ensuring safer environments, reduced incident rates, and full compliance with Australian WHS standards.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Hazard Identification in Roof Plumbing
- Understanding the high-risk nature of roof plumbing tasks
- Overview of hazard identification as part of WHS duties
- Importance of early intervention and preventative action
2. Legal and Regulatory Frameworks
- WHS Act and Regulations
- Safe Work Australia Codes of Practice relevant to roof work
- Duties of PCBUs, supervisors, and workers on site
3. Common Hazards in Roof Plumbing Work
- Working at heights and fall risks
- Manual handling and repetitive strain injuries
- Exposure to sharp materials, power tools, and hot surfaces
4. Site Risk Assessments and Pre-Start Planning
- Conducting formal site-specific risk assessments
- Using Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
- Reviewing site access, structure condition, and environmental risks
5. Fall Prevention and Edge Protection Systems
- Installing compliant guardrails, scaffolding, or perimeter mesh
- Using temporary anchor points and fall arrest systems
- Verifying edge protection meets AS/NZS 4994 and other standards
6. Ladder and Scaffold Safety in Roof Plumbing
- Inspecting ladders and scaffolds before use
- Securing access equipment and ensuring stability
- Avoiding overreach, unsafe loading, and improper set-up
7. Weather and Environmental Risk Factors
- Monitoring wind speed, rain, and UV exposure
- Responding to lightning risk or roof surface temperatures
- Postponing work in unsafe weather conditions
8. Working with Roof Penetrations and Fragile Surfaces
- Identifying skylights, brittle roof sheeting, or voids
- Installing temporary covers or warning systems
- Training workers to avoid stepping outside designated walk zones
9. Tool and Equipment Hazards
- Using cordless tools, nibblers, and snips safely
- Securing tools on sloped surfaces and elevated work areas
- Preventing dropped-object incidents with tool tethering
10. Manual Handling and Material Storage Risks
- Lifting and positioning long roof sheets correctly
- Preventing strain injuries during repetitive installations
- Storing materials securely to prevent falls or collapse
11. Hazardous Substances in Roof Plumbing Work
- Handling sealants, adhesives, primers, and lead-based products
- Ensuring proper ventilation and PPE when using solvents
- Safe disposal and spill management for hazardous waste
12. Electrical Hazards and Overhead Powerlines
- Identifying nearby live services and exclusion zones
- Maintaining minimum approach distances to overhead lines
- Isolating circuits where roof penetration work is required
13. Heat and UV Exposure Risks
- Wearing long sleeves, sun-safe PPE, and brimmed hats
- Hydration strategies and rest breaks for heat management
- Monitoring symptoms of heat stress or sunstroke
14. Confined Spaces and Roof Cavities
- Recognising when roof spaces meet confined space definitions
- Testing air quality and ensuring rescue plans are in place
- Preventing heat buildup and ensuring adequate ventilation
15. Biological and Wildlife Hazards
- Identifying bird droppings, wasp nests, or vermin in roof spaces
- Avoiding direct contact and using appropriate PPE
- Engaging licensed pest controllers when required
16. Communication and Hazard Reporting Procedures
- Using radios, spotters, and visual signals during work
- Ensuring apprentices understand when and how to report hazards
- Logging near misses and unsafe conditions in hazard registers
17. Implementing Control Measures and Hierarchy of Controls
- Applying elimination, substitution, engineering, admin, and PPE solutions
- Selecting the most effective control methods per hazard type
- Reviewing and updating controls throughout the project lifecycle
18. Embedding a Safety-First Culture in Roof Plumbing Teams
- Conducting regular safety briefings and toolbox talks
- Recognising workers who actively prevent risks
- Promoting shared responsibility for safe worksites
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.