Why Perth Building Inspectors Must Not Walk on Roofs During Inspections
Health and safety building inspections play a crucial role in maintaining structural safety and integrity. However, in Perth and across Australia, inspectors must follow strict health and safety regulations. One important regulation prohibits inspectors from walking on external roofing during inspections. This rule might seem restrictive, but it serves important legal, safety, and ethical purposes.
In this article, we explore the key reasons behind this regulation. We also examine the risks involved, legal obligations, and safer alternatives for assessing roofing conditions.
Understanding the Regulation
Australia has rigorous workplace health and safety standards. These are set out by Safe Work Australia and are enforced by each state. In Western Australia, WorkSafe WA oversees the implementation of these rules. Building inspectors are subject to these same regulations as other professionals working at height.
Specifically, Safe Work Australia’s Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces is relevant here. It outlines clear requirements for working at height. Any activity involving work over two metres above ground is considered high risk. Walking on a roof without proper controls in place is, therefore, a breach of these rules.
Furthermore, the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 (WA) outlines that fall prevention measures must be used when working at heights. Without proper scaffolding, harnesses, or fall protection systems, a person is not legally allowed to access the roof surface.
High Risk of Personal Injury
Even though some roofs may appear safe to walk on, many hazards are not visible from the ground. Roofing materials, especially tiles, can be brittle or damaged. A simple misstep can result in cracked tiles or worse—a fall through the structure.
Moreover, metal roofs become extremely slippery in wet or humid conditions. In Perth’s coastal climate, early morning dew or dust can create unsafe conditions. These environmental factors further increase the risk of a fall.
Falls from height are one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries in Australia. According to Safe Work Australia, falls accounted for 11% of all worker fatalities in recent years. Clearly, the risk is not theoretical—it is both real and immediate.
Roof Fragility Is Often Hidden
Many homeowners believe their roofs are stable and well-constructed. However, roof structures can degrade over time. Timber roof battens may suffer termite damage, rot, or warping. Tile clips and underlays may be missing or deteriorated.
Additionally, roofing tiles are not designed to carry foot traffic. Even experienced roofers use walk boards or crawling boards when access is essential. A roof inspection by walking directly on tiles puts both the inspector and the roof at risk.
Inspectors have no way of confirming the internal condition of the roof frame from the outside. Therefore, stepping on the roof without verifying the internal support structure could result in a sudden collapse or fall.
Legal Liability and Insurance Limitations
Another key reason why inspectors cannot walk on external roofing is the issue of liability. If an inspector walks on a roof and causes damage, they may be personally liable. Most professional indemnity or public liability insurance policies will not cover activities outside defined scopes of practice.
Likewise, if the inspector falls and injures themselves, insurance may not apply if the inspector breached safety laws. This could lead to lengthy legal battles and financial strain.
From a business perspective, walking on roofs exposes inspection companies to unnecessary risk. This is why all reputable Perth building inspection firms follow strict no-walking-on-roof policies. They rely on compliant alternatives instead.
Health and Safety Building Inspections – Safe and Effective Alternatives
Fortunately, there are many ways to inspect roofing without walking on it. These alternatives comply with safety regulations and still allow for a thorough assessment.
Ground-Based Visual Inspections
Many roofing defects can be seen from the ground or from the edge of the roof. A powerful zoom camera or binoculars can reveal cracked tiles, lifted sheets, or rusted flashing. Inspectors can also use ladders to access the roof edge while staying on stable footing.
Roof Space Inspection
Many roofing problems originate from inside the roof cavity. By entering the roof space through the manhole, inspectors can assess the structure below the roof. They can check for signs of leaks, sagging, pest damage, or insulation issues.
This internal inspection is crucial. It also allows the inspector to identify underlying issues that may not be visible from the outside.
Clients Often Expect What’s Unsafe
One of the main challenges inspectors face is client expectations. Many property buyers expect the inspector to “walk the roof” as part of the service. However, inspectors must explain that doing so is not only dangerous but also illegal.
Professionals must educate clients about the risks involved and why they follow safety protocols. Good communication ensures that clients understand the limits of an inspection and still feel confident in the service provided.
Reputable inspectors will always provide detailed photos, drone footage, and written reports. These tools give clients peace of mind without putting anyone at risk.
Australian Standards and Ethical Practice
Building inspectors in Perth follow AS 4349.1–2007 for pre-purchase building inspections. This Australian Standard sets out the scope and limitations of an inspection. According to the Standard, inspectors are not required to walk on roofing if it is not safe to do so.
The Standard also allows the inspector to use professional judgment when determining accessible areas. If a roof is unsafe or access is restricted, the inspector must report this clearly to the client.
By adhering to these professional standards, building inspectors maintain ethical integrity. They also protect themselves and their clients from harm or misleading expectations.
Summary: Safety Comes First
In summary, walking on external roofing during inspections is against Australian health and safety regulations. The risks of personal injury, legal exposure, and roof damage are simply too high. Perth building inspectors must comply with strict workplace safety laws, which prohibit unprotected work at height.
Instead, they rely on safe alternatives such as drones, zoom photography, and internal roof cavity assessments. These methods provide accurate results without breaching regulations.
Clients should be informed of these procedures from the outset. Transparency ensures realistic expectations and maintains trust in the health and safety building inspections process.
Choosing an inspector who values safety and professionalism guarantees a lawful and effective inspection. After all, the goal is not just to detect problems—but to do so without creating new ones.
Contact Master Building Inspectors for all health and safety building inspections.