SWMS template · Working at Heights
Skylight Installation — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for installing framed and tubular skylights and roof windows in tiled and metal roofs, covering roof access, cutting the roof opening, trimming framing, ceiling penetrations and flashing.
- Category
- Working at Heights
- HRCW
- 2 categories
- Job steps
- 7
- Hazards rated
- 18
- PPE items
- 8
Installing a skylight means cutting a hole in a roof you are standing on. Roof work with a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres is High Risk Construction Work and needs a SWMS, and the risk does not stop at the roof edge: the opening itself, any existing skylights and old brittle roof sheets are fall-through hazards. Cutting the ceiling below usually means working in a roof space near energised cables, which is also HRCW.
Plan the fall protection before anyone goes on the roof. Edge protection or perimeter scaffold is the preferred control for the roof edge. The roof opening must be covered or guarded the moment it is cut and must stay that way whenever nobody is actively working in it. A fall restraint system with rated anchors installed to AS/NZS 1891 and the manufacturer's instructions can be used where edge protection is not practicable, but it needs trained users and a rescue plan. Never use the skylight frame, battens or a truss as an improvised anchor.
The structural side matters. Small tubular skylights usually fit between rafters or battens, but larger framed skylights often require cutting rafters or trusses. Never cut a truss member without written direction from the truss manufacturer or an engineer, and follow the skylight manufacturer's instructions for trimming. On metal roofs, follow the sheet manufacturer's advice for cutting openings and support around the penetration. Do not cut asbestos cement roof sheeting; if the roof is fibro, stop and get advice.
In the roof space, look out for heat, cables, downlights and insulation. Isolate circuits running near the ceiling cut-out and leave any wiring changes to a licensed electrician. No specific licence is required for skylight installation, but the work may need a builder or roof plumber licence and, in some cases, building approval. Check your state or territory regulator and local council.
Customise this template with the roof type, pitch and height, the skylight make and model, the fall protection and access method, whether framing will be cut and who approved it, the roof space access arrangements, electrical isolation details, how the skylight will be lifted onto the roof, and the weather limits for the job.
Important: This SWMS template is a starting point only. Review and customise it for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the work. Not legal advice.
High Risk Construction Work Types
- Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
- Work on or near energised electrical installations or services
Personal Protective Equipment
- Harness, lanyard and rope grab where fall restraint is used (AS/NZS 1891)
- Soft-soled, non-slip safety boots
- Safety glasses and face shield for cutting
- P2 respirator for cutting tiles and work in insulation
- Hearing protection
- Cut-resistant gloves for sheet metal and glazing
- Disposable coveralls for roof space work
- Bump cap and head torch in the roof space
Risk Assessment
RatingsCatastrophicHighModerateLow
Step 1Pre-start inspection of roof and roof space
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cutting framing that holds up the roof | High | Inspect the framing from the roof space and mark the skylight position. Choose a position between rafters where possible. Any cut to a truss or rafter needs written direction from the truss manufacturer, an engineer or the skylight manufacturer's approved detail before work starts. | Low | Supervisor |
| Roof is asbestos cement or has brittle sheets | High | Identify the roof material before access. Do not cut or walk on asbestos cement sheeting. Mark old fibreglass or polycarbonate sheets and existing skylights as no-go areas. | Low | Supervisor |
| Electric shock from cables near the ceiling cut-out | High | Locate cables and downlights near the cut-out from the roof space. Isolate the circuits at the switchboard, lock and tag. Wiring is only moved by a licensed electrician. | Low | Supervisor / Licensed Electrician |
Step 2Setting up roof access and fall protection
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall from the roof edge | Catastrophic | Install edge protection or perimeter scaffold on the roof edges near the work. Where not practicable, use a fall restraint system on certified anchors, set so the worker cannot reach the edge. All harness users trained and a rescue plan in place. | Low | Supervisor |
| Fall while getting on and off the roof | High | Use a scaffold stair, or a ladder tied at the top, extending 1 metre above the eaves and set up on firm ground. Carry tools up in a bag or hoist them, not by hand. | Low | Workers |
| Slips on a wet, dusty or steep roof | High | No roof work when wet, frosty or in strong wind. Walk on the pans over purlins on metal roofs, or on tiles over battens. Use roof ladders or walk boards on steep or tiled roofs. | Moderate | Supervisor / Workers |
Step 3Lifting the skylight unit and materials onto the roof
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dropping a glazed unit or losing balance while carrying it up | High | Lift units by hoist, EWP or by passing from a scaffold platform. Never carry a skylight up a ladder. Secure the unit flat on the roof against wind until fitted. | Low | Workers |
| Back strain lifting heavy roof windows | Moderate | Check the unit weight. Two-person lift or mechanical aid for large units. Keep the walking path on the roof clear. | Low | Workers |
Step 4Cutting the roof opening
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall through the new opening | Catastrophic | Cut the opening only when ready to fit the skylight the same day. Cover with a secured, marked cover or guard the opening with rails whenever not being worked in. Never leave an open hole at the end of the day. | Low | Workers / Supervisor |
| Silica dust from cutting concrete or terracotta tiles | High | Remove tiles rather than cutting where possible. Where tiles must be cut, use a saw with water suppression or on-tool extraction, and wear a fit-tested P2 respirator. Cut on the ground where practicable. | Low | Workers |
| Cuts, kickback and hot swarf when cutting metal sheet | Moderate | Use nibblers or shears for metal sheet rather than abrasive discs. Gloves, glasses and face shield. Clear swarf from the roof straight away. | Low | Workers |
Step 5Trimming framing, ceiling cut-out and shaft
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall through ceiling joists in the roof space | High | Lay crawl boards across joists. Never step between joists. Adequate lighting at the work area. | Low | Workers |
| Heat stress in the roof space | High | Do roof space work early in the day. Limit time in the roof and rotate workers. Water at the hatch. Stop work if conditions become unsafe. | Moderate | Supervisor |
| Irritation from insulation fibres and dust falling into the room | Moderate | Coveralls, gloves and P2 respirator in the roof space. Drop sheets and plastic in the room below. Cut the ceiling from below with dust extraction where possible. | Low | Workers |
Step 6Fitting, flashing and sealing the skylight
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working on the roof without fall protection while fitting | High | Edge protection or restraint stays in place until all roof work is complete. Workers stay on the upslope side of the opening while fitting the frame. | Low | Workers |
| Water entry causing ceiling collapse or electrical faults later | Moderate | Install flashings strictly to the manufacturer's instructions. Water test the flashing before leaving. Keep circuits isolated until the electrician confirms the ceiling area is dry and safe. | Low | Workers / Supervisor |
Step 7Clean-up and dismantling
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debris and offcuts falling from the roof | Moderate | Bag offcuts and broken tiles on the roof and lower them. Barricade the area below until access equipment is removed. | Low | Workers |
| Circuits re-energised with damaged wiring | Moderate | Licensed electrician checks any wiring near the shaft before circuits are restored. Remove locks and tags only after sign-off. | Low | Licensed Electrician |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.
Get this template
Free. Edit the Excel version, or print the PDF and fill it in by hand.