Why Important
Access and Safety Health and Safety legislation sets out guidance on working at heights to which contractors must comply by law.
Most buildings in the Birkenhead Heritage Area are at least three storeys high and often more, with pitched roofs, so safe access for inspection and maintenance is essential.
What to look for
It is normally possible to find a vantage point to see the roof for survey purposes, from a dormer, rooflight or a building opposite, with the use of binoculars.
Many later Georgian ‘M’ style roofs have a ladder and an access hatch onto the middle valley which will allow safe inspection of most of the roof.
How to access
Access for maintenance work may be more difficult. If there isn’t a suitable fixed access ladder or stair and hatch, but one could be fitted, this should be considered.
If introduced, new access ladders and roof hatches will need Wirral Council Planning Permission and should be positioned discreetly.
More detailed information on the design of new hatches can be found in The Care and Conservation of Georgian Houses.
Sometimes, work may only be possible from a mobile ‘cherry picker’, tower or access scaffold: this can seem costly, but will be less so than ignoring a problem that leads to a huge repair project.
The cost of scaffold can be a considerable proportion of the overall cost of the repair work, so it is worth considering all other works that can usefully be carried out at the same time to make the most of the scaffold.
Avoiding creating problems
Duck boards are timber walkboards laid in lead valley gutters to protect the lead from damage by foot traffic. These can be very slippery when wet, and may trap leaves and other debris if not cleared out regularly.