Working on pitched or elevated roofs with shingles—especially in Kerala’s hilly and coastal zones—requires more than craftsmanship. It demands compliance with fall safety laws and proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Whether you’re a contractor, builder, or homeowner hiring a crew, understanding what’s legally required can prevent injuries, lawsuits, and work delays.
In this guide, Scaffs India outlines the legal and practical requirements for roofing safety while handling shingle installations.
🧯 Why Fall Protection Matters — Especially for Shingle Roofs
Installing architectural shingles or 3-tab shingles often means working on steep inclines, multiple roof planes, and high ridges. These surfaces become slippery during Kerala’s monsoons or when granules accumulate.
Falls from roofs remain a top cause of construction-related injuries and deaths in India. Compliance isn’t optional—it’s life-saving.
📜 Legal Standards for Roofing Safety in India
India lacks a single national roofing safety code, but multiple guidelines apply:
Factories Act, 1948 – Mandates safe working conditions
Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Act, 1996 – Requires protective equipment for height work
IS 3696 (Part 1) – Indian Standard for Safety in Scaffolding and Working at Heights
Labour Welfare Rules – Many states like Kerala have additional regulations for PPE and safety training
👉 These apply whether you’re working on a villa, resort, or mudroom-style cottage.
🦺 PPE Checklist: What Is Legally and Practically Required?
Here’s what’s typically required on any shingle roofing project involving elevation:
| PPE Item | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Full-body safety harness | ✅ Yes | Arrests fall mid-air |
| Shock-absorbing lanyard or lifeline | ✅ Yes | Prevents sudden impact |
| Helmet with chin strap | ✅ Yes | Protects against falling tools or slips |
| Non-slip safety boots | ✅ Yes | Improves grip on shingles |
| Gloves | Optional but recommended | Prevents cuts from tools, shingles, or nails |
| High-visibility vest | Required in multi-worker sites | Ensures visibility in crowded work zones |
💡 Scaffs India teams use manufacturer-recommended PPE during all roofing projects, from designer shingles to solar roofing tiles.
🪜 Roof Work Above 2 Metres? Safety Becomes Mandatory
According to the BOCW Act and IS standards, fall protection becomes legally necessary when workers operate at heights above 2 metres (6.5 feet). This includes:
Sloped roofs with shingles
Elevated cottages like A-frame cabins
Multi-tiered resort buildings with clay or designer roofing tiles
🏗️ Engineering Controls: Not Just PPE
Fall protection isn’t only about wearing gear. You must also use engineering controls, including:
Guardrails or temporary edge protection
Warning line systems
Anchorage points and roof anchor plates
Properly secured scaffolding for high shingle projects
Ladder safety cages for access points over 3m
✅ Scaffs India’s roofing teams implement all of these on-site, whether the installation involves shingles or Borja-tech hybrid tiles.
⚠️ Common Violations to Avoid
Improper anchorage of harnesses
Using worn-out safety gear or homemade harnesses
Working without PPE during ‘quick’ repairs
Ignoring safety protocols on small roof areas
No supervision or documentation of training
🚫 Even small violations can lead to accidents or insurance claims being rejected.
📷 Documentation & Training Requirements
In Kerala, especially on larger projects, the following are also recommended and often requested by regulatory bodies:
Safety Induction Logs
PPE Issuance Records
Roof Access Protocols
Fall Rescue Plans
Photographic Documentation of Anchor Points
📝 Scaffs India maintains these logs on request for commercial projects, resort roofing, or large-scale cottage developments.
🧑🏭 Who’s Responsible for Roofing PPE Compliance?
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Contractor (e.g., Scaffs India) | Provide gear, anchor systems, training |
| Client/Homeowner | Ensure reputable contractor is hired |
| Site Supervisor | Enforce use of PPE and compliance daily |
| Worker | Wear PPE properly and report hazards |
✅ The Scaffs India Approach: Safety First, Always
From traditional asphalt shingles to designer Tejas Borja roofs, we ensure:
Certified harnesses and fall systems
Trained, insured workers
Anchor point planning before starting work
Safe scaffolding and roof access
Documented checklists per roofing level
📞 Want Safe, Stylish Roofing?
Don’t risk safety with unqualified labor or shortcut contractors. Choose Kerala’s trusted roofing partner.
🔗 Get a Quote from Scaffs India
🔗 View Our Recent Projects
🔗 Learn About Our Company
🏁 In Conclusion: Safety Isn’t an Option—It’s the Standard
Roofing accidents are preventable. With the right PPE, training, and ethical contractor, your shingle roof project can be beautiful, durable, and accident-free.
At Scaffs India, we build roofs—and trust.
At Scaffs India, we provide comprehensive roof inspection and repair services. Our team will assess the damage and ensure your roof is in top condition. Learn more about our roof repair services.
Scaffs India is your go-to expert for premium roofing shingles in Kerala—combining aesthetics, performance, and protection for every project.We invite you to explore some of the beautiful roofing choices.For more information regarding how IKO Roofing shingles can be used for your roofing project, visit our
contact page link here and get in touch. or call +91 96455 55534.