Roof trusses

Thorough risk assessments must be completed by competent persons for the whole process, especially the method of temporary bracing. These must be reviewed in accordance with our RAMS review process.

The manufacturers’ designs for roof truss installation must always be followed.

Only experienced and qualified operatives are permitted to install trussed rafters and spandrel panels.

Obtain truss pack and spandrel panel dimensions and weights from manufacturers to allow correct selection of handling equipment. Insist on pre-slung packs facilitating ground-level strap release.

Ensure lay down areas are firm, level, clear of overhead obstructions, and large enough for the delivery vehicle and equipment.

Ensure ground conditions are suitable for crane use, meeting both the manufacturer’s specifications and our Temporary Works requirements.

All lifting operations must be carefully planned, with compliance to LOLER requirements and relevant duty holders in place. Produce a suitable lifting plan and ensure all lifting equipment and accessories have proper certification.

A Permit to Lift must be completed by Lovell management and issued to, and accepted by, the competent person in charge before lifting operations are permitted to commence. A separate Permit to Lift is required for each individual lift plan.

Establish a physical exclusion zone around lifting equipment and delivery vehicles to separate plant and pedestrians.

Use a mobile crane to lift trusses either from truss racks or preferably, directly from the delivery vehicle to the roof. Telehandlers may only be used for single-storey structures with standard trusses.

When storing trusses from a delivery, telehandlers may be used to transport them to truss racks, loading bays, or gable end scaffolds, provided the load is within the telehandler’s safe working load (SWL) and takes into account span, pitch, obstructions, and equipment capabilities. Ensure loads are secured with ropes rather than lifting straps.

Travel routes must be carefully planned to avoid occupied areas and obstacles.

A competent slinger/signaller must guide the telehandler operator, ensuring trusses remain within 600mm of the ground.

Use an anemometer to monitor wind conditions and do not move trusses if wind speeds exceed 7 m/s (16 mph).

Keep truss packs under chain tension until they are safely laid or temporarily braced as per the agreed method.