Roofing Safety Standards in Singapore: What Applies to Roof Work

This is general guidance, not legal advice. For binding wording, check the regulations on Singapore Statutes Online and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council websites.

Falls from height are one of the main causes of serious workplace injury, and roofs are a common place for them. Roof work in Singapore is covered by the Workplace Safety and Health Act and its subsidiary regulations, mainly the WSH (Work at Heights) Regulations, together with the WSH (Risk Management) Regulations and, where scaffolds are used, the WSH (Scaffold) Regulations.

An earlier version of this article described SS 570 as the standard for working on roofs. That was wrong. SS 570 is a Singapore Standard for fall-protection equipment (single point anchor devices and flexible horizontal lifeline systems), not a code for roof work. The practical guide for employers is the Approved Code of Practice for Working Safely at Heights, which MOM points contractors to in its parliamentary replies.

What employers must do

According to MOM's January 2026 reply to a parliamentary question, the controls for work at height include a fall prevention plan, a permit-to-work system and adequate supervision. Before roof work starts, the WSH Council says employers should assess factors such as:

• roof type and material
• roof slope and height
• how workers get on and off the roof
• how long and how often the work will be done
• worker competency

Common roof hazards

• Falling from an unprotected edge
• Falling through fragile surfaces such as skylights and some roof sheets
• Falling through openings on the roof
• Slipping on wet or smooth surfaces

Treat any roof as fragile until a competent person says otherwise, and keep people off it when it is wet.

Flat roofs and ladder access

Flat roofs that are reached only by ladder for occasional maintenance still involve fall risk at the edges. Edge protection, such as guardrails or barriers, or a proper fall-arrest system is the usual way to control it. Building owners should ask a qualified professional what suits their roof.

Fire safety for roof materials

Roof coverings and construction must also meet fire safety requirements under the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Fire Code. Materials need to meet required fire ratings. If you are replacing a roof, confirm the requirements with your contractor or qualified person before ordering materials, because the rating needed depends on the building.

Enforcement

MOM runs surprise inspections on work-at-height activity. A September 2026 report on a month-long operation covering 250 work sites said 84% had a fall prevention plan and 77% had a permit-to-work system in place, and that lapses such as unguarded openings remained a concern. Businesses that skip these controls risk stop-work orders and penalties.

Where to check

• MOM and WSH Council pages on working safely on roofs and work at height
• The Approved Code of Practice for Working Safely at Heights
• SCDF for Fire Code queries