Non Fragility

TECHNICAL NOTE

The 'ACR(M)001:2005 test for non-fragility' is a basic test to establish whether a roof assembly is fragile or non-fragile.  It does not necessarily mean that walking on the roof will not damage the roofing product. 'Walkable' is not recognised as a defined term by HSE and it should not be confused with 'non-fragile'.

The non-fragility status of Euroclad profiles should be referenced in the Euroclad publication 'Non-fragility of profiled sheets' in conjunction with Euroclad's product literature and 'ACR(CP)001:2003 Recommended practice for work on profiled sheeted roofs'.

Euroclad profiles can adhere to the statements made in ACR(CP)001:2003 recommended practice for work on profiled sheeted roofs, which states that:

• - A non-fragile assembly should be specified.
• - A competent company is chosen to carry out roof work.
• - The classification of the roof assembly can be confirmed by the supplier and that test data can be provided to support the classification.
• - Drawings are available which can be used to set out the sequence of operations to fit sheets to a non-fragile classification.
• - The conditions affecting guarantees of non-fragility should be clearly stated.
• - Special consideration should be given to Class C constructions.
• - Specific information relating to maintenance of the products and which is relevant to non-fragility is provided for inclusion in the Health and Safety file.
• - Materials handling should be reduced wherever possible i.e. by ordering sheets to be packed in sequence as they will be used or by splitting packs on the ground before positioning on the roof.
• - In addition the 'HSE Question and Answer brief' for the 'Construction industry on the work at height regulations 2005' states that "collective control measures should always take priority over personal control measures".