Dachdeckerbühne gesucht? Hier erfährst du, worauf es ankommt - BIBERGER

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Looking for a roofing platform? Here you'll find out what's important

Q: When is scaffolding required for roofers?

A scaffold is always required for roofers when if there is a risk of falling and no equivalent protection is guaranteed by a work platform or PPE According to the Technical Rules for Operational Safety (TRBS 2121 Part 1), safe work equipment must be used when working at heights of 2 metres or more. Scaffolding is particularly mandatory if when work is carried out on the area on a permanent basis, for example during new roofing, renovations or work without mobile access technology For short-term, mobile applications, a roofing platform may be a better and permissible alternative – provided it meets all safety requirements.

Q: Are roofers allowed to work without scaffolding?

Yes – Roofers may work without scaffolding under certain conditions , for example with a work platform . It is crucial that the chosen access solution equivalent protection against falls offers. Working platforms are permitted if if they are safely installed, operated correctly and the persons in the basket are secured by PPE (Personal Protective Equipment against falls from a height) Important: The platform must be suitable for the specific roof work – i.e. it must offer sufficient reach, load capacity and positioning. For longer operations, large-scale work or when safe access to the platform is not possible, scaffolding is required.

Q: Is fall protection on the roof mandatory?

Yes – fall protection on the roof is required by law as soon as the fall height is more than 2 meters or a fall into the interior is to be expected (e.g. through skylights or openings). According to the DGUV Regulation 38 and the TRBS 2121 Part 1 Roof work must be carried out with effective protection against falls. Permissible measures include railings, side protection, roof guards, fall arrest systems (PPE) or work platforms. Which solution is necessary depends on the location, the duration and the risk potential

Q: Up to what maximum height can a scaffold be erected without a permit?

A scaffold may usually be used on private property up to 10 meters high without permission be built – but only if it does not protrude into public space As soon as sidewalks, streets or neighboring areas are affected, you need a official special use permit – regardless of the amount. This can be expensive and time-consuming. A work platform is often the better choice here: She requires no setup time , does not require building permits for mobile operations and can be removed immediately after the work is done . Especially with short assignments, changing construction sites or cramped urban locations With a roofing platform you are much more flexible and can get started faster – without having to apply to the authorities.

Q: Will scaffolding be attached to the house wall?

Yes – a scaffold is usually anchored to the facade to ensure the necessary stability. For this purpose, Holes drilled into the house wall which must be closed after dismantling. This is often problematic with insulated facades, clinker or sensitive surfaces – visually and technically. A work platform does not require any fastening. It stands freely, can be positioned flexibly and leaves no traces on the building For roof work, maintenance or repairs, a platform is therefore the faster, cleaner and residue-free solution – especially with sensitive building structures.

Zusammenfassung

If you want to get roofing work done quickly, safely and efficiently, you need theright roofing platform for your project– not just any device. Depending on the roof type, terrain, and accessibility, different platforms are suitable:Truck-mounted work platforms for free access,Articulated telescopic platforms for tight indoor spaces,precise work baskets for dormers or chimneys– and on slopes or soft groundCrawler work platforms or telescopic forklifts with basket.

When choosing, pay attention to thelateral reach, theWorking height, theBasket loadand theAccess to the buildingScaffolding can be useful for permanent construction sites – but for flexible applications, platforms are often faster, cheaper and safer.Get advice before you rent– and choose a solution that suits your construction site, not just the first machine you come across.

Zusammenfassung

When working on a roof, you need a platform that works—not one that slows you down. Whether it's a pitched roof, dormer, chimney, or eaves, not every platform is suitable for roof work.

In this guide, you will learn which roofing platform you need and when , what to look for when choosing one – and how to avoid mistakes that cost time and money .

What is a roofing platform – and what makes it special?

Definition: Not a separate device category, but a requirement
Focus: Long range, high stability, safe accessibility
Typical requirements in practice: reach to the gable, load bearing, flexible installation

Which stage fits which roof?

Pitched roof with free access

With traditional pitched roofs, you often have to work directly over the eaves and gutters to the ridge or chimney. A standard scaffold isn't enough here—you need reach, height, and stability.

→ A truck-mounted work platform with a long lateral reach safely takes you over roof overhangs and eliminates the need for constant repositioning. Important: Only suitable if there is sufficient space for setup – at least a 3.5 t chassis class.

Courtyard, narrow driveway or confined space

Many roofs aren't directly accessible from the street—for example, in backyards, near terraced houses, or in inner buildings. Conventional truck-mounted lifts are often too large or can't even reach them.

→ In such cases, a compact articulated boom lift is the best solution. It fits through narrow driveways, reaches into confined interior spaces, and can be controlled with millimeter precision, even in confined spaces.

Work on dormer windows, eaves or chimneys

For example, when installing dormer panels, cladding chimneys, or installing gutters, you need to access components not only from above , but also from the sides and at an angle. Accessing them vertically alone isn't enough.

→ You need a stage with precise basket rotation and sensitive controls . This is the only way to reach complex roof areas without constant readjustment or dangerous improvisations.

Slope or soft ground?

Roofs on slopes, on lawns, or in garden entrances place special demands on the equipment. A truck-mounted work platform is usually too heavy, sinks, or can't be set up at all – even compact articulated platforms quickly reach their limits.

→ Tip: In such cases, a crawler work platform with a ground-protecting track or a telehandler (e.g., from Merlo or Manitou ) with a pivoting work basket and telescopic boom is a better choice. Both systems distribute the weight evenly, can handle loose or sloping ground, and allow you safe access right up to the edge of the roof, even on difficult terrain. By the way: Our telehandlers for rent reach working heights of up to 39 meters, and you can also rent the appropriate attachments along with the equipment.

These criteria determine the right roofing platform

Lateral reach : How far do you need to go over roof surfaces or ledges, does the basket need to be able to rotate?
Working height : Is the height sufficient for the ridge – including working reserve?
Basket load : tools, materials, people – how much weight do you really need in the basket?
Access to the building : Pavement, curbs, driveways – how much space do you have for setting up?
Slope and surface : concrete, gravel, slope – which platform will support you safely?

Common mistakes when choosing a work platform – and how to avoid them

Stage selected by height instead of reach
Truck platform ordered, but no access available
kg load capacity in the basket underestimated – material transport impossible
No emergency descent planned – no rescue strategy
Stage set up on sloping terrain without substructure

Safety during use – no compromises on the roof

PPE is mandatory – even for short assignments
Do not use a stage without instruction
Check wind load – roof work ≠ interior work
Secure the work area – pedestrians, traffic, material

Scaffolding or platform – which is more useful for roofers?

Application	stage	scaffolding
Short-term assignments
Multiple locations
Permanent construction site with fall protection
Detached building with driveway
Tight inner-city location without space

How much does a roofing platform cost to rent – and what determines the price?

Platform type: truck-mounted, articulated telescopic or crawler platform
Working height and reach
Rental period: day, week, long term
Transport costs & instruction
Optional: Accessories, PPE, additional service

Tip: Get a personalized quote for the rental price of a work platform – don’t just order any platform.

Our conclusion – the right roofing platform saves time, nerves and material

It's not the biggest stage that's the best – it's the one that fits your roof.

Talk to a rental company that knows what's important. At BIBERGER, you'll not only get the right roofing platform , but also advice, transport, and training – nationwide and at short notice.

About the author

Martin Biberger

Managing Director

Martin is the founder and managing director of BIBERGER Arbeitsbühnen & Forklifts.

He is responsible for thetechnical areaTogether with his team, he is responsible for thetechnical purchasingthe machines thatFurther development of the machine inventoryand the smooth operation of over 1,500 BIBERGER rental devices.

From many years of experience he knows theStrengths and weaknesses of all device classes, the possibleAreas of applicationand thetechnical possibilities– always with a view to theDevelopment of the entire industryand future innovations.

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FAQ

When is scaffolding required for roofers?

A scaffold is always required for roofers whenif there is a risk of falling and no equivalent protection is guaranteed by a work platform or PPEAccording to the Technical Rules for Operational Safety (TRBS 2121 Part 1), safe work equipment must be used when working at heights of 2 metres or more.

Scaffolding is particularly mandatory ifwhen work is carried out on the area on a permanent basis, for example during new roofing, renovations or work without mobile access technologyFor short-term, mobile applications, a roofing platform may be a better and permissible alternative – provided it meets all safety requirements.

Are roofers allowed to work without scaffolding?

Yes –Roofers may work without scaffolding under certain conditions, for example with awork platform. It is crucial that the chosen access solutionequivalent protection against fallsoffers.

Working platforms are permitted ifif they are safely installed, operated correctly and the persons in the basket are secured by PPE (Personal Protective Equipment against falls from a height)Important: The platform must be suitable for the specific roof work – i.e. it must offer sufficient reach, load capacity and positioning.For longer operations, large-scale work or when safe access to the platform is not possible, scaffolding is required.

When are roofers not allowed on the roof?

Roofers are not allowed to enter a roof if there are no adequate fall protection measures in place.This applies especially in cases of missing fall protection, unsuitable access means or unstable roof surfaces.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act and DGUV regulations, roofers must be protected from excessive heights bya scaffold, a work platform or PPE must be securedIf the access is dangerous or unsafe – for example, due to steep inclines, wet conditions, snow, storms or damaged roof surfaces –Entry is prohibited until protection and stability are guaranteed.

Is fall protection on the roof mandatory?

Yes –fall protection on the roof is required by lawas soon as the fall height is more than 2 meters or a fall into the interior is to be expected (e.g. through skylights or openings). According to theDGUV Regulation 38and theTRBS 2121 Part 1Roof work must be carried out with effective protection against falls.Permissible measures include railings, side protection, roof guards, fall arrest systems (PPE) or work platforms.Which solution is necessary depends on the location, the duration and the risk potential

Can a roofer work alone?

A roofer may only work alone under certain conditions – and never without safety equipment or a fallback if there is an increased risk of falling.The DGUV stipulates that lone workis not allowedwhen it involves significant risks – for example, when working at heights, with the risk of falling or with heavy equipment.

If work is carried out on the roof,At least one second person must be reachable, for example to operate the emergency lowering system on work platforms or for rescue in an emergency.For short-term, simple activities with full fall protection, working alone may be permitted – always depending on the risk assessment and the specific application.

Who is liable if a roofer falls off the roof?

The responsibility lies with the employer or the executing companywhen a roofer falls from the roof – especially whenSafety measures such as scaffolding or work platforms were missing or inadequateAccording to the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance), employers are obliged to provide suitable fall protection measures and ensure their use.If no suitable roofing platform, scaffolding or PPE was used, there is a breach of the security obligation – with civil and possibly criminal consequences. In some cases, theThe client or client may be jointly responsibleif, for example, he concealed unsafe conditions or made risky specifications.

Up to what maximum height can a scaffold be erected without a permit?

A scaffold may usually be used on private propertyup to 10 meters high without permissionbe built –but only if it does not protrude into public spaceAs soon as sidewalks, streets or neighboring areas are affected, you need aofficial special use permit– regardless of the amount. This can be expensive and time-consuming.

A work platform is often the better choice here:Sherequires no setup time,does not require building permits for mobile operationsand canbe removed immediately after the work is done. Especially withshort assignments, changing construction sites or cramped urban locationsWith a roofing platform you are much more flexible and can get started faster – without having to apply to the authorities.

Will scaffolding be attached to the house wall?

Yes –a scaffold is usually anchored to the facadeto ensure the necessary stability. For this purpose,Holes drilled into the house wallwhich must be closed after dismantling.This is often problematic with insulated facades, clinker or sensitive surfaces– visually and technically.

A work platform does not require any fastening.It stands freely, can be positioned flexibly and leavesno traces on the buildingFor roof work, maintenance or repairs, a platform is thereforethe faster, cleaner and residue-free solution– especially with sensitive building structures.

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