--- title: "Roof Man Safe System: New-Build vs Refurbishment" description: Discover how a Roof Man Safe System differs for new-build and refurbishment projects, including key safety, design and installation considerations. image: https://www.adssltd.com/hubfs/roof-man-safe-systems-new-build-vs-refurbishment.png --- [01889 500249](tel:01889500249) [info@adssltd.com](mailto:info@adssltd.com) [01889 500249](tel:01889500249) [info@adssltd.com](mailto:info@adssltd.com) [![adss-logo-clear-bg](https://www.adssltd.com/hs-fs/hubfs/adss-logo-clear-bg.png?width=106&height=75&name=adss-logo-clear-bg.png "adss-logo-clear-bg")](https://www.adssltd.com/) [![adss-logo-clear-bg](https://www.adssltd.com/hs-fs/hubfs/adss-logo-clear-bg.png?width=85&height=60&name=adss-logo-clear-bg.png "adss-logo-clear-bg")](https://www.adssltd.com/) - [Home](https://www.adssltd.com) - Specialist Access - [Specialist Access](https://www.adssltd.com/specialist-access-services) - [Rope Access](https://www.adssltd.com/rope-access) - [Confined Spaces](https://www.adssltd.com/confined-space-rescue) - [Safety Netting](https://www.adssltd.com/rope-access-safety-netting) - [Working At Height](https://www.adssltd.com/working-at-height) - [Man Safe System](https://www.adssltd.com/man-safe-system) - [Rope Access Explained Guide](https://www.adssltd.com/rope-access-explained-is-it-right-for-your-project) - [EV Charging Infrastructure Projects Guide](https://www.adssltd.com/thank-you-ev-infrastructure) - Civil Engineering - [Civil Engineering](https://www.adssltd.com/civil-engineering-services) - [Groundwork](https://www.adssltd.com/civil-groundworks) - [Utility Services](https://www.adssltd.com/utility-services) - [Water](https://www.adssltd.com/water-infrastructure) - [Minor Infrastructure](https://www.adssltd.com/minor-works) - [Building Refurbishment & Infrastructure](https://www.adssltd.com/building-refurbishment) - [Power Generation](https://www.adssltd.com/power-infrastructure) - [EV Infrastructure](https://www.adssltd.com/electric-car-charging-infrastructure) - [About Us](https://www.adssltd.com/rope-access-company) - Resources - [Blog](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog) - [Contact Us](https://www.adssltd.com/contact-us) - [Rope Access Explained Guide](https://www.adssltd.com/rope-access-explained-is-it-right-for-your-project) - [EV Charging Infrastructure Projects Guide](https://www.adssltd.com/ev-charging-infrastructure-guide-civil-works) - [Complete Guide to Rope Access Safety](https://www.adssltd.com/rope-access-safety-guide-work-at-height-regulations-2005) More results [Contact Us](https://www.adssltd.com/contact-us) [Contact Us](https://www.adssltd.com/contact-us) [Contact Us](https://www.adssltd.com/contact-us) - [Home](https://www.adssltd.com) - Specialist Access - [Specialist Access](https://www.adssltd.com/specialist-access-services) - [Rope Access](https://www.adssltd.com/rope-access) - [Confined Spaces](https://www.adssltd.com/confined-space-rescue) - [Safety Netting](https://www.adssltd.com/rope-access-safety-netting) - [Working At Height](https://www.adssltd.com/working-at-height) - [Man Safe System](https://www.adssltd.com/man-safe-system) - [Rope Access Explained Guide](https://www.adssltd.com/rope-access-explained-is-it-right-for-your-project) - [EV Charging Infrastructure Projects Guide](https://www.adssltd.com/thank-you-ev-infrastructure) - Civil Engineering - [Civil Engineering](https://www.adssltd.com/civil-engineering-services) - [Groundwork](https://www.adssltd.com/civil-groundworks) - [Utility Services](https://www.adssltd.com/utility-services) - [Water](https://www.adssltd.com/water-infrastructure) - [Minor Infrastructure](https://www.adssltd.com/minor-works) - [Building Refurbishment & Infrastructure](https://www.adssltd.com/building-refurbishment) - [Power Generation](https://www.adssltd.com/power-infrastructure) - [EV Infrastructure](https://www.adssltd.com/electric-car-charging-infrastructure) - [About Us](https://www.adssltd.com/rope-access-company) - Resources - [Blog](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog) - [Contact Us](https://www.adssltd.com/contact-us) - [Rope Access Explained Guide](https://www.adssltd.com/rope-access-explained-is-it-right-for-your-project) - [EV Charging Infrastructure Projects Guide](https://www.adssltd.com/ev-charging-infrastructure-guide-civil-works) - [Complete Guide to Rope Access Safety](https://www.adssltd.com/rope-access-safety-guide-work-at-height-regulations-2005) [Contact Us](https://www.adssltd.com/contact-us) [01889 500249](tel:01889500249) [info@adssltd.com](mailto:info@adssltd.com) [Man Safe System](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/tag/man-safe-system) # Roof Man Safe Systems: New-Build Vs Refurbishment by [ADSS](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/author/adss) 3 min read Nov 5, 2026, 11:00:03 AM A [roof man safe system](https://www.adssltd.com/man-safe-system) provides a controlled means of protecting people who need to access areas at height, but the way a system is assessed and installed can vary considerably between a new-build project and an existing roof. On a new development, access requirements can be considered alongside the structure from an early stage. With an existing building, the starting point is different because the condition, construction and previous alterations to the roof all need to be understood first. [![Contact Us](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/146688385/interactive-266760376567.png)](https://www.adssltd.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJ%2BfIzx2LsCzdfkOTdGrhOutgwHbbjYLp%2FjajYObr3L%2BH9zkR0yr4vfPY%2B%2BkFZIGxmv%2BSL65Nat0MywJcDVYnK%2BqMM%2BaNJIjNBIDfV1cEz55L5JZ0lSnDgfQOJa7hFtLcUFdEtXGGaYeslwLE3R9fLGoHObTSFBAvtrraLZxfRSu7Ee8UYiTeZbbmiviArGw5%2FEVlnMNvYa8iiO6d0STUGun%2B9Csg%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=266760376567&portalId=146688385) In both cases, safety needs to drive the decision. A man-safe system should not be treated simply as a collection of anchor points added wherever installation is most convenient. It needs to reflect how the roof will actually be accessed, where maintenance will take place and what risks users are likely to encounter. ## **Where Does The Work At Height Hierarchy Fit In?** Before specifying any [roof safety system](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/man-safe-system-inspection-and-certification), the Work at Height Regulations 2005 require the normal hierarchy of control to be considered. Work at height should be avoided where reasonably practicable, falls should then be prevented where the activity cannot be avoided, and only after that should measures be used to minimise the distance and consequences of a potential fall. Collective protection also takes priority over personal protection where reasonably practicable. This matters because a personal fall-protection system may not always be the first or only solution. Existing guardrails, suitable edge protection or other collective measures may provide protection in some locations, while an anchor or lifeline system may be appropriate in others. The final arrangement needs to follow the risk assessment rather than starting with a preferred product. ## **What Is Different On A New Build?** A new-build project provides greater opportunity for the relevant designers and specialists to consider access requirements alongside the developing roof layout. Plant locations, maintenance routes, rooflights, exposed edges and structural fixing points can all be reviewed before the structure is complete. This helps create a clearer picture of how people will need to move around the roof throughout the building’s operational life. Considering the roof [man safe system](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/what-is-a-man-safe-system) at this stage can also make structural coordination more straightforward. Suitable fixing locations and anticipated loading can be assessed before finishes are complete, reducing the need to work around unknown construction details later. The system still requires competent design and installation, but early involvement gives the project team more opportunity to coordinate it with the finished building. ## **Why Existing Roofs Need More Investigation** On an existing building, the information available at the start may be less certain. Original drawings might not reflect later changes, roof coverings may have been replaced, and additional plant or services could have altered the original maintenance routes. Existing anchors should not automatically be assumed to remain suitable simply because they are already installed. The roof structure, substrate and waterproofing therefore need to be considered before new fall-protection equipment is introduced. Any proposed fixing method also needs to be compatible with the existing construction so that improving access safety does not unnecessarily compromise the roof itself. BS 7883:2019 provides recommendations for the design, installation, use, maintenance and inspection of workplace anchor systems. It also addresses system documentation and considerations around previously installed systems, making competent assessment particularly important where existing equipment is being incorporated or reviewed. ## **Fall Restraint And Fall Arrest** Different roof fall protection systems can also operate in different ways. A restraint arrangement is intended to prevent the user from reaching a position where a fall can occur, while a fall-arrest system is designed to arrest a fall once it has happened. That difference affects matters including system positioning, user equipment, clearance and rescue arrangements. The intended method of use therefore needs to be clear before installation. A system that is suitable for one roof layout or maintenance activity may not provide the same level of protection for another, particularly where users need to move close to edges or around obstacles. ## **Why Inspection And Documentation Continue To Matter** Installation is not the end of the process. Building operators need appropriate information explaining how the system is intended to be used, what limitations apply and what compatible personal protective equipment is required. Inspection and maintenance requirements also need to remain part of the building’s ongoing work-at-height arrangements. Changes to the roof can affect these arrangements over time. New plant, alterations to access routes or major roof works may change how a system needs to operate. For this reason, the suitability of the [roof man safe system](https://www.adssltd.com/man-safe-system) should continue to be considered whenever significant changes are made to the working environment. ## **Keep Your Roof Access Safe And Compliant** Whether you are considering fall protection for a new building or reviewing an existing installation, we can assess your access requirements and provide specialist support for man-safe systems. Our focus is on safe, compliant and practical solutions that reflect how the roof will actually be used. [Contact us](https://www.adssltd.com/contact-us) to discuss installation, inspection or certification requirements for your site. [![Get your free no-obligation quote for your rope access or civil engineering project](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/146688385/interactive-337804397813.png)](https://www.adssltd.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJDstyQqDsYsvzkC48P9TULbgjsDVteCeVZ%2BHcAxWG4PPDPorfWJC4BjZ4Yum3YM6VwFMrU4AB5x45BN6O9svsKjLKQ6g2AwUbmAYvQ95XWtXdcieD7Q2ftBRWnLV4DoPbE6%2ByKRErJ7cYs83KjzXfD3wYbcDLyodmQ2f3%2B9uuBM5rKCCOtaRHJKx4PkLitsSbI5s2yxRBH%2FHS%2FMNuzYw%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=337804397813&portalId=146688385) - Recent - Topics - Archive Recent Topics - [Working at Height (7)](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/tag/working-at-height) - [Civil Groundworks (4)](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/tag/civil-groundworks) - [electric car charging infrastructure (3)](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/tag/electric-car-charging-infrastructure) - [Man Safe System (2)](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/tag/man-safe-system) - [Rope Access (2)](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/tag/rope-access) - [Confined Space Access (1)](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/tag/confined-space-access) - [specialist access (1)](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/tag/specialist-access) See all Archive - [October 2026 (2)](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/archive/2026/10) - [July 2026 (3)](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/archive/2026/07) - [June 2026 (5)](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/archive/2026/06) - [May 2026 (2)](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/archive/2026/05) - [April 2026 (2)](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/archive/2026/04) - [March 2026 (1)](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/archive/2026/03) - [February 2026 (1)](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/archive/2026/02) - [January 2026 (2)](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/archive/2026/01) - [December 2025 (2)](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/archive/2025/12) See all ### Subscribe by email Share this [Share on X](https://x.com/intent/post?url=https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/roof-man-safe-system-refurbishment&text=Roof+Man+Safe+System%3A+New-Build+vs+Refurbishment) [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/roof-man-safe-system-refurbishment&t=Roof+Man+Safe+System%3A+New-Build+vs+Refurbishment) [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/roof-man-safe-system-refurbishment&t=Roof+Man+Safe+System%3A+New-Build+vs+Refurbishment) Previous story [← Why You Should Use Specialist Access Services Instead of Doing It Yourself](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/specialist-access-services-working-at-height) ## You May Also Like These Related Stories [Safety at Height Services: Why Cheapest Rarely Means Best Value](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/safety-at-height-services-value-cost) ![Safety at height services carried out by trained workers wearing protective equipment while accessing an elevated rooftop structure.](https://www.adssltd.com/hubfs/safety-at-height-services-why-cheapest-rarely-means-best-value.png) [Working at Height](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/tag/working-at-height) ### Safety at Height Services: Why Cheapest Rarely Means Best Value Oct 27, 2026, 11:00:02 AM 3 min read [Why You Should Use Specialist Access Services Instead of Doing It Yourself](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/specialist-access-services-working-at-height) ![Specialist access services being used by a trained rope access technician to secure safety equipment while working at height on a building.](https://www.adssltd.com/hubfs/why-you-should-use-specialist-access-services-instead-of-doing-it-yourself.png) [Working at Height](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/tag/working-at-height) ### Why You Should Use Specialist Access Services Instead of Doing It Yourself Oct 29, 2026, 11:00:01 AM 4 min read [Why Risk Assessments Alone Don’t Prevent Working At Height Incidents?](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/work-at-height-incidents-risk-assessments) ![A man working at height after performing a risk assessment and preparing for any potential incidents that might occur.](https://www.adssltd.com/hubfs/ADSS%20Blog%202.png) [Working at Height](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/tag/working-at-height) ### Why Risk Assessments Alone Don’t Prevent Working At Height Incidents? Jun 26, 2026, 11:00:00 AM 4 min read ### Get Email Notifications [tel:01889500249](tel:01889500249) [mailto:info@adssltd.com](mailto:info@adssltd.com) [Specialist Access](https://www.adssltd.com/specialist-access-services) - [Rope Access](https://www.adssltd.com/rope-access) - [Confined Spaces](https://www.adssltd.com/confined-space-rescue) - [Safety Netting](https://www.adssltd.com/rope-access-safety-netting) - [Working At Height](https://www.adssltd.com/working-at-height) - [Man Safe System](https://www.adssltd.com/man-safe-system) [Civil Engineering](https://www.adssltd.com/civil-engineering-services) - [Groundwork](https://www.adssltd.com/civil-groundworks) - [Utility Services](https://www.adssltd.com/utility-services) - [Water](https://www.adssltd.com/water-infrastructure) - [Minor Infrastructure](https://www.adssltd.com/minor-works) - [Building Refurbishment](https://www.adssltd.com/building-refurbishment) - [Power Generation](https://www.adssltd.com/power-infrastructure) - [EV Infrastructure](https://www.adssltd.com/electric-car-charging-infrastructure) Resources - [About Us](https://www.adssltd.com/rope-access-company) - [Blog](https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog) - [Contact Us](https://www.adssltd.com/contact-us) - [Request A Quote](https://www.adssltd.com/request-a-quote) - [Request A Site Visit](https://www.adssltd.com/request-a-site-survey) Copyright © 2026 ADSS Ltd VAT: 679039102  |  Company Number: 3879336 - [Terms](https://www.adssltd.com/terms-conditions) - [Privacy](https://www.adssltd.com/privacy-policy) - [Cookies](https://www.adssltd.com/cookie-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "ADSS", "url" : "https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/author/adss" }, "dateModified" : "2026-11-05T11:00:03.144Z", "datePublished" : "2026-11-05T11:00:03.000Z", "headline" : "Roof Man Safe System: New-Build vs Refurbishment", "image" : [ "https://www.adssltd.com/hubfs/roof-man-safe-systems-new-build-vs-refurbishment.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/roof-man-safe-system-refurbishment", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.adssltd.com/hubfs/adss-logo-clear-bg-1.png" } } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "LocalBusiness", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "UK", "addressLocality" : "Uttoxeter", "addressRegion" : "Staffordshire", "postalCode" : "ST14 8QS", "streetAddress" : "Unit 1A, Kingstone Business Park, Potts Lane, Kingstone" }, "alternateName" : "Access Direct Site Services", "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "GB", "availableLanguage" : "en", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "+44 1889 500249" }, "geo" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : 52.8807, "longitude" : -1.9533 }, "image" : "https://www.adssltd.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ADSS%20Images.webp", "logo" : "https://www.adssltd.com/hs-fs/hubfs/adss-logo-clear-bg.png", "name" : "ADSS Ltd", "openingHours" : [ "Mo 09:00-17:30", "Tu 09:00-17:30", "We 09:00-17:30", "Th 09:00-17:30", "Fr 09:00-17:30", "Sa Closed", "Su Closed" ], "priceRange" : "£", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/AccessDirectltd/" ], "telephone" : "01889 223818", "url" : "https://www.adssltd.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebPage", "description" : "Discover how a Roof Man Safe System differs for new-build and refurbishment projects, including key safety, design and installation considerations.", "inLanguage" : "en-GB", "name" : "Roof Man Safe System: New-Build vs Refurbishment", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.adssltd.com/hs-fs/hubfs/adss-logo-clear-bg.png" }, "name" : "ADSS Ltd", "url" : "https://www.adssltd.com/" }, "url" : "https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/roof-man-safe-system-refurbishment" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.adssltd.com/", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.adssltd.com/adss-ltd-blog/roof-man-safe-system-refurbishment", "name" : "Roof Man Safe Systems: New-Build Vs Refurbishment", "position" : 2 } ] } ```