Which tool is used to establish a working platform on high pitch roofs?

• A. A partner can assist with saw/hook as needed.
• B. Use a roof ladder and rubbish hook or pick headed axe to establish a working platform.
• C. A rope system instead of ladder.
• D. Climb with no tools.

Answer: (B)

On high pitch roofs, you need a secure, stable place to stand so you can move and work safely. A roof ladder with its hooks is designed to grab over the roof ridge, helping keep the ladder from sliding and tipping on the slope. That setup provides the frame for a working platform rather than relying on the roof itself for footing.

To actually establish the platform, the rubbish hook or a pick-headed axe is used to clear and shape the area: removing debris, prying up or repositioning shingles as needed, and seating the ladder so it rests on solid, reachable surfaces. This combination creates a stable, work-ready space that keeps you balanced and reduces the risk of slips or creases in the roof.

A rope system alone doesn’t deliver a solid working surface and can be more about access or fall protection than a stable platform. Climbing with no tools would be unsafe on a high pitch roof. So the recommended approach is to use a roof ladder and the appropriate hand tools to establish a secure working platform.