Roof work with the mast lift – planning, safety, procedures

Anyone planning roof work usually thinks immediately of scaffolding or a large articulating boom lift. That the compact mast lift can also be a serious option surprises many. But precisely on flat industrial roofs, hall roofs or roof structures on paved ground, the mast lift brings real advantages: it is quickly ready for use, fits through gates and driveways and can be manoeuvred in tight spaces. What you have to consider during planning, which conditions must be met and when other equipment is the better choice – this article shows.

Renting a mast lift is worthwhile for roof work above all when three conditions coincide:

1. Low to medium building type

The mast lifts in Luibl's rental fleet reach working heights of up to 12.65 metres. This covers flat roofs of warehouses, production buildings, garages or commercial properties – i.e. everything that does not exceed an eaves height of around 10 to 11 metres.

2. Paved, level ground

Mast lifts are designed for level ground. Asphalted or concreted access routes and yard areas next to the building are ideal. If the ground is uneven, softened or not load-bearing, articulating boom lifts or tracked work platforms are the right alternative.

3. Limited space requirement

Especially in commercial yards, where storage areas, docking points and traffic routes lie close together, the mast lift plays to its strengths. Its small footprint and minimal turning radius allow positioning exactly where other equipment finds no space.

Typical assignments are: maintenance of roof penetrations, repair of gutters, installation of ventilation systems or solar modules on flat roofs, as well as inspection of skylights and continuous rooflights.

Not every mast lift is suitable for every roof-work assignment. The decisive parameters are working height, lateral reach and load capacity. Luibl keeps the following models available:

All models have electric drive and non-marking tyres. The load capacity is 200 kg – sufficient for one person plus standard tools and small material.

Important for outdoor use: most mast lifts are primarily designed for indoor use. For outdoor use on paved ground, an on-site check of the deployment conditions is mandatory. In wind from force 5 (approx. 8 m/s), operation should be suspended.

Safety in roof work does not begin with switching on the machine, but with preparation. The following points must be clarified before deploying a mast lift for roof work:

Ground check
Have the load-bearing capacity of the ground checked by a responsible person, especially with older industrial paving or ground areas near cellars and drainage shafts. When in doubt, use load-spreading plates.

Wind conditions
Mast lifts are sensitive to crosswind when extended. Check the weather forecast and define a wind limit value from which work is suspended.

Fall protection on the roof surface
The mast lift brings your employees to the roof edge – what comes after that is the employer's responsibility. On the roof itself, further safety measures (fall-protection systems, safety harness) are required if work is not carried out from the platform.

Operator authorisation
Operating a mast lift requires specialist instruction in accordance with DGUV Vorschrift 3 and, ideally, an operator's certificate (IPAF). Luibl offers training for all equipment types – simply ask about it with your enquiry.

Cordoning off the work area
Define a safety zone around the machine and secure it against unauthorised access. Tools and material can fall down – especially during work on the roof surface itself.

A structured procedure reduces downtime and increases occupational safety. The following sequence has proven itself in practice:

1. Planning and equipment selection – measure eaves height, check ground, clarify the suitable model with Luibl

2. Delivery and set-up – Luibl delivers the mast lift with its own low-loader fleet directly to the construction site; a service technician can be requested for instruction if needed

3. Instruction of the operators – at least one responsible person must be instructed in operating the specific model

4. Set up the safety zone – put up barriers, mark the danger area

5. Position the machine – perpendicular to the roof edge, choose the distance so that the basket reaches the eaves height safely

6. Carry out the work – continuously monitor wind conditions, never overload the basket

7. Return and clearance report – clean the machine and make it ready for collection

A logistics company from the Landshut area was facing the annual maintenance of its roof surface: checking bitumen sheeting, cleaning the gravel guard, replacing two ventilation flaps. The building has an eaves height of 9.20 metres, and the yard is completely asphalted.

The scaffolding offer from a local provider would have meant three erection days and considerable additional costs. Instead, an MB-100 (Haulotte Star 10) was rented via Luibl for four working days. Delivery took place the evening before, and the first day of use began with a short instruction by the Luibl driver.

Result: all roof work was completed in two and a half days. The mast lift could be moved along the entire length of the building without interrupting ongoing truck operations in the yard. Total costs well below the scaffolding alternative – and no effort for assembly and dismantling.

Can I really use a mast lift for work on the roof?
Yes – if you access the roof from the platform or work at the roof edge. The mast lift stays on the ground while the basket is positioned at the height of the roof edge.

From what building height is the mast lift no longer sufficient?
The maximum working height of our mast lifts is 12.65 metres. Eaves heights above this require an articulating boom lift or a scissor lift with a corresponding lifting height.

May a mast lift be used on a gradient?
No. Mast lifts may only be operated on level surfaces. A slope of more than 1–2% makes deployment impermissible.

How long does delivery take?
In the Passau region and large parts of Bavaria and Austria, often on the same or next day.

What does it cost to rent a mast lift?
The rental costs depend on the model, rental duration and place of use. It is best to enquire directly with Luibl – the consultation is free.

The mast lift is not an all-purpose machine for every roof. But for flat roofs and low hall roofs on paved ground, it is often the fastest, cheapest and most practical solution. Where scaffolding costs days of erection time and large telescopic boom lifts find no space, the mast lift gets the job done efficiently and without interrupting daily operations.

If you would like to know which model suits your project, talk to Luibl directly. With over 200 locations in Europe and its own logistics, the machine is with you quickly – fully instructed and ready for use.