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

Anyone planning roof work usually thinks straight away of scaffolding or a large articulating boom lift. Many are surprised that the compact mast lift can also be a serious option. Yet especially on flat industrial roofs, hall roofs or roof structures on paved ground, the mast lift offers real advantages: it is quickly ready for use, fits through gates and entrances and can be manoeuvred in confined spaces. This article shows what you need to consider when planning, which conditions must be met and when other machines are the better choice.

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

1. Low to medium-height building type

The mast lifts in the Luibl 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. anything that does not exceed an eaves height of around 10 to 11 metres.

2. Paved, level ground

Mast lifts are designed for level ground. Asphalt or concrete access roads and yard areas next to the building are ideal. If the ground is uneven, waterlogged or not load-bearing, articulating boom lifts or spider lifts are the right alternative.

3. Limited space

Especially on commercial yards, where storage areas, loading docks and traffic routes lie tightly side by side, the mast lift plays to its strengths. Its small footprint and minimal turning radius allow positioning exactly where other machines have no room.

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

Not every mast lift is suitable for every roof job. The decisive parameters are working height, outreach and load capacity. Luibl offers the following models:

Model	Working height	Outreach	Special feature
MB-100 (Haulotte Star 10)	10.00 m	3.00 m	Minimal footprint, manoeuvrable indoors
MB-100 (Manitou VJR 100)	10.00 m	3.00 m	Robust base, compact dimensions
MB-126 (JLG Toucan 12E Plus)	12.65 m	6.05 m	Jib for up-and-over reach

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

Important for outdoor use: Most mast lifts are primarily designed for indoor use. For outdoor use on paved ground, a check of the operating conditions on site is essential. Operation should be stopped from wind force 5 (approx. 8 m/s).

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

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

Wind conditions Mast lifts are sensitive to crosswinds when extended. Check the weather forecast and define a wind limit above which work will be stopped.

Fall protection on the roof surface
The mast lift takes your staff up to the roof edge – what happens after that is the employer's responsibility. On the roof itself, additional 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 an operator instruction, ideally supplemented by an IPAF operator card. On handover, Luibl gives you an operator briefing for the rented model – simply ask about it when you send your enquiry.

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

A structured process reduces downtime and increases safety at work. The following sequence has proven itself in practice:

1. Planning and machine selection – measure the eaves height, check the ground, agree the right model with Luibl

2. Delivery and set-up – Luibl delivers the mast lift by low-loader to your site; the operator receives a briefing on handover

3. Operator briefing – at least one responsible person must have been instructed in operating the specific model

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

5. Position the machine – at right angles to the roof edge, choosing the distance so that the basket safely reaches the eaves height

6. Carry out the work – keep a constant eye on wind conditions, never overload the basket

7. Return and sign-off – clean the machine and have it ready for collection

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

A local scaffolding company's quote would have meant three days of erection and considerable extra costs. Instead, an MB-100 (Haulotte Star 10) was rented through Luibl for four working days. Delivery took place the evening before, and the first working day began with a short briefing by the Luibl driver.

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

At what building height is a mast lift no longer sufficient?
The maximum working height of our mast lifts is 12.65 metres. Higher eaves heights call for an articulating boom lift or a scissor lift with the corresponding lift height.

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

How quickly can you deliver?
We deliver throughout the Netherlands, often at short notice.

How much does it cost to rent a mast lift?
Rental costs depend on the model, rental period and place of use. It is best to ask Luibl directly – the advice is free of charge.

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, most economical and most practical solution. Where scaffolding costs days of erection time and large telescopic boom lifts have no room, the mast lift does the job efficiently and without interrupting day-to-day operations.

If you would like to know which model suits your project, contact Luibl directly. With our own logistics, the machine reaches you promptly – delivery throughout the Netherlands, with a briefing on handover and ready for use.