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. Especially on flat industrial roofs, hall roofs or rooftop 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 tight spaces. What you need to consider when planning, which conditions must be met and when other machines are the better choice - this article shows you.

Renting a mast lift for roof work pays off above all when three conditions coincide:

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 with an eaves height not exceeding around 10 to 11 metres.

2. Paved, level ground

Mast lifts are designed for level ground. Asphalt or concrete driveways and yards next to the building are ideal. If the ground is uneven, soft or not load-bearing, articulating boom lifts or spider lifts are the right alternative.

3. Limited space

Especially in commercial yards, where storage areas, loading docks and traffic routes lie close together, the mast lift shows its strengths. Its small footprint and minimal turning radius allow positioning exactly where other machines find 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 work 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, agile indoor use
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	Basket arm (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 the usual tools and small materials.

Important for outdoor use: Most mast lifts are designed primarily for indoor use. For outdoor use on paved ground, the operating conditions must be checked on site beforehand. In wind from force 5 (approx. 8 m/s), operation should be stopped.

Safety during roof work does not begin with switching on the machine, 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 with older industrial paving or areas near basements and drainage shafts. If in doubt, use base plates.

Wind conditions When extended, mast lifts are sensitive to crosswinds. Check the weather forecast and define a wind limit at which work is stopped.

Fall protection on the roof surface The mast lift takes your workers to the roof edge - what happens after that is the employer's responsibility. On the roof itself, further safety measures (fall protection systems, safety harness) under Government Regulation No. 362/2005 Coll. are required if work is not carried out from the platform.

Operator authorisation Operating a mast lift requires professional instruction in line with applicable Czech safety rules and ideally an operator licence (IPAF). Luibl provides an operator briefing on handover - simply ask about it in 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 procedure reduces downtime and increases occupational safety. The following sequence has proven itself in practice:

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

2. Delivery and set-up - Luibl delivers the mast lift with its own low-loader fleet from Passau directly to the site; if required, a technician can be requested for the briefing

3. Operator briefing - 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 safely reaches the eaves height

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

7. Return and release notification - clean the machine and make it ready for collection

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

The scaffolding quote from a local supplier would have meant three days of assembly and considerable additional 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 day of work began with a short briefing by the Luibl driver.

Result: all roof 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 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 roof work?
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 enough?
The maximum working height of our mast lifts is 12.65 metres. Eaves heights above that require an articulating boom lift or a scissor lift with the appropriate 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 % rules out their use.

How long does delivery take?
We deliver by low-loader from Passau throughout the Czech Republic - often at short notice.

How much does it cost to rent a mast lift?
The rental price depends on the model, rental period and job site. It is best to contact Luibl directly - advice is free of charge.

A mast lift is not an all-purpose solution for every roof. But for flat roofs and low hall roofs on firm ground it is often the fastest, most economical and most practical solution. Where scaffolding takes days to erect and large telescopic boom lifts do not fit, the mast lift gets the job done efficiently and without interrupting day-to-day operations.

If you would like to know which model suits your project, contact Luibl directly. We deliver the machine by low-loader from Passau throughout the Czech Republic - with an operator briefing on handover and ready for use.