Anyone know about scaffolding and its support please?

fimonkey

Our neighbours need to remove their chimneys as apparently they are unsafe. This property is rented and the letting agent has emailed us to say that as a matter of health and safety the scaffolders MUST rest their scaffolding on our roof. I asked why they cannot put the scaffold up above our roof but have it supported seperately. The reply was a 'its a health and safety thing and this is what the scaffolders have told the letting agents'. Clearly I am concerned about the extra weight on our roof if we are supporting their scaffolding: 
Is what the letting agent say true? Do we have any choice in this (not wanting to delay works as obviously if the chimneys are unsafe then both properties are at risk)
The properties are both two floors, detached houses that are VERY close together (so close you cannot access betwene the properties).
Thanks

ice_bigfoot

What they actually mean is that supporting the scaffold on your roof is the cheapest option for them. There are always other options, but they will come at extra cost. Having said that, a reputable scaffold company should be able to design a scaffold that takes into consideration the extra weight on your roof, and how it is spread, and it can be safe, both for those putting it up and down, those working on it and it not causing any damage to your property. They would also have insurance in case something untoward did happen, but again, they'll be more expensive than most scaffolders.

As a general rule, whenever a company say they have to or cannot do something because of health and safety, what they actually mean is that they won't spend the money to do it properly or don't want to do it and just want an excuse that they think cannot be argued with.

GDB2222

I would allow them to put scaffolding poles on your land for support, but I see no reason why you should risk damage to your roof. Your problem arises if they just go ahead. How do you stop them?

TELLIT01

When work was done on the chimney of our house (semi-detached) the scaffolding went all round the chimney and scaffold boards were laid on the roof to spread the load.  No idea how they held the boards in place, but no damage was done to the roof.

I would want, in writing, agreement from the contractor that they will be liable for any damage to the roof anyway.

Mistral001

It is standard building practice to support scaffolding for access on neighbouring properties when doing work on chimneys of terraced houses.  To  build scaffolding that is not supported on the neighbouring roof would be very expensive and even then, the builder will still need to do work to flashings etc. that could affect your roof. 

The  builder's insurance is unlikely to cover him for any damage to your roof, so I would get the neighbour to pay for such insurance for the duration of the work, if you think the builder will not repair any damage that is done.  I think it is called "Clause 6.5.1 insurance".