New DGUV Information 201-056: What's changing for fall protection on roofs
The new DGUV Information 201-056 "Protective measures against falls on roofs" brings comprehensive changes for companies, roofers, solar installers, planners, and building operators. The completely revised version significantly expands the focus: while the older version from 2015 primarily dealt with anchor devices, the new edition now considers the complete safety concept on roof surfaces.
Why was DGUV 201-056 revised?
The requirements for occupational safety on roofs have increased significantly in recent years. Especially due to the boom in photovoltaic systems, maintenance work on flat roofs, and technical roof structures, roofs are now accessed much more frequently than before.
The new DGUV Information aims to:
- simplify planning
- standardize safety measures
- create legal clarity
- and prevent falls.
The most important changes to DGUV 201-056
1. Holistic safety concept instead of just anchor points
The old DGUV Information focused heavily on anchor devices and anchor points. The new version, however, evaluates complete protection systems on roofs.
Now considered are:
- edge protection systems
- railings
- roof edge protection systems
- anchor points
- fall arrest systems
- access routes
- maintenance routes
- organizational measures
- documentation and maintenance.
2. Equipment classes AK-A, AK-B and AK-C
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of so-called equipment classes.
The roof area is now evaluated based on:
- intensity of use
- frequency of maintenance
- user groups
- fall risks
This determines the necessary protection class.
AK-A
Highest protection class for roofs with frequent use or public access.
Typical measures:
- permanent railings
- collective fall protection
- safe traffic routes
AK-B
Medium requirements for regular maintenance work.
AK-C
Low intensity of use with restricted access for instructed personnel.
3. Collective protection takes precedence
The new DGUV 201-056 strengthens the STOP principle in occupational safety.
This means:
- Avoid falls
- Use collective protection
- Personal protective equipment only as a last resort
Railings and fixed fall protection thus take precedence over PPE against falls.
4. More responsibility for operators and building owners
The new DGUV is not only aimed at fitters and roofers.
Now explicitly affected are:
- building operators
- building owners
- planners
- architects
- solar installers
- maintenance companies.
Those who plan or operate roofs must increasingly be able to demonstrate:
- what protective measures are in place
- how maintenance is carried out
- and how employees are protected.
5. Maintenance and documentation become more important
The new version requires significantly more documentation.
This includes:
- inspection reports
- maintenance records
- installation documentation
- rescue concepts
- training records.
Particularly important:
Temporary protection systems that remain permanently on roofs must be checked regularly.
What does this mean for solar installers and trades?
Especially companies from:
- photovoltaics
- roofing
- scaffolding
- maintenance technology
must review their safety concepts.
The new DGUV 201-056 means that:
- permanent fall protection will be prescribed more frequently
- roof access must be designed more safely
- and safety measures must be considered already in the planning phase.
Conclusion
The new DGUV Information 201-056 fundamentally changes the planning and use of roof surfaces. Instead of individual anchor points, a holistic protection concept is now the focus.
Companies should check early on:
- whether existing roof safety measures comply with the new requirements
- whether traffic and maintenance routes are adequately secured
- and whether documentation and maintenance intervals are up to date.
Especially for PV systems, flat roofs, and frequently accessed roof areas, permanent fall protection will play an even greater role in the future.
