Aiming high with safety levels
June 1st 2009 Safetyworks & Solutions outlines some of the systems that can be used to ensure the
safety of anyone who needs roof access
For cleaning, maintenance and equipment inspection, it may be
necessary on certain roofs (including fragile roofs) to provide a
level non-slip surface. Different types of roof walkways are
available and can be installed in conjunction with handrail, fallguard
or a demarcation system.When installed with handrails, roof
walkways serve to provide a collective approach to safe roof access.
By creating a designated walkway across the roof, cleaning and
maintenance costs are
lessened as the amount of
foot traffic is minimised,
helping to extend the roof
lifespan. It also allows for roof
maintenance works to be
completed more easily and
no additional user training is
needed.Walkways are
particularly suitable for
installation on standing seam
aluminium roofs where
regular access is required.A
walkway system avoids the need to use the seam as a step.The load is
spread on large regular bearers, reducing the risk of damage to
aluminium roof trays and cement roofs.
A peripheral fall protection system, such as Safetyworks & Solutions
Fallguard System can be used with its Flexideck Walkway System.This
will ensure that if a user falls sideways, they will not pass through a
brittle roof sheet. It is essential that the installed walkways and fall
protection systems are lightweight in design, easily cleaned and rotfree.
As they are non-penetrative, the roof's integrity will not be
compromised.Where the environment is a particularly hazardous,
bright colours such as yellows and reds can be specified or used as
edgings. Where it is necessary to access high-level plant and
equipment a raised steel gantry system may be used.The gantry can
be supported by steelwork installed at ground level, or suspended
from existing structures.Maintenance operatives will then be able to
achieve safe access onto roofs, voids and roof plants.
Roof lights are a major hazard and personnel accessing the roof
must be aware of the drops around the outer edges.Covers or
guardrail systems may protect roof lights, or alternatively, employees
working around roof lights may be protected with personal fall arrest
systems.When employees are exposed because of the work that they
are performing on the roof, then a guardrail system or cover would be
most suited. If the work involved removal, replacement or reglazing to
the roof light itself then a personal fall arrest system may be more
appropriate. Please contact the
company for more details. More articles from Safetyworks & Solutions Limited: | 
