Working safely at high level

Roof access is often needed for equipment inspection and routine maintenance. It is vital that appropriate safety systems are specified, installed and maintained. Here, Safetyworks & Solutions details some of the systems available

Although recent years have started to see a reduction in falls from height, it still remains the largest cause of workplace fatalities and one of the main causes of injury. Therefore, it is vital that the most suitable roof safety systems are specified, installed and maintained. Training of personnel to use the safety equipment correctly is essential too, and an area that can sometimes be overlooked.

Walkways It may be necessary on certain roofs (including fragile roofs) to provide a level non-slip surface and, coupled with the increasing requirement for extended longevity of roofing materials, this has led to an increased need for the use of walkways.

Several different types of roof walkways are available and all options can be installed in conjunction with handrail, fallguard or a demarcation system.

When installed in conjunction with handrails, roof walkways provide a collective approach to safe roof access. They provide safe access across roofs, and can be used on many different roof types including: Standing seam; membrane (Protan, Bitumen, Trocal), metal profiles (composite, Secret Fix, built up); traditional (slate, tile, copper, lead, cement).

By creating a designated walkway across the roof, maintenance costs are lessened as the amount of foot traffic is minimised. This in turn helps to extend the lifespan of the roof. It also allows for any roof maintenance works to be completed easily and no additional user training needed.

Walkways are particularly suitable for installation on standing seam aluminium roofs where regular access is required. A walkway system will allow easy, safe access for maintenance personnel and avoids the need to use the seam as a step. The load is spread on large regular bearers, reducing risk of damage to aluminium roof trays and cement roofs, and preventing personnel from falling through brittle cement/asbestos roofs.

A peripheral fall protection system, such as Safetyworks & Solutions' Fallguard System can be used in conjunction with, for example, a Flexideck Walkway System. This combination 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, easily cleaned and rot-free. Nonpenetrative, the roof's integrity will not be compromised during installation. Although usually in light grey, bright colours can be specified or used as edgings.

Roof gantries Where it is necessary to access high-level plant and equipment a raised steel gantry system would be suitable. The gantry can be supported by steelwork installed at ground level, or can be suspended from existing structures. Maintenance operatives will then be able to achieve safe access onto roofs, voids and roof plant, and across obstructions.

Roof lights Roof lights are a major hazard on roof structures, 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. The best method of protection depends on the nature of the work. For example, when employees are exposed because of the work that they are performing on the roof, then a guardrail system or cover would be most suitable. If the work is removal, replacement or reglazing to the roof light itself then a personal fall arrest system may be more appropriate.

Access ladders Access ladders offer a secure and steady access route onto, and across the roof for maintenance work, and in the event of a fire within the building, they could be one form of escape route out onto the roof.

Steel ladders can be supplied with safety cage or vertical fall arrest systems for permanent access, and can include landing platforms. They can take the form of vertical ladders to access areas at height, up and over ladders to access plant, and Cat ladders.

Ladders ideally should not exceed 6m, and vertical fall arrest systems should never be used in conjunction with cages.

Modem access ladders can be suitable for a variety of locations, including offices, public buildings, private housing and apartments blocks, and can be fixed onto wood, brick and metal structures. They fold out to become a ladder, and as they can only be released from above, are vandal and tamper resistant. This type of ladder is suitable for fire escape routes from windows. Access steps, safety harnesses and rescue chairs can be used in conjunction with access ladders for disabled persons.

It is important to consider the following before specifying a roof access system: How often will the roof require access, and for how long, and by how many people? Identify hazards Assess risks Specify the most suitable access systems Ensure personnel are fully trained to use the equipment correctly Carry out Annual Inspection and Certification of Equipment to ensure it meets industry standards.