The ins and outs of roof walkways
A roof walkway might seem like the simplest height safety system, however a lot goes into creating a safe (and compliant) path of travel across your roof. For example, did you know that a level walkway needs to be on a 0 – 3 degree incline? And did you know that fibreglass walkways deteriorate over time due to sun damage, creating hidden cracks and silent slip and trip hazards?
Your roof type, pitch and the weather conditions of your location also need to be considered when selecting a roof walkway for your building. If you don’t, you run the risk of your roof walkway system being non-compliant, unsafe for use, or needing to be replaced long before you get any return on investment.
Avoid making costly mistakes with your roof walkway and chat to our expert team before you commit to the wrong roof walkway system. Our certified height safety experts can step you through the process, recommending a roof walkway that works for your building, roof type and the tasks your team will be using it for. We can also provide independent advice on the right solution and solution provider for your project as well as design a custom walkway specific to your needs.
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Workplace Access & Safety: Ensuring Your Roof Walkways Are Safe
Working at a height on roofs can be dangerous. Falls from a height are one of the leading causes of death and injury in the Australian workplace. For this reason, there is a legal requirement for building owners and employers to provide suitable protection to prevent such accidents.
Roof walkways are the preferred option for roof safety as they offer more protection than other types of fall prevention systems such as static lines, roof anchors and harnesses. Roof walkway systems enable safe and easy access to roofs and plant for general cleaning and maintenance purposes and reduce the chance of falls and trips around service equipment and parapet edges. However, the walkways themselves must be safe and compliant with current legislation to ensure that your people are protected when working at a height and that, should an accident occur, your liability is minimised.
We can make sure that your aluminium walkway complies with AS 1657-2018: Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation. As leading providers of height safety systems, we provide a whole range of services to ensure that your roof walkway systems are fit for purpose.
Designing Aluminium Roof Walkways for all Kinds of Buildings
Many buildings have aluminium roof walkway systems to give safe access to the roof space. When combined with handrails and toeboards, they offer the best protection for workers. They can be fitted to all roof surface types and their design can incorporate steps and ladders to provide a full-access system. However, the design must be AS 1657 compliant and the structure must be independently certified to Australian National Construction Code by the CodeMarkTM. Building Certification program.
Since 1997, Workplace Access & Safety have been designing high-quality aluminium walkway systems for all kinds of buildings throughout Australia. As a NATA accredited provider of height safety systems, we understand exactly what is required and we work with our clients to give them the best system possible for their needs and their budget.
We can design and oversee/manage the installation of:
- Walkways for steel deck and brown-built roofs
- Walkways for inclines
- Walkways for all weathers
Ensuring Your Walkways Remain Safe
All our roof aluminium walkway designs are completely bespoke and designed to fit your needs and the specific roof. To achieve this, we always begin with a consultation and survey to determine the right system for you. We’ll then design a system that will work for you now and in the future while helping you to understand the true costs of the system over time.
Once in place, we can also supply the necessary PPE for working at heights and provide full training to ensure that workers and contractors are safe as soon as they start using the walkways. To ensure that your walkway continues to comply with regulations and that it’s still fit for purpose, we schedule regular inspections. Our QR coded asset management system enables you to keep on top of your compliance and gives you full visibility throughout the inspection process.
To find out more about our services, get in touch with the team here at Workplace Access & Safety by completing the online form or by calling us on 1300 552 984.
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What can go wrong with a roof walkway installation?
While seemingly simple, a lot can go wrong with your roof walkway. It may not be installed level, with an incline of more than 3 degrees. Your roof walkway could be installed too close to an edge or skylight, greatly increasing risk of falling or fall throughs. Unsealed roof screws could cause roof leaks, resulting in potential water damage. Your walkway design may also not be suited to the pitch of your roof, increasing risk and decreasing the level of safety.
Stepping through your design with our certified height safety experts can identify potential risks and compliance and application requirements you need to consider. Resulting in a more fit-for-purpose and cost-effective roof walkway, designed specifically to decrease risk, increase compliance and productivity. Our quality control and commissioning services can also check the quality of your roof walkway installation, identifying any defects or risks your installer needs to address.
Feeling overwhelmed by the procurement process?
Our expert team can guide you through the process and be by your side, step by step. From finding the right provider to assessing tender submissions and installations.
Book your procurement discussion
Workplace Access and Safety:
Your height safety and fall prevention experts
Independent height safety experts
- Independent height safety experts
- 45 years’ industry experience
- National certified specialists, inspectors and engineers
- Height safety advice, risk assessments and consulting
Combining years of practical experience and industry expertise, you can be confident in the compliance and safety of your system.
From site assessments and system design to testing, inspections and certifications, we’re here to provide expert advice to keep your business protected and workplace safe.
