You might need to do routine maintenance and gain access to the roof if you have rooftop-based equipment, such as solar panels or antennae. You and your staff will be safer performing these duties with a rooftop walkway system. Furthermore, rooftop walkway systems abide by OSHA’s fall prevention regulations to reduce occupational fatalities and injuries. Continue reading to discover the many kinds of rooftop walkway systems and which ones are suitable for your company.
Installing a rooftop walkway system in an office building has several advantages. The walkways safeguard the building maintenance employees and lessen occupational accidents. Because of their limited weight-bearing capability, rooftops are particularly brittle substrates and subject to damage.
Rooftop walkways should be made of lightweight materials that are resistant to UV rays, wind, and water damage. Therefore, the aluminum walkway systems are the best option for you to install, they help to reduce the risk of falls and slips, and the walkways may additionally provide you with a lot of benefits.
Make sure you select a walkway with a grille system that enables effective drainage and prevents water from building up on the sidewalk. Ensure that the pathways have guardrails, either on one side or both.
Additionally, rails offer fall protection when the walkway meets a parapet or valley. Architects and designers are required under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 to take into account all aspects of a rooftop walkway system’s safety, including fall prevention.
Durability
The specifications in BS EN 516:2006, which address prefabricated accessories for roofing and roof access installations, should be followed when designing a roof walkway system. The ability to support a 1.5KN load per 100mm squared span and a 15mm deflection at a maximum deflection limit are two of these requirements. The specifications for walkways are also outlined in BS EN 1991-1:2002, which calls for them to have a slip-resistant surface, a delineated path, and an even distribution of foot load.
One factor that needs to be considered right away is the thickness of a rooftop walkway system. Build-up must be avoided because it can harm a waterproofing membrane’s surface. It is advised to use a drainage layer or protective mat to keep the pathway and roof dry. Another crucial thing to think about is how the rooftop walkway system slopes toward the roof drain. A detachable terrace grill could guide water downhill and maintain the structural integrity of the rooftop walkway system.
Cost
A rooftop walkway system can cost much little. A concrete pad will also need to be purchased for the system. The price of the system will lie in your budget once the walkaway is placed.
Although the cost per square meter can be unexpectedly low, the system will probably need to be modified to provide room for mechanical systems and other components. In places that need frequent maintenance, a rooftop walkway system is typically necessary.
Security
Installing a walkway is a practical approach to increasing the safety of your rooftop area. A rooftop walkway system streamlines the procedure. It provides a safe, flat walking surface free from the danger of falling. If the homeowner has any understanding of building and height safety requirements, they can install it.
Simpler Equipment Access
The machinery on your roof is just as crucial to the smooth operation of your business as the machinery and equipment within your property. A walkable roof makes it safer for workers to access pipes and equipment, reducing danger and boosting their confidence in their ability to do their jobs safely every day.
To prevent falls and other accidents, it is crucial for you as the employer to give your staff access to the proper safety measures, tools, and training. Because every roof is built differently, safety tools like lifelines and anchors might not work well on metal roofs.
