Commercial Building Roof Access: Safe Solutions for Maintenance and Compliance
All commercial buildings require access to the roof at certain times. This may be to inspect or maintain the roof itself or plant, such as HVAC systems and solar panels.
The challenge for building owners and managers is to ensure that authorised users can access the roof while preventing access for those who are not authorised. There are various means of doing this while still being able to comply with regulations.
Providing Safe Access to Roof Spaces
Commercial buildings have varying features, and these may dictate the type of access that is most appropriate:
- The best and easiest means of access is a door that leads from the inside of the building to an outside roof space. This may apply where a door connects to the flat roof of an adjoining building and allows a single point of access. The door must be locked when not in use, and the key stored securely so it is only available to authorised personnel.
- When there is no direct access to a roof, a hatch may be the answer. A hatch is simply a door set into a hole cut in the roof and will be locked when not in use to prevent unauthorised access.
Since the hatch is exposed to the elements, it must be weather-resistant. It may be fitted onto a flat or sloping roof and will, when open, be a hazard that workers can fall through so barriers must be installed around it to prevent accidents. - Access to a hatch or the roof itself may be by ladder or stairway. The latter will be best when the roof is accessed frequently. Alternatively, a permanent ladder may be provided and may be angled or straight and enclosed by a cage for added safety. To prevent unauthorised access to the roof, the entry point to the ladder or stairway should be isolated in some way, possibly by a locked gate and secure fencing at the lower level.
For every infrequent access and at lower levels, a portable ladder may be sufficient. A fixed ladder bracket needs to be installed for this, which will hold the ladder firmly in place and help to prevent falls.
Essential Compliance with Standards
Roof access for commercial buildings is regulated by a number of standards and guidelines. At national level, these are created by Safe Work Australia while Work Health and Safety authorities will enforce regulations at state level.
Access to roofs and working on them is governed by the following standards:
- AS 1657 that covers access systems such as platforms, stairways and ladders. This specifies the correct means of access, design criteria, slopes and angles, tread and riser dimensions, materials, spacing, handrail details and, for fixed ladders, clearance, landing and access needs.
- AS/NZ 1891, which deals with fall arrest systems.
- AS/NZ 5532 for anchor points used for harness-based work.
Safe working on the roofs of commercial buildings not only requires adequate access but also other measures to prevent falls. These include guardrails, anchor points, static lines and walkways with non-slip surfaces, as well as clear and adequate signage.
The need for appropriate access and work equipment has to be assessed and the correct equipment properly installed. All workers need to be trained in the use of the equipment so they can work confidently and safely, and the equipment has to be inspected at intervals, recertified if still performing properly or replaced or repaired if not.
We can do all that for you so your workers are kept safe and you comply fully with regulations. Get in touch so you are free to concentrate on running your business.
