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Kee Guard Installation for Student Accommodation in Newcastle

APS Safety Systems replaced failed lifeline systems with Kee Guard guardrails, improving roof safety and compliance at student accommodation in Newcastle.

Case Study PDF

The Client

Our client is one of the UK’s leading providers of student accommodation, offering high-quality living spaces for students across the country. With more than 70,000 rooms nationwide, the organisation operates within many of the UK’s leading university cities and is recognised for delivering safe, modern, and well-maintained accommodation environments.

As part of managing such a large property portfolio, maintaining safe and compliant access to rooftop areas is essential. Regular maintenance and inspection works are required across many properties, making effective fall protection systems a critical part of ensuring contractor and operative safety.

The client continues to invest in upgrading and maintaining its buildings to the highest standards, with a strong focus on compliance, reliability, and long-term asset management.

Background

APS Safety Systems carried out a large-scale reverse engineering project across a number of the client’s existing fall protection systems. The purpose of the project was to assess the condition, compliance, and structural integrity of installed rooftop safety systems across multiple properties.

During assessments at the student accommodation property in Newcastle, it became clear that the existing horizontal lifeline systems did not pass the required engineering calculations. This raised concerns regarding the long-term suitability and reliability of the systems for ongoing rooftop access and maintenance activities.

Given the importance of ensuring safe access for contractors and maintenance teams, APS Safety Systems was asked to review the site and recommend a compliant replacement solution that would provide a higher level of collective protection while simplifying rooftop safety management.

The Brief

The project brief focused on replacing the failed lifeline systems with a more robust and reliable rooftop safety solution. The client required a system that would provide permanent collective edge protection while reducing reliance on personal fall protection equipment.

Key objectives included:

  • Removing failed horizontal lifeline systems from the roof areas
  • Providing full collective fall prevention for maintenance access
  • Ensuring compliance with current working-at-height regulations and engineering standards
  • Delivering a durable and low-maintenance solution suitable for long-term use
  • Improving confidence in rooftop safety systems across the property

The replacement system also needed to be flexible enough to suit the roof layout while maintaining ease of access for future maintenance activities.

The Solution

Following a detailed review of the roof areas, APS Safety Systems recommended the installation of a Kee Guard rooftop guardrail system. Kee Guard was selected due to its proven ability to provide permanent collective protection while offering excellent adaptability across a variety of roof types and layouts.

The system is widely recognised as one of the preferred forms of fall protection within the hierarchy of control measures, as it separates operatives from hazards without relying on personal fall-arrest systems. This makes rooftop access safer, simpler, and more efficient for maintenance teams.

Key features of the installed solution included:

  • Full collective edge protection for rooftop access and maintenance activities
  • Compatibility with a wide range of roof types, including membrane, metal profile, and standing seam roofs
  • Flexibility to adapt to complex roof layouts and changes in elevation
  • A hot-dipped galvanised finish providing excellent corrosion resistance and minimal maintenance requirements
  • Long-term durability and dependable rooftop protection in exposed environments

As part of the project, the existing failed lifeline systems were removed and replaced with the new Kee Guard installations. APS carried out the works efficiently and in line with all relevant safety standards, ensuring minimal disruption while significantly improving rooftop safety.

The Outcome

The completed Kee Guard installation has transformed roof safety at the Newcastle student accommodation property. The roof areas now benefit from permanent collective edge protection, allowing maintenance teams to safely access rooftop areas without relying on personal fall-arrest equipment or specialist user training.

Key benefits delivered include:

  • Improved safety through permanent collective fall prevention
  • Enhanced compliance with current working-at-height regulations and engineering standards
  • Reduced maintenance requirements thanks to the corrosion-resistant galvanised finish
  • Greater confidence in the reliability and long-term performance of the rooftop safety systems
  • Simplified rooftop access for contractors and maintenance personnel

By replacing previously failed systems with a robust and compliant guardrail solution, APS Safety Systems provided the client with a safer, more dependable approach to rooftop access and maintenance management.

Kee Guard Installation for Student Accommodation in Newcastle - APS Safety 1

Conclusion

This project highlights APS Safety Systems’ expertise in reviewing, upgrading, and replacing non-compliant fall protection systems across large residential and student accommodation portfolios. Through detailed engineering assessments and the installation of Kee Guard systems, APS delivered a long-term solution that improves safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.

With more than 30 years of experience and over 1,800 successful projects completed across the UK and beyond, APS Safety Systems continues to support property owners and facilities teams with reliable roof safety solutions tailored to their needs.

If your property requires a review or upgrade of existing fall protection systems, contact APS Safety Systems today to arrange a consultation with our height safety specialists.

Kee Guard Installation for Student Accommodation in Newcastle - APS Safety

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APS Safety Systems replaced failed lifeline systems with Kee Guard guardrails, improving roof safety and compliance at student accommodation in Newcastle.

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