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Kee Steps Installation for Safe Roof Access at Livingston Designer Outlet

See how APS Safety Systems installed Kee Steps at Livingston Designer Outlet, providing safe access over rooftop ducting, pipework and obstacles.

Case Study PDF

The Client

Our client is a Glasgow-based specialist roofing and cladding contractor delivering installation, refurbishment and maintenance services across the UK. Working throughout the commercial, industrial and public sectors, the company provides practical roofing and building envelope solutions tailored to the requirements of each individual project.

Its expertise covers a wide range of roofing and cladding systems, including flat roofing, single ply membranes, liquid-applied systems, felt roofing, cladding refurbishment, complete replacement works and fire barrier installations.

As part of a wider construction group, the company takes a client-focused approach to every project, working closely with customers from the initial survey through to completion. By partnering with leading manufacturers and combining technical expertise with practical on-site experience, the contractor delivers reliable solutions for organisations including universities, local authorities and emergency services.

When a project at Livingston Designer Outlet required a safe way for operatives to navigate a number of rooftop obstacles, the contractor approached APS Safety Systems for a suitable access solution.

Kee Steps Installation at Livingston Designer Outlet - APS Safety

Background

Livingston Designer Outlet is a major retail destination with a substantial roof area containing the services and infrastructure required to support the building below.

As part of planned roofing works, operatives needed to move between different areas of the roof safely and efficiently. However, existing ducting, pipework and other rooftop obstacles interrupted the natural access routes and made movement across certain areas more difficult.

Simply stepping or climbing over these obstacles would not provide an appropriate long-term means of access. It could increase the risks faced by operatives while also creating the potential for accidental contact with rooftop services.

A permanent access system was therefore required to provide clearly defined routes over the obstructions while allowing the planned works to be carried out efficiently.

The Brief

The specialist roofing and cladding contractor initially contacted APS Safety Systems through the online enquiry form on the APS website.

During the initial enquiry, the client explained that multiple obstacles across the roof were restricting access. In particular, operatives needed a practical way to navigate over ducting and pipework while still being able to reach all areas required as part of the planned works.

Following the enquiry, APS contacted the client directly to discuss the technical requirements of the project in greater detail.

The solution needed to provide a robust and permanent means of crossing rooftop obstacles, while fitting around the existing roof layout and supporting the expected pedestrian routes. It also needed to reduce the need for operatives to climb directly over services or find alternative routes around them.

With the requirements established, APS assessed the roof layout, the positioning of the obstructions and the routes that operatives would need to follow before recommending the most appropriate solution.

The Solution

Following the assessment, APS proposed a Kee Step system to provide safe and practical access over the rooftop obstacles at Livingston Designer Outlet.

Kee Step is a modular access system designed to help personnel safely negotiate obstacles and changes in level on rooftops and within other working environments. Rather than requiring operatives to climb over ducting, pipework or similar services, the system provides dedicated steps and a stable platform that create a defined route over the obstruction.

The modular nature of the system made it particularly suitable for this project. Each step-over could be configured around the existing rooftop infrastructure, allowing APS to provide a solution tailored to the specific location and dimensions of the obstacles.

By carefully considering the expected traffic routes across the roof, the Kee Steps installation allowed operatives to continue moving between the areas they needed to access while avoiding unnecessary interaction with the services beneath them.

Creating dedicated access routes also helps protect the rooftop infrastructure itself. Repeatedly stepping across, leaning on or working around pipework and ducting can increase the possibility of accidental damage. By directing personnel over these obstacles using purpose-designed access platforms, the Kee Step systems provide a clear separation between the access route and the equipment below.

The result was a permanent solution designed around the practical requirements of both the roof and the people using it.

The Outcome

The completed Kee Steps installation at Livingston Designer Outlet provides operatives with a safer and more efficient way to navigate the rooftop environment during planned works and future access requirements.

Instead of having to climb directly over ducting and pipework or take inconvenient routes around rooftop obstacles, personnel can now use dedicated step-over systems to move between the required areas.

This has created several important benefits for the client.

The defined access routes make movement around the roof more straightforward, helping operatives reach working areas efficiently while reducing the risks associated with negotiating obstacles. The Kee Step systems also provide a permanent solution, removing the need to repeatedly introduce temporary access arrangements whenever work is required.

Protecting the existing rooftop infrastructure was another important consideration. By providing designated routes over services, the systems reduce unnecessary contact with pipework and ducting and help minimise the potential for accidental damage during maintenance and roofing activities.

The modular design also allowed the solution to be tailored to the existing roof rather than requiring significant alterations to accommodate a standardised access system.

Overall, APS delivered a practical roof access solution that addressed the immediate requirements of the planned works while providing long-term value for future rooftop access.

Kee Steps Installation at Livingston Designer Outlet - APS Safety 1

Conclusion

The Livingston Designer Outlet project demonstrates how seemingly straightforward rooftop obstacles can create significant access challenges when operatives need to move regularly between different working areas.

By understanding the roof layout, identifying the routes personnel needed to follow and selecting an appropriate modular access system, APS Safety Systems was able to provide a solution specifically designed around the requirements of the site.

With more than 30 years of industry experience, APS Safety Systems designs and installs roof access and working at height solutions for commercial, industrial and specialist environments throughout Scotland, the wider UK and beyond.

Whether your roof contains ducting, pipework, plant, changes in level or other obstacles, APS can design a Kee Step system that provides a practical, permanent route for personnel who need to access and maintain the area.

Need a safe way to navigate rooftop obstacles? Contact APS Safety Systems today to discuss your roof access requirements and arrange a site assessment.

Kee Steps Installation at Livingston Designer Outlet - APS Safety

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See how APS Safety Systems installed Kee Steps at Livingston Designer Outlet, providing safe access over rooftop ducting, pipework and obstacles.

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