Safe Rooftop Access For Solar Panels

Kee Walk Case Study

In late 2020, Marshall Construction commissioned APS to find a fall arrest rooftop safety solution for safe access during routine rooftop maintenance on the solar panels of Atlas Retail Park in Glasgow.  

This brand-new retail park, located in Drumchapel construction, includes a variety of shops and restaurants, with a combination of flat roof edges and sloping roofs all of which needed custom mobile access equipment.  

The planned opening for 2022 allowed us plenty of time to assess what the fragile roof surface required and design & implement the best solution for the project. 

After carefully considering the site and the retail park’s health and safety needs, Kee Walk was agreed upon as the safest roof access personal protective equipment. 

About The Client

Marshall Construction Limited was established in 1983 in Clackmannanshire, earning a reputation as one of Scotland’s foremost independent building contractors. As a family-owned company, Marshall Construction Limited has been rewarded with a reputation as a company that can be trusted to deliver a consistent quality service. 

Maintenance Solutions for Fragile Roofs

Due to the high parapet around the perimeter of the building, no personal/collective protection was required. After discussions with the client, it was agreed that Kee Walk was the best solution for this project. 

Available as a freestanding or fixed system, Kee Walk creates safe rooftop access and protects the roof membrane. 

Kee Walk can be adjusted easily to the required angle to ensure a regular rise, and it is available for applications where edge protection is required.

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Kee Walk rooftop walkway with guardrail protects workers from fall hazards

Kee Walk Features and Benefits Include:  

  •       Provides anti-slip, walking surface
  •       Roof demarcation protects the roof from potential foot traffic damage
  •       A modular system that can adapt to changing roof angles
  •       Easy to install
  •       Tested to EN 516
  •       High grade, glass-reinforced nylon open tread, provides superior slip resistance and drainage
  •       Rails sized at 1.5 and 3m lengths.
  •       Stair treads available in one size (625mm (L) x 225mm (W)).

Great Result for Fragile Roof Surfaces

Many deaths occur unnecessarily every year from workers falling from the roof edge during refurbishment jobs. Falling from height can be prevented with the installation of the right fall protection safe system – such as Kee Walk.  

Suitable for all major roofing systems – barrel, flat or sloping – Kee Walk was the perfect choice for rooftop solar panel maintenance. Installation began in January 2021, and the client was pleased with the final result.