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Modern rooftops are busy spaces. What used to be clear access areas are now crowded with pipework, ducting, cabling, and HVAC units — all essential but often unaccounted for in terms of safe movement. These rooftop obstacles might seem minor at first glance, but for anyone maintaining equipment or navigating the space, they represent a serious fall hazard.
At APS, we specialise in rooftop safety solutions designed to ensure secure access across even the most complex roof environments. Understanding the risks is the first step toward maximum safety.
The Hidden Dangers on Rooftops
Rooftop layouts vary, but one thing is consistent: they’re rarely obstacle-free. Whether you’re dealing with a flat roof or sloped roofs, there’s often a web of services and equipment standing between workers and their destination.
These trip hazards not only put individuals at risk of injury — they can also result in damage to sensitive plant equipment. Over time, repeated unsafe movements around these obstacles create wear points on the roof membrane, increase the risk of non-compliance with safety regulations, and compromise long-term access plans.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, falls from height remain one of the leading causes of fatal workplace injuries. Without clearly marked walkways, safe crossover points, or stable footing, a routine maintenance visit can quickly become a serious incident.
Safe Access Starts with the Right System
To tackle these risks, we recommend incorporating a rooftop walkway system that includes properly specified stepover platforms. These platforms offer a stable, slip-resistant route across pipe runs, cable trays, or elevation changes, ensuring that personnel have safe, defined paths to work zones.
At APS, we provide both bespoke and pre-assembled stepover solutions using the Kee Step system — a trusted, proven platform designed to ensure worker safety across various roof types, including membrane, PVC, concrete, and asphalt.
Our larger platforms are built to EN14122-3, while our mini stepovers (200–400mm clearance) are compliant with EN516 Class 1-C, making them ideal for navigating low-level obstacles such as trays and conduits.
Built for Performance. Designed for Simplicity.
APS stepover platforms are made from galvanised steel, using Kee Klamp fittings and either glass reinforced nylon treads or aluminium treads — both offering high durability, excellent UV stability, and resistance to corrosion.
These systems are:
- Fully modular for easy planning and efficient access
- Installed with no roof penetration, preserving the integrity of fragile or sensitive surfaces
- Available with optional safety gates or handrails for added protection
- Suitable for internal or external use, including in environments with intense sunlight or high exposure
Whether you’re stepping over plant equipment, ducting, or a raised parapet, these rooftop safety systems can be tailored to fit the space — and to comply with every relevant safety standard.
Why Choose APS for Rooftop Stepovers?
- Custom Design: Every site is different. We conduct site surveys, create CAD designs, and fabricate in-house to meet your exact requirements.
- Pre-Assembled Options: For faster installation, we supply pre-built units sized for typical rooftop obstacles (600–1400mm clearance).
- No Downtime: Our stepover systems are quick to install, often requiring just two workers, helping to reduce disruption to regular operations.
- Compliant and Future-Proof: Designed in accordance with UK and EU standards, and suitable for integration with wider fall protection systems, such as guardrail systems, rooftop walkways, and fall arrest systems.
Safe Passage Across Any Roof
Ultimately, a rooftop walkway system is more than a product — it’s a plan. It protects your people, your plant, and your compliance record.
If your site features uneven surfaces, multiple obstructions, or changing roof levels, our Kee Step stepover platforms offer the perfect solution to keep teams safe while maintaining clear access across flat and sloped roofs.
Ready to Upgrade Your Rooftop Access?
APS Safety Systems provides complete support — from initial consultation to final installation. Whether you need a bespoke platform for a complex plant layout or a quick-to-fit mini stepover, we’re here to help you meet your rooftop safety goals.
📞 Contact our experts today to discuss your safe access requirements.
Rooftop Walkway System FAQs
1. What makes a rooftop walkway system essential for worker safety?
A rooftop walkway system provides clearly defined, slip-resistant access routes across the roof. It helps prevent trips and falls, especially where there are obstacles like cabling, pipework or uneven levels. These systems are essential for maintaining worker safety and ensuring compliance with UK safety regulations for working at height.
2. Do stepover platforms work on different roof surfaces?
Yes, APS stepover platforms are suitable for various roof types including asphalt, concrete, membrane, metal, and PVC. The system uses a freestanding design that avoids penetrating the roof membrane, making it ideal for both fragile and robust roof surfaces.
3. How are rooftop walkway systems installed without damaging the roof?
Our rooftop walkway systems are modular and freestanding, meaning they don’t require drilling or fixings that might damage the roof membrane. The systems distribute weight safely across the surface while maintaining secure accessand full compliance with EN standards.
4. What standards do APS stepover platforms comply with?
APS platforms are designed in accordance with BS EN 14122-3 and EN 516 Class 1-C. These certifications ensure that our platforms meet the highest safety standards for rooftop and industrial access, providing robust protection for those working at height.
5. Can stepover platforms be integrated with other fall protection systems?
Absolutely. APS stepover platforms can be seamlessly integrated into broader fall protection systems, including guardrail systems, safety gates, and fall arrest systems. This helps create a complete, compliant solution for ensuring secure access around complex roof layouts.
6. Are these safety systems suitable for fire-sensitive environments?
Yes. Our platforms include glass reinforced nylon treads that are fire rated to Class HB. This, combined with galvanised steel construction, makes them suitable for use in rooftop areas with fire risk or intense sunlight, offering durable rooftop safety solutions for critical access zones.