Commercial building managers are well aware that roof access must be safe and reliable. This is to ensure that equipment in these areas is maintained properly. Although it is not always easy to access this equipment, it can often be done. If you do not plan well, you could run into many safety and logistical challenges. It is best to have a comprehensive rooftop access system that includes stairs, platforms, and crossovers. These all work together to create a rooftop solution that protects workers, equipment, and roofs.
What is the most Important Equipment for Roof Access?
A commercial roof is a large flat area that’s difficult to see from the ground below. This is the perfect spot to place large, noisy, or otherwise undesirable rooftop equipment – out of sight, but not mind. However, it might be difficult to access what is out-of-sight and out-of-mind when it requires maintenance or repairs.
Some of this equipment is critical to the operation of a commercial building. Some of this equipment is less important. Which equipment should you prioritize for roof access?
Electrical Cables and Pipes
Tenants will not feel comfortable without running water or electricity. Your cables and pipes should be placed alongside your roof access walkways. This allows workers to access the entire length of their cable runs without having to touch the roof. Mechanical platform make it easy, the main advantage of mechanical platform scales is that they don’t need a power source. This means they can be used wherever power is available. This advantage is not as important when scales require very little current and can be powered by batteries or other power sources.
Ducts and HVAC
Also, tenants who don’t have heat or cool air will feel very uncomfortable. If possible, you should locate HVAC ducts alongside cable runs. The HVAC pumps themselves should be on equipment platforms and accessible via stairs.
Elevator Equipment
Chances are that it has an elevator if your building is multi-story. (Elevators are required for buildings of more than 2 stories with more than 3000 square feet per floor and those that house medical offices or retail shops. Elevator machines rooms are usually located on the roof, which means they also need access to the roof.
Your commercial roof will be filled with equipment to keep tenants mobile, powered and heated. Rooftop access is vital for keeping this equipment in working order. What is the best way to ensure that maintenance personnel have access to this equipment?
Rooftop Access Best Practices
These are the guidelines for roof maintenance. Contractors may need to visit your rooftop periodically to maintain, inspect or repair equipment. This type of access will make contractors’ lives easier.
Roof equipment should not be more than six feet from the roof edge. This prevents workers from being injured and allows them to wear safety harnesses.
If equipment cannot be located away from the roof edge or is impossible to install, the business should have a raised walkway with railings. This increases worker safety and protects your company from liability.
Workers should refrain from walking directly on the roof. Alternatives such as elevated roof walkways that are not penetrating should be used to protect both the roof and those who walk on it.
A holistic system of rooftop access paths, equipment platforms, staircases, as well as cross-over’s is the best way for your roof and workers to be protected. This will allow your workers to travel safely without risk to their lives or the roof surface. This is a crucial consideration. The roof surface is more susceptible to falling or tripping. However, handrails and walkways can reduce this risk. An individual-designed system such as those offered by PHP Systems/Design can make any roof safer, more accessible, and easier to maintain and fix the vital systems that keep your building and tenants comfortable.