How installing a fixed external stair system to enable direct roof access can enhance user safety and operational efficiency whilst ensuring your roof is well protected, easier to maintain and upgrade
Whilst often not considered in the initial design and construction, an integrated height safety system that provides safe roof access is critical to the long-term performance and sustainability of any building asset. As such, we’re often called in by building managers or facility managers to retrofit a suitable system.
There are different types of roof access systems to choose from. What works best will depend on each site (landscape, environmental conditions) along with considerations like functionality and usage requirements. But one option worth considering – for commercial and industrial sites in particular – is a fixed external stair system.
Benefits of a fixed external stair system for direct roof access
Fixed (permanent) external stairs eliminate the need to rely on temporary solutions (ie temporary ladders, elevated work platforms) in order to access the rooftop. It may also be safer (less fall risks) and more usable (wider range of users, easier to carry things) than other fixed solutions like an external vertical ladder system.
From an asset management perspective, an integrated external stair system can also offer ongoing practical and strategic benefits in respect to the safety, functionality, performance and lifespan of your building asset:
1. Safety and Compliance benefits
- Safe access for maintenance: External stairs provide a secure and compliant way to access the rooftop to complete roof repairs or maintenance of roof plant (ie HVACs, antennas, solar panels)
- Emergency use for egress: Subject to any necessary integration with other rooftop systems (ie walkways and an internal roof access hatch), a set of external stairs could provide an additional evacuation route in an emergency. This would considerably improve building safety
- Regulatory compliance: Many building codes require building owners and/or facility managers to ensure the provision of safe, fixed access to rooftops for maintenance and inspection purposes
2. Operational Efficiency benefits
- Reduced maintenance time and cost: Having ready-made direct rooftop access enables maintenance tasks to be carried out more efficiently (no need to set up ladders) and cost-effectively (no need to hire costly booms or lifts)
- More frequent inspections, fewer costly repairs: Easier access enables roof and plant inspections to be conducted more frequently. This will ensure earlier identification of any issues (ie roof membrane damage) and help prevent costly repairs
3. Asset Management benefits
- Protects the roof surface: A direct access external stair system – combined with a controlled rooftop pathway to reduce the impact of foot traffic – will minimise wear, tear and damage to roof sheets. This (along with frequent inspections and maintenance) will help extend of the roof’s lifespan
- Facilitates installation of roof plant and equipment: A fixed external stair systems enables easier installation of new rooftop plant (ie solar arrays, ventilation systems, communication infrastructure)
4. Strategic Design benefits
- Future-use flexibility: A fixed external stair system sets the building up well for accommodating future upgrades or new uses of the rooftop (ie green roofs, plant rooms, recreational spaces)
- Improved safety culture: The installation of a permanent external stair system demonstrates a commitment to providing safe, well-designed access for all building-related operations
RECENT INSTALLATION:
A fixed multi-level external stair system for Fulton Hogan
Scope of Work:
- Client wanted to provide staff and contractors with safe and direct external access to the roof area of Brisbane infrastructure facility. After conducting a site review, we knew a fixed external stair system would work well for them and provide the aforementioned strategic benefits..
Construction Considerations:
- Taking into account the site, landscape and environmental conditions, we were happy to construct this external stair system using Kattsafe’s (previously Sayfa Australia) prefabricated modular components, which are built strong and durable, highly configurable, fast and easy to install..
Design Solution – Multi-Level Fixed External Stair System:
- Our external staircase design incorporated multiple sections (with rest platforms) to scale the building, and then connected at the top to a bridge component designed to deliver the user safely over the edge of the roof to within the rooftop envelope. Guardrails and handrails were also an integral component..
Solution Integration – Integrated with Rooftop Height Safety System:
- Once safely on the roof, our external stair system connected to a customised rooftop height safety system created to enable users to safely navigate roof features and reach multiple roof plant work areas
“A great job all round and from start to finish with regard to punctuality, safety focus, documentation close out and site cleanliness” – Fulton Hogan
Interested in a fixed external stair system for your building? Check out our Height Safety Systems design and installation service. Then give our friendly Installations team a call on (07) 3862 2533 to discuss your site and needs.