Running a business requires an owner to be on the lookout for potential problems. Safety is one of them. When maintaining facility, the employees must be able to safely access the high spaces. To do so, they need the right equipment – the roof access ladders and bridges. The process of choosing the suitable ladders can be intimidating, that is why we offer a brief explanation below.
What is roof access?
A roof access is a safe way to the rooftop and an extra measure of stability. In short, it is an entrance to the upper pat of the building. This so-called entrance is comprised of a vertical ladder fixed to a structure.
Is roof access required?
The building code regulations state that any space higher than 24 feet inches (6000 mm) must have access from the floor immediately below by either a safe stairway or by a hatch no smaller than 22 inches (550 mm) by 35 inches
(900 mm).
How commercial building owners can benefit from installing roof access ladders?
As an owner of a commercial property, time and again you have heard the slogan “Safety First,” and you know for a fact it is not a hollow phrase. As a responsible owner and a manager, you want a reliable and controlled rooftop access for the workers off all sizes and dimensions. Using such devices guarantees that the climbers nobody would trip, slip, or fall on the way up, down or along the roof.
What types of roof ladders exist?
There are two types of the roof ladders:
- Wall ladders for roof access
- Roof ladders for safe roof walking from the wall ladder or hatch to the chimney and other maintenance facilities and for permanent installation on the roof
Depending on type of the roof ladders can be:
We can offer joint brackets for all roof types: standing seam profile, asphalt shingles, metal tiles and corrugated profiles. By joining ladder modules together, you can get any length you want from 5’ to 15’.
Roof ladder on standing seam metal roof Roof ladder on metal tile roof
What to consider during installation of a roof access ladder?
First and foremost, thing to do is assess the site to understand what the job would entail. Below are the things you want to consider before the installation:
- Location for which access to the roofing system is essential
- Height from the ground to the roof top
- Roofing material information
- Whether the roof needs railings or a walkway
Secondary points to consider would be, whether the chosen design and color do not interfere with the design of the building.
Roof ladder on commercial building Wall ladder on commercial building
Considerations on safety
Modern roof access products themself have superior quality measures to ensure the product can endure outside elements like snow or rain as well as wear and tear and can work for years.
However, there are few precautions to consider when using the ladder:
- Do not ascend with wet or overly dirty shoes that may cause slipping
- Do not carry tools while ascending. Use a tool pouch
- Do not jump down from a ladder. And make sure to check footing before descending a ladder
- Do not rush up or slide down a ladder
- Climbing ladders 10 feet also require the use of fall protection equipment
- Inspect fixed ladders periodically, at least annually. Inspections may be required more frequently depending on the organization’s requirements
Roof access ladder requirements:
Any equipment of your choice must comply with the safety regulations. The main guidelines include:
- Being able to withstand the weight of two loads equal to two hundred fifty pounds
- All elements must be kept free of obstruction
- If the ladder has a considerable height (10 feet or more) or if the employers work at the height of over 24 feet, they must use fall protection equipment
Other regulations include the height of the steps, the anti slip protection as well as the maintenance of the ladder.
Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss the safe roof access with one of our experts.
FAQ
Question | Is roof access required? |
Answer | The facility must have a safe ladder if the entrance to the roof is located higher than 20 feet above the ground. |
Question | Which ladder is best for commercial roof access? |
Answer | The answer to this question depends on what type of roof job needs to be done. Wall fixed ladders are located along the front line of the building. In most cases, they are structures made of metal tubes. Using them, you can climb to the roof. Pitched stairs are installed directly on the roof surface. With their help, you can safely reach various points for maintenance: ventilation grilles, pipes, roof windows. Their installation starts from the ridge, and they are attached using brackets. |
Question | What is considered a fixed ladder? |
Answer | It is not a non-self supporting, non-extendable structure, attached to the wall and used to access the roof. |
Question | What are the roof access ladder code requirements? |
Answer | Refer to OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations for specific requirements for this or that building ladder. |
Question | How high can you go on a ladder without fall protection? |
Answer | You do not need a if the work on fixed ladders is performed below 24 feet. |