Board Walk Fragile Roof Access

Fragile roofs can present a serious fall-through hazard.

Unlike conventional solid roof surfaces, fragile materials may not support a person's weight. A worker could therefore fall directly through the roof rather than simply falling from the edge.

Fragile roof materials can include:

• Fibre cement sheets
• Asbestos cement sheets
• Ageing roof panels
• Corroded metal sheets
• Rooflights
• Unsupported roofing materials
• Damaged roof sections

Fragile Materials Can Look Stronger Than They Are - A roof may appear intact while having significantly deteriorated underneath.

Age, weathering, corrosion and previous repairs can all affect the strength of roofing materials.

Workers should never assume a roof is safe to walk on simply because it appears visually sound.

Falls Can Occur Through the Roof Surface - Roof edge protection alone does not address the risk created by fragile roof sheets.

If workers are required to cross the roof itself, a suitable access method is needed to avoid placing their full weight directly onto unsupported materials.

Maintenance Creates Repeated Exposure - Workers may need access for:

• Roof inspections
• Cleaning
• Gutter maintenance
• Roof repairs
• Solar installation
• Rooflight maintenance
• Ventilation work
• General building maintenance

A temporary fragile roof walkway can help establish a defined route while this work takes place.

Board Walk creates a dedicated walking route across the roof while spreading loads over a wider area.

Position the Walkway Across the Roof Structure - The walkway sections are positioned according to the planned access route and supporting roof structure.

The route may run vertically from the eaves towards the ridge or horizontally across the roof.

Distribute the User’s Load - Rather than allowing the worker's weight to act directly on one fragile roof sheet, Board Walk helps spread the load across supporting battens and structural elements.

This reduces concentrated loading on fragile materials.

Create a Dedicated Walking Surface - The aluminium open-mesh platform creates a defined surface for workers to use rather than stepping directly onto the roof.

The open construction also helps reduce standing water and surface contamination on the walkway.

Use the Work-Positioning System - Board Walk can incorporate a full-length work-positioning line to provide additional user protection while moving along the platform.

The correct use of any personal protective equipment should follow the site-specific risk assessment and manufacturer requirements.

Extend the Route as Required - Individual Board Walk modules can be linked to create longer access routes.

This modular design allows the system to be configured around the dimensions and layout of the roof.

Board Walk can provide temporary access across a range of fragile roof applications, subject to a suitable assessment.

Fragile Industrial Roofs - Industrial roofs containing ageing sheets or fragile materials are one of the most common applications.

Fibre Cement Roofs - Fibre cement sheets can become brittle over time and should not be treated as a safe walking surface without suitable precautions.

Asbestos Cement Roofs - Many older industrial and agricultural buildings contain asbestos cement roofing.

The presence of asbestos introduces additional risks beyond working at height, so any work should follow the appropriate asbestos management procedures as well as roof safety requirements.

Roofs with Fragile Panels - Board Walk can provide a designated route over suitable roofs containing fragile panels where the supporting structure allows the system to be correctly positioned.

Roofs with Rooflights - Rooflights can create additional fragile areas.

Board Walk can help establish a controlled access route, but the rooflights themselves may also need appropriate protection.

Pitched Roofs - Board Walk can be used on suitable pitched roofs up to approximately 30°, depending on the system configuration and manufacturer requirements.

A roof assessment should always confirm whether Board Walk is appropriate before workers access the surface.

Lightweight Aluminium Construction - The walkway is manufactured from high-grade aluminium, helping make individual sections easier to handle and transport.

Modular 2m, 3m & 4m Sections - Different module lengths allow the access route to be configured around the project.

Vertical & Horizontal Layouts - Board Walk can be used to create routes up or across the roof depending on where workers need to reach.

Load Distribution - The system helps spread loads across the supporting roof structure rather than allowing the worker's full weight to act directly on one fragile sheet.

Dedicated Walking Surface - The open-mesh walkway gives workers a clearly defined route across the roof.

Optional Handrails - Single or double-sided handrails can provide additional protection where appropriate.

Integrated Work-Positioning Line - A full-length work-positioning system can provide additional protection when specified as part of the complete access solution.

Portable & Reusable - The modular platform can be removed, transported and reused across suitable projects.

Suitable for Short-Term Work - Board Walk is particularly useful where temporary access is required but installing a permanent roof walkway would be disproportionate.

Hire & Purchase Options - Depending on the duration and frequency of work, organisations can choose an approach that better suits their operational requirements.

Board Walk is designed and tested for use as specialist temporary access equipment.

Relevant manufacturer information references compliance with requirements including:

EN 12811-1 - EN 12811-1 contains requirements relevant to temporary works equipment and access platforms.

EN 795:2012 - EN 795 includes requirements relating to certain anchor devices used within personal fall protection systems.

The standards applicable to a particular Board Walk configuration depend on the system and associated components being used.

Users should always follow current manufacturer guidance and the project-specific risk assessment.

Board Walk and the Work at Height Regulations 2005

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require work at height to be properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people using suitable equipment.

Where work on or around fragile roofs cannot be avoided, the risks need to be properly controlled.

A safe system of work should consider: Whether roof access is necessary, The condition of the roof, Fragile surfaces, Safe routes, Exposed roof edges, Rooflights, Weather, Access and egress, Rescue arrangements, Suitable equipment.

Board Walk can help provide a defined access route across suitable fragile surfaces, but it does not automatically make the entire roof safe.

Other hazards may require additional systems such as: Roof edge protection, Skylight protection, Fall restraint, Fall arrest, Safe access ladders, Rescue equipment.

The whole route from ground level to the final working area should be considered.

Warehouses - Warehouses often contain extensive fragile roof sheets, rooflights and drainage systems that require occasional maintenance.

Manufacturing Facilities - Factories may have older roof constructions alongside ventilation and extraction equipment requiring inspection.

Agricultural Buildings - Agricultural units commonly contain fibre cement and other fragile roofing materials.

Industrial Units - Board Walk can provide temporary access for inspections and maintenance on ageing industrial roofs.

Distribution Centres - Large roof areas may require temporary controlled routes during refurbishment, solar projects or planned maintenance.

Retail Buildings - Older retail premises can contain fragile roof systems requiring specialist access during repairs.

Schools & Public Buildings - Education and public-sector estates may have older roofing materials requiring temporary access for survey and refurbishment projects.

Older Commercial Buildings - Board Walk can be particularly useful where ageing roof materials mean conventional foot access is unsafe.

Safesite provides complete working-at-height and fragile roof access solutions for commercial and industrial buildings across the UK.

Rather than simply supplying a temporary walkway, we can help assess how workers need to reach and move across the roof before identifying the most appropriate solution.

Our support can include:

• Fragile roof access assessments
• Board Walk systems
• Board Walk hire
• Roof Walk
• Valley Walk
• Skylight protection
• CoverLite™ temporary rooflight covers
• Roof edge protection
• Fall restraint systems
• Working at height equipment
• Rescue equipment
• Inspection and maintenance
• Ongoing technical support

This allows the entire access route to be considered rather than simply focusing on a single section of fragile roof.