Service: Height safety inspection, design and installation of permanent collective fall protection system
Location: Large commercial estate in Scotland
Client: Multi-national facilities management company
The challenge
As part of Omega Red Group’s ongoing inspection and maintenance programme, our engineers carry out regular testing and certification of lightning protection and height safety systems at a large commercial estate in Scotland.
During a detailed assessment of the rooftop fall protection systems, our team identified several historic horizontal safety line installations that could no longer be certified. Due to the absence of technical documentation and information relating to hidden fixings and bespoke system components, it was not possible to evidence the compliance of the existing installations.
The findings presented an opportunity to review the site’s entire approach to working at height and to develop a solution that would provide a safer and more practical environment for all future rooftop access activities.
The solution
Rather than simply replacing like-for-like systems, we worked closely with the client to design a solution that aligned with the Working at Height Hierarchy of Control Measures.
Horizontal lifeline systems require users to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), connect to the system correctly and maintain continuous attachment whilst working. Although effective when used properly, these systems rely on user training, behaviour and procedural controls.
Our recommendation was to introduce a permanent freestanding guardrail system around roof edges and key access routes, providing collective protection for anyone accessing the various roof areas.
Our expert team designed and installed almost 300 metres of proprietary freestanding guardrail across the site.
The full scope of works included:
- decommissioning the existing, non-compliant horizontal safety line systems,
- installation of 296 linear metres of freestanding guardrail,
- enhancements to roof access arrangements, including ladder modifications and additional protection measures,
- protection of specific roof areas, including rooflights and other potential fall hazards, and
- full certification and handover documentation for the newly installed systems.
Improving safety for everyone
One of the key benefits of the project is the move from reliance on personal fall protection to collective fall prevention. The new guardrail system:
- removes the need for users to wear specific PPE, clip on and disconnect while carrying out routine tasks,
- reduces the possibility of user error,
- simplifies maintenance activities and safer rooftop access planning,
- provides clear and permanent edge protection,
- supports safer inspection and maintenance of rooftop plant and equipment, and
- minimises disruption to the existing roof structure whilst delivering robust long-term protection.
The result is a roof environment that is safer, easier to manage and better suited to the demands of a busy commercial facility.
A solution built for the long-term
For facilities managers, building owners and contractors, effective height safety is about more than achieving compliance.
By taking a proactive approach and replacing ageing systems with a modern collective protection solution, the client has invested in the long-term safety of everyone who may need to access the roof, from maintenance engineers and inspectors through to specialist contractors.
The project provides confidence that future rooftop works can be planned and undertaken with a significantly reduced risk of falls from height, helping protect both people and property.
