Written by Roof Access Expert | 25 September 2009

Finding the most effective way to access roofs and to meet HSE regulations is something that Tommy Deans at Aquashield was keen to achieve.

Tommy was keen to source the very best roof access solution, so when the company's local H&S Inspector suggested a particular ladder staging system supplied by Ladderstore that might fit the bill, Tommy was keen to explore its benefits and compare it to the scaffold towers and roof ladders they currently used.

Aquashield has been refurbishing and renovating roofs for over nine years. Based in Glasgow but with offices nationwide, the company installs coating systems that represent a low-cost alternative to re-roofing. With as many as a third of its personnel engaged in fitting, safe roof access guaranteeing employee safety is high on the company's agenda.

I was pointed in the direction of Ladderstore.com, they have gained a reputation for being able to source more specialist ladder and access products and can develop bespoke access solutions to any access problems including secure roof access problems. We described what we wanted and sure enough they knew exactly what we required and more importantly could supply a complete ladder staging system as an alternative to scaffolding or towers. From that point on it was simply a matter of negotiating price and importantly for us, agreeing a payment plan - Ladderstore did the rest and we are now using 74 of these ladder staging systems to gain safe roof access.

Whilst the ladder staging system selected was chosen first and foremost to guarantee employee safety by providing a safe, secure, high level work platform, there were other benefits:

The ladder staging system fitted onto the company's existing ladders (they have to be BS EN131 trade quality), and when in transit neatly clamps to existing roof racks.

The roof access system is simple and easy to fit and can be erected in 6 minutes although on average it takes Aquashield's fitters around 10. It's proved to be a whole lot quicker than scaffolding or towers and a whole lot cheaper.

The staging brackets have a safe working load 600mm wide staging board, although Rhino-board with non-slip surfaces are supplied if a full kit is purchased.

Best of all is its versatility; sizes start at 2m with complete kits of parts for 2m, 3m, 4m and 5m which can be used in combination to achieve the desired size - Tommy chose the 5 metre kits.

And this strong, lightweight aluminium system doesn't just work on roofs, it can be used for work on soffits, fascias and gutters.

From initial enquiry to final delivery took just a few weeks and had Aquashield been ordering just one or two it would have been a matter of days. After initial training, the system is now being used successfully on every job.

Without doubt Aquashield has set a benchmark for other companies working at height. It leads by example and has ably demonstrated to both its 200 fitters and to its customers that safety comes first. The company is firmly of the opinion that there is no need for compromise when cost-effective roof access solutions exist that make life easier as well as safer.

The system complies to BSEN-13374:2004 Temporary Edge Protection Class A

Project Photo Gallery. (Click on a picture to enlarge)

You can view full details and pricing information for the High Level Work Platform Ladder Staging System by clicking here..../ Download a Pdf copy of the Aquashield Case Study by clicking here ..../