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Roof Hatch Safety: Protecting Workers While Accessing Roofs

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In elevated workspaces and rooftops across Canada, one major safety risk is often overlooked: roof hatches. Accessing rooftops for maintenance tasks and other duties is essential across many industries, and in many cases, these hatches provide a sole means of access. But how do these entry points threaten the safety of workers at height, and what can you do as a property manager or building owner to protect these people? We answer these questions and more in this definitive guide to roof hatch safety.

For many workers at height, accessing a roof is as simple as taking an elevator or climbing a staircase. However, many buildings require workers to access elevated spaces using a roof hatch: an opening on a flat roof, consisting of an upstand and a cover that resembles a lid. By installing a roof hatch, the climb to the roof is moved indoors, eliminating many of the risks associated with climbing to the roof from ground level.

While these access solutions offer many benefits, they do not come without their safety risks. That makes roof hatch safety a principle you should be aware of, building it into your site’s safety protocols. Let’s take a closer look.

What is Roof Hatch Safety?

Roof Hatch Safety refers to the systems and practices that should be put in place to protect workers from the many risks they face when accessing rooftops through roof hatches. 

Often used for maintenance tasks and routine roof inspections, these installations represent one of the most vulnerable points of rooftop entry. These risks are multiplied whenever they are left open or unattended. To mitigate these risks, your Roof Hatch Safety strategy should include guidelines on the proper use of PPE, as well as other safety essentials such as guardrails and access ladders. 

To mitigate the risks associated with rooftop load handling, it is imperative that you implement strict safety measures. Following the best practices below can significantly reduce the likelihood of safety incidents, ensuring a more secure working environment for all parties.

Why is Roof Hatch Safety So Important?

You need only look to the statistics in Canada to understand why this concept is so important. Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities, and roof hatches only amplify these risks due to their placement. 

The awkward transition from ladders to rooftop surfaces – not to mention the potential for these to be left open without proper barriers or visual warnings – represents a safety minefield for your teams. That’s especially true in high-traffic areas where workers need to move tools and other pieces of equipment to the roof, where these risks are increased even further.

Ensuring that workers are protected from using rooftops isn’t just the right thing to do: it’s a legal requirement that you are required to follow as a building manager or owner, mandated through the Canadian Occupational Health & Safety Act. These protocols aren’t just about ensuring legal compliance: they’re about protecting the people who rely on the safety of your building.

How Can You Ensure Safe Use of Roof Hatches?

So now you get it: roof hatch safety is a bare essential. But how can you go above and beyond provincial regulations to ensure true safety for people accessing your rooftop?  The fact is that your approach requires a strong combination of high-quality equipment, proactive safety protocols and thorough training practices.  Keep reading for guidance on how to ensure safety with roof hatches.

Best Practices for Roof Hatch Safety 

Before we get into this advice step-by-step, let’s start with the basics. You should begin by assessing the current state of your roof hatches, assessing its physical condition, the presence of protective barriers and the general safety levels of any surrounding rooftop areas. Our advice is to always work with a qualified safety professional to conduct these assessments. Once that’s taken care of, you can begin to take your approach to roof hatch safety to the next level.

1. Use Guardrails, Barriers and Warning Lines

If your roof hatch hasn’t got a surrounding guardrail, you should take action immediately. These are perhaps the most effective way of protecting workers from falls around roof hatches, as they create a physical boundary around the opening. While this will prevent workers from accidentally stepping into or falling through the opening, it also provides a secondary benefit of providing something for workers to hold on to as they reach the rooftop. When used in conjunction with self-closing safety gates, you can further secure that entry point and further reduce the chances of the hatch being left open.

Of course, providing your workers with visual cues is another roof hatch safety essential. Early-warning devices such as bumplines and visual markers enhance situational awareness – particularly when working in poor weather conditions where visibility may be low. These provide significant value, especially when workers are carrying tools and therefore more prone to distractions.

2. Think Ladder Safety

Depending on the design of your roof hatch, your teams will likely be using a ladder to access the roof. This is one of the most common areas where your teams will face major safety risks. Indeed, the statistics speak for themselves, with 95% of ladder incidents caused by unsafe use, and 1,077 claims accepted in British Columbia alone in 2019 as a result of falls from ladders. So – how can you ensure your team’s approach to ladder use is based on best practice? Let’s take a look.

Use anti-slip rungs: When specifying a ladder for your roof hatch, opting for wide-profile serrated rungs is essential in providing your teams with greater traction when climbing in wet or icy conditions. 

Use lifeline ladders: If your building design permits it, we recommend using lifeline ladders as part of a strong fall prevention strategy. These solutions connect ladders using a stainless steel cable, allowing them to stay safely attached to the ladder while climbing, reducing the risk of a fall when moving through the hatch.

3. Remember the Importance of Training & Maintenance

In order to ensure true safety for workers using your roof hatches, you must go further than installing safety equipment. After all: those installations offer no value without sufficient training and education efforts to support them. The fact is that workers should be well-trained on the proper use of roof hatches, ladders and other surrounding equipment. By taking this important step, you can reduce the likelihood of mistakes and ensure workers can navigate elevated spaces safely. 

Your roof hatch safety training should include advice on how to handle equipment, how to safely ascend and descend ladders, and how to manage tools when moving through hatches. Of course, your training should also provide guidelines on how to use roof hatch PPE safety, including roof anchors and safety harnesses if they’re being used. We understand that creating a training program can be a big challenge: that’s why we’ve made it easy with our highly popular Lunch & Learn service.

Yes, training is important. However, regular maintenance is equally crucial. You should create a rota for inspection and maintenance duties, ensuring that all safety systems – including your roof hatches – are functioning as intended. Wear and tear over time, weather conditions, or other environmental factors may compromise the integrity of safety equipment, making routine maintenance essential.

What are the Best Roof Hatch Safety Solutions?

As discussed, it’s important to be on the lookout for features like non-slip rungs where ladders are being used. Aside from that, roof hatch safety solutions such as hatch guardrail systems and hatch grab systems can take your rooftop safety levels even higher. Below, we’ve listed some of the best roof hatch safety solutions we have on offer:

  • Hatch Access Ladders: This modular alumimum ladder is quick and easy to assemble. It can be installed on the underside of a hatch as it comes complete with stiles that can be extended when the hatch is open.
  • Hatch Guardrail Systems: This is a strong guardrail system that is attached (both fixed or non-penetrating) to the frame of the hatch, and tailored to meet your specific hatch design. This solution arrives in pre-made modular components making it easy to assemble on-site.
  • Hatch Grab Systems: These roof hatch safety solutions allow users to support themselves past their roof hatch. The horizontal rungs provide a sturdy, solid grip for entering and exiting a roof hatch. Install the Hatch Grab System to the exterior of your roof hatch to provide secure and safe access to your rooftop.

Aside from those three essentials, it is also worth noting the value that walkways can lend to your roof hatch safety strategy. Installing walkways with anti-slip surfaces near roof hatches prevents slips and falls. Walkways guide workers safely to the hatch and reduce the risk of tripping on uneven surfaces. Meanwhile, solutions like toe boards can be installed along the perimeter of rooftop work areas to prevent tools and equipment from falling through the hatch, protecting workers below.

Here at Skyline Group, we understand that no two rooftops are the same. That makes an bespoke approach important when it comes to protecting those people who rely on the safety of your building. For an expert approach to your roof hatches that considers every possible risk, reach out to one of our experts for an On-Site Consultation.

Elevated Work, Elevated Safety: Choose Skyline Group

Here at Skyline Group, we provide the inventory, expertise and experience you need to ensure the highest levels of safety for workers accessing your rooftop via a roof hatch. To get started, browse our selection of roof hatch safety solutions. Alternatively, contact us to discuss your unique requirements.

The Essential Guide to Choosing Roof Anchors for Commercial Buildings

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As a building manager or commercial property owner, you are legally obliged to protect workers from the many risks they face when working at height. While elements such as guardrails, bumplines and access ladders are essential, roof anchors can also form a significant element of your building’s safety plan. In a comprehensive safety guide from Skyline Group, we explore how to choose the most suitable roof anchors for your commercial building and how they contribute to creating a safe working environment.

In our work with organizations across Canada, we regularly discuss the importance of safety solutions like walkways, crossover bridges and roof hatch safety installations. But what are roof anchors?

What are Roof Anchors?

Roof anchors are designed to provide a secure point of attachment for lifelines, harnesses and other safety equipment used by workers at height, and can form a vital element of your overall approach to mitigating the risk of injury in the event of a fall. While they can prevent falls by keeping workers safely tethered, they can also protect those at ground level from falling equipment.

Highly versatile and with temporary or permanent options available,roof anchors are typically installed on flat or sloped roofs, as well as more complex rooftops to ensure safe work at height.

How do Roof Anchors Enhance Rooftop Safety?

Roof anchors lend a number of safety advantages to the many individuals who may need to access your rooftop, from general contractors to facility maintenance teams and more. From enabling safe movement and access to supporting regulatory compliance, we’ve highlighted some of the key benefits these solutions provide:

  1. Fall Prevention & Fall Arrest

    Roof anchors provide a dual purpose of both preventing falls, and arresting them if they do occur.Connected to a safety harness or lifeline system, the anchor’s secure point of attachment prevents workers at height from falling off the edge of the roof, or through potentially dangerous rooftop features such as open skylights. 

    Where falls do occur, a roof anchor catches workers mid-fall and reduces the impact of the fall. Whilst the risk of a fall isn’t totally eliminated, the impact of a fall is reduced, along with the risk of catastrophic injuries or fatalities. This benefit is particularly significant in rooftops with multiple elevations or complex layouts, where the risk of a fall is typically greater.

  2. Safe Movement & Access

    Aside from the major safety benefits discussed in our previous point, roof anchors offer significant advantages when it comes to enabling safe movement and access. These solutions allow workers to move across and access different areas of a rooftop with a high level of freedom and safety.

    By providing secure tie-off points, roof anchors allow workers to perform tasks such as inspections, cleaning and maintenance in confidence, free from the fear of slipping or falling from height. Again, this benefit lends real value to elevated spaces with complex equipment layouts, as well as slippery surfaces and uneven terrain.

  3. Supporting Regulatory Compliance

    As we often remind our customers, safety regulations under Canada’s Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA), as well as Canada’s Westray Law require you to go above and beyond to ensure fall protection for workers operating in environments at a height above three meters (always remember – even falls from under 3m present a risk of fatality).

    When properly installed and maintained, roof anchors help your building remain compliant with these key pieces of legislation, reducing the risk of penalties, legal action and the severe ramifications these consequences can pose to your organization’s reputation. Whilst this is a significant benefit, it should always be remembered that roof anchors should only be relied upon as a secondary fall prevention measure to primary measures such as guardrails and access ladders.

What Should I Consider When Choosing a Roof Anchor?

In order to select the right roof anchor system for your commercial building, you must first begin by understanding the various factors that affect their performance and suitability.

To start, it is essential to consider your building structure and roof layout before you make any purchasing decisions. With commercial buildings often having unique designs including flat roofs and sloped roofs, it is critical that your choice of roof anchor is compatible with your rooftop. It is also important to consider the material of your rooftop, as this can impact the type of fasteners and installation methods your anchor may require.

Secondly, your choice should depend on whether a permanent or temporary solution is required. While temporary anchors might be the right choice for short term projects or one-time tasks, permanent roof anchors are a better choice where regular rooftop access is required for general maintenance tasks, for example. Longevity should be prioritized here, particularly across areas of Canada where adverse weather conditions are common.

Next, you should carefully determine the load capacity and strength requirements you need from your roof anchor. To achieve basic compliance, your anchor should be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per worker attached. You should also consider the number of workers who will be using that anchor at any one time and ensure it is rated accordingly. Where multiple workers are using an anchor at one time, a higher load capacity is essential.

Another key consideration behind your choice of commercial roof anchor is around legal compliance. It is critical to ensure that your roof anchors comply with the relevant standards and regulations set forth by agencies like the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), and provincial safety codes. In Ontario, for example, OHSA mandates the use of roof anchors when working at heights above three meters. Building managers must stay informed of the local regulatory environment to ensure that their fall protection systems, including roof anchors, meet compliance requirements.

Last, but not least, your choice of roof anchor should take account of the installation and maintenance requirements. While some anchors are straightforward to install and don’t require permanent modifications to your rooftop, others may require professional installation. Meanwhile, roof anchors should be selected based on their easy access for inspection and repair. Materials such as galvanized steel or stainless steel are ideal for roof anchors as they are resistant to corrosion and rust, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Tips for Safe Use of Roof Anchors

Specifying the right kind of roof anchor for your commercial building is only the first step you should take in this process. It is crucial to remember that these systems offer little value without sufficient training, regular inspections and proper use in conjunction with other safety systems. See below for a brief checklist on how to use roof anchors safely:

  • Training and education: Ensure that workers are properly trained on how to use roof anchors, harnesses, and fall arrest systems. Regular training sessions through Skyline Group’s Lunch and Learn program can help prevent accidents and ensure that workers are aware of best practices for rooftop safety.
  • Regular inspections: Conduct routine inspections of roof anchors and associated fall protection equipment to ensure they are in good working condition. Any damaged or worn-out equipment should be replaced immediately.
  • Use in conjunction with other safety systems: Roof anchors should be used as part of a broader fall protection strategy that includes guardrails, walkways, and access ladders. Combining multiple safety solutions can provide comprehensive protection for workers.

While roof anchors are crucial in fall arrest systems and enhance safety by securing workers at height, they operate under the assumption that exposure to the hazard still exists. Therefore, they are employed after more proactive measures, such as installing guardrails or redesigning work procedures to minimise exposure to falls, have been considered. For more information, check out our guide to the Hierarchy of Controls.

Elevated Work, Elevated Safety: Choose Skyline Group

Here at Skyline Group, we’re more than just a safety solution supplier. We’re the trusted choice for rooftop safety across North America, providing the experience and expertise you need to protect your people, company and brand. To get started, browse our full selection of safety solutions or contact us to organize an on-site consultation.

Understanding Different Types of Commercial Roofing Materials

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Understanding different types of commercial roofing materials can be a challenging endeavour. However, taking the time to fully appreciate the differences between them can help building managers and commercial building owners make an informed decision – not only on cost and ease of installation, but also on the levels of safety they provide. In the latest learning resource from Skyline, we help you make an informed decision.

An Introduction to Commercial Roofing Materials

As an architect, building manager or property owner, your choice of roofing material could be one of the most important commercial building decisions you’ll make. The decision will depend on a number of factors, with a huge range of choices engineered according to where you are located within Canada.

With all of the choices out there, it is important to understand each material’s unique characteristics, advantages and limitations. However, before you address these points, it is crucial that you ask yourself the following questions…

  1. How do different roofing materials impact your building’s energy efficiency?
  2. How should climate and building usage influence your choice of roofing material?
  3. How could my choice of building materials impact maintenance operations and costs over time?
  4. Will my decision allow my building to qualify as a sustainable building?

These are just some of the many questions you should consider before making a large purchasing decision. Next, check out our overview of the most common commercial roofing materials, which can help you answer these important questions.

An Overview of Commercial Roofing Materials

While the market continues to innovate with new commercial roofing materials, we typically deal with clients who are using one of the following top 5 options: Built-Up Roofing, Single-Ply Membrane Roofing, Modified Bitumen Roofing, Metal Roofing and Green Roofing. Let’s look at those in a little more detail.

1. Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

Built-Up Roofing, commonly referred to as BUR, is perhaps the most common kind of roofing material we see in our day-to-day work. Also known as ‘tar and gravel’ roofing, this comprises multiple layers of asphalt-saturated felts. These layers alternate with bitumen and are covered with mineral or gravel granules. Here are some of the reasons that make this option so popular:

  • Impressive durability compared to other materials
  • Strong waterproofing properties
  • Enhanced grip for improved worker safety
  • Strong ability to withstand high levels of foot traffic

This material is most commonly used in flat roofing or low-slope protection, and also provides strong protection against general weathering and UV radiation.

2. Metal Roofing

In the vast majority of cases, metal roofing systems are simply standing seam metal roofs or metal panels. Naturally, metal is a primary choice where durability, longevity and aesthetic appeal are priorities. Aside from that, this commercial roofing material opens up a world of choice, particularly in the range of finishes available including copper, aluminum and steel. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of metal roofing:
 
  • Low maintenance requirements compared to alternative materials
  • Coated finishes can improve overall durability and energy efficiency 
  • A recyclable option, adding to the green credentials of a building 
  • Strong fire, wind and hail resistance, improving general levels of structural safety
Highly popular in both steep-slope and low-slope applications, this is a top choice for the aesthetic and sustainability benefits it offers.

 

3. Single-Ply Membrane Roofing 

Lightweight, flexible and easy to install, single-ply membrane roofing is among the most popular and safest options available on today’s market. Under this category are three key types:

  • TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin)
  • PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
  • EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer)

While TPO and PVC membranes must be heat-welded or adhered to the surface of your commercial roof, EPDM membranes can be easily installed using mechanical fasteners or an adhesive. Flexible, weather resistant and offering superb UV protection, EPDM in particular can provide a safer installation process, given that no heat-welding is required.

4. Green Roofing

Green roofing has emerged as one of the biggest roofing trends of the decade, and with the range of benefits this commercial roofing material offers, it’s not hard to see why. Stormwater management, energy efficiency, aesthetics – the benefits are endless when considering a green roof solution. Here are some of the key advantages:
 
  • Strong aesthetic appeal
  • Provision of habitats for local wildlife
  • Potential green tax incentives
  • Building efficiency & energy savings
Whilst there are many benefits, green roofing does come with its caveats, particularly around safety. Due to their vegetative nature, these systems demand a highly specialized design, with proper routine maintenance, drainage and irrigation to ensure the safety of workers at height and the integrity of the building as a whole. 
 

5. Modified Bitumen Roofing

Asphalt-based, modified bitumen waterproofing utilizes modifiers such as APP (atactic polypropylene) or SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) in order to improve weather resistance, flexibility and durability. 

As with green roofing, this particular choice of roofing material does come with added safety concerns, primarily due to the fact that torching or hot asphalt is used during installation.

The Significance of Choosing the Right Roofing Material

Your choice of roofing material shouldn’t depend on aesthetics alone. As a building manager or commercial building owner, it is important that your decision also takes into consideration worker safety, as well as your business’s bottom line. Below we have outlined some of the key concerns you should consider for improved worker safety:

  • Safe passage: Slips, trips and falls are among the most common workplace accidents in Canada. When deciding on a material, consider how maintenance teams and workers at height can journey across your rooftop safely. The level of grip on the roofing material and slip protection are crucial to bear in mind.
  • Installation processes: If you’re using your own team to install a roofing material, always consider how that job can be done safely. Where hot works are required, ensure that your staff are adequately trained and prepared.
  • Durability: Over the years, we’ve seen many safety incidents that have arised due to wear and tear – falling structures, weak structures and more can lead to potentially fatal falls. When deciding on a material, be sure to make durability a priority.
  • Design: Simply adjusting the design and layout of the rooftop can help in reducing the chance of injury. For example, placing HVAC units away from the edge of the roof will make a safer maintenance process. A high parapet wall can also act as a safety guardrail, creating a perimeter while on the rooftop. But this can also make it challenging to remove snow during the winter months.
  • Non-Penetrating: If you are looking to install a safety solution like a guardrail or crossover stepladder, with a new roof membrane do you opt for a non-penetrating solution? This will ensure compliance and safety, while also keeping your new rooftop intact, and free from potential leaks when compared to a penetrating solution. OR are you opting for a steel roof, resulting in the requirement of a clamping-based solution in order to create a levelled walkway system.

Making an Informed Decision

When it comes to making an informed decision about creating a safe, and secure environment on your new commercial or industrial rooftop, don’t fall victim to guessing. Only by consulting with a qualified roofing and safety expert can you be sure that your decision has been made with all due considerations. With that in mind, our safety experts are on standby to share their experiences and expertise.

Elevated Work. Elevated Safety.

Here at Skyline, we use decades of experience to protect people, companies and brands. For further advice on improving the levels of safety in your elevated work area, reach out to one of our safety experts. Alternatively, browse our full selection of rooftop safety solutions.

Elevated Safety Series: Our Mission & Vision with Vincenzo Cutrone

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Across Canada and beyond, rooftop safety is undergoing immense change. Few understand these changes better than Vincenzo Cutrone, Marketing Manager at Skyline Group. In the first of our Elevated Safety Series, we sit down with Vince to discuss Skyline’s guiding mission and vision, and how they align with changing safety needs across North America.

 

Tell us about your story with Skyline Group. What motivated you to specialize in rooftop safety?

“For me, the decision to join the team at Skyline Group was driven by that core principle – that core need – to ensure safety for workers at height. 

“For myself, when I’m doing some DIY work at home, safety is always a concern. For our customers, who are always working at height – that concern is all the more significant. They work in inherently dangerous environments, and all it takes is one fall to change their lives forever. 

“These workers face all of the usual distractions that people like me face – communicating with customers, checking emails, carrying equipment. On top of that, they’re dealing with the potentially lethal challenges of wind, rain and those other hazards that arise from working at height, and that represents a dangerous combination. Falling through an open hatch or falling off an elevated platform can have tragic, real-life consequences, all of which are avoidable.

“Thinking about the impact of rooftop safety incidents on companies, individuals and families makes us ask ourselves how we can be part of the change. It’s all about looking at how we ensure our clients don’t discover safety by accident. The key is in being proactive, and not just reactive. 

“Consider this – many people may suggest that staff at-height should wear safety harnesses at all times. To that, we say that the fall itself shouldn’t have happened in the first place, and that’s really what I and the wider Skyline Group want to get at in the work we do. How do we help the industry? How do we change perspectives around safety compliance, versus being safe? Those are the questions that drove my decision to join the company.”

 

How does Skyline Group’s vision align with the evolving needs of rooftop safety in North America?

“Our vision is to become the North American trusted choice for safe elevated work areas. Our mission coincides with that: to create safe elevated work areas that protect people, companies and brands. So – how does this play into the wider industry?

“Put simply, when we want to specify a solution for an application, we want to base our advice on a foundation of trust, first and foremost. Our customers want to work with a company that can be relied upon for its expertise, its experience and the know-how they need to create solutions that are tailored to their elevated workspace.

Rooftop construction safety foreman with safety vest, helmet, clipboard, and cellphone

“As an example, let’s say that you’re a commercial property owner, and you have a HVAC contractor conducting maintenance on your rooftop. You may not know what the rules and regulations are around that particular environment. Or, you may have been warned by one of your workers about non-compliant aspects of your rooftop, or safety gaps. Of course, you may be simply unaware of these issues as a whole. Regardless of what option applies to you, if there is an injury, you’re at fault. 

“Our mission and vision seek to go beyond that level of understanding. We try to make sure users of our client’s elevated work areas go home safe at the end of the day to their families. 

“On top of that, we’re also seeking to protect our customers and their brand integrity from those hazards. If you’re a big brand in your community, the last thing you need are safety concerns. If you do have an accident, you’ll find it all the more harder to recruit staff. If you’re seen as not prioritizing safety, you risk losing out on talent, and losing out on potential business. In this sense, we aren’t just protecting people – we’re protecting companies and brands.

“It’s all about creating safer elevated work environments, and a lot of that is down to the information we can offer as an industry expert. You can rely on us to understand your roof environment before you. It’s not just a phone call – it extends to pictures, looking at the landscape of your roof, to On-Site Safety Consultations and ideas as to how you can create a safer environment. 

“We’re on a constant journey of improvement in terms of understanding how workers access areas at height, and how they can do it safely. That’s why it is so critical for us to be there, in-person, to understand those challenges better. You just never know what you’re going to encounter.”

 

What are the most significant changes you’ve observed in rooftop safety standards in recent years?

“We’re seeing a lot of technology being applied, and roofs are becoming busier and busier, regardless of their shape or size. Data centers are a great example – these facilities require a lot of cooling, requiring large HVAC installations on the roof. Meanwhile, a lot of green buildings would have solar panels on their rooftop, and that creates new hazards that weren’t present before. 

Two rooftop workers walking on the rooftop of a commercial building

“Wherever this kind of technology is used, you’re restricting access in and around the roof, creating a pathway that might require workers to be closer to the edge. Creating a safe distance here isn’t always possible, so using a guardrail and walkway system, for example, ensures a dedicated pathway around those panels, whilst also providing a means for maintenance teams to access them. Technology means possibilities – but in the world of rooftops, it also means hazards. Codes and regulations just haven’t caught up yet with this new trend.”

 

What Innovations at Skyline are setting new standards in the industry?

Let’s look at the new challenge we just touched upon, in terms of rooftops becoming more crowded with new technology. We’re looking at how we can provide solutions to meet that, using our inventory of solutions to minimize risk. It isn’t just about protecting against a fall – it’s about stopping a worker from ever reaching that point.

On a general level, our modular solutions are becoming solutions of choice for our customers, and it’s not hard to see why. Easier to transport, easier to install, easier to adjust and adapt versus a welded system. Modularity makes it really easy to put systems in place quickly, that aren’t only compliant, but completely safe. 

We look at how we can provide a solution that’s easily and quickly installed, that won’t take days or weeks to install. Months down the line, if you want to change an aspect of your rooftop, our solutions allow our customers to do that. In that sense, we’re constantly moving along with the evolving needs of our customers. Whether you’re installing these systems yourself or using a contractor, you can rest assured that you’ll be making significant labor savings. 

We’re also seeing a greater focus on the materials used, and that has a major impact on how our solutions are transported and installed. For example, a small team generally prefers aluminum to working with than the heavier, harder-to-manage steel alternative. 

 

What recent project has allowed Skyline to drive change in this area?

One example that comes to mind is a large school we worked with in Ontario, in the process of embracing green technologies. They wanted to cover the roof with solar panels, so much so that there wouldn’t be enough space to navigate the roof. 

When looking at the drawings of the rooftop and how the solar panels would be installed and located, we discovered that it would be quite difficult for maintenance crews to navigate across different rooftops. Maintenance teams would have been forced to walk around the edges of the rooftop to access other areas, or to access the solar panels or any HVAC units. 

Right away, we recommended a walkway solution that would ensure safe passage along the edges of the rooftop, with a guardrail system that would protect against slips and falls. 

As individuals, we try to take the path of least resistance, especially when carrying tools, all adding to the risk. By forcing a safe, enclosed pathway, we guarantee a safe passage. 

 

How does Skyline navigate different regulations in Canada and the USA?

We navigate these challenges thanks to our dedicated team of safety specialists that guide us in the decisions we make, and they’re supported by fantastic Project Management and engineering teams with a deep understanding of safety regulations across each province.

Canadian maple leaf on flag with judge gavel on flag

We have a comprehensive resource document that guides us in terms of these differing codes, and helps us understand how these codes may impact any of the rooftops we’re working on, applying those rules to the rooftop itself. For us, understanding the rules is a second nature reflex. What changes is the application itself – all roofs are structured differently. Getting creative in terms of providing solutions to those challenges is what we’re all about. 

If you’re a Building Manager or building owner, contractor or someone who specifies solutions on a roof or an architect, the rules can be quite daunting and difficult to understand. However, we make that easy. To get started, feel free to reach out to me or a member of the team to better understand the rules impacting your elevated workspace. 

 

Discover Skyline – Elevated Work. Elevated Safety.™

Don’t discover safety by accident. Here at Skyline, we’re inviting you to join us on our mission, moving one step closer to changing the narrative on rooftop safety. To get started, browse our full range of safety solutions. Alternatively, reach out to an expert or find out more about our popular Lunch and Learn training programs. 

 

Commercial Building Looking For Interior Access to The Rooftop

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The Challenge

Utilizing a portable step ladder or extension ladder to climb through the hatch is simply not a long-term solution, or safe means of gaining access to the rooftop. It is important to ensure the user can maintain three points of contact throughout their climb, ensuring a safe and compliant working environment.

The Solution

For this roof safety project, the site’s small footprint made a standard fixed hatch ladder the clear option. After reviewing modular and fully welded steel options, the property manager selected the Skyline 7001 series hatch ladder system.

Gaining Interior Access to the Rooftop

The architect designing this commercial building in Montreal attended one of our complimentary lunch and learn sessions. The main objective of their learning session was to review common hazards in climbing to a sloped rooftop.

Contractors and building personnel requiring access to the rooftop are using a portable step ladder or extension ladder to climb through the roof hatch from the top floor. The architect and building owners wanted to create a safe and compliant means of accessing the roof via the hatch opening. There is a fixed outdoor caged wall ladder on the side of the building, although this solution wasn’t always an option during the winter months, as it would pose a potential fall risk. 

Why Install an Interior Roof Hatch Ladder

Installing a roof access hatch with a fixed ladder allows contractors and maintenance personnel easy access to the roof of the building. Ultimately, eliminating the safety risks that come with climbing an exterior wall ladder. Unlike outdoor roof access ladders, interior hatch ladders require little to no maintenance, while maintaining 24/7 restricted access to the rooftop.

Primarily utilizing a portable ladder to climb through the hatch is not a long-term solution, as it would result in personnel not maintaining three points of contact throughout their climb. It was also a dangerous solution, posing a fall risk when climbing up the portable ladder and stepping off it with equipment in hand.

Why Select a Modular Aluminum Hatch Ladder on Your Next Roof Access Project

For this roof safety project, the site’s small footprint made a standard fixed hatch ladder the clear option.

After reviewing modular and fully welded steel options, the property manager selected the Skyline 7001 series hatch ladder system. Both steel and aluminum hatch ladders would be compliant and offer safe access to the rooftop, although Skyline Group’s aluminum modular hatch ladders provided more than just roof safety compliance.

  • Its design allowed for flexibility, making it easy to install stiles in order to help in climbing out of the hatch onto the rooftop. These extensions/stiles extend past the roof hatch door, ensuring three points of contact and a handle to grab onto while stepping off the last step of the fixed hatch ladder onto the rooftop.
  • When compared to a welded or steel option, the aluminum ladder was easy to transport to the top floor and rooftop.
  • An easy and quick installation helped in reducing labour costs and overall budget requirements.
  • The serrated rungs ensure a safe climb every time.
  • Its aluminum finish keeps the ladder looking new, as it is located in an area that will receive a lot of employee foot traffic. In addition, unlike steel ladders, no maintenance is required over time to keep the aluminum ladder looking new. 

Looking to understand how you can ensure safe rooftop access? Connect with our team of safety specialists today to learn more about the hazards that are present on your rooftop.

Rooftop Safety Trends – Raising the Bar on Rooftop Safety Compliance

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Canadian Roofing Contractors Association interviewed Vernon Ghinn, our VP of roof safety specialists, to chat about the future of height safety and its impact on regulations.

Here is a list of ROOFTOP SAFETY TRENDS

BUILDING DESIGN

The building design process includes many considerations for serving the occupants working or living within it. And often, the technology required to optimize the building’s safety, comfort, and efficiency end up being installed on the roof. These components may be necessary, but any piece of equipment added to the rooftop poses a degree of risk for those who may need to work in that space. And with rooftop footprints and configurations in constant flux, safety considerations cannot fall through the cracks.

“Like every building component, roof footprint, features, and conditions can evolve; these changes can introduce challenges with accessing equipment,” says Vernon Ghinn, a roof access and safety specialist at Skyline Group. “That’s why rooftop safety isn’t a set it and forget it responsibility; it is something that should be reviewed and improved upon quarterly to ensure you’re staying in compliance and keeping everyone safe.”

EVOLVING Roof HAZARDS

Working at height comes with numerous risks. More and more, those risks include having to navigate access points (e.g., ladders or hatches) or rooftop equipment (e.g., HVAC systems, ducts, solar panels) that have been installed throughout the roof and – more frequently – near roof edges.

For example, says Ghinn, “At times, rooftop units are installed at the edge because that happens to be the quickest and easiest location for the installers to place the unit. However, the challenge lies in servicing those units, as a safety solution will be required to create a safe perimeter and working environment.”

Roofing layouts can also pose risks. For instance, flat industrial and commercial roofs can become slippery to walk on when wet depending on the roofing membrane.
Added to these traditional hazards are the ones that appear over time. For example, building upgrades that affect the roof structure and design can also impact its elevations, requiring new roof safety equipment and considerations.

“That’s why it is important to understand the future state of your roof and how the roof is being accessed,” says another safety rep with Skyline. “Corridors are provided inside the building for safe access, so the same consideration should be given to the safety personnel required to keep the building running while accessing the roof.”

Another trend impacting roof safety is that rooftops are becoming more crowded. As land prices rise and available space in populated areas decreases, organizations optimize their investment by making use of their open space. Some of that focus is being turned to rooftops, where building operators turn their rooftop into a publicly accessed area (e.g., a garden or patio) or invest in energy-efficient technologies (e.g., green roofs or solar panels). The result is a very busy environment that requires safer access to all roof areas and increased awareness of common rooftop safety hazards.

“Ultimately, it is important that your roof access and safety solutions stay up to speed with your roof as it goes through different transformations,” adds a Skyline rep.

Roof Guardrail

STAYING COMPLIANT AMIDST REGULATION CHANGES

As building envelopes adapt, so do safety compliance obligations. This is also true of roof and height safety standards, which are constantly adapting to reflect emerging hazards.

“The number of roof fall-related injuries is alarming, so it’s only natural that local and national standards are getting stricter,” says the Skyline safety rep, explaining, “Today, more and more third-party service providers have their own safety guidelines that prevent employees from working on roofs unless the right safety equipment and protocols are in place.”

Aligning with such standards is a critical challenge, especially since failing to keep a building compliant or ensure an installation meets local safety guidelines can lead to severe injuries and costly liabilities. As such, it’s important to recognize hazards as they emerge and never lose sight of one’s safety responsibilities.

“It’s about accessing the roof safely, while working in a hazard-free environment, in order to get back down from the roof safely,” says Ghinn, adding, “The fact is that the number of roof fall-related injuries is alarming, meaning there is room to improve on safety. The good news, though, is that the risks we’re seeing out there today can be mitigated with the right partners and height safety solutions that are readily available.”

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE WITH THE RIGHT SAFETY EQUIPMENT

No doubt, modern rooftop hazards require modern safety solutions. For example, says the Skyline rep: “We see too many access ladders that are cut short at the bottom, requiring an extension ladder to gain access to the actual roof access ladder itself. This is often done to restrict roof ladder access to the public, but climbing a small ladder to grab the roof access ladder and then climb onto it is simply dangerous. That’s why we developed a lockable gate to block the first five-plus feet of steps and restrict unwanted access.”

The ability to manufacture ladders, guardrails, roof catwalks, and various other rooftop safety solutions in modular sections is also beneficial for today’s contractors. These solutions can be transported to the roof via a service elevator versus renting a crane, while also being installed in a fraction of the time. All while offering the capability to customize a solution that best fits the needs of the roof and local guidelines.

“The savings become quite substantial for all parties,” says Skyline’s rep, explaining, “Our non-penetrating permanent guardrail system, for example, is designed to be modular, making it quick and simple to install without needing to fasten into the existing roof frame. This eliminates the need to reseal the roof membrane for old or newly warranted roofs after an installation.”

Protecting workers and staying in compliance means understanding your rooftop hazards before heading up onto the roof, while having a solution in place to mitigate the risks as they unfold. After all, adds Ghinn, “Nobody should discover safety by accident.”

Roof Guardrail

An Upgraded HVAC System Requires Improved Rooftop Safety

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The Challenge

There is a misconception at times that a smaller rooftop can be easier to maintain and gain safe access to. One challenge amongst all rooftops with a limited footprint is that many of the HVAC units, and other RTUs, are within 6 feet of the roof’s edge.

The Solution

The Trail office in British Columbia purchased two 5001 RoofBarrier systems; one straight 30-foot linear section with 4-foot outriggers and one 20’ x 25’ L section with 4-foot outriggers.

An Upgraded HVAC System Requires Improved Rooftop Safety

Safety Culture

TELUS is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company providing wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security services. Their long-standing commitment to putting customers first fuels every aspect of their business, making them distinct in customer service excellence and loyalty.

Requiring Safe Access to A Small Rooftop

There is a misconception at times that a smaller rooftop can be easier to maintain and gain safe access to. One challenge amongst all rooftops with a limited footprint is that many of the HVAC units, and other RTUs, are within 6 feet of the roof’s edge. Thus, requiring a permanent guardrail or barrier to be installed to prevent the risk of a height-related injury. With Telus looking to upgrade its HVAC system, an updated safety solution was required.
roofbarrier rooftop guardrail system

Improved Rooftop Safety With A Guardrail System

Due to our knowledge and experience in providing height safety solutions that meet the communication industry’s needs, our team of safety specialists were consulted. The Trail office in British Columbia purchased two 5001 RoofBarrier systems; one straight 30-foot linear section with 4-foot outriggers and one 20’ x 25’ L section with 4-foot outriggers. Here is what made our roof barrier and guardrail system the primary choice for this site.

 

  • The 5001 RoofBarrier is a modular solution, making it quick and easy to install and transport to the roof.
  • The safety guardrail is manufactured in galvanized steel, minimizing the risk of corrosion.
  • With our roof safety solutions being stocked and ready to ship, we were able to meet the contractor’s timeline to install the upgraded HVAC system.
  • Our non-penetrating self-ballasted solution meant that the roof membrane would not require repairs. On the other hand, with a fixed guardrail, once the installation is complete you need to re-seal the area to ensure there are no potential water leaks that were made by the screws and fasteners.

All in all our self-ballasted roof guardrail solution saved both the contractor and end-user time and money.

The Toronto Transit Commission Ensures Safe Access to Rooftop Units

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The Challenge

The Toronto Transit Commission was looking to not only ensure rooftop safety compliance but take all safety precautions that would reduce the risk of a rooftop related injury.

The Solution

After a review of the rooftop access points and those rooftop units that require routine maintenance by the TTC. Skyline Group proposed a safety solution that ensured a safe walkway, including a guardrail system, manufactured in aluminum.

The Toronto Transit Commission Ensures Safe Access to Rooftop Units

Toronto Transit Commission

The Toronto Transportation Commission (TTC) assumed responsibility for municipal transit services in the City of Toronto on September 1, 1921. This began an era of consolidation and expansion that accompanied and accelerated the astonishing growth of Toronto as a city. The TTC has played an important role in Toronto’s past and as we look ahead, it is exciting to think about how they are shaping the city’s future.

ensuring roof safety & compliance

The Toronto Transit Commission was looking to not only ensure rooftop safety compliance but take all safety precautions that would reduce the risk of a rooftop related injury. With the TTC having a safety-first culture, they reached out to the Skyline Group after conducting a self-rooftop safety assessment to review various hazards and related height safety solutions. Today’s industrial and commercial rooftops can quickly become crowded with various units sitting on the roof. When reviewing rooftop safety concerns, safety personnel are looking at how an employee or third-party contractor would go about approaching such rooftop units safely, for routine inspection and maintenance. These units come in various sizes and as such can be covered by regular snowfall during Toronto’s winter months. As a result, it is important to ensure that there is safe passage in and around these units year-round, reducing the risk of someone tripping over a duct system or stepping into a snow-covered skylight. This is no different at the TTC facility. When reviewing their rooftop HVAC systems, Skyline was tasked to ensure safe passage to each system, while enabling the maintenance team to be safe while working at heights. The criteria to be met fell into two categories: compliance and design.

 

Compliance Requirements
  • Platforms, stairs and guardrails designed to comply with all applicable loads, including OBC Part 3, OBC Part 4 and OSHA Reg. 851 S.14.
  • Platforms and stairs designed for a concentrated live load capacity of 1.3 kN and distributed live load capacity of 1.5 kPa.
  • Guardrails designed for a concentrated live load capacity of 1.0kN, compliant with OBC 4.1.5.14(b).
  • Total dead load of system not to exceed 0.5 kPa.
  • Dead load (0.5 kPa) plus live load (1.5 kPa) of platforms, guardrails, and stairs onto existing roof not to exceed 2.0 kPa, unfactored.
  • Dead load plus live load (2.0 kPa) of platforms, stairs, and guardrails not to exceed a maximum concentrated load onto the existing roof of 1.3kN. Achieved by having support posts on 600mm centres, max.
Design Requirements
  • Customization capabilities as some of the rooftop units are not standard in size.
  • Modular in design and installation.
  • Lightweight while still being robust to support the load requirements.
  • A permanent walkway, guardrail, platform and crossover solution.
  • Made of long-lasting anti-corrosive material.
  • Must meet a strict and short delivery time.
Roof Guardrail
Safety Roof Ladder
Walkway with Guardrail

Making Roof Safety & Compliance Easy

After a review of the rooftop access points and those rooftop units that require routine maintenance by the TTC. Skyline Group proposed a safety solution that ensured a safe walkway, including a guardrail system, manufactured in aluminum. This reduced the chance of a slip during the winter months, while offering a safe and secure platform to work from. The high-quality aluminum also offered corrosion protection for 10+ years. A crossover solution helped the facilities maintenance team safely walk and work at heights while on the roof. With the height safety solution being modular and made of aluminum, the general contractor was able to transport the units with ease. The savings in labor alone reduced the budget requirements for installation, enabling the opportunity for the general contractor to work on other rooftop-related projects for the TTC. This customized roof safety solution was not only under budget, but met strict deadlines.

Mohawk College Solves Tomorrow’s Height Safety Concerns Today

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The Challenge

With the solar panels covering much of the roof, personnel must walk within 6 feet of the roof’s edge to access multiple sections of the rooftop.

The Solution

The RoofBarrier 5001 series will meet the college’s growing rooftop safety needs, allowing for a flexible solution that will not penetrate the roof membrane.

Mohawk College Solves Tomorrow’s Height Safety Concerns Today

A Leader Among Ontario's Colleges

Mohawk College is a leader among Ontario’s colleges. Deeply rooted in the local community and the present demands, they have a global perspective that addresses the needs of the future. Transforming the educational experience is at the core of Mohawk! They have honed their expertise in the technologies shaping the world and building a better and more inclusive tomorrow — artificial intelligence, robotics, augmented and virtual reality, biotechnology, digital health and cybersecurity, to name a few. Students strive and grow with various applied learning opportunities facilitated both on and off campus. For example, the video you see below was created by Mohawk students looking to gain experience and get creative in showcasing their rooftop safety solutions.
 

As an inclusive college, Mohawk benefits from the diversity of thoughts, experiences, skills and talents of its students, faculty, staff, and administrators. They focus on creating an environment that reflects all identities, where every student belongs, is welcome and has a voice.

Solar Panel Safety

In the same manner that the Mohawk College is working towards finding creative ways to prepare their students for tomorrow’s needs, their facility maintenance team is constantly striving for improved safety for students, faculty, and service providers. With such a large rooftop, ensuring a safe environment is essential for the college. As the campus and facilities grow, the rooftop will tend to get busier with the latest technology to support the advancements impacting the students and staff.

Mohawk is the first Ontario college to get a STARS® Gold Rating for sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). This is partly due to the 100+ solar panels you will find on the college’s various rooftops. With the solar panels covering much of the roof, personnel must walk within 6 feet of the roof’s edge to access multiple sections of the rooftop. With the solar panels being so close to the roof’s edge, when maintenance is required, the working environment of the service personnel would pose a potential fall hazard. The facility maintenance team knew that anytime you are within 6 feet of a fall from a rooftop, you need a height safety solution.

Safety Roof Ladder

"I have worked with Skyline Group for a few years and have always had a great experience from working with the sales team to the team in production. The products have always been in stock and were ready to ship once the shop drawings were signed off. The safety guardrails are quick and easy to assemble."

Jeremy Dowling - Engineering Services Officer

Non-Penetrating Guardrail System

The facility maintenance team reached out to the rooftop safety specialists at Skyline Group to better understand their needs and the available solutions. The Mohawk team was looking for a solution that was:

  • Quick and easy to install
  • Stocked ready to ship
  • Non-penetrating, eliminating the need to penetrate the roof membrane, which would require further repairs and costs to reseal those areas of the roof.
  • Compliant with Ontario height safety regulations and standards
  • Protected against corrosion during the winter months

As a result, the Skyline Group recommended their RoofBarrier 5001 series, as it would meet the college’s growing rooftop safety needs.

 

Decommissioning of a Non-Compliant Access Ladder

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The Challenge

The facility maintenance team at the Jubilee Plaza looked to access an elevated part of the roof. They noticed that the access ladder currently in place was no longer safe.

The Solution

The general contractor and facility maintenance team selected the 7002 series fixed aluminum ladders with a platform and handrail combination to create safe access to the roof.

Decommissioning of a Non-Compliant Access Ladder

Fort McMurray Jubilee Plaza

There’s something for everyone in the family at the Fort McMurray Jubilee Plaza. Located at the corner of Hardin Street and MacDonald Avenue, Jubilee Plaza is where people of all ages are encouraged to hang out, have fun and relax—designed as a year-round social gathering place, regardless of the season. As the seasons change, so do the activities, including markets, outdoor entertainment, public rallies, fitness-related activities, and various community events.

rooftop elevation

The facility maintenance team at the Jubilee Plaza looked to access an elevated part of the roof. They noticed that the access ladder currently in place was no longer safe. Over the years, the installed ladder had become rusted and, after its most recent safety review by the maintenance team, was deemed non-compliant.

For the maintenance team, this provided an opportunity to upgrade the ladder to better meet their needs. The retired ladder was currently located at the side of the building, requiring personnel to climb up from the pedestrian walkway from the ground level. Jubilee Plaza was looking to install the new ladder in a much more convenient part of the roof, near the main roof access point. To do so, they would need to consider the edge of the roof, slanted window and limited wall space that was available for the installation to take place.

The primary challenge for the Jubilee Plaza maintenance team was to have a custom access ladder solution shipped “yesterday,” as immediate rooftop access was required.

Rooftop Safety

Fixed Aluminum roof ladder

The general contractor working with Jubilee Plaza recommended our line of modular access ladders. The general contractor and facility maintenance team selected the 7002 series fixed aluminum ladders with a platform and handrail combination due to the following reasons.

  • The quick turnaround on design, quoting and delivery.
  • The capability to customize a solution that best meets the roof’s needs while remaining compliant with local safety guidelines.
  • The modular design of the ladder made it quick and easy to install and transport to the roof.
  • Non-corrosive aluminum material.
  • The design ensured that the access ladder and platform did not obstruct the large window and its view.
  • The perforated platform ensured year-round safe access.
Rooftop Safety
Before
Access Ladder
After
Rooftop Safety Guide
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