ROOF ACCESS LADDERS

In order to gain access to your rooftop, you can choose from various types of access ladders. When looking for a solution that meets the needs of your industrial, commercial or institutional building, many focus their efforts on a fixed access ladder, which ensures permanent year-round access to your rooftop. If regular access is required from the outside of the building, some building owners prefer a stair or ship ladder (if working in a tight space) with handrails, to ensure a safe and easy climb to the rooftop.

Should access to the rooftop via the roof hatch be required, then a hatch ladder is what you would be specifying for the application. They are usually fixed to the wall and may include attachments that help climb out of the hatch safely, such as retractable side rails.

There are various factors to consider when selecting a rooftop access ladder, such as the following:

• Material type: We often receive the question, “should I choose a steel or aluminum access ladder”. As a result, we wrote an article on the benefits of using steel and/or aluminum roof access ladders.
• Installation & design: Are you looking for the system to be engineered? Where is the ladder going to be installed? Would the use of a modular system reduce your cost of installation? Are wide non-slip rungs important to you and your employees?
• Height: Sizing the solution to the needs of your building along with local safety requirements.
• Load capacity: Knowing how often the ladder will be used and the material you plan on bringing to the rooftop will help with the design.
• Knowing your local safety standards and regulations: They differ across the country, so it is important to know the safety requirements or work with a safety partner that does.
• Lead time: Depending on your urgency, this may further define the solution and scope of the project.

Yes, you can customize the design of any roof access ladder. Whether you are considering a welded steel or modular system, they can be manufactured to the sizing requirements of your building and roof layout. That being said, modular aluminum ladders make customizing a solution quick and easy, from both a design and installation standpoint.

Various rooftop safety requirements govern how the system should be manufactured and designed. For example, depending on the height of the ladder, you may need a resting platform, and/or a lifeline system. Safety regulations differ across the country; as a result, it is best to reach out to your safety partner to learn more about the safety regulations in your area.

Installing a Skyline aluminum access ladder is quick and easy! They also do not require the installer to have specific certifications or training. Its modular design allows for a plug-and-play solution, making it easy to deliver to the rooftop and assemble on-site.

Fixed access ladders should be checked annually by a competent person. For more details, please contact our team of safety specialists.

We recommend that all ladders installed are engineered and come with an engineer stamped shop drawing, showing all connection details. Partnering with a safety provider that knows the codes, regulations, and the products to be used is important to achieve a safe, stable and durable access ladder.

Whether climbing to the rooftop via your outside fixed access ladder or the interior hatch ladder, an accident at such heights is dangerous. When reviewing the environment where an accident or a near miss occurred, we come across the following.

• Improper ladder selection: Are you using the right ladder for the application? Is the current ladder damaged? Or installed incorrectly and isn’t stable?
• Compliance with safety requirements: It is important that the roof access ladder be manufactured and installed to code, to ensure a safe working environment.
• Lack of proper training: Every employee that requires access to the roof should receive training along with seasonal training as best practices will need to get updated. Regardless if access is required for 5 minutes, once a year, or daily.
• Distractions: Sometimes, we just have a busy day ahead of us and want to complete the task, so we take shortcuts or get distracted while working. Staying focused on the task at hand is important, especially when working at heights.
• Weather conditions: The weather can play a critical role in defining the required safety precautions when climbing to the roof. When it’s raining or snowing, you want to pay extra attention to each step and the required grip to maintain your three points of contact.

Some easy tips to ensuring a safe climb include: 

• Training is a must before climbing to the rooftop.
• Available PPE, ensuring the team has the right shoes to maximize surface traction while climbing.
• Inspect your ladder before each use.
• Take your time and eliminate distractions.

Yes! An access ladder should provide you with safe, 24/7 access to the rooftop. Depending on the weather, you may want to delay your review of the rooftop or plan accordingly with the right PPE (personal protective equipment).