Accessing a roof can be accomplished through various established methods and types of equipment specifically designed for working at height.
Safely getting onto a roof typically involves utilizing temporary or fixed structures and specialized machinery. Based on common practices and available access equipment, here are several ways to achieve roof access:
- General Access Scaffolds: These are temporary elevated platforms constructed from modular components, providing a stable working surface and access route to the roof level.
- Stair Towers: These are temporary staircase systems built alongside a structure, offering a safe and efficient way for personnel to ascend to different levels, including roof height.
- Fixed or Mobile Scaffold Towers: Scaffold towers, either stationary (fixed) or movable on wheels (mobile), provide a raised platform and ladder access, suitable for reaching roofs during construction or maintenance.
- Mobile Access Equipment: This category includes powered lifts such as scissor lifts, boom lifts, or cherry pickers. These machines offer versatile and adjustable height access, allowing users to be elevated directly to the roof edge or surface.
- Ladders: Simple ladders, such as extension ladders, are a common method for gaining access to roofs, particularly for lower heights or quick tasks. They must be properly secured and extend sufficiently above the roofline.
- Roof Access Hatches: Some buildings are equipped with built-in roof access hatches, which are specialized doors or openings installed within the roof structure itself, providing a permanent internal access point to the roof.
Choosing the appropriate method depends on the height of the roof, the duration of the work, site conditions, and safety regulations.
