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Kee Gate Installation in the Aerospace Sector

See how Harcon improved ladder safety with Kee Gate installations for a UK aerospace site—boosting compliance, reducing fall risk, and future-proofing access.

Case Study PDF

Project Overview

A major UK-based manufacturer in the aerospace sector required support in improving safety standards across their facility, which features complex access environments and elevated work zones. With a strong commitment to innovation and workplace safety, the client regularly undertakes inspections and recertifications to maintain the highest level of compliance.

During a routine inspection carried out by Harcon’s engineering team, a series of ladder access points were flagged for improvement. Our recommendation involved installing Kee Gates—a reliable self-closing safety gate system designed to mitigate fall hazards at ladder openings. The goal was to deliver a rapid, compliant, and adaptable safety upgrade while ensuring minimal disruption to the client’s ongoing operations.

Kee Gate Installation

The Challenge

The client’s facility includes multiple fixed ladders used regularly for maintenance and operational access. While the ladders themselves were structurally sound, they lacked self-closing gates at the top—posing a significant risk of falls from height.

The absence of protection at these transition points not only increased the risk of injury but also left the facility exposed to non-compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and other industry standards. The challenge was to implement a fall protection solution that:

  • Integrated easily with the existing ladder infrastructure
  • Could be installed efficiently without disrupting production
  • Met all current safety and compliance standards
  • Allowed for future adjustments if site requirements changed

The Solution

Following the inspection, Harcon proposed the installation of Kee Gates, a trusted and compliant self-closing gate system. These gates are specifically designed to automatically shut after each use, providing passive fall protection that does not rely on user intervention.

Key elements of the proposed solution included:

  • A full site survey to measure and assess eight ladder access points
  • A customised installation plan for optimal integration
  • Use of modular, corrosion-resistant gates compliant with BS EN ISO 14122-3
  • The ability to modify or relocate the gates in future if site layouts changed

The Kee Gates offered a durable, low-maintenance, and high-impact improvement to the client’s fall protection setup—making them an ideal choice for this fast-paced industrial environment.

Implementation

Once approval was received, Harcon engineers conducted an on-site survey to map out each ladder’s dimensions and environmental factors. Each Kee Gate was then custom-configured to suit its respective location.

Installation was carried out by Harcon’s trained engineers over a short period, with full consideration for the client’s operational requirements. The process included:

  • Direct delivery of equipment to site
  • On-site installation of each gate to the top opening of eight ladders
  • Secure fixing and testing of self-closing functionality
  • Completion of post-installation safety checks
  • Briefing of on-site staff on safe usage and gate operation

The installation was completed smoothly, with minimal interruption to the client’s production or maintenance activities.

The Outcome

The newly installed Kee Gates provided immediate improvements to safety at the facility. Personnel using the ladders are now protected from falls at entry and exit points, thanks to the automatic self-closing mechanism. The system operates independently of user behaviour, making it a reliable and compliant safety solution.

Results delivered:

  • Reduced Fall Risk: Continuous passive protection at all ladder tops
  • Improved Compliance: Aligned with UK safety regulations and industry best practice
  • Operational Continuity: No downtime required during installation
  • Scalability: The gates can be reconfigured if access needs change

Discussions are ongoing with the client regarding further ladder upgrades, demonstrating a long-term commitment to enhancing workplace safety through proactive planning and expert support.

Conclusion

This project highlights Harcon’s capability to identify safety gaps, provide compliant solutions, and implement improvements that protect personnel in high-risk environments. Our expert team delivered a tailored fall protection upgrade that’s robust, future-proof, and perfectly aligned with the client’s operational needs.

Whether you’re managing a manufacturing site, distribution centre, or any facility involving elevated access, Harcon offers end-to-end fall protection solutions—from inspection and specification to installation and recertification.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help safeguard your workforce and keep your site fully compliant.

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See how Harcon improved ladder safety with Kee Gate installations for a UK aerospace site—boosting compliance, reducing fall risk, and future-proofing access.

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