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Kee Guard & Kee Step Installation for Specialist Hospital

See how Harcon installed Kee Step and Kee Guard systems to provide safe, compliant roof access for a hospital solar installation project.

Case Study PDF

The Client

Our client is a specialist contractor delivering renewable energy projects across the UK, helping organisations reduce their carbon footprint through the installation of high-quality solar PV systems. As part of a major project, they secured the contract to install solar panels at a specialist emergency care hospital in the North East of England.

Healthcare facilities require the highest standards of safety, reliability, and compliance. Any work carried out on hospital buildings must be carefully planned to minimise disruption while ensuring contractors and future maintenance teams can work safely at height.

To support the long-term maintenance of the new solar installation, the contractor required a safe, compliant roof access solution that would protect engineers working on the roof while preserving the integrity of the building.

Harcon - Kee Guard & Kee Step Installation for Specialist Hospital 2

The Brief

After securing the solar installation contract, the client contacted Harcon Services to provide a fall protection solution for the hospital roof.The original requirement was for a free-standing guardrail system, as the existing roof parapet measured only 500mm high. This left anyone accessing the roof exposed to a significant fall risk and meant the roof did not provide adequate edge protection for future maintenance works.

Harcon’s Technical Sales Engineer visited the site to carry out a detailed survey and discuss the client’s requirements in more detail.During the site visit, it became clear that roof edge protection alone would not provide the most practical long-term solution. Engineers maintaining the solar panels would also require safe and efficient access onto the roof while carrying tools and equipment.The brief therefore evolved from supplying simple edge protection to designing a complete roof safety system that would:

  • Provide compliant edge protection around exposed roof areas.
  • Improve roof access for maintenance personnel.
  • Support the safe maintenance of the solar PV installation.
  • Avoid penetrating the roof membrane.
  • Meet all relevant work-at-height legislation.

The Solution

Following the site survey, Harcon designed a bespoke solution combining Kee Guard edge protection with a Kee Step modular staircase.

Kee Guard Edge Protection

Kee Guard was selected as the ideal edge protection system due to its free-standing, non-penetrating design.

Because the parapet height was below the recommended minimum, installing Kee Guard created a fully compliant collective protection system around the roof perimeter without compromising the waterproofing of the roof.

Its modular design also meant the guardrail could be configured to fit neatly around the new solar installation while maintaining clear access routes for future maintenance.

Kee Step Roof Access

To improve access between roof levels, Harcon proposed the installation of a Kee Step staircase.

Unlike ladders, the staircase provides a safer and more comfortable means of access, particularly when engineers are carrying tools or maintenance equipment. The staircase features durable, slip-resistant treads, helping reduce the risk of slips in wet or icy conditions while improving overall user confidence.

Designed Around the Client

One of the biggest advantages of the proposed solution was its flexibility.

The Kee Guard system’s slimline profile ensured valuable roof space around the solar panels was maximised, allowing maintenance teams to work safely without restricting access around the installation.

Both Kee Guard and Kee Step are modular systems, enabling minor adjustments to be made on site if required and making future modifications straightforward should the roof layout change.

Following the survey, Harcon prepared a detailed quotation outlining the proposed systems. The client approved the proposal, recognising the benefits of combining roof access with collective fall protection in one integrated solution.

Installation works were then scheduled to align with the wider solar installation programme.

The Outcome

Harcon successfully installed the Kee Guard edge protection and Kee Step staircase, delivering a safe, compliant, and practical roof access solution that supports the ongoing maintenance of the hospital’s solar PV system.

The completed installation provides contractors and maintenance personnel with a secure means of accessing the roof while ensuring permanent collective protection around exposed roof edges.

Key Customer Benefits Delivered

  • Quick and efficient installation, allowing the project to remain on programme.
  • Fully compliant systems designed in accordance with current UK work-at-height legislation and relevant industry standards.
  • Slip-resistant stair treads improving user safety during maintenance activities.
  • Slimline guardrail system preserving valuable working space around the solar installation.
  • Non-penetrating installation, protecting the roof membrane and removing the need for additional weather sealing.
  • Low-maintenance, long-lasting solution providing ongoing protection with minimal maintenance requirements.

The combination of Kee Guard and Kee Step provides a complete roof safety solution that not only protects those working at height but also supports the long-term performance of the solar installation.

Harcon - Kee Guard & Kee Step Installation for Specialist Hospital

Conclusion

This project demonstrates Harcon Services’ ability to design integrated roof safety systems that combine compliant edge protection with safe roof access.

By carrying out a detailed site survey and understanding how the roof would be used throughout its lifetime, Harcon was able to recommend a solution that exceeded the client’s original requirements. Rather than simply supplying guardrails, the addition of the Kee Step staircase significantly improved the safety and practicality of accessing the roof for future maintenance.

From initial consultation through to installation, Harcon delivered a tailored solution that provides long-term value, protects the roof structure, and ensures maintenance teams can work safely and efficiently.

Whether you’re installing rooftop solar panels, upgrading an existing roof safety system, or planning a new commercial development, Harcon Services can design and install bespoke access and fall protection solutions to suit your requirements.

Contact Harcon Services today to arrange a site survey and discover how our roof access and fall protection systems can help keep your workforce safe while ensuring full compliance with UK work-at-height regulations.

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See how Harcon installed Kee Step and Kee Guard systems to provide safe, compliant roof access for a hospital solar installation project.

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