Kee Guard & Kee Walk Installation for a Renewable Energy Provider

See how Harcon installed Kee Guard & Kee Walk systems to deliver safe, non-slip roof access for solar maintenance—no PPE or penetrations required.

Case Study PDF

The Client

Our client is a rapidly growing renewable-energy provider founded in 2022. With a clear mission to play a fundamental role in the UK’s fight against climate change, the company is already establishing itself as a key partner in the transition toward cleaner, more sustainable energy generation.

As part of its partnership with the NHS, the company was tasked with delivering solar-panel installations across multiple facilities, including a large-scale project at Northumbria House in Newcastle. This initiative forms part of the NHS’s ongoing commitment to reducing carbon emissions and achieving energy efficiency targets across its estate.

To ensure these solar-panel systems could be safely maintained, the client required a reliable, compliant, and non-invasive roof-access solution. They reached out to Harcon Services via our website, and our Technical Sales Team responded within hours to discuss their requirements and explore possible solutions.

The Brief

The challenge was to provide collective fall protection and safe roof-access routes around newly installed solar arrays on a standing-seam roof. The client’s engineers needed to access the panels for periodic cleaning and maintenance, but safety was the top priority.

The system had to:

  • Allow safe, designated walkways between solar-panel rows.
  • Prevent roof damage caused by foot traffic.
  • Remove the trip hazards presented by the raised standing seams.
  • Deliver collective protection without the need for personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Avoid roof penetrations to preserve waterproofing and structural integrity.

Harcon Services proposed a combined Kee Guard and Kee Walk system, designed to create a comprehensive, compliant solution that offered both fall protection and safe, non-slip walkways.

The Solution

Consultation & Survey

Harcon’s Technical Sales Team began with a site survey, assessing the roof layout, gradient, and the configuration of the newly installed solar panels. Measurements and risk assessments were completed to determine the safest and most efficient installation method.

System Design

Based on the survey, our engineers designed a bespoke system tailored to the site’s unique requirements.

  • Kee Guard: Installed along the roof perimeter to provide collective edge protection for all personnel accessing the area. This modular, freestanding guardrail system offers complete fall prevention without the need for PPE or harnesses.
  • Kee Walk: Configured to create a defined, non-slip walkway route between and around solar-panel arrays. The system ensures stability underfoot and prevents foot traffic from damaging the roof surface or solar installations.

Installation Process

  • Non-penetrating solution: Both systems were clamped directly onto the standing-seam roof structure, eliminating the need for fixings that could compromise the waterproof membrane.
  • Trip-hazard removal: The Kee Walk treads were positioned to provide a smooth, level walking surface, removing the risk posed by the raised seams.
  • Fast installation: Thanks to the modular design of both systems, installation was quick, clean, and efficient — with minimal disruption to ongoing operations at the site.
  • Compliance: The entire installation was completed in line with UK Work-at-Height Regulations and Kee Safety standards, ensuring long-term safety and peace of mind.

The client approved Harcon’s proposal, recognising the value of a solution that balanced safety, efficiency, and roof protection.

The Outcome

The Kee Guard and Kee Walk systems were successfully installed, delivering a comprehensive roof-safety solution for the solar-panel facility. The installation enables engineers and maintenance personnel to safely access the roof without specialist training or PPE, making routine cleaning and servicing of the solar panels both simple and safe.

Key Customer Benefits

  • Collective Protection: Anyone accessing the roof is protected by a compliant, physical safety barrier — no harnesses or PPE required.
  • Roof Preservation: Kee Walk prevents damage to the roof surface and to the solar-panel infrastructure by clearly defining safe, load-bearing access routes.
  • Non-Slip Walkway: The system provides a designated, secure walking path even in wet or icy conditions.
  • No Penetrations: Clamped installation ensures no damage to the roof membrane, maintaining structural integrity and waterproofing.
  • Removal of Trip Hazards: Standing-seam ridges that once presented risks have been levelled out with the Kee Walk treads.
  • Long-Term Reliability: Both Kee Guard and Kee Walk systems are corrosion-resistant and UV-stable, designed for decades of safe use with minimal maintenance.

The client was extremely pleased with the finished installation, praising Harcon’s rapid response, technical knowledge, and attention to detail. The new system not only ensures safety and compliance but also supports the long-term sustainability goals of the renewable-energy project.

Harcon - Kee Guard & Kee Walk Installation for a Renewable Energy Provider 3

Conclusion

This project highlights Harcon’s ability to deliver tailored, compliant, and cost-effective fall-protection solutions for renewable-energy and solar-installation projects. By combining Kee Guard edge protection with Kee Walk safe-access routes, Harcon provided a complete end-to-end service that met the client’s safety, sustainability, and operational objectives.

At Harcon Services, we pride ourselves on helping organisations achieve full compliance while maintaining productivity and protecting assets. Whether you’re developing renewable-energy installations, managing industrial facilities, or overseeing commercial-roof maintenance, our experienced team can provide expert advice and turnkey solutions that ensure safety at every level.

Contact Harcon Services today to arrange your free site survey and discover how we can help you create a safer, more compliant working environment.

Kee Guard & Kee Walk Installation for a Renewable Energy Provider

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See how Harcon installed Kee Guard & Kee Walk systems to deliver safe, non-slip roof access for solar maintenance – no PPE or penetrations required.

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