Kee Guard Installation for Retail Roof Safety

The Client

Our client is a major UK supermarket retailer operating a large retail facility in Pilsworth. As with many large commercial buildings, the roof houses plant and equipment that requires regular inspection, servicing and maintenance to keep the facility operating effectively.

Providing contractors and maintenance teams with safe access to these areas is therefore essential. Any fall protection systems in place must be suitable for their intended use, properly maintained and compliant with the relevant industry standards.

Harcon Services already supported the site with roof safety inspections, putting our team in a strong position to identify potential issues and recommend an appropriate long-term solution.

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The Brief

During a recent inspection of the site’s existing hidden fixed lifeline system, Harcon identified that the assets could not be certified as compliant with BS 7883:2019.

This meant the existing system could no longer provide the client with the confidence required for personnel carrying out future maintenance work on the roof. With plant and equipment requiring ongoing access, resolving the issue and establishing an appropriate fall protection solution was a priority.

Following the inspection, Harcon discussed the available options with the client. Rather than simply replacing the existing system on a like-for-like basis, the opportunity was taken to consider whether an alternative approach could offer better protection for people working on the roof.

After reviewing the requirements, it was agreed that the existing hidden fixed lifeline system would be decommissioned and replaced with a permanent freestanding guardrail system.

The objective was to provide a straightforward, compliant and long-term solution that would improve safety for anyone accessing rooftop plant for future maintenance.

The Solution

Harcon recommended the installation of Kee Guard, a permanent freestanding roof edge protection system designed to provide collective fall protection.

Unlike a lifeline system, which relies on individual users correctly attaching themselves using appropriate PPE, Kee Guard provides a physical barrier between roof users and the fall hazard. This collective approach provides protection to everyone working within the guarded area and simplifies the process of safely accessing the roof.

For a busy commercial facility where contractors may need regular access to rooftop plant, this represented a practical and effective long-term solution.

Designing the Kee Guard System

Following discussions with the client, Harcon developed a detailed Kee Guard design proposal and system layout based on the requirements of the roof.

The proposal included the decommissioning of the existing hidden fixed lifeline system and its replacement with permanent freestanding edge protection.

One of the major advantages of Kee Guard is its freestanding design. The system can provide effective edge protection without requiring unnecessary penetrations through the roof surface, helping preserve the integrity of the existing roofing system.

Its modular construction also means components can be configured efficiently to suit different roof layouts, allowing Harcon’s installation team to create a solution tailored to the site’s requirements.

A full quotation, design and proposed layout were issued to the client for consideration. Following approval of Harcon’s recommendations, the client issued a purchase order and the installation works were scheduled.

The Outcome

The existing hidden fixed lifeline system was decommissioned and replaced with a new Kee Guard roof edge protection system, providing a safer and more straightforward solution for future roof access.

The completed installation provides permanent collective protection for personnel accessing the relevant areas of the roof, helping maintenance teams and contractors work around rooftop plant with greater confidence.

Key Customer Benefits

Collective protection: Kee Guard provides a physical barrier against falls from height, protecting everyone working within the guarded roof area rather than relying solely on individual fall protection equipment.

Improved compliance: The new roof safety system was designed and installed with the relevant industry requirements in mind, replacing an existing system that could no longer be certified as compliant.

Quick and efficient installation: Kee Guard’s modular design allows components to be assembled efficiently, helping minimise disruption to the client’s operations.

Safer maintenance access: With permanent edge protection in place, contractors and maintenance personnel have a safer environment when accessing plant and equipment on the roof.

Straightforward protection: Collective edge protection reduces reliance on workers correctly connecting to a lifeline every time they enter the protected roof area.

Long-term solution: The permanent guardrail provides a practical approach to ongoing roof safety and supports the client’s future maintenance requirements.

The project demonstrates how identifying a problem during a routine fall protection inspection can provide an opportunity to reassess the most appropriate safety solution rather than automatically replacing an existing system with the same type of equipment.

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Conclusion

This project highlights the importance of regular inspection and recertification of roof safety and fall protection systems. Without appropriate inspections, issues with existing systems may go unnoticed, potentially putting those carrying out roof maintenance at risk.

Following the identification of compliance issues with the existing hidden fixed lifeline system, Harcon worked closely with the client to evaluate the available options and recommend a safer alternative. By replacing the existing lifeline with Kee Guard, the client now benefits from permanent collective protection designed to make future roof maintenance safer and simpler.

Harcon Services provides end-to-end support for roof safety, from inspections and system assessments through to design, decommissioning, installation and ongoing recertification.

If you’re unsure whether your existing lifeline or fall protection system remains compliant, contact Harcon Services today to arrange an inspection and discuss the most appropriate roof safety solution for your site.

Download Case Study Here!

See how Harcon replaced a non-compliant lifeline with Kee Guard, providing a safer, compliant and long-term roof edge protection solution.

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Lifelines

Anchors

For Roofs

For Ground Level

Self-Closing Gates

Mezzanine / Pallet Gates

Skylight Protection

Access Platforms

Platforms

Walkways

Ladders

Training

Lightning Protection Services

Recertification