Table of Contents
Introduction
At Harcon, we understand that ensuring a safe working environment when accessing rooftops is essential, especially when dealing with complex roof structures. Our roof safety systems, including Kee Platform® modular platforms and stepovers, provide an ideal solution, offering safe and reliable access for workers across various roof types. Kee Platforms® are part of an innovative range of rooftop safety systems that help eliminate fall hazards, prevent accidents, and ultimately safeguard both workers and the roof itself.
In this blog, we will delve into how Harcon’s Kee Platforms® offer unique benefits for roof safety, ensuring safe and efficient access to even the most challenging areas of your roof.
What are Kee Platforms®?
Kee Platform® modular access platforms and stepovers are designed to help create safer roof safety systems by providing a stable means of access over obstacles or changes in roof levels. The modular design makes them highly adaptable, whether it’s stepping over pipework, accessing plant equipment, or crossing a parapet. Kee Platforms® are made from Kee Klamp galvanised steel or Kee Lite aluminium, ensuring robust and corrosion-resistant platforms without the need for on-site welding.
Our modular approach means platforms can be delivered in kit form and quickly assembled to support crucial safety needs—all with minimal on-site disruption. These platforms are specifically designed to be used on a variety of roof surfaces, including membrane, asphalt, PVC, and concrete.
Why Roof Safety Systems are Crucial
Working at height is inherently risky, especially when obstacles like ducting, pipework, and plant equipment are present. Roofs without proper safety systems can lead to accidents, resulting in serious injuries. This is why a comprehensive roof safety system is not only necessary but also a legal requirement.
Harcon’s Kee Platforms® address these challenges by providing reliable fall protection systems to navigate rooftop obstacles safely. Our platforms help establish safe access routes, allowing workers to conduct maintenance and inspections efficiently while minimising the risk of falls.
Our Kee Platforms® are a critical part of our holistic approach to roof safety, providing both fall prevention and fall protection systems designed to keep workers safe during every task. Whether it’s accessing air conditioning units or stepping over complex piping systems, our platforms make rooftop work safer and more efficient.
Benefits of Kee Platforms® for Roof Safety Systems
1. Adaptability Across Roof Types and Applications
Kee Platforms® are a versatile component of any roof safety system. They can be used on different types of roofs, such as flat roofs, metal roofs, and PVC roofs. Our platforms are specifically designed to accommodate different heights and configurations, ensuring safe movement across obstacles. Whether you need a standard solution or a custom-designed platform, Kee Platforms® provide a reliable way to safely cross over:
- Changes in Roof Levels: Navigating height differences safely without the use of ladders or less secure means.
- Pipework and Plant Equipment: Providing safe access over air conditioning units, piping systems, and other rooftop obstructions.
- Parapets and Rooftop Conduits: Enabling workers to cross parapets and conduits, which often pose significant trip and fall hazards.
Our platforms are the ideal solution for navigating complex obstacles, providing workers with reliable access to carry out regular maintenance tasks safely.
2. Compliant, Safe, and Secure Solutions
Harcon’s Kee Platforms® ensure your roof safety systems are compliant with industry standards, such as BS EN 14122-3, which is essential for user safety. The platforms come with a double handrail and toe boards for added safety, ensuring that all rooftop activities are conducted with the utmost care for user protection.
Our Kee Platform® kits include non-slip nylon treads, double handrails, and base feet options that suit different types of roof surfaces. The standardised components are designed to provide the highest level of fall prevention, helping workers navigate rooftop environments safely without the need for fall arrest systems.
3. Efficient Modular Design for Fast Installation
One of the standout features of Harcon’s Kee Platforms® is their modular, off-the-shelf design, available in kit form. This modular nature means that our platforms can be delivered quickly and assembled with minimal disruption on-site. The components are lightweight, easy to handle, and designed for fast assembly without welding—reducing installation time significantly.
Our modular approach is especially beneficial when installing safety systems on complex roof structures that require quick, adaptable access across different areas. Whether you’re retrofitting to an existing building or installing platforms on new construction, Kee Platforms® are designed to integrate seamlessly, offering a reliable solution with minimal hassle.
4. Protecting the Roof and Equipment
Kee Platforms® provide more than just fall protection—they also help protect the roof itself. By defining a safe walking route with anti-slip treads, our platforms prevent damage to sensitive areas of the roof and installed equipment. Rooftop air conditioning units, for instance, can be particularly vulnerable to damage from foot traffic, but our platforms help ensure these areas remain undisturbed and safe.
This focus on controlled access helps maintain the quality of the roof membrane, protecting against wear and tear and reducing long-term maintenance costs. By keeping workers away from sensitive sections of the roof, Kee Platforms® help maintain both the safety of your workers and the longevity of your roof.
5. Bespoke Stepover Platforms for Unique Roof Configurations
When dealing with unique or complex roof configurations, Harcon offers bespoke Kee Platforms® that can be custom-designed to meet specific access requirements. Our bespoke stepovers ensure workers can move safely across any obstacle or height variation, providing the safest method of access possible.
For instance, in congested plant rooms or areas where there are multiple conduits and pipework, bespoke Kee Platforms® provide a clear and safe route, reducing fall hazards and ensuring that workers can perform their tasks without risk. These platforms are also ideal for providing safe access at ground level, such as in warehouses or industrial plants.
Where Should Kee Platforms® Be Used?
Kee Platforms® are ideal in a range of scenarios where regular access is required, including:
- Rooftop Maintenance Over Obstacles: Ensuring safe passage over piping systems, plant equipment, and air conditioning units.
- Factory and Industrial Settings: Providing a safe way to cross over piping, ducting, or other obstructions in warehouses and factories.
- Navigating Changes in Roof Levels: Allowing workers to traverse different heights safely, minimising trip and fall risks.
Kee Platforms® can be installed as either freestanding or fixed, depending on the needs of your site. All platforms are equipped with double handrails to provide additional safety for users and ensure compliance with fall protection standards.
Why Choose Kee Platforms® from Harcon?
1. Modular Design for Quick Installation
Harcon’s Kee Platforms® have been specifically designed to be modular, ensuring that they can be delivered part-assembled for fast installation. This not only reduces the time it takes to put the platform into service but also provides flexibility if future changes are needed.
2. Compliance with the Highest Standards
Our Kee Platforms® meet all relevant British and European safety standards, including BS EN 14122-3. With these systems in place, you can ensure that your rooftop safety systems are compliant, keeping both your workers and your building safe. The inclusion of Kee Walk® stepovers with guardrails offers collective fall prevention for a complete roof safety solution.
3. Built to Last
Kee Platforms® are manufactured using Kee Klamp galvanised steel or Kee Lite aluminium, ensuring that they are strong, durable, and corrosion-resistant. This makes them ideal for both rooftop and industrial environments, ensuring long-lasting safe access wherever they are installed.
Ready to Transform Your Roof Safety Systems with Harcon?
At Harcon, our commitment is to provide you with innovative, high-quality roof safety systems that ensure both compliance and security for your workers. Kee Platforms® are designed to overcome the most complex rooftop challenges, offering adaptable, modular solutions that provide safe access, protect valuable equipment, and minimise fall hazards.
Don’t let rooftop obstacles compromise your team’s safety. Whether you need to cross parapets, navigate changes in roof levels, or ensure safe access across plant equipment, our Kee Platforms® are built to make it simple, quick, and safe.
Get in touch with Harcon today to discuss how Kee Platforms® can elevate the safety and efficiency of your rooftop projects. Our expert team is here to provide tailored solutions that suit your site’s specific needs—contact us now and make the leap towards a safer working environment.
Contact Harcon Now or call us at 0161 777 4230 to get started.