Roof repair, maintenance, or inspections can be a daunting undertaking for business owners in Australia. As a good but costly, labour-intensive to install, space-hogging, traditional scaffolding is not a feasible solution for most businesses. For a regular gutter cleaning, solar panel repair, or structural inspections, a variety of safer, more efficient solutions are available.
The success of a roof access is based on selecting the best-suited approach for your circumstance. How high the building is, the pitch of the roof, the duration of work, and space available all will dictate which approach will be most suitable for your project.
Table of Contents
Ladder Safety and Techniques
Extension Ladders
Extension ladders remain one of the most universally available scaffold replacements for businesses that are headquartered in Australia. As long as the extension ladders are properly sited at a 75-degree angle, stable methods of accessing one-story buildings and small office buildings can be achieved. Keep the ladder at least a meter above the edge of the roof, and stabilise firmly at the top and bottom whenever possible.
Ladder Standoffs
Ladder standoffs are best for protection from hazards because they raise the ladder from gutters and gain greater stability. These are ideal for application when working off structures with thin roofing material or limited approach methods. They lower the risk of damaging guttering or roofing edges when setting up.
Multi-Position Ladders
Multi-position ladders are multipurpose for challenging roof access scenarios. Since portable units that can be converted to a step-ladder, extension ladder, even a usable platform when correctly installed are a valuable asset for most Australian businesses that deal with diverse structures, these are a worthwhile investment for most businesses.
Aerial Lifts
Boom Lifts
Roofing operations boom lifts are ideal for increased reach and positioning convenience for roofing access operations. These vehicles can extend around obstacles and put people at the optimum working angle. As a negative aspect, these vehicles are costly to lease compared to ladder trucks, but man-hours are reduced, and protection is favoured for prolonged roofing operations.
Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are most appropriate for flat roofs or low-sloped roofs where vertical access is of topmost concern. These types of platforms consist of flat working platforms that can accommodate quite a few labourers along with machinery. These are ideal for solar panel installation or HVAC repair jobs for a commercial project.
Booster Trailers
Compact trailer-mounted lifts are a budget-friendly compromise between ladders and big aerial devices. Since these units are more lightweight and convenient for siting, they are best suited for small businesses that only need occasional access to roofs at a variety of sites.
Roof Access Systems
Permanent Access Solutions
It can be economical when regularly maintained structures are involved. This is comprised of repeatable, safe, zero-setup-time access systems that are comprised of fixed roofing structures, i.e., fixed ladders, walkways, and anchorage. Roof access systems are often selected for regular uses of roofs due to Australia’s legislative requirements for workplace health and safety.
Mobile Roof Platforms
Roof platform, portable units form stable working decks when ascended to the top. Lightweight aluminium units are well-balanced units that distribute weight equally well and give good footings even on most roofing types. They are effective most, of course, for tile roofs or other flooring where direct foot traffic might be damaging.
Prioritising Safety and Efficiency
Selecting a reasonable roof access system is based on needs, budget, and protection requirements. As long as large-scale operations are best executed through scaffolding, such methods are justified for many businesses operating in Australia. It is always imperative that a selected system meets protection levels of a location, professional installation or guidelines are considered before introducing new methods.
Proper maintenance of your adopted access gear and appropriate user instruction will achieve a maximum return on investment together with a maximum level of safety for your roof-access platform.
