Project Overview

Jasper Products recently completed a roof access and fall protection upgrade at the Royal London building in Macclesfield. The team delivered a compliant solution that supports safe access during plant and building maintenance.

Initial Survey and Assessment

The project team began with a detailed site survey and inspection of the existing roof access systems. They reviewed the stair units and maintenance walkways. They then produced a formal assessment report for the client. The report identified several non‑compliances and health and safety risks under the Working at Height Regulations 2005. These regulations require proper planning and suitable fall‑prevention measures.

Key Findings

The assessment showed that the existing steps and walkways lacked adequate collective fall‑prevention measures. Operatives routinely use these areas to service the rooftop heating plant. The team referenced HSG33 and BS EN ISO 14122 when assessing compliance. They identified a foreseeable risk of operatives falling down stairways during maintenance tasks. They also noted missing toe‑board protection along the walkways. This created a risk of tools or materials falling from height. This issue breached Schedule 1 of the Working at Height Regulations.

Recommended Upgrades

To address these risks, the team recommended upgrading the access system. They installed self‑closing safety gates at all staircase and elevated walkway access points. These gates provide continuous edge protection and reduce reliance on procedural controls. They also installed kick plates along the walkway perimeter. This followed the collective protection principles in the HSE hierarchy of control.

Additional Hazard Identified

During the site‑specific risk assessment, the team identified another hazard near the gutter maintenance route. Operatives faced a fall‑through risk due to a nearby glazed roof section. This created a significant hazard that required permanent collective protection.