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roof access hatch

Bilco UK’s Roof Safety Range Puts Compliance and Safety First

Building Products Index Ltd access covers, Access Hatches, Access Ladders, access solutions Leave a Comment

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A leading manufacturer of roof safety products, Bilco UK, offers an extensive range of complementary solutions for residential and commercial developments with its Roof Access and Safety Range, which features a variety of ladders and fall protection products.

Designed to provide construction professionals with high quality products to mitigate potential falls from height, the range complies with all relevant legislation and safely and successfully meets the unique requirements of a range of developments.

The Roof Access Range includes:

Ladders

Fixed vertical ladders can be utilised across a diverse range of commercial and residential applications to provide permanent access to a roof area. The ladders can be installed on the exterior of a building or internally via a roof access hatch or smoke vent. Available in standard sizes for floor-to-ceiling heights of two – six metres, with bespoke sizes also available on request.

Companionway ladders provide permanent roof access across commercial and residential applications via roof hatches where the rise is less than three metres. These are manufactured in four height ranges up to three metres. Bespoke options with rest platforms can be supplied for heights greater than three metres.

Retractable ladders are suitable for use with larger access hatches up to 1500mm in size and for commercial applications such as schools and hospitals where the floor area must be kept clear at all times.

Roof safety systems

The Bilco UK BilGuard® 2.0 Fixed Roof Hatch Railing System provides a permanent means of fall protection around the top of roof hatch openings, with a non-penetrating attachment enabling it to be installed quickly and easily on new or existing Bilco UK roof access hatches and smoke vents.

The unique LADDER UP® Safety Post provides safe and easy ladder access through roof access hatches, floor doors and manholes across commercial and residential applications. It can be attached to the top two rungs of any fixed vertical ladder to enable the user to enter or exit in an upright balanced position with  a secure hand-hold.

Bilco UK’s Roof Edge Protection system provides a permanent or temporary guardrail around the exterior of a commercial or residential roof, without requiring mechanical attachment to the roof.

Stepover Units

The range also includes a variety of stepover ladders, which can be installed in freestanding or fixed positions to provide flexible access over obstacles on the roof over a range of widths and heights, whilst keeping the operative enclosed by a handrail on both sides.

Suitable for residential and commercial applications, Bilco UK’s stepover ladders can be manufactured to bespoke sizes to suit the requirement of any application.

Marcus Parnham, Commercial Director at Bilco UK, said: “We have a responsibility to ensure every access solution we manufacture delivers the highest standard of performance and compliance, whilst enabling safe means of access for the end user.

“With over 30 years of manufacturing experience, our in-house team of engineering experts can assist construction professionals in successfully meeting the unique requirements of their project, whilst providing maximum fall protection and compliance.”

For further information on Bilco UK’s complete range of roof access solutions, visit: www.bilcouk.co.uk or call 01284 701696.

The importance of specifying the right access hatch

Building Products Index Ltd Access Hatches, Access Ladders Leave a Comment

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Specifying the most suitable roof access hatch for your upcoming project will ensure the highest standards of safety, efficiency and compliance.

Whether working on a residential or commercial development, considering the requirements and frequency of access at the outset of the project will guarantee the hatch delivers the highest standards of functionality and safety for its entire lifecycle.

Tom Brandon, Specification Sales Manager at Bilco UK, shares his expertise on three essential factors, which should be taken into consideration to ensure a successful specification.

 

  1. Determining the purpose of your access hatch

Whether for leisure, domestic or commercial sector buildings, all roof access hatches are designed to allow safe and permanent access to a roof area.

However, roof hatches vary in size and functionality, so it is essential to determine the dimensions of your space and the purpose for which your access hatch will be used.

The access hatches required will differ depending on how it will be used – for example, is it going to be used regularly by personnel for maintenance reasons, or does it need to provide a safe means of access in the event of an emergency?

Another key consideration for roofing contractors when assessing which access hatch is right for their project is whether tools and equipment will need to be transferred through the access hatch.

If an individual accessing the roof will be carrying large tools for regular maintenance, then a large access hatch that is larger than 915mm x 915m will be required.

 

  1. Ladder specification

Ladders are another key element for providing secure access to the roof area, so installing the correct roof access hatch and ladder combination is vital to ensure the method of access is as safe as possible.

As with a roof access hatch, space and purpose need to be considered in order to make an informed choice regarding which ladder system is best suited to meet the needs of the building.

For a small roof access hatch, which has internal dimensions of 915mm x 915mm, a fixed vertical ladder would be the most suitable option.

However, in instances where access space is limited, a retractable ladder would not be recommended due to the wide ladder angle causing hindrance to movement as an individual moves closer to the hatch.

Alternatively, where frequent access to the roof area is required for maintenance personnel, tools and equipment, a companionway ladder should be chosen in combination with a more elongated access hatch. The companionway ladder is a 75 degree angled, rigid ladder, which provides permanent access to a roof hatch of up to 2440mm.

A larger access hatch and retractable ladders should be considered for buildings such as hospitals and schools, where a clear pathway must be maintained underneath the hatch at all times.

In accordance with Manual Handling Requirements, the ladder system should be easily operated with one hand, enabling an individual to maintain three points of contact with the fixed ladder at all times.

Additionally, it should be taken into consideration that a minimum head clearance of 120mm is required, and, in accordance with BS4211-7.2, that the maximum single climb is no more than three metres.

Additional requirements to consider during the initial specification stages include calculating the height of the floor to the underside of the roof access hatch, to ensure the ladder is not too long or short.

 

  1. Additional safety considerations

To ensure that each requirement has been successfully met, professionals should consider the specification of additional safety measures.

If the ladder is to be mounted externally to provide access to a roof, it must be fitted with a safety cage and guard rail to ensure safe and secure access.

Designed to sit below a roof access hatch, at heights above 3 metres, a safety cage is required. Manufactured in aluminium to meet BS4211: 2005 + A1: 2008, these additional safety features prevent individuals from falling backwards or sidewards and ensure compliance with Building Regulations.

Additional protection can be achieved with the specification of Bilco UK’s unique Ladder Up® Safety Post. The telescopic post mounts permanently to the top two rungs of any fixed ladder, providing a secure handhold and enabling the user to enter or exit the opening in an upright and balanced position.

For advice on how to specify the correct ladder, visit: www.bilcouk.co.uk/news/specifying-ladders

For further information on specifying the right roof access hatch for your upcoming project, download Bilco UK’s free guide: www.bilcouk.co.uk/files/downloads/choosing-the-right-access-hatch-bilco.pdf

Achieve the highest standards of quality, reliability and safety with Bilco UK

Building Products Index Ltd Access Hatches, Access Ladders Leave a Comment

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According to recent figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height were the main type of fatal accident for workers between 2021/2022.

Architects can mitigate the potential for falls from height by specifying compliant roof safety products at the beginning of a building’s design to provide maximum protection for contractors when working at height.

Bilco UK’s portfolio of roof safety solutions includes:

Fixed vertical ladders

Fixed vertical ladders can be utilised across a diverse range of commercial and residential applications and can be installed on the exterior of a building or internally with a roof access hatch or smoke vent.

Manufactured from corrosion-resistant aluminium to meet the requirements of BS4211: 2005 + A1: 2008, the Bilco UK TYPE BL industrial Fixed Vertical Ladder is available in standard sizes for floor to ceiling heights of 2 – 6 metres.

If the ladder is to be mounted externally to provide access to a roof, it must be fitted with a safety cage and guard rail to ensure safe and secure access.

If designed to sit below a roof access hatch, at heights above 3 metres, a safety cage is required. Manufactured in aluminium to meet BS4211: 2005 + A1: 2008, these additional safety features prevent individuals from falling backwards or sidewards and ensure compliance with Building Regulations.

Additional protection can be achieved with the specification of Bilco UK’s unique Ladder Up® Safety Post. The telescopic post mounts permanently to the top two rungs of any fixed ladder, providing a secure hand-hold and enabling the user to enter or exit the opening in an upright and balanced position.

Companionway ladders

For permanent access via a roof hatch where the rise is less than 3 metres, companionway ladders provide the highest standards of safety and compliance.

 Manufactured from aluminium to meet BS EN ISO 14122-03 2001 + A1 2010, BS 4211-2005+A12008 and BS 5395 Part 3, the Bilco UK TYPE BL-COMP companionway ladder is manufactured in four height ranges up to 3 metres.

BilGuard® 2.0

The BilGuard® 2.0 Fixed Roof Hatch Railing System provides a permanent means of fall protection around the top of roof hatch openings and has been developed to exceed OSHA Fall Protection Regulations (29 CFR 1910.23). The aluminium rail construction and non-penetrating attachment allows quick and easy installation on new or existing roof access hatches and smoke vents with capflashing. The self-closing and latching gate feature ensures the opening is protected at all times.

Bilco UK can assist architects in successfully meeting the unique requirements of their project, whilst providing maximum fall protection and compliance.

For further information on its complete range of roof access solutions, visit: www.bilcouk.co.uk or call 01284 701696.

 

Are you choosing the right roof access hatch and ladder for your project?

Building Products Index Ltd Access Hatches Leave a Comment

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Whether you are working on a commercial or residential project, there are a number of factors that must be addressed when deciding on a roof access hatch and accompanying ladder to ensure its safe and compliant application for the entire lifecycle of the building.

Here Tom Brandon, Specification Sales Manager at Bilco UK, explores the main areas that should be taken into consideration.

1) Purpose for access

Whether for the education, healthcare, leisure or commercial sectors, roof access hatches are required to provide permanent and secure access to the roof area. In order to make sure you’re choosing the correct system to meet your project’s unique requirements, you must first identify the main reason for requiring access to the roof.

Is it purely for maintenance reasons? Or will a safe means of access also be required for the regular installation or removal of equipment from the roof?

Here you should also identify what tools and equipment will need to be transferred through the access hatch, or whether it will just be the individual that is conducting the necessary work.

2) Frequency and product specification

Once you have established your reason for requiring safe access to the roof, you will then be able to make an informed choice regarding which roof access hatch and corresponding ladder system is best suited to meet the needs of your project.

The first considerations that must be addressed when specifying a ladder to gain roof access is where the ladder will be mounted and the requirement of any additional safety elements to ensure the continued safety of the individual when using the system. If a ladder is to be mounted externally to gain access to a roof, it must be fitted with a safety cage and guard rail to ensure safe and secure access.

For a small roof access hatch, such as the Bilco E-50TB, which has internal dimensions of 915mm x 915mm, a fixed vertical ladder should be chosen. This type of ladder is also the most suitable option for projects where space is limited.

In this instance, a retractable ladder would not be recommended, as the ladder angle would hinder easy access as an individual moved closer to the hatch. However, retractable ladders are ideal for use in areas including schools and hospitals where the roof hatch is larger, at around 1500 mm in size and the floor area must be kept clear at all times.

To ensure easy and safe access, a minimum head clearance of 120mm is required, whilst the maximum single climb should be no more than three metres, in accordance with BS4211-7.2.

If access to the roof is required on a regular basis for professionals that will have to transfer tools and equipment through the hatch, a Fixed Staircase Roof Access Hatch, also known as a Service Stair Roof Access Hatch, should be specified with a Companionway Ladder or a Fixed Staircase. The companionway ladder is a 75 degree angled, rigid ladder, which provides permanent access to a roof hatch of up to 2440mm.

It should here be noted that the roof hatch must be sufficient to maintain a head clearance of 2000mm, as detailed in Building Regulations Part K.

When specifying a retractable ladder, it is essential that you know the height of the space between the ceiling and the roof, more commonly known as the roof void. This is to ensure the ladder box liner will fit inside the space once retracted. Calculating the height of the floor to the underside of the roof access hatch should also be done at the initial stages to ensure the ladder isn’t too short or long.

Regardless of the size of the roof access hatch, the system should be operated easily and safely with one hand, in accordance with the requirements outlined within the Manual Handling Regulations, enabling the individual to maintain three points of contact with the fixed ladder.

During the installation process, the ladder must be positioned opposite the hinge to ensure safe and unobstructed access.

3) Bespoke requirements

To ensure the criteria is successfully met, consideration should be given to the wider options available for both the roof access hatch and corresponding ladder.

For example, ladders that are supplied with relevant fire ratings and available with vertical backboards that include steps and a handrail for enhanced safety and security should also be considered to meet relevant building regulations.

Increased access opening sizes or double leaf configurations should also be explored where access is required for larger items of equipment or tools. Motorised options also allow the individual to safely maintain contact with the ladder when entering or exiting the hatch.

Regardless of the project type, all installations should be subject to individual Risk Assessments. Comprehensive training should also be provided for all professionals, supported by Method Statements regarding safe and correct use of the access solutions installed.

For further information on Bilco UK’s complete range of roof access solutions, visit www.bilcouk.co.uk or call 01284 701696.

For advice on how to specify the correct ladder, visit: www.bilcouk.co.uk/news/specifying-ladders

For further information on specifying the right roof access hatch for your upcoming project, download Bilco UK’s free guide:

www.bilcouk.co.uk/files/downloads/choosing-the-right-access-hatch-bilco.pdf

Key considerations when choosing ladders for safe rooftop access

Building Products Index Ltd Access Hatches, Access Ladders, access solutions Leave a Comment

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According to recent figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height accounted for 44% of all non-fatal injuries and 25% of all fatal injuries over the last five years. Here, Tom Brandon, Specification Sales Manager at Bilco UK, discusses why adopting a bespoke approach to roof access can ensure the highest level of safety, suitability and compliance.

When specifying a ladder to facilitate roof access, it’s important to ensure you’re choosing the correct system to meet your project’s specific requirements. This includes identifying the reason for access to the roof and the frequency of access required. It’s also crucial to determine whether tools and equipment will need to be transferred through the access hatch, or solely roofing professionals.

This will provide clarification on where the ladder will need to be mounted and whether any additional safety measures will be required to maintain individuals’ safety when using the ladder, such as the addition of a safety cage or guard rail.

Once you have established your reason for requiring safe access to the roof, you will then be able to make an informed choice regarding which roof access hatch and corresponding ladder system is best suited to meet the needs of your project.

The right ladder for the right application

If access to the roof is required on a regular basis for professionals who need to transfer tools and equipment, a Companionway Roof Access Hatch would be required in conjunction with a Companionway Ladder, which is a 75-degree incline ladder with handrails that makes it easier for the user to gain access to the roof. When larger tools and equipment are being used, a Fixed Staircase Roof Access Hatch, also known as a Service Stair Roof Access Hatch, would be specified. This is a larger elongated access hatch, which should be specified in conjunction with a permanent staircase to provide permanent access to a roof hatch of up to 2440mm or 3360mm in length as standard available sizes

Other ladder types are available depending on the application and access required. Due to their small footprint, industrial vertical fixed ladders are always recommended for use in conjunction with smoke vents, as they ensure there is no hinderance to the flow of smoke through the vent to meet the minimum 1 metre squared free vent area required by the regulations.

Whereas, if the floor space must be kept clean and tidy at all times, for example, within buildings such as schools and hospitals a retractable ladder would be ideal where a larger roof access hatch of up to 1500mm is installed.

Special ladder applications

For commercial projects that require more complex specifications, contractors should collaborate with manufacturers to create bespoke ladder applications that safely and securely fulfil roof access requirements. Bilco UK’s in-house design and engineering teams work closely with roofing contractors to manufacture special ladder applications that are custom-made to meet the project’s specific requirements.

For example, if a ladder that has a reach over 10 metres is required to be installed onto the exterior of a building and will be used as a means of escape or for maintenance, contractors would need to consider a series of fixed vertical ladders that are split by railed platforms every six metres to ensure safety and compliance. The installation would also require the addition of a safety cage and handrails in order to maintain the safety of contractors when gaining roof access.

Maintaining floor space and ensuring walkways are kept clear is a common challenge when choosing ladders for roof access, which is why fixed vertical retractable ladders, where the lower section of the ladder can be retracted when not required is a popular and convenient choice. A detachable version is also available where the bottom section of the ladder can be removed completely and installed again when needed. Other alternatives that ensure ladder access security is maintained is the use of the hook on, hinged ladder gates or magnetic locking ladder gates.

Rooftop Access

When contractors need to travel across the roof for maintenance and access reasons, it can be a challenge to navigate the roof safely if there are potential trip hazards such as wires and ducting. Bilco UK manufactures a range of aluminium stepovers that can be seamlessly fitted over obstructions to provide a stable hand-railed platform that enables individuals to get from one area of the roof to another safely and quickly. As the stepovers feature weighted big foots it eliminates any requirement for roof penetration, therefore avoiding any risk of leaks or drafts. Stepovers can be installed with either companionway steps or fixed vertical steps, depending on the available space on the roof.

Whilst there are a range of ladder options available to roofing professionals to achieve safe and secure access to the roof area, it is crucial to work in conjunction with a manufacturer from the initial design stages to ensure the installation provides the highest standards of safety and compliance for the entire lifecycle of the building.

For further information on Bilco UK’s complete range of roof access solutions, visit www.bilcouk.co.uk or call 01284 701696.

For advice on how to specify the correct ladder, visit: www.bilcouk.co.uk/news/specifying-ladders

The sky is the limit for the Riverside Museum, Glasgow, with the help of Bilco UK

Building Products Index Ltd Access Hatches, Roof Hatches Leave a Comment

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Glasgow Transport Museum 4Housing the Glasgow Museum of Transport, one of the UK’s foremost transport and technology collections, the Riverside Museum reflects Glasgow’s historic role as a centre of shipbuilding, train manufacturing and engineering.

Previously located in a former tram depot on the Glasgow South Side, the Transport Museum’s exhibits have moved to The Riverside Museum, designed by renowned architect, Zaha Hadid.

The museum’s iconic and beautiful design dominates its riverside location, whilst paying homage to the heritage of its surroundings. Crucial to the museum’s flowing design is its roof, which curves and undulates and continues around the east and west sides of the building to constitute the majority of the external structure.

glasgow transport museum1Silver-grey zinc panels complete the effect, placing the building firmly in the context of the River Clyde. As part of the roof construction, Bilco UK was commissioned to manufacture and supply a E-50TB Roof Access Hatch, in addition to two ESW-50REM Smoke Vents, to meet strict requirements for convenient access and building safety regulations.

Both the roof access hatch and smoke vents were custom-designed to unique specifications by Bilco UK’s in house team and clad in zinc to create a seamless, aesthetic  finish with the museum’s distinctive roof.

Expertly engineered to meet the requirements of Manual Handling Regulations, the E-50TB Roof Access Hatch allows for regular and convenient maintenance by facilitating easy one-handed operation. The Access Hatch will enable engineers with small tools to safely access the roof to conduct essential maintenance, whilst its overlapping cover design, fully welded corners and insulated cover ensure both weather tightness and energy efficiency to deliver the highest standards of longevity for the museum.

Bilco Zinc-clad E-50TB Roof Access Hatch installed at Glasgow Transport MuseumSpecified to ensure strict adherence with relevant fire safety regulations, the two ESW-50REM Smoke Vents open to 140 degrees in the event of a fire within 60 seconds, guaranteeing the highest standards in fire safety and allowing for the venting of smoke, heat and noxious gases in the event of a fire.

Mark Baird, Sales Operations Manager at Bilco UK, said: “Knowing that Bilco UK’s products are part of such a unique and ambitious project, especially one which is so architecturally significant, is incredibly rewarding. The Riverside Museum is a great example of how taking a bespoke approach to roof access solutions can achieve unparalleled aesthetics, without compromising on convenience or safety.

“Not only do our custom-made access hatches and smoke vents integrate seamlessly into the overall design, they also offer the highest possible standards of fire safety and efficiency.”

Open to Glasgow to the North and the Clyde to the South, the museum’s interior is complex, inviting visitors to snake their way around the various exhibits. The building “flows from city to waterfront, symbolising the dynamic relationship between Glasgow and the ship-building, seafaring and industrial legacy of the river Clyde.” (Zaha Hadid).

For further information on Bilco UK’s complete range of roof access solutions, visit www.bilcouk.co.uk or call 01284 701696.

Are you choosing the right roof access hatch and ladder for your project?

Building Products Index Ltd Access Hatches, access solutions Leave a Comment

View the Bilco entry on BPindex

Visit the Bilco website

Whether you are working on a commercial or residential project, there are a number of factors that must be addressed when deciding on a roof access hatch and accompanying ladder to ensure its safe and compliant application for the entire lifecycle of the building.

 Here Tony Stevens, Technical Estimator at Bilco UK, explores the main areas that should be taken into consideration. 

  • Purpose for access

BILCO Service Stair with Type L-50TB Roof Hatch copyWhether  for the education, healthcare, leisure or commercial sectors, roof access hatches are required to provide permanent and secure access to the roof area. In order to make sure you’re choosing the correct system to meet your project’s unique requirements, you must first identify the main reason for requiring access to the roof.

Is it purely for maintenance reasons? Or will a safe means of access also be required for the regular installation or removal of equipment from the roof?

Here you should also identify what tools and equipment will need to be transferred through the access hatch, or whether it will just be the individual that is conducting the necessary work.

  • Frequency and product specification

Once you have established your reason for requiring safe access to the roof, you will then be able to make an informed choice regarding which roof access hatch and corresponding ladder system is best suited to meet the needs of your project.

The first considerations that must be addressed when specifying a ladder to gain roof access is where the ladder will be mounted and the requirement of any additional safety elements to ensure the continued safety of the individual when using the system. If a ladder is to be mounted externally to gain access to a roof, it must be fitted with a safety cage and guard rail to ensure safe and secure access.

Bilco S-50T Roof Access Hatch installed at Brentwood Community HospitalFor a small roof access hatch, such as the Bilco E-50TB, which has internal dimensions of 915mm x 915mm, a fixed vertical ladder should be chosen. This type of ladder is also the most suitable option for projects where space is limited.

In this instance, a retractable ladder would not be recommended, as the ladder angle would hinder easy access as an individual moved closer to the hatch. However, retractable ladders are ideal for use in areas including schools and hospitals where the roof hatch is larger, at around 1500 mm in size and the floor area must be kept clear at all times.

To ensure easy and safe access, a minimum head clearance of 120mm is required, whilst the maximum single climb should be no more than three metres, in accordance with BS4211-7.2.

If access to the roof is required on a regular basis for professionals that will have to transfer tools and equipment through the hatch, a Fixed Staircase Roof Access Hatch, also known as a Service Stair Roof Access Hatch, should be specified with a Companionway Ladder or a Fixed Staircase. The companionway ladder is a 75 degree angled, rigid ladder, which provides permanent access to a roof hatch of up to 2440mm.

It should here be noted that the roof hatch must be sufficient to maintain a head clearance of 2000mm, as detailed in Building Regulations Part K.

When specifying a retractable ladder, it is essential that you know the height of the space between the ceiling and the roof, more commonly known as the roof void. This is to ensure the ladder box liner will fit inside the space once retracted. Calculating the height of the floor to the underside of the roof access hatch should also be done at the initial stages to ensure the ladder isn’t too short or long.

Regardless of the size of the roof access hatch, the system should be operated easily and safely with one hand, in accordance with the requirements outlined within the Manual Handling Regulations, enabling the individual to maintain three points of contact with the fixed ladder.

During the installation process, the ladder must be positioned opposite the hinge to ensure safe and unobstructed access.

  • Bespoke requirements

To ensure the criteria is successfully met, consideration should be given to the wider options available for both the roof access hatch and corresponding ladder.

ladder-wcage-video-screenshot copyFor example, ladders that are supplied with relevant fire ratings and available with vertical backboards that include steps and a handrail for enhanced safety and security should also be considered to meet relevant building regulations.

Increased access opening sizes or double leaf configurations should also be explored where access is required for larger items of equipment or tools. Motorised options also allow the individual to safely maintain contact with the ladder when entering or exiting the hatch.

Regardless of the project type, all installations should be subject to individual Risk Assessments. Comprehensive training should also be provided for all professionals, supported by Method Statements regarding safe and correct use of the access solutions installed.

For further information on Bilco UK’s complete range of roof access solutions, visit www.bilcouk.co.uk or call 01284 701696.

For advice on how to specify the correct ladder, visit: www.bilcouk.co.uk/news/specifying-ladders

For further information on specifying the right roof access hatch for your upcoming project, download Bilco UK’s free guide:

www.bilcouk.co.uk/files/downloads/choosing-the-right-access-hatch-bilco.pdf

Staying safe: The successful specification of roof ladders

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According to the latest RIDDOR Report, 111 workers were killed between 2019/20, with the largest proportion of fatal accidents being a fall from height.

The appropriate provision of ladders is essential to ensuring the safety of all individuals, particularly with regard to roof access, and must be addressed at the initial stages of a building’s design to ensure long-term suitability and fulfilment regarding duty of care.

Here Tony Stevens, Technical Estimator for Bilco UK, explores the key factors professionals should consider when looking to specify roof ladders for upcoming projects and how to ensure compliance with the legislation outlined in Approved Document K.

Ladder location and usage

Bilco S-50T Roof Access Hatch installed at Brentwood Community HospitalThe first considerations that must be addressed when specifying a ladder to gain roof access is where the ladder will be mounted and the requirement of any additional safety elements to ensure the safety of the individual at all times when the product is in use.

If a ladder is to be mounted externally to gain access to a roof, it must be fitted with a safety cage and guard rail to ensure safe and secure access.

Where frequent access to the roof area is required for maintenance personnel, tools and equipment, a companionway roof hatch like the CS-50TB, which is a larger elongated access hatch, should be chosen.

The companionway ladder is a 75 degree angled, rigid ladder, which provides permanent access to a roof hatch of up to 2440mm.

For a small roof access hatch, such as the Bilco E-50TB, which has internal dimensions of 915mm x 915mm, a fixed vertical ladder should be specified. In this instance a retractable ladder would not be recommended, as the ladder angle would hinder easy access as an individual moved closer to the hatch.

ladder-wcage-video-screenshotHowever, retractable ladders are ideal for use in areas including schools and hospitals where the roof hatch is bigger in size and the floor area must remain clear at all times. The ladders can be mounted above a ceiling and are compatible with additional vertical backboards that include steps and a handrail for enhanced safety and security and have a maximum size of 1500mm. Dependent on each project’s specific requirements, the ladder can also be supplied with fire rating to meet relevant building regulations.

If access to the roof area via a smoke ventilator is required, such as the Bilco ESW-50REM, a retractable ladder is not appropriate. The construction and mechanisms of a retractable ladder would prevent the flow of smoke through the vent, making this style of ladder unsuitable for safe and clear access. A fixed vertical ladder is the only recommended style to use in conjunction with a smoke ventilator due to the small footprint.

Ladder height and suitability

When specifying a retractable ladder, it is essential that you know the height of the space between the ceiling and the roof, more commonly known as the roof void. This is to ensure the ladder box liner will fit inside the space once retracted.

Calculating the height of the floor to the underside of the roof access hatch should also be done at the initial stages to ensure the ladder isn’t too short or long. It may seem obvious, but this is an area that is commonly overlooked!

Importance of collaboration

Poledance 1 lowThere are a range of elements that must be addressed when specifying ladders, particularly when gaining access to a roof. To ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and to ensure the long-term safety of individuals when using the ladder, it is vital that all considerations are sufficiently addressed at the initial stages of a building project.

By working closely with manufacturers and taking a proactive approach, professionals can ensure the ladders specified are not only fit for purpose, but safely and successfully meet the unique requirements of each development.

For further information on Bilco UK’s complete range of roof access solutions, visit www.bilcouk.co.uk or call 01284 701696.

The sky is the limit with Bilco UK’s SKY Flatglass smoke vent

Building Products Index Ltd access covers, Rooflights, Smoke Ventilation Leave a Comment

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Bilco UK is supporting specifiers, architects, engineers and facilities managers in achieving the highest standards in safety, efficiency and aesthetics with the launch of its new SKY Flatglass smoke vent.

SKY Flatlight 006 copyThe innovative product, which can be installed on flat roofs across a wide range of commercial and residential building types, offers professionals a diverse ‘three in one’ solution, as it can be utilised as a smoke vent, roof access hatch and rooflight.

Suitable for installation on new build developments or retrofitted onto existing projects, the CE marked smoke vent can be wired into the Building Management System to provide a fully compliant solution that will automatically open in the event of a fire or smoke.

The SKY Flatglass is fully compliant with all relevant building regulations outlined in Approved Document B and is tested to BS EN 12101-2 to support professionals in achieving constant compliance in line with latest legislations.

Unlike many competitor products that use polycarbonate,  the smoke vent features a single leaf flat glass sliding cover, offering a functional yet aesthetic approach to natural smoke ventilation, particularly for exposed areas where a hinged opening may not be suitable.

The streamlined flat glass enables the smoke vent to also be utilised as a rooflight, flooding interior spaces with natural light. When used in conjunction with a fixed ladder, it can also be utilised as a roof access hatch, opening to 180 for safe and secure access.

sliding flat copyThe latest range has been tested for impact resistance, meeting standard BS EN 1873: 2014 Class SB1200. This is achieved through its innovative construction, which features a top layer of toughened glass, spacer filled with 90% argon and a low-E laminated glass layer. This is combined with a lightweight external white powdered coated aluminium frame and internal frame of reinforced PVC.

Every element of the SKY Flatglass’ construction has been developed with thermal efficiency in mind. This includes a polyester upstand that is fully insulated for weathertightness and an inner layer of low-emissivity (Low-E) glass that reflects infrared and ultraviolet light from inside the building.

This prevents the light from escaping, without minimising the level of light that enters, controlling the high thermal performance of the product, while simultaneously maintaining an attractive design. An optional third layer of glass, which can also be solar control glass, can be specified upon request.

The standard size of the new SKY Flatglass smoke vent is 1000 mm  x 1500 mm, which provides a 1m² clear vent area. Bilco UK is also able to offer this product in special sizes to meet individual specification requirements. This includes optional motors and upstands, which are available upon request by contacting its team of inhouse designers, engineers and technical estimators.

James Fisher, Managing Director of Bilco UK, which is part of the Access 360 division of ERA,  said: “Our new SKY Flatglass sets the standard within the industry for safety, thermal performance and efficiency. It demonstrates our continued investment in product development, as part of our wider commitment to providing the highest quality smoke ventilation and access solutions to professionals serving and maintaining the built environment.

“We look forward to working with our clients over the coming months throughout the specification and delivery stages to introduce our new SKY Flatglass smoke vent and the wide range of benefits it has to offer.”

For further information on Bilco UK’s complete range of roof access solutions, visit www.bilcouk.co.uk or call 01284 701696.