Have you recently moved your business into a new commercial building? While everything seems to be on par, you might have noticed one thing – the roof is quite high and perhaps even difficult to reach.
In instances such as these, you have a great solution. You’ll need to install a roof access hatch Melbourne and other Australian cities’ industries prefer to use for easy accessibility.
A Few Good Reasons to Invest in a Roof Hatch
Deciding to install an access hatch on your commercial building is probably one of the best decisions you can make. However, if you’re still not sure if it’s worth the extra expense, read on to see why you should do it sooner rather than later!
1. Ensure Safe Access to the Roof
No matter how good the quality of your roof is, there’s always the possibility that it will require some repairs. Depending on how high your roof is, this can present quite a struggle.
Installing a roof hatch provides easy and safe access to the roof. The advantage is the climb up to the roof happens on the inside of the building. Workers won’t have to lean ladders against buildings to try and reach the top of the roof. Also, weather doesn’t affect their ascent.
You can either use an existing staircase or have your contractor add a hatch ladder. This means it’ll be safe for maintenance workers to get onto the roof for any service repairs needed.
2. Ensures your Building is Complaint with Australian Standards
On average, about 50 roof workers die in work-related accidents in Australia every year. Part of the reason for fatal falls results from inadequate protection. Trying to get onto the roof in the first place is a huge part of the problem.
As a result of this risk, Australian regulations have become a lot stricter about the standards for working at heights. This includes residential and commercial roofs. Installing an access hatch will give you peace of mind that your roof is compliant with current legislation.
3. Easy to Install
Having any roof work done always seems like such a complex and complicated task. However, the good news is roof hatches are easy to install. For the most part, the roof hatch is installed with a mounting flange which makes fixing it to the roof quick and easy.
4. Quality Materials Are Used
Using the right contractor will assure you of hatch installations using quality materials. Not only are the structures lightweight, but durable as well. Sliding and hinged options allow for effortless opening.
Additionally, materials are powder coated to suit the existing roof colour. The hatches also feature an interlocking system adding to your security. A wide variety of sizes and designs mean you’ll easily find the best option to complement your roof.
5. Site and Height Safety Audits
The contractors installing the roof hatch will also be able to perform site and safety audits. These types of audits will determine if there are any other risk factors regarding the height safety of your building. You’ll also have access to expert advice from professionals!
Factors to Consider Before Installing a Roof Access Hatch
When it’s time to choose the best type of roof access hatch there are a few factors to consider. The most crucial points to review include the following:
6. Reason for Roof Access
Identifying the specific reason for the roof hatch will determine the types of tools needed to make it as safe as possible. Important questions include:
- Will it be used for maintenance work?
- Will it provide access to more than one roof?
- If so, is there a sturdy staircase leading up to it or will your contractor need to install an accompanying ladder?
- If there is a staircase leading up to it, will the staircase be strong and sturdy enough for workmen to carry tools up and down to the roof?
7. Correct Products
With your roof access hatch, the most important factor should be safety. This is where you choose safety over aesthetics. Consult with the contractors doing the installation about the safest products available.
Determine which products will be best suited in the space available. Be sure to discuss and show your contractors all the areas you hope to reach with your hatch. They’ll then advise you on the types of ladders and cages to install to ensure safe and easy use.
8. Ease of Use
In addition to a safe hatch, you also want one that’s easy to use. The roof hatch should be easy to open and close without compromising your building’s security.
Speak to your installer about motorised options that will assist in keeping the ladder sturdy while maintenance crews are carrying heavy tools up to the roof.
Final Thought
We advise that every commercial roof should have an access hatch. This will ensure that maintenance workers can easily and safely get on the roof as well as carry required tools and parts up onto the work space. If your commercial building doesn’t have a roof hatch, it’s time to make safety your number one priority!
