Benefits of Crossover Stair Systems For Rooftop Work
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Falling off the edges of an elevated work area is one of the main hazards workers must be aware of. Another hazard is navigating around obstacles, including HVAC systems, piping, air ducts, skylights and internal parapets. Changes in rooftop elevation are an additional hazard workers should account for. Steps must be taken to ensure workers can safely navigate these obstacles. An ideal solution is crossover stair systems for rooftop safety, as they can help workers navigate rooftop hazards safely.
Elevated platforms and stairs provide a safe way to maneuver over these obstacles, protecting workers and the equipment. Crossover stair systems also provide a secure pathway over roof gaps and between rooftops with different elevations. This guide will explain how crossover stairs can benefit your business.
What Are Crossover Stair Systems?
Crossover stair systems are relatively simple. They consist of stairs, a platform and guardrails that interlock to create safe, elevated walkways. Typically they are modular systems that can be adjusted to accommodate the height, length and even width of the obstacle that needs to be navigated.
Permanent crossover stair systems consistently provide safe pathways across a rooftop. They also save the time it takes to determine the best placement of the system and set it up. Crossover stair systems are designed for the following purposes:
Making it easy to step over rooftop obstacles and hazards
Creating a safer work environment for any employees or contractors working on the roof
Delivering a safe, modular solution with quick and simple installation
Purpose Of Crossover Stairs
The primary purpose of crossover stair systems is to provide safe pathways over roof-mounted obstacles. Crossover stairs provide a safe way for workers to climb over these protruding or elevated obstacles. Workers can use these crossover stairs to safely transition between roof levels, access elevated platforms and navigate over bulky roof-mounted equipment, including piping, HVAC systems, internal parapets and air ducts.
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Benefits of Crossover Stair Systems
There are several benefits of crossover stair systems. Besides providing safe pathways on roofs, they are also easy to set up, low maintenance and safety compliant. Here are the main benefits of crossover stair systems for rooftops:
Worker safety: The biggest benefit is worker safety. Workers can avoid clumsily climbing over obstacles that can lead to falls and other accidents. Crossover stairs also prevent workers from touching heated pipes or air ducts that may cause burns or other injuries.
Easy installation: Crossover stairs are modular systems that a reasonably skilled and knowledgeable worker easily installs without needing specialized equipment. Crossover systems can be bolted together and secured to the roof by a competent worker. Assembly can take a few hours.
Bridge gaps: A significant benefit of crossover stair systems is that they can cover gaps or changes in elevation on rooftops. Stable, secure pathways are essential for preventing potentially dangerous accidents when workers need to navigate rooftop gaps or changes in elevation.
Customizable: The modular design of crossover systems ensures they can be adjusted to suit the on-site requirements. The system can easily adjust to fit any unexpected obstacles or changes to the worksite. The number of steps and their steepness can be altered to fit over the obstacle properly. Even once installed, crossover systems can be easily adjusted to accommodate changes to the worksite, avoiding costly delays.
Low maintenance: Most crossover systems are made from aluminum or stainless steel and require little maintenance. Inspections are usually only required every 12 months or after an accident. Systems on roofs with severe weather patterns, such as hail and snow, may require additional inspections after heavy storms.
OSHA & ANSI Compliant: Crossover stair systems comply with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for fall protection, including OSHA standards 1910.28 and 1910.29, ensuring your rooftop safety plan is compliant.
Equipment protection: Crossover systems protect equipment from workers and their gear. Workers, tools and equipment falling into or scratching piping, air ducts and HVAC systems can cause significant damage or dislodge important elements.
How To Choose Crossover Stair Systems
Various types of crossover stair systems are available. They vary in height, length and even pathway direction. The type of crossover system you choose will depend on several factors, including the number of obstacles on the roof, their height and the paths workers must take across the roof.
The best thing to do is perform a roof safety audit to evaluate the type and number of obstacles on a roof. A comprehensive roof safety audit ensures sufficient fall protection and lets you order the proper crossover stair systems to prevent additional delays. Once you have completed a roof safety audit, consider the following five factors to ensure the appropriate stair system:
Number of obstacles: The rooftop safety audit should identify the number of obstacles your team needs to navigate and how many crossover stair systems you need to order. Having the correct number of crossover stair systems can help prevent delays while waiting for additional systems to arrive.
Height of obstacles: It is critical to have stair systems that can adequately scale any obstacles. Be sure to consider under-clearance.
Elevation changes: Note any elevation changes requiring crossover systems.
Rooftop gaps: Even small gaps can cause significant accidents. Crossover systems ensure gaps can be safely crossed.
Worker pathways: Another critical factor to consider is how workers will traverse the rooftop. Stair crossover systems must accommodate workers' paths, particularly in areas where workers must get over several obstacles in a small space. These areas may require several systems to safely get around the obstacles or one system that allows them to go in different directions.
Slope: The rooftop slope's steepness can also impact the type of system used on a roof.
Wind and weather: Rooftops that experience high wind and extreme weather may require additional anchors and supports to remain in place.
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Comprehensive Roof Safety From Kattsafe
At Kattsafe, we aim to ensure every rooftop is as ready to go for your team to get to work. We constantly research and evaluate new methods and ways to improve roof safety, regularly adding new equipment to our product offering. One of our latest additions to our product range is the Kattsafe modular access KC103 Crossover Stair System. Made from high-tensile strength aluminum, this modular system is easy to install and can be set up in a few hours by a competent and skilled worker.
The KC103 Crossover Stair Systems can clear heights ranging from 25 to 72 inches. Learn more about the Kattsafe KC103 system today, or contact our team to learn how our products can help keep your rooftops safe.
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