Fall Protection for Historic Buildings

Achieving safe access to the roof areas of historic buildings can be particularly challenging. Structures can be uneven and of unknown strength. Since historic buildings pre-date Construction Design and Management Regulations it is often the case that they were built with little regard for future safe maintenance. Many of these buildings will be listed and must be treated with particular sensitivity.

The solution to the problems presented at the 1904 hall of Leeds Kirkgate Market is a fine example of HRS Services work.  Several hundred metres of rotting wooden duckboard walkway over the gutters were situated next to a glass roof of unknown strength.  The building is listed due to its architectural significance therefore it was essential to minimise the visual impact of any installations. 

This old walkway was removed safely using rope access techniques and replaced with light weight, durable and maintenance free Glass Reinforced Polymer Grating. This was mounted on bespoke frames of both GRP and steel. A safety line providing continuous attachment was mounted on the adjacent walls to protect operatives from a fall through the glass.

Because of the nature of the work it was carried out by qualified rope access technicians. Since the Market is open 6 days a week, the majority of the work was undertaken during the night eliminating disruption to trading and ensuring the safety of other building users.