Home/Blog/ROOF SAFETY

ROOF SAFETY

Non-fragility and maintenance access

The difference between a non-fragile rooflight, a maintenance-access rooflight and glass intended for regular pedestrian traffic.

THE SHORT ANSWER

Non-fragility describes resistance to a defined impact or fall-through scenario. It does not automatically mean that a rooflight is walk-on. Occasional maintenance access and regular pedestrian use require different risk assessments, loading and evidence.

Start with the intended use

A rooflight may only need to protect people working nearby, may form part of a controlled maintenance route or may be located within an occupied terrace. Each condition creates different hazards.

The designer should state who may access the area, how often, what equipment is used and whether people are expected to stand or walk on the glass.

Design the whole route

A safe maintenance strategy includes the approach route, edge protection, fall restraint, guarding, roof condition, wet surfaces and rescue planning—not only the glass specification.

Where non-fragility classification or testing is required, the project should identify the relevant standard, class, span, support and evidence before manufacture.

Project checklist

01Do not use ‘non-fragile’ as a synonym for walk-on
02Define access frequency and users
03Confirm the test evidence and classification required
04Coordinate guarding and the route to the rooflight
05Provide clear handover and maintenance information
Important guidance note

All roof work is hazardous. It must be planned, supervised and carried out with suitable precautions by competent people.

OG
PREPARED BY
Overhead Glazing Technical Team

Bespoke rooflight specification, project coordination and installation across London and the UK.

PROJECT-SPECIFIC ADVICE

Send us your plans
before you build.

We can review the rooflight type, opening, glass, access and typical detail for your project.