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Kee Cover Fragile Roof Light Cover
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  • Fragile Roof Safety Systems: Protecting Workers on Non-Load Bearing Surfaces

Fragile Roof Safety Systems: Protecting Workers on Non-Load Bearing Surfaces


Many rooftops across the UK present invisible risks. Older buildings, industrial super sheds, and ageing warehouses often have areas that cannot support the weight of a person. Fragile roof materials, such as asbestos sheets, corroded metal panels, or rooflights, are a leading cause of fall-related accidents. These risks demand proactive, tested, and certified roof safety systems that meet the highest standards.

At Kee Safety, we help facilities managers, contractors, and duty holders implement fall protection systems specifically suited to fragile roofs. Our safety solutions are modular, fully compliant, and built to protect workers with minimal disruption.


Why Fragile Roofs Are a Growing Concern

Fragile surfaces are far more common than many people realise. Roofs with weathered rooflights, fibre-cement panels, or weakened structures are particularly dangerous during inspection, maintenance of air conditioning units, or cleaning tasks. These are not isolated issues. They’re found across countless rooftops in the UK’s commercial and industrial estates.

If an employee or contractor steps in the wrong place without proper fall protection, the outcome can be fatal. Prevention starts with a risk assessment and the installation of reliable roof safety solutions that enable safe access — without relying solely on PPE.

Kee Walk Rooftop Walkway
Kee Walk® creates a secure, non-slip pathway across fragile roof surfaces, ensuring safe access for maintenance and inspection

What the Regulations Say

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to prevent falls where possible and reduce risks where elimination isn’t feasible. The preferred solution is collective fall protection. These are systems that protect everyone, regardless of experience.

Examples include:

Fall arrest and fall restraint systems also play a role, but require more planning, testing, and training. Kee Safety helps clients identify the right specification for their roof conditions, access needs, and compliance requirements.

Kee Cover Fragile Roof Light Cover
Kee Cover® protects rooflights and skylights on fragile roofs, preventing fall-through incidents with certified, surface-mounted covers.

Safety Systems Designed for Fragile Roofs

Kee Walk® with Guardrail

A modular roof walkway system providing a non-slip route over fragile surfaces. It enables safe access and protects vulnerable areas. When combined with edge protection guardrails, it delivers collective fall protection without penetrating the roof.

Kee Cover® Rooflight Protection

Rooflights are a serious fall hazard. Kee Cover installs over them with either mesh or solid barrier panels, preventing fall-through incidents. These are surface-mounted and ideal for both retrofit and new roof projects.

Step-Overs and Access Platforms

Custom-built roof step overs to allow safe access over fragile zones, ductwork, or elevation changes. These protect both the structure and the worker. All systems are compliant, tested, and supplied with full documentation.

Step Over Access Platform
Modular step-over platforms provide safe, compliant access over obstacles such as pipework or fragile zones on rooftops.

Why Modular Systems Are the Safer Choice

Unlike site-welded or fabricated setups, modular safety systems are:

Kee Safety’s systems are built using galvanised components to withstand harsh environments. Everything is tested, certified, and designed to comply with British and international standards.


Take Action Before an Incident Happens

Falls through fragile roofs remain a leading cause of death and serious injury at height. But they are preventable.

Our team at Kee Safety offers:


Book Your Free Rooftop Safety Survey Today

Let our team help you identify fragile areas and recommend the safest solution for your building. Protecting your people starts with the right systems — and Kee Safety is here to deliver them.
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