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Designing a fall protection system for any building requires thought, experience, and adherence to safety regulations. But when that building is a listed structure, church, school, or any heritage property, the design process becomes significantly more complex.
At Kee Safety, we understand the unique challenges involved in protecting people without compromising the integrity or appearance of historically significant buildings. Whether you’re managing a public sector estate, university campus, or ageing commercial roof, this guide explores how to create suitable fall protection systems that are effective, compliant and respectful of the structure beneath them.
Kee Guard® protects workers at height without penetrating delicate roof surfaces.
Unlike modern structures, heritage buildings were not built with rooftop safety or fall restraint in mind. Their materials, architectural features, and preservation status introduce a range of considerations:
Roof edges may be irregular, fragile, or made from stone, slate, or lead.
Anchor points for personal fall arrest systems are often restricted by conservation guidelines.
Roof lights, spires, chimneys, and parapets may increase the fall hazard but limit access.
External alterations are often tightly controlled for aesthetic reasons.
Fixing into the structure may be prohibited altogether.
In short, heritage sites require engineering controls that provide protection without damaging or defacing the property. That’s where modular, non-penetrative, and aesthetically pleasing systems come into their own.
All fall protection projects should start with a detailed survey—but for heritage sites, it’s critical that this is carried out by a qualified person and supported by a competent person familiar with both conservation and compliance.
At Kee Safety, our design service includes:
Full assessment of the roof layout and roof plans
Identification of access points, fragile areas, and risks
Recommendations based on working at height regulations
A review of the materials involved and structural integrity
Consideration for both collective fall protection and restraint systems
We never assume what’s best—we create solutions around your specific structure.
Kee Walk® offers safe, anti-slip rooftop access while preserving historic materials.
Heritage buildings often require a mix of proven systems—selected based on access needs, existing restrictions, and the nature of the surface.
Kee Guard® provides collective fall protection using a counterweight base system that doesn’t need to be fixed to the roof. It’s ideal for flat or gently sloped roofs where penetrating the surface would compromise waterproofing or conservation standards.
No drilling or roof penetration
Easy to remove or reposition
Can be paired with Kee Walk® for defined safe access
Kee Walk® creates a safe walking surface across brittle materials like slate or lead. It helps manage fall distance by guiding workers away from roof lights, edges, or sudden level changes.
Spreads weight to reduce structural stress
Optional guardrail for added fall restraint
Minimises wear on aged surfaces
Where a fall arrest system is necessary but rails aren’t permitted (e.g. on pitched roofs), Kee Line® can be installed with minimal visibility. This cable-based system works with a body harness and lanyard to safely restrict or arrest worker movement along narrow walkways or rooftop access routes.
Low-profile design for minimal visual impact
Supports both fall arrest and restraint system modes
Ideal where guardrails are not permitted or desired
Kee Line® is ideal for listed sites where discreet fall restraint is required.
Designing for older buildings isn't just about which system to choose—it’s about how and where it's installed, and how well it integrates with existing operations.
Key considerations include:
Free fall distance and lanyard length: Can you control the space a fall would travel?
Fall hazard zones: Are there skylights, domes, parapets, or spires that increase exposure?
Time workers spend at height: Is it regular maintenance or rare inspection access?
Suspension trauma risk: Is a rescue plan in place for workers who may be left hanging in a harness?
Aesthetic integration: Can the system be concealed, coloured, or installed behind visual barriers?
Every Kee Safety system is designed to meet these needs with the utmost care—and all can be regularly inspected to maintain long-term compliance.
It’s a common misconception that height regulations are relaxed for heritage buildings. In reality, the same regulations apply regardless of the age or status of the structure.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (UK) clearly state that employers and those in control of work at height must:
Prevent falls where possible
Use fall restraint systems or fall arrest where elimination isn’t possible
Ensure all equipment is safe, regularly inspected, and used by trained workers
Provide adequate training and rescue procedures
This applies equally to palaces, post offices, and power stations. Kee Safety helps ensure your solution is compliant, suitable, and ready for inspection at any time.
Kee Walk® ensures safe, defined rooftop routes without damaging fragile or historic surfaces.
Let’s say you manage a historic museum with a flat lead roof. You need to access roof-mounted air handling units every six months. Drilling into the structure is not an option, and visible railings must be kept to a minimum.
A Kee Guard® system, combined with Kee Walk® access routes, offers a modular, non-invasive way to protect your workers. Optional powder coating can help the system blend with the roofline, reducing visual impact. The system can be carried onto the roof in parts, assembled without welding, and repositioned as needed—perfect for evolving maintenance schedules.
Designing fall protection systems for heritage buildings isn’t about compromise—it’s about precision, empathy, and smart engineering. With the right mix of protection systems, technical experience, and conservation awareness, you can protect both workers and the structure itself.
At Kee Safety, our team of professionals is experienced in delivering safety solutions that honour the past while preparing for the future.
Need support with a heritage or older building? Contact Kee Safety today to speak with our design team and arrange a site-specific consultation.