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How to Choose the Right Fall Protection System for Your Roof Type: A Practical Guide


Not all rooftops are built the same—and when it comes to working at height, that really matters. Whether you’re managing maintenance on a school building, retrofitting solar panels on a hospital, or overseeing HVAC work at an industrial site, each roof presents its own risks.

Choosing the right fall protection system isn’t just about compliance with height regulations—it’s about selecting a system that actually fits your working environment and protects your employees. At Kee Safety, we specialise in designing protection systems that match the real-world demands of your site.

Why Roof Type Should Drive Your Safety Decisions

Your roof type—whether flat, sloped, fragile, or full of obstructions—affects how a fall protection system can be installed and how well it will work in practice. It's not just about what’s technically possible, but what’s actually suitablefor the job, the people doing it, and the risks involved.

Getting it right means fewer accidents, smoother maintenance work, and peace of mind. Getting it wrong can lead to serious consequences—and potential legal trouble.

Kee Guard Heater 5
Kee Guard® system offering reliable edge protection for flat roof access

Flat Roofs: Ideal for Guard Rails and Walkways

Flat roofs are some of the most common and easiest to secure. On these, collective protection is often the best and most compliant approach.

These systems don't rely on personal fall protection such as a body harness or lanyard, which means fewer training requirements and a safer environment for anyone who needs access—even occasionally.

Kee Walk Rooftop Walkway (1)
Kee Walk® with guardrail system offers both walkway clarity and fall protection in a single solution

Sloped or Pitched Roofs: When Personal Fall Protection Is Required

Where a guard rail isn't practical—on sloped or irregular surfaces, for instance—you may need to turn to personal fall protection.

Kee Safety’s Kee Line® is a horizontal lifeline system that supports both fall restraint and fall arrest setups. Installed directly to the roof structure, it allows users to move freely across the roof while staying securely connected to the system.

Whether you're using the system in fall restraint mode (to prevent workers from reaching the edge) or in fall arrest (to stop a fall that’s already started), it’s crucial to ensure proper installation, regular inspection, and that only a competent person uses it.

horizontal lifeline | fall arrest system | fall protection | fall arrester
Kee Line® fall protection lifeline system for use on pitched roof surfaces

Fragile Roofs and Skylights: An Overlooked Fall Hazard

It’s easy to assume a roof is safe just because it looks solid. But skylights and fragile panels are a common fall hazard—especially on older industrial buildings or warehouses.

Kee Safety’s solutions include:

Both are easy to install, require minimal maintenance, and comply with UK height regulations.

Rooftops with Obstructions: Custom Platforms and Step-Overs

If your roof is dotted with ducting, cabling, or solar panels, you'll need more than just rails and lines. That’s where Kee Safety’s step-over platforms, access platforms, and Kee Walk® walkways come into play.

These modular, pre-engineered solutions:

All platforms are designed with secure footing and handrails to ensure continuous fall protection in high-risk zones.

KSI Texas Health Kee Step2
Kee Safety step-over systems enable safe movement over rooftop obstacles and hazards

Wind Turbines and Non-Traditional Work Areas

In some industries, working at height isn’t just limited to rooftops. Think wind turbines, water treatment plants, or power facilities—these involve ladders, platforms, and unique configurations.

Kee Safety’s systems can be adapted for:

Whatever the challenge, we work with you to assess the risk, choose the right solutions, and design systems that protectpeople, equipment, and operations.

What to Consider When Choosing a Fall Protection System

Before settling on a system, ask the following:

It’s also important to ensure your team is properly trained and that your systems are inspected regularly by a competent person.

The best fall protection system for your site is the one that fits your working environment, matches your job demands, and is backed by expert installation and service.

At Kee Safety, we don’t just sell systems—we provide complete solutions tailored to your needs. From site assessment to design, delivery, and post-installation support, our goal is simple: to protect people from danger at height, without compromise.


Ready to protect your rooftop? Contact Kee Safety today for expert advice and a no-obligation consultation.