AU2017101328A4 - Rooftop access and safety system - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a rooftop access and safety system. The system comprises one or more spans configured to bridge spaced scaffolding towers and define a platform from which a roof of a building can be accessed, an inner barrier configured to prevent a person from falling between the building and the platform, and an outer barrier configured to deflect a person falling from the roof onto the platform. Figure 1

Description

ROOFTOP ACCESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM

Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to rooftop access and safety systems.

Background Art [0002] During the construction of multi-story buildings such as houses, it is necessary for tradespeople to access the roof area of the building in order to install the roof trusses, facia, gutters, the roofing material (e.g. tiles), air conditioners, solar panels, etc. Access to the roof area of the building can, however, be both problematic and dangerous.

[0003] Systems such as the “Hang-On Platform” sold by Buildsafe provide a platform around the periphery of a building and at a location that enables ready access to the roof. As its name would suggest, this platform includes a frame having brackets that hook over the recently completed timber frame wall of the building, with the platform effectively being suspended from the wall in the desired position. Whilst providing access for tradespeople to the roof area of the building as well as an effective fall barrier, hanging the platform in this manner can cause significant amounts of stress to the walls of the building, sometimes necessitating that the walls be reinforced (taking additional time and requiring yet further components) before the platform can be hung. Other problems associated with the use of such platforms include that they can be difficult to access and, due to their modular nature, often have uneven or disjointed platforms, presenting a safety issue.

Summary of Invention [0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a rooftop access and safety system.

The system comprises one or more spans configured to bridge spaced scaffolding towers and define a platform from which a roof of a building can be accessed, an inner barrier configured to prevent a person from falling between the building and the platform, and an outer barrier configured to deflect a person falling from the roof onto the platform.

[0005] In the rooftop access and safety system of the present invention, the span(s) are supported by the scaffolding towers and do not therefore require the wall of the building for support. As such, the rooftop access and safety system can be installed either during construction of the timber walls or wall frames of the building or immediately after these have been completed (and without any need for reinforcement). This may help to significantly reduce downtime during construction of a building. Further, the structural integrity that the scaffolding towers provide to the system can make them far stronger than may otherwise be possible, which may be vital in the event of a person striking the outer barrier with force.

[0006] The rooftop access and safety system of the present invention is also relatively easy to install, the scaffolding towers usually needing to be installed anyway for later construction stages of the building (e.g. to enable bricklayers to lay bricks as the wall gets higher). In effect, the scaffolding towers are constructed a week or so earlier than might otherwise have been the case (it usually only takes a week or so to install the roof and any appliances such as air conditioners, solar panels, etc. thereon).

[0007] In some embodiments, opposing ends of the or each span are configured for attachment to rails of the scaffolding towers. In some embodiments, opposing ends of the or each span comprise clamps for clamping rails of the scaffolding towers.

[0008] In some embodiments, the or each span may comprise elongate side members and walkway members configured for receipt therebetween (i.e. the platform is at least partially defined by an upper side of the walkway members). Such a modular form of the spans may be simpler to transport and manually construct. In other embodiments, however, the elongate side members and walkway members may be integrally provided. As would be appreciated, where possible, a reduced number of components (the components still being physically manageable) in a modular system can help to simplify its construction and deconstruction, transport, etc.

[0009] In some embodiments, the platform defines a substantially continuous surface. Such a surface would present fewer trip hazards than would be the case with platforms that are discontinuous (e.g. platforms made using aluminium planks arranged end-over-end, as is often the case with existing systems).

[0010] In some embodiments, the inner barrier may comprise one or more rails configured to be positioned between the platform and the building. The one or more rails may, for example, be longitudinally oriented with respect to the platform. The one or more rails may, for example, be configured to be positioned elevated above the platform. In some embodiments, the inner barrier may provide a step for facilitating access to the roof of the building (e.g. the step may be provided by a rail, or may be provided by a physical step, which would itself help to prevent a person from falling between the building and the platform). In some embodiments, the inner barrier may further comprise a bracket configured for mounting to the span and to support the one or more rails in their position(s) between the building and the platform.

[0011] In some embodiments, the outer barrier comprises one or more longitudinally oriented rails, at least one of which is configured to be positioned at a height above the platform whereby a person falling from the roof would make contact with the rail. The outer barrier may, for example, comprise a plurality of longitudinally oriented rails positionable at spaced heights above the platform. The plurality of longitudinally oriented rails may, for example, be progressively offset from the platform with height. In some embodiments, the outer barrier may further comprise one or more stanchions positionable intermediate the scaffolding towers and configured for mounting to the span and to support the one or more longitudinally oriented rails.

[0012] In some embodiments, one or more of the longitudinally oriented rails may be configured for attachment to the scaffolding towers at opposing ends thereof for reinforcement. Such attachment would increase the strength of the outer barrier and hence make it even better able to deflect a person falling from the roof.

[0013] In some embodiments, the or each span may comprise fasteners spaced along opposing edges thereof, the fasteners being configured to receive bracket or stanchions mounted thereat. The fasteners may, for example, comprise clamps configured to clamp a bracket or stanchion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the or each span may comprise kickboards on either side of the platform. Such kickboards can prevent items dropped onto the platform from subsequently dropping to the ground, and are therefore a useful safety feature. In embodiments where the span(s) comprise elongate side members, for example, the elongate side members may themselves define kickboards.

[0015] In some embodiments, the system may further comprise ladders that are positionable within the scaffolding towers for access to the platform. Such ladders may provide quick and easy access to the platform and hence the rooftop area, even for tradespeople laden with articles such as paint, facia boards, etc.

[0016] In some embodiments, the platform may extend around an entire periphery of the building.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for erecting a rooftop access and safety system. The method comprises: providing a plurality of scaffolding towers proximal to an outer wall of a building; locating a span between the scaffolding towers at a height proximal to a roof of the building, the span comprising a platform from which the roof can be accessed; installing an inner barrier configured to prevent a person from falling between the building and the platform; and installing an outer barrier configured to deflect a person falling from the roof onto the platform.

[0018] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the rooftop access and safety system may be the rooftop access and safety system of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0019] In some embodiments, the plurality of scaffolding towers may be provided when a scaffolding system for subsequent use in the construction of the building’s walls is partially assembled. As would be appreciated, scaffolding needs to be provided in order for bricklayers and other builders to construct the higher levels of the walls of the building. Assembling the corner bay scaffolding towers of such a scaffolding system a week or so earlier than would otherwise have been the case is unlikely to cause any significant inconvenience. During that time, the tradesmen responsible for constructing the roof trusses, facia, tiles (or other roofing material) can construct the roof, with other tradespeople visiting as and when required to install air conditioners, solar panels, etc. It is then a relatively simple matter to remove the spans etc. of the system of the present invention for the bricklayers to do their work (alternatively, the system can remain in place until such time as it might hinder the bricklayer’s work). As the level of the bricks in the building’s walls reaches an elevated height, traditional scaffolding is erected from the ground up and using the already constructed scaffolding towers, so that the bricklayers can continue to lay bricks and construct the wall.

[0020] Furthermore, the scaffolding towers would usually include access routes, such as ladders, which can be used by tradespeople to gain access to the platform more easily than would be the case for existing systems. Roof access and safety systems such as the “Hang on” platforms described above, for example, require tradespeople to access the platform via the interior of the building, which may be inconvenient and may interfere with tradespeople working inside.

[0021] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a kit of parts which, once assembled, provide the rooftop access and safety system of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0022] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides replacement parts for a rooftop access and safety system of the first aspect of the present invention. For example, replacement spans, rails, fasteners, brackets and stanchions may be provided, some of which may have a unique function or configuration facilitating their use with the system of the present invention.

[0023] Additional features and advantages of the various aspects of the present invention will be described below in the context of specific embodiments. It will be appreciated, however, that such additional features may have a more general applicability in the present invention than that described in the context of these specific embodiments.

Brief Description of Drawings [0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the following drawings, in which: [0025] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the upper portion of a building under construction and against which a rooftop access and safety system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is provided; [0026] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the building and rooftop access and safety system of Figure 1 from an end thereof; [0027] Figure 3 shows a close up perspective view of a single span of the rooftop access and safety system of Figure 1; [0028] Figure 4 shows another close up perspective view of a single span of the rooftop access and safety system of Figure 1; and [0029] Figure 5 shows a cross sectional view of the rooftop access and safety system of Figure 1.

Description of Embodiments [0030] The overarching purpose of the present invention is to provide rooftop access and safety systems which may be easier to install and use, and which may be safer than existing systems. The present invention provides a rooftop access and safety system comprising one or more spans configured to bridge spaced scaffolding towers and define a platform from which a roof of a building can be accessed, an inner barrier configured to prevent a person from falling between the building and the platform, and an outer barrier configured to deflect a person falling from the roof onto the platform.

[0031] The present invention also provides a method for erecting a rooftop access and safety system. The method comprises: providing a plurality of scaffolding towers proximal to an outer wall of a building; locating a span between the scaffolding towers at a height proximal to a roof of the building, the span comprising a platform from which the roof can be accessed; installing an inner barrier configured to prevent a person from falling between the building and the platform; and installing an outer barrier configured to deflect a person falling from the roof onto the platform.

[0032] The platform of the present invention may span only a small portion (or portions) of the roof area of a building, for example, by having only one span between two towers (via which towers tradespeople can access the roof in a safe and convenient manner). Such embodiments may be appropriate, for example, where only a portion of a building’s roof needs to be accessed. Alternatively, the platform may extend around an entire periphery of the building, thereby providing access to, and a safety barrier at, all areas of the roof.

[0033] Although not necessarily forming part of the present invention, the system requires at least two spaced-apart scaffolding towers, between which the span (and other components of the system) can be located. The number of scaffolding towers will depend on the size and shape of the footprint of the building under construction. For example, a scaffolding tower would usually need to be located at each corner of the building (i.e. where the platform needs to change its direction in order to follow the building’s roofline). An intermediate scaffolding tower may also be required along the longer sides of a building, as spans having too long a length may not be suitable for use (e.g. because they are too heavy/unwieldy, flex too much, etc.).

[0034] The scaffolding towers may have any conventional structure known to a person skilled in the art, and be formed from any conventional scaffolding materials. The scaffolding towers must be carefully constructed in order for the spans therebetween to have a substantially level platform thereon. As would be appreciated, platforms that are sloped at too great an angle may become difficult to navigate. Such construction requirements are typical best practice in the industry.

[0035] In some embodiments, the system may further comprise ladders that are positionable within the scaffolding towers for access to the platform(s). Such ladders may provide ready access to the platforms, without the tradespeople having to squeeze through holes provided in the building’s upper walls or pass through the interior of the building in order to access the platform, as is often the case for existing systems. As would be appreciated, the building may be more efficiently constructed if tradespeople can work both inside and outside at the same time without hindering each other.

[0036] The towers may be purpose built for use with the present invention but, given that a scaffolding system would typically have to be assembled during the building’s construction in order for the bricklayers to be able to access the upper portions of the wall, the scaffolding towers may be provided by partly assembling the scaffolding system for construction of the building. In such cases, the spans described herein could be installed before the remaining scaffolding (i.e. that providing access to upper portions of the building’s wall) in order for the roofing tradespeople to safely go about their work. In effect, a portion of the scaffolding system required anyway is constructed on site a short period of time (typically about 1-2 weeks, although this would of course, depend on external factors such as weather conditions, etc.) earlier than would otherwise have been required.

[0037] The rooftop access and safety system of the present invention provides one or more spans configured to bridge the spaced-apart scaffolding towers and define a platform from which a roof of a building can be accessed. The spans may have any form which enables them to achieve this function. The spans may be provided in an integral form, or may be provided in the form of a number of parts to be assembled, either in situ or shortly beforehand (e.g. once they have been transported to the building site).

[0038] The spans used in the system may all have the same form, or may be provided in a number of different forms. Whilst spans having different widths and attachment mechanisms might be provided, it would generally be preferable for these features to remain constant for ease of construction. The most likely variations in form of the spans would be their length, with longer spans (e.g. up to about 10m) being preferred for the longer edges of buildings and shorter spans (e.g. as short as about 4m) being preferred for shorter edges of the building.

For example, spans presently used by the inventors (and which are described in further detail below) have a standard walkway width of about 600mm and come in standard lengths of 4.5m, 4.9m, 5.4m, 5,7m, 6m, 6.7m, 7.3m and 9m.

[0039] The spans may be securely attached to the spaced scaffolding towers using any suitable technique. In some embodiments, for example, opposing ends of the span may be configured for attachment to rails of the scaffolding towers. The ends of the span may, for example, comprise clamps for clamping rails of the scaffolding towers. Alternatively, the ends of the span may have apertures for receiving a fastening rod, or the like, therethrough. Again, whilst different spans in the system (or, indeed, opposite ends of each span) may have different attachment mechanisms, a common fastening system across the entire system would usually be preferred, both for ease of construction and safety.

[0040] Typically, the span would be provided as a single unit, such as those sold under the brand Spandeck. With the right equipment, such spans are relatively easy to transport and manipulate into position in the system of the present invention. In some embodiments, however, the span may be provided in a modular form (which may, in some applications, be easier to transport and install) and comprise elongate side members and walkway members configured for receipt therebetween. The walkway members may, for example, be provided separately and in a form whereby they are readily attachable together and to the side members in order to form the span. The elongate side members may, for example, be provided in the form of hollow railings having a gauge appropriate for their intended use or in the form of beams (e.g. I-, C- or L-shaped beams). Such members may additionally act as kickboards, which prevent items dropped onto the platform from subsequently rolling or otherwise falling off the platform, where they might injure a person working below. In alternative embodiments, kickboards might be provided as separate units for attachment to the span.

[0041] The walkway members may, for example, be provided in metal form, such as grates or plates, or in non-metal form, such as wooden planks planks/plates formed from a suitable plastics material. The walkway members may have any length and width, provided that at least one of these dimensions enables them to span the elongate side members. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to provide walkway members having a length approximately the same as the span itself because this would ensure that the span’s platform has no potential trip hazards. Typically, the walkway members would be provided with some sort of non-slip surface (even when wet) to even further enhance its safety.

[0042] The spans define a platform from which the building’s roof can be accessed. Any upper (in use) surface of the span will define the platform, although given the importance of workers’ safety, the platform would usually be in the form of a level and non-slip surface. In embodiments where the span includes walkway members, for example, then the platform is defined (at least in part) by the upper sides of the walkway members. The platform typically defines a substantially continuous surface, with there being effectively no gaps or raised edges that might present a trip hazard.

[0043] The span may also include additional features, such as fasteners spaced along opposing edges thereof. The fasteners may be configured to receive bracket or stanchions (described below) mounted thereat. The fasteners may comprise any suitable fastening mechanism, such as, for example, clamps configured to clamp the bracket or stanchion or apertures with fasteners such as split pins, etc.

[0044] The span (or individual components thereof) may be made from any suitable material, with structural parts likely being made from metals (e.g. steel or aluminium). However, as noted above, other parts of the span (e.g. the walkway) can potentially be made from wood or suitable (i.e. strong, durable and weather resistant) plastic materials.

[0045] Commercially available spans suitable for use with the present invention are sold under the brand Spandeck.

[0046] The rooftop access and safety system of the present invention also has an inner barrier configured to prevent a person from falling between the building and the platform. The inner barrier may take any form that is effective to achieve this purpose, some examples of which will be described below.

[0047] The inner barrier may, for example, include one or more rails configured to be positioned between the platform and the building. The configuration of such rail(s) would be such that any gap between the rails, platform and building would not be of a size that might allow a person to fit therethrough. The rail(s) may, for example, be longitudinally oriented with respect to the platform, hi this manner, the rail(s) extend along a length of the span and at a distance away from the platform that would not enable a person’s body to easily pass therethrough. In some embodiments, for example, the inner barrier may include two or three evenly spaced rails, each of which is substantially parallel to the platform and which extends, in a single length, from end to end of the span. The rail furthest from the platform is configured to be located abutting (or close to) the wall of the building.

[0048] The rail(s) may be positioned at the same level as the platform, such that a person who accidentally steps off the platform would not put their foot into the gap between the platform and the side of the building (and hence risk falling therebetween), but would put their foot onto the rail(s). Alternatively, the rail(s) may be positioned elevated above the platform. An elevated position might, in some circumstances, be advantageous because it might provide a step for facilitating access to the roof of the building. Elevated rails may also provide support for a tradesperson’s leg, which may help to balance the tradesperson, especially when they are working above their heads whilst installing fascia boards, guttering, etc. Where there are two or more rails, they would usually be parallel to each other, although could be positioned in a diagonally offset arrangement with each other in some circumstances.

[0049] The inner barrier may include members that are not rails, but which function in a manner effective to prevent a person from falling between the platform and building. For example, a step might be provided with the inner barrier, and located between the platform and building in use. Such a step may help to facilitate access to the roof by providing a secure surface (i.e. a non-rounded surface, as would be the case for many rails) on which a tradesperson may place their foot. In some embodiments, and depending on the gap between the platform and building one or more steps may be used, optionally in combination with one or more rails. Given the relative locations of the span/platform and the building’s root) however, there would typically only be one step, with any remaining gap being protected using rail(s).

[0050] The inner barrier may also include a bracket configured for mounting to the span and supporting the one or more rails in position between the platform and building. The bracket may, for example, be in the form of a scaffolding bracket of the form described below, capable of attachment to the span (e.g. via the fasteners spaced along the inner edge of the span described above) using any suitable mechanism. Depending on the length of the span, one or more of such brackets may be provided spaced along the span in order to reinforce the inner barrier.

[0051] In some embodiments, ends of the inner barrier may also be joined to one or both of the scaffolding towers in order to even further reinforce the inner barrier, lest a person strike the inner barrier with an unexpectedly high force.

[0052] The rooftop access and safety system of the present invention also has an outer barrier configured to deflect a person falling from the roof onto the platform. The outer barrier may take any form that is effective to achieve this purpose, some examples of which will be described below.

[0053] The outer barrier may, for example, include one or more longitudinally oriented rails, at least one of which is positioned in use at a height above the platform whereby a person falling from the roof would make contact with the rail and hence be deflected onto the platform. A height of at least about one metre above the level of the roof s eaves or gutter (see Figure 5, as described below) would be the minimum height, but this may need to be increased depending on the physical nature of the roof, width of the platform and other factors. A thorough risk assessment would be conducted beforehand, with the system of the present invention being readily adaptable to provide an outer barrier having a range of effective heights.

[0054] Given its height off the platform, the outer barrier would typically include a plurality of longitudinally oriented rails at spaced heights above the platform. The spacing between the rails would be such that a falling person would not be capable of passing therebetween. A spacing of about 50cm has been found to be appropriate, with the outer barrier comprising 2, 3, or 4 (or more) of such longitudinally oriented rails, depending on their separation and the barrier’s height.

[0055] The plurality of longitudinally oriented rails may be progressively offset from the platform with height. In this manner, an outwardly leaning barrier is provided, which provides the best possible structure for arresting a falling person and deflecting them towards the platform. Whilst such a person would almost certainly suffer injury from such a fall, the consequences are likely to be less serious than would be the case if they were to fall to the ground from the roof. An angle of about 75° to 80° has been found to be effective.

[0056] One or more of the longitudinally oriented rails may be configured for attachment to the scaffolding towers at opposing ends thereof for reinforcement. In this manner, the structural stability of the scaffolding towers may be imparted to the outer barrier, greatly enhancing its strength and stability over that offered by existing systems such as the “HangOn Platform” described above. In some embodiments, for example, an angled bracket may be provided on the spaced-apart scaffolding towers, with ends of the longitudinally oriented rails of the outer barrier being securely attachable to the angled bracket. A specific example of such a bracket will be described below.

[0057] The outer barrier may also include one or more stanchions, which may be positioned intermediate the scaffolding towers and configured for mounting to the span, where they can support the longitudinally oriented rail(s). The stanchions may, for example, be capable of attachment to the span via the fasteners spaced along the outer edge of the span described above using any suitable mechanism. Depending on the length of the span, one or more of such stanchions may be provided spaced along the span in order to reinforce the outer barrier.

[0058] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a rooftop access and safety system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in the form of system 10. As can generally be seen in Figures 1 and 2, system 10 extends across a portion of the wall of a building in the form of house 11 under construction, and includes a number of spans in the form of walkways 14, each of which is suspended between two scaffolding towers 12, 12. System 10 may readily be extended such that it extends around the entire periphery of the house, with additional scaffolding towers being provided at comers of the building 11 and at intermediate positions along long walls . House 11 is a double storey house (only the upper portion of which is shown), and is at a stage of construction where its side walls have been partially erected, and tradespeople now need to access the roof area in order to install the roof trasses, facia, gutters, the roofing material (e.g. tiles), etc. (not shown).

[0059] The walkways 14 have a uniform width of about 600mm (625mm including the side members) and lengths varying from about 4m to about 10m, and are attached at their opposite ends to horizontally orientated rails of the scaffolding towers 12, 12 in a conventional manner. In the embodiment shown, walkways 14 are in the form of commercially available walkways sold under the Spandeck brand.

[0060] Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, a single span 14 of the system 10 is shown from different vantages in greater detail, with its outer 16 and inner 18 barriers being shown.

Walkway 14 needs to be positioned a short distance away from the side wall of the house 11 so that the facia and eaves of the house can be worked on from the walkway 14 (these will normally overhang the wall 11 by about 500mm, as can be seen in Figure 2). Typically, the walkway 14 will need to be a distance of between about 400mm and 1,000mm (e.g. around 700mm) away from the building 11 in order for this to be achieved. The gap between the walkway 14 and the house 11 is therefore a potential hazard because a person could accidentally fall between the walkway 14 and house 11. In order to prevent such an accident from happening, the system 10 also includes an inner barrier 18. Inner barrier 18 may include one or more rails 19, which are longitudinally arranged at spaced intervals between the walkway 14 and the building 11. Alternatively, one or more of the rails 19 may be replaced by a step 21, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, for example. Step 21 (which may be slightly elevated above the level of walkway 14) would provide secure footing for a person wanting to access the roof, whilst also providing a physical barrier.

[0061] Ends of rails 19 (and step 21) may be attached to the scaffolding towers 12, 12, thus benefiting greatly from the structural stability of the towers 12, 12. One or more brackets 20 (shown in more detail in Figure 5) may be positioned at intervals along the walkway 14 (especially for longer walkways) in order to reinforce the rails 19 (and step 21). The presence of rails 19 (and step 21) prevents a person from falling between the walkway 14 and house 11.

[0062] Although not shown, the rails 19 (and step 21) on the inner barrier 18 could be provided at a level elevated above the walking surface of walkway 14. Such elevated rails may advantageously provide an intermediate stepping surface to help a roofer (for example) step up onto the roof, or a surface against which a person installing guttering or facia boards (for example) might be able to lean against for stability.

[0063] The walkway 14 shown in Figure 3 also include kickboards 22 on either side thereof, as well as fasteners, shown generally as fastener 23 (see Figure 4), at ends thereof. Fastener 23 is configured to fasten the walkway 14 to an appropriately located railing in the scaffolding tower 12 (not shown in detail). Again, fastening walkway 14 directly to the scaffolding towers 12, 12 in this manner enables it to benefit greatly from the structural stability of the towers.

[0064] The outer side of walkway 14 has an outer barrier 16, which not only prevents a person from falling off the outermost side of the walkway 14 but should also prevent a person who falls from the roof of house 11 from falling to the ground. Outer barrier 16 has end brackets 24, 24 (only one of which can clearly be seen in Figures 3 and 4), which are also shown in more detail in Figure 5. Each end bracket 24 has a short upper arm 24A, a longer lower arm 24B and a cross bar 24C (see Figure 5). As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, for example, when bracket 24 is fastened onto a substantially vertically orientated rail of the scaffolding tower 12, its cross bar 24C presents at an angle of about 80 degrees. Rails 26, 26, 26 and 26 (in this embodiment) are clamped at opposite ends thereof to the brackets’ 24, 24 cross bars 24C, 24C and are hence configured in an offset manner, with their lateral distance from the walkway 14 increasing with their height off the walkway. One or more stanchions 28 may be positioned at intervals along the walkway 14 (especially for longer walkways) in order to reinforce the rails 26, 26, 26 and 26. In this manner, rails 26, 26, 26 and 26 define a barrier that is best able to arrest the fall of a person, even from a height and with some force and, once so arrested, deflect them onto the walkway 14. A person experiencing such a fall is unlikely to escape injury during such a deflection, but the injury is likely to be much less severe than might be the case if they were to fall to the ground.

[0065] As would be appreciated, as rails 26, 26, 26 and 26 are, in effect, attached directly to the scaffolding towers 12, 12 (and supported by stanchion(s) 28), they can also greatly benefit from their structural stability, with the strength (and hence effectiveness in the event of a fall) of the outer barrier 16 being enhanced. It should be noted, however, that outer barriers which are not directly attached to the scaffolding towers 12, 12 might also be used in the system 10, albeit they would probably require more stanchions (e.g. 28) to support them along their length.

[0066] The uppermost rail 26 of the outer barrier 16 should be at a height of about 1m above the height which the gutter (not shown) will ultimately be located. Such a height should ensure that a person falling from a fully completed roof 32 (which would typically overhang the side of the building 11 by about 500mm) would be almost certain to make contact with at least the upper rail 26 and hence be deflected back towards the walkway 14.

[0067] Brackets 20 and stanchions 28 may be attached to walkway 14 using any conventional technique. For example, the inner and outer edges 22 of walkway 14 may be provided with apertures into which the bracket/stanchion is receivable and subsequently fixable using a conventional fastener such as a pin and ring and/or nuts and bolts. The rigidity and strength of the walkway 14 can then be used to further improve the stability of the inner 18 and outer 16 barriers.

[0068] A ladder or stairway (not shown) may also be provided in one or more scaffolding towers 12, which provides a straightforward way for tradespeople to access the walkway 14 and hence the roof 32 (or the roof area, where the roof has not yet been installed). As would be appreciated, such a ladder does not necessitate tradespeople working on the roof area of the house to approach the walkway 14 via the interior of the house, thus enabling tradespeople to work unhindered both inside and outside the house. Further, it is not necessary for a person to squeeze through an opening provided in the wall 11 of the house in order to access the walkway 14, which may be especially difficult when carrying materials etc. for use on the roof.

[0069] Referring now to Figure 5, a cross section of the system 10 is shown. The walkway 14 and outer barrier 16 are shown mid-walkway and adjacent to one of the stanchions 28. A vertical rail 34 of the scaffolding tower 12 is used as a support upon which the end bracket 24 can be mounted in a conventional manner. As can be seen, wedges at the ends of short 24A and long 24B arms are slid into corresponding tabs of vertical rail 24, whereupon the end bracket 24 is securely affixed to the vertical rail 34, and thus benefits from the structural integrity of the tower 12. End bracket 24 is, in this view, partially hidden behind stanchion 28 (which is located along the walkway 14).

[0070] Rails 26 are attached to the cross bar 24C of the end bracket 24 using half couplers, shown generally as 36 (see Figure 4), which are themselves bolted to the cross bar 24C of the end bracket 24.

[0071] As can be seen in Figure 5, the stanchion 28 of outer barrier 16 has a number of half couplers 38 (which may be the same as half couplers 36, described above, although different diameter railings may be used) bolted thereto at appropriately spaced intervals. Rails 26 are thereby securely fastened to the stanchions 28 at the necessary height, and usually in a substantially horizontal configuration for the length of the walkway 14. Half couplers 38 (and 36) are easy to use and their inclusion on system 10 can help to reduce the time required for, and complexity of, the installation process.

[0072] Walkway 14 includes a number of half couplers 38 spaced therealong and which are configured to receive a lowermost portion of the stanchion 28 therein. Stanchion 28 is attachable to walkway 14 by passing a bolt 40 through aligned apertures in a sidewall of the half coupler 38, the stanchion 28 and the sidewall 22. A pin and ring fastener 42 located at the uppermost end of the half coupler 38/sidewall 22 ensures that the stanchion 28 is securely (and substantially immovably) attached to the walkway 14.

[0073] Inner barrier 18 includes the bracket 20 and a plank 21 upon which a tradesperson may step, as described above. Bracket 20 may also be attached to side wall 22 of the walkway via a pin and ring fastener 44.

[0074] It will be appreciated that the present invention provides a rooftop access and safety system having a number of new and useful features over existing systems. For example, specific embodiments of the present invention may provide one or more of the following advantages: • simplified construction, compared to some of the presently used systems; • improved strength and safety; • easier access (e.g. via ladders in the scaffolding towers), both to the platform and to the roof; and • less likely to cause damage to the walls (or anywhere else) of the building under construction.

[0075] It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0076] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A rooftop access and safety system comprising: one or more spans configured to bridge spaced scaffolding towers and define a platform from which a roof of a building can be accessed; an inner barrier configured to prevent a person from falling between the building and the platform; and an outer barrier configured to deflect a person falling from the roof onto the platform.
2. 2. The rooftop access and safety system of claim 1, wherein opposing ends of the or each span are configured for attachment to rails of the scaffolding towers.
3. 3. The rooftop access and safety system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the inner barrier comprises one or more rails configured to be positioned between the platform and the building.
4. 4. The rooftop access and safety system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer barrier comprises one or more longitudinally oriented rails, at least one of which is configured to be positioned at a height above the platform whereby a person falling from the roof would make contact with the rail.
5. 5. The rooftop access and safety system of claim 4, wherein one or more of the longitudinally oriented rails are configured for attachment to the scaffolding towers at opposing ends thereof.