Keylite advocates glass safety for roofing contractors

With falls through fragile surfaces, particularly fibre-cement roofs and rooflights, accounting for 22% of all fall-from-height fatal injuries in the construction industry, Keylite Roof Windows (Keylite) is stressing the importance of flat glass safety when working at raised levels.

Flat roof glazing systems such as flat glass roof lights, roof lanterns, polycarbonate domes and automatic opening vent (AOV) rooflights are most typically installed in flat roof extensions at the rear of residential properties; but are also very common in education and healthcare applications.

When working with flat glass roof systems, installers must be aware of the relevant standards relating to roof glazing, which include guidance on maximum allowable deflections and stresses for overhead glazing. Fragile rooflights in particular can be a major hazard, as some are difficult to see in certain light conditions and others may be hidden by paint.

Designed with safety in mind, the glazing specification of Keylite’s flat glass roof systems aims to reduce the incidences of accidents and injury, giving installers full peace of mind. All units have been tested to meet CWCT TN66 and TN67 Class 1 non-fragile rating to ensure the safety of people below the glazed roof and people who may be on the roof.

John Logue, Business Manager at Keylite, comments: “Class 1 non-fragile rooflights are for applications where they may be walked on for occasional cleaning and maintenance, as they need to be able to support both the weight of people on the glass and their equipment, as well as withstand the impact from a person and their tools or equipment without damage.

“Keylite’s wide range of flat roof glazing products means we can provide a solution for any flat roof application. We offer fire-resistant glazing, and our full range has been fully tested to ACR[M]001:2011 Class B for non-fragility.

“In addition, our flat roof domes are thermoformed polycarbonate with a virtually unbreakable triple skin construction, which has an impact strength 250 times greater than glass, giving installers extra peace of mind when working at height.”

All roof windows within the entire Keylite range can be integrated within a flat roof system. For more information, please visit www.keyliteroofwindows.com, call 01283 200 158 or email info@keyliteuk.com.