The way up – safe access as a basis

There are different types of fixed ladders that are used depending on the area of application and structural environment. Emergency ladders are primarily used for rescue in the event of a fire, machine ladders enable access to technical equipment and shaft ladders are used in industry and the utility sector. However, permanently installed fixed ladders are of central importance as part of a building structure for safe access to roofs. They are mainly used in industrial and commercial buildings and are recognised as a permanent access solution in accordance with DIN 18799-1. Thanks to their stable construction and the option of combining them with additional safety components such as exit platforms or fall protection systems, they reliably meet the requirements for recurring maintenance and inspection work on roofs.

Back protection or fall protection – different protection strategies

Many existing facilities still use fixed ladders with back protection cages. This system is relatively easy to use, as it can be used without additional equipment and does not require any special user training. At the same time, however, there remains a residual risk, as the back protection prevents the user from falling out sideways, but does not actively prevent a fall down the ladder.

Modern ladder systems with fall protection rails, on the other hand, rely on an active safety concept. They are used in conjunction with personal protective equipment against falls (PPE) and can specifically stop a fall. However, this higher safety standard comes with organisational effort. Users must be trained in the use of PPE. Regular instruction is required. PPE must be inspected at least once a year. In addition, the operator of the system must have a rescue plan in place that also takes into account rescue from the fixed ladder.

For fixed ladders on buildings, there is generally a choice between two safety systems. The decision should be made as part of a risk assessment that takes into account the usage situation, frequency of use, structural conditions and organisational possibilities. Fixed ladders can consist of a single-section or multi-section. For climbing heights of more than ten metres, intermediate landings are required to ensure operational safety and ergonomics.

Safe transition – from roof access to work surface

The transition from the fixed ladder to the roof requires special attention. In practice, dangerous situations often arise here, as users have to detach themselves from the ladder and are therefore briefly unsecured in the fall zone. According to DIN 18799-3:2021-02, the exit from fixed ladders must be designed in such a way that users are not unprotected at any time. The standard specifies a secured exit area with side railings to secure the transition to the work surface. Standard-compliant exit railings, parapet crossings and railing extensions significantly reduce this risk, as they ensure the required collective side protection. KRAUSE develops combined solutions for this purpose, in which the fixed ladder and roof fall protection system form a continuous protection concept. This meets the requirements of DIN 18799-3 as well as the specifications of the Industrial Safety Regulation and the DGUV. The safe transition can be achieved either via collective side protection systems or, alternatively, by continuing the PPE.

Collective side protection – maximum safety at the roof edge

Once access has been secured, the roof surface itself must be protected against the risk of falling. Flat roofs on industrial and administrative buildings are accessed particularly frequently, whether for inspecting roof drainage systems, maintaining equipment or seasonal cleaning of deposits such as leaves or snow. In accordance with occupational safety principles, collective protective measures are preferable to personal protective equipment, as they are permanent and provide protection regardless of the individual's qualifications or attentiveness.

The KRAUSE guardrail system enables penetration-free protection of roof edges and hazardous areas such as skylights. It is designed for flat roofs with a slope of up to ten degrees and features a robust design made from durable and weather-resistant materials. It can be installed permanently or used temporarily. The ballasted installation without penetrating the roof covering prevents the risk of moisture ingress and consequential damage to insulation layers. Variable corner elements, slope compensation and combinable components allow uneven surfaces, cable ducts or superstructures to be bridged without any problems.

The advantage of such a system is clearly evident in practice: after installation, users do not need any additional safety measures via PPE, fall risks are permanently minimised and work can be carried out safely without additional effort. This increases efficiency and productivity on the roof, especially when access is frequent.

PPE – personal protection when collective measures are not sufficient

Personal protective equipment against falls is always required when collective protection is not technically feasible or when access to exposed areas is required. This includes roof systems with large slopes, maintenance work in hard-to-reach areas and work on sloping roofs. In conjunction with fixed ladders, PPE becomes even more important during access: Systems with fall protection rails allow a fall arrest device to be guided along the ladder. This means that the user is secured throughout the entire climbing process. This form of fall protection is often chosen when heights are bridged where a back protection cage alone is no longer sufficient, or when there are additional requirements for a personal safety system.

Safety as a process – inspection and documentation

In accordance with the Industrial Safety Regulation, fixed ladders, side protection systems and anchorage devices are subject to mandatory inspection and must be inspected at least once a year by a ‘qualified person’. Regular inspections ensure that the systems remain functional and can be operated safely. KRAUSE not only supports companies by supplying technical solutions, but also carries out these mandatory safety inspections by qualified inspectors. The inspections are documented in a traceable and audit-proof manner. This offers operators legal certainty and avoids operational downtime due to safety-related defects.

Safety on the roof is not a product, but a system. Only the combination of access technology, fall protection and regular inspections ensures safe and legally compliant working conditions. With modular fixed ladders, well-designed side protection and integrable PPE solutions, KRAUSE offers individual and practical systems for every application: efficient in installation, durable in operation and flexible to retrofit. Companies benefit from a comprehensive safety concept that covers the entire work process: from safe ascent and protected working to standard-compliant inspection.

Roof fall protection systems are no longer an option, but a safety necessity. In conjunction with standard-compliant fixed ladders, they form a comprehensive safety concept that is geared to the current requirements of companies and operators. Collective side protection ensures efficient processes and protects all users, regardless of their safety behaviour. Well-designed transitional solutions, modular system components and tested quality guarantee the highest level of safety combined with high cost-effectiveness.