Roof access aid
February 1st 2006

A roof access system designed by Online Safety, part of the Checkmate Avon group of companies, formed part of a project to restore part of the Tower of London that won a prestigious conservation award.

Online Safety installed an easy-to-release gas strut controlled lifting mechanism that enables a 300kg octagonal lead-covered hatch to be lifted by one person.

The hatch allows for inspection of the underside of the roof covering and access to the winding mechanism that safely raises and lowers the lighting corona in the throne room below. Improved roof access was provided by installing specially shaped walkways designed to match the octagonal hatch and fixed with clamps to the lead rolls to avoid penetrating the roof.

Roger Townsend, director, says "The Tower of London is a marvellous building, steeped in history, and it's a pleasure to be able to design a system that satisfies the demands of health and safety legislation that is sympathetic to the fabric of the building."

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