Latchways’ Design and Specification service is used by independent design and engineering firm, Arup, to support them in creating access strategies for building rooftops and structures. The majority of new and existing buildings require safe access to the roof area for ongoing building maintenance and to service specialist equipment such as telecommunications masts, skylights, air conditioning units, elevator machinery and PV panels.

The variety of projects that Arup works on means it has specified the majority of products and solutions in the Latchways range. These include roofing fall protection (WalkSafe walkways, VersiRail guardrail and Constant Force posts are used as the basis of a modular system for any roof type), through to ManSafe for Ladders (providing personal safety for individuals working on any type of fixed ladder).

To make sure that the systems used are perfectly integrated into the building, Arup call on Latchways at the earliest stage of a project. This close collaboration means a combination of standard systems and bespoke fall protection solutions can be designed to dovetail with the architect’s vision. Latchways systems are so aesthetically pleasing that they fit seamlessly with the design.

Ian Lockwood, Senior Access and Maintenance Consultant Engineer at Arup, said:"We have a close working relationship with Latchways and our whole team holds Latchways fall protection systems in great professional regard. Latchways is always on the list when we are specifying fall protection systems not least due to the quality, versatility, long life and aesthetic appeal of their equipment but also because their teams are always prepared to work with us to find new approaches whenever the installation dictates".