Walkways and crossover platforms

Safe elevated access routes for roofs and rooftop systems

Walkways and step-overs (also referred to as “crossover bridges”) are collective protection systems designed to provide safe and stable access routes on roofs and at height, drastically reducing the risk of slipping, tripping and falling from height during access and maintenance activities.

SPIDER designs, manufactures, installs and maintains aluminium walkways and step-overs for residential and industrial roofs, offering modular and custom solutions to suit:

rooftop technical equipment (AHUs, photovoltaic systems, HVAC, flues);
shed roofs and roofs with slopes or level changes;
crossings over obstacles, ducts, skylights and service lines;
frequently used access routes for maintenance staff and external contractors.

Why install a walkway (instead of “walking on the roof”)

On many roofs the risk is not only at the edge: it’s also the working surface itself.
Wet conditions, ice, dust, smooth membranes, corrugated metal sheets, slopes, uneven levels and fragile areas make roofs environments where loss of balance is highly likely.

A properly designed walkway allows you to:

define a dedicated and safe route;
improve grip and footing stability;
protect the roof from damage (foot traffic, punctures, crushing);
reduce the risk of fall-through on fragile elements (e.g. near skylights);
simplify safety management for anyone working at height.

In short: a walkway turns a potentially critical area into a permanent access route.

What is a step-over (and when it is required)

A step-over is a structural crossing element that enables safe passage over:

pipes and ductwork,
skylights,
level changes or constrained crossing points,
roof slope transitions or “jumps” between surfaces.

The step-over prevents operators from improvising hazardous passages and ensures route continuity (one of the most important prevention factors).

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Reference standard: UNI EN ISO 14122-2:2016

SPIDER walkways and access routes are designed with reference to UNI EN ISO 14122-2:2016, part of the ISO 14122 series dedicated to “permanent means of access to machinery”.
The standard sets requirements for working platforms and non-powered walkways, including non-powered adjustable parts (folding, sliding) and moving parts of fixed means of access.

UNI EN ISO 14122-2:2016 shall be used together with:

UNI EN ISO 14122-1:2016, which provides selection criteria for the means of access and the general requirements.

Important: the standard does not cover motorised access such as lifts or elevating platforms.

Technical features of a truly safe walkway

An effective walkway is not just a walkable surface: it is a system that must ensure long-term safety under any environmental condition.

1) Anti-slip and draining surface
The walking surface finish must perform properly even in the presence of:

water and condensation,
frost and ice,
dust and debris.

2) Stability and stiffness
The walkway must avoid vibrations, excessive deflection and instability.
The design dimensioning includes:

load-bearing structure,
span between supports,
stiffening elements,
connections and fixings.

3) Route continuity
Risks increase in transition areas: level changes, bends, crossings over obstacles, slope changes.
For this reason, SPIDER pays specific attention to:

transitions,
special components,
crossings,
step-overs and technical steps.

4) Roof compatibility
Every roof is different. The system must be compatible with:

corrugated or trapezoidal metal sheets,
sandwich panels,
bituminous or synthetic membranes,
fibre-cement roofs,
reinforced concrete or steel substructures.

Design, installation and maintenance: the SPIDER® approach

A “safe” walkway is one that remains safe after years of use, even under harsh environmental conditions and frequent maintenance activities. For this reason, SPIDER® does not provide just a product, but a permanent access system designed and managed over time.

1) Site survey and technical measurement

roof geometry and actual slopes;
real access routes (not theoretical);
obstacles and critical areas (skylights, equipment, ductwork, level changes, shed roofs);
substrate type and roof covering condition;
architectural constraints and MEP interferences.

2) Route design and system modularity

SPIDER® design starts from the logic of the route: the goal is not simply “to install a walkway”, but to create a consistent, continuous and safe path all the way to the maintenance points.

At this stage, modularity delivers clear technical benefits:

adapts the walkway to complex geometries (direction changes, narrow sections, crossings);
enables easy integration of step-overs, transitions and sloped sections;
supports future changes to rooftop systems (additions, relocations, new lines) without having to rebuild the whole system;
makes each component replaceable in case of impacts or damage, simplifying long-term management.

The result is an “open” and scalable system, designed to follow the evolution of the building and its rooftop installations.

3) Professional installation (best practice)

fixings suitable for the substrate (trapezoidal sheeting, sandwich panels, reinforced concrete, steel, etc.);
attention to detail to minimise interference with the roof membrane and build-up;
verification of alignment, stability and route continuity;
special focus on critical points: connections, end sections, joints, crossings and level changes.

4) Maintenance and scheduled inspections

SPIDER® provides maintenance and periodic inspections to ensure the route remains compliant and safe, by checking:

integrity of the walking surface and anti-slip performance;
tightening and stability of the fixings;
any deformation due to loads, impacts or thermal expansion;
environmental conditions and deterioration (especially in industrial or marine areas).

Scheduled maintenance helps maintain a high safety level and ensures operational continuity, preventing urgent and costly corrective actions.