Kee Guard Installation for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility

The Client

Skyway was appointed to deliver a comprehensive roof safety solution for a leading global pharmaceutical manufacturing facility located in Raheen, Limerick. The site forms part of an international pharmaceutical organisation with manufacturing and research facilities across Europe and worldwide.

As one of the company’s major Irish manufacturing sites, the facility plays a significant role in pharmaceutical production and employs thousands of people. Maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and operational efficiency is essential, particularly where regular access to rooftop plant and equipment is required.

As part of an ongoing construction project, the facility required a permanent roof safety system that would provide safe access for maintenance personnel while meeting strict working-at-height regulations.

Skyway - Kee Guard Installation for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility

The Brief

Skyway was invited to tender for the roof safety package as part of a wider construction programme at the facility. The project required a complete roof access solution that would allow maintenance teams to safely reach rooftop plant and equipment while providing permanent collective fall protection.

The scope of works included the design, supply and installation of:

Freestanding Kee Guard roof edge protection
Fixed roof access ladders
Stepover platforms

The roof layout included several obstacles and service areas that required regular maintenance, making safe access a key priority. The client required a solution that would improve accessibility, minimise risk, and provide long-term compliance with Irish and European working-at-height regulations.

Following a detailed review of the project requirements, Skyway developed a comprehensive proposal outlining the most suitable roof safety systems and installation methodology. Through a series of technical meetings and design discussions, the proposed solution was refined to meet both operational requirements and long-term maintenance objectives.

Following the tender evaluation process, Skyway was appointed to deliver the complete roof safety package.

The Solution

Design and System Specification

Skyway’s estimating and technical teams worked closely with the project team to design a solution that balanced safety, practicality, and long-term reliability.

After reviewing the roof layout and maintenance requirements, Skyway proposed an integrated solution incorporating Freestanding Kee Guard guardrails, roof access ladders, and stepover platforms.

This combination ensured maintenance personnel could move safely throughout the roof area while remaining protected at all times.

Freestanding Kee Guard System

The Kee Guard freestanding guardrail system was selected because it provides permanent collective edge protection without penetrating the roof membrane.

Its non-penetrative design offers several important advantages, including:

Permanent collective fall protection.
Preservation of the roof waterproofing system.
Quick and efficient installation.
Low maintenance requirements.
Long-term durability and reliability.

The guardrail system allows operatives to work safely at height without relying solely on personal fall protection equipment, creating a safer environment for routine inspections and maintenance activities.

Roof Access Ladders and Stepovers

To complement the guardrail installation, Skyway also installed a series of fixed roof access ladders and stepover platforms.

The ladders provide safe movement between roof levels, while the stepovers allow maintenance personnel to safely cross pipework, ducting, and rooftop services without interrupting designated access routes.

Together, these systems create clear and logical pathways across the roof, improving both safety and maintenance efficiency.

Installation and Delivery

Once the design was approved, Skyway’s in-house design and installation teams coordinated every stage of the project.

Working alongside the wider construction programme, the installation was completed efficiently and within the agreed project schedule.

All systems were installed in accordance with relevant Irish and European working-at-height standards, ensuring a fully compliant roof safety solution.

Skyway - Kee Guard Installation for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility 3

The Outcome

The completed installation delivered a fully integrated roof safety system that significantly improved maintenance access while providing permanent collective protection for personnel working at height.

Benefits to the Customer

Enhanced Safety – The combination of freestanding guardrails, roof ladders, and stepover platforms provides comprehensive protection across the roof, reducing the risk of falls during maintenance activities.

Improved Roof Access – Clearly defined access routes allow maintenance teams to move safely and efficiently between rooftop equipment and service areas.

Protection of the Roof Structure – The non-penetrative Kee Guard system preserves the integrity of the roof membrane, reducing the likelihood of future waterproofing issues and helping extend the roof’s lifespan.

Reduced Long-Term Maintenance Costs – The durable, low-maintenance systems require minimal ongoing upkeep, helping reduce operational costs while providing reliable long-term performance.

Successful Project Delivery – Through close collaboration and careful planning, Skyway delivered the installation on schedule, providing the client with a practical, compliant, and future-proof roof safety solution.

Conclusion

This project demonstrates Skyway’s expertise in delivering bespoke roof safety systems for complex industrial and pharmaceutical environments. By combining freestanding guardrails, roof access ladders, and stepover platforms into one integrated solution, Skyway created a safer, more efficient working environment while ensuring full compliance with current working-at-height regulations.

From the initial tender through to design, installation, and certification, Skyway delivered a complete end-to-end solution tailored to the operational needs of a busy manufacturing facility.

If your organisation is planning a new construction project or looking to upgrade existing roof safety systems, Skyway has the experience and technical expertise to deliver a compliant, long-lasting solution.

Contact Skyway today to arrange a site survey and discover how our roof safety solutions can help create a safer working environment for your facility.

Download Case Study Here!

Skyway installed a freestanding Kee Guard system, roof ladders and stepovers at a pharmaceutical facility, improving roof safety, compliance and maintenance access.

Click to Download!