Air Handling Units (AHUs) play a critical role in maintaining air quality, temperature control, and ventilation within warehouses, distribution centres, and other industrial environments. These systems are essential not only for workforce comfort but also for the safe storage of temperature- or air-sensitive goods.
In many facilities, AHUs are mounted on rooftops to optimise floor space and reduce internal noise. While this is an efficient setup, it introduces a key operational consideration: safe and reliable roof access. Without proper access systems in place, carrying out essential maintenance on rooftop AHUs becomes difficult, increases risk to personnel, and can lead to avoidable downtime or compliance issues.
This blog explores the importance of regular AHU and roof access maintenance in industrial settings. We’ll highlight how proactive upkeep contributes to equipment performance, site safety, and regulatory compliance, supported by UK-specific data and guidance relevant to facilities managers, maintenance teams, and health & safety professionals.
Why Regular AHU Maintenance Matters
Maintaining Air Handling Units in industrial environments isn’t just good practice – it’s critical. Whether you manage a warehouse, factory, or distribution centre, the way you maintain your AHU directly impacts energy efficiency, staff wellbeing, and compliance with UK regulations.
1. Stable Air Quality & Temperature
2. Lower Energy Consumption
3. Reduced Downtime
4. Longer Equipment Life
5. Legal & Safety Compliance
Air Handling Units (AHUs) play a critical role in maintaining air quality, temperature control, and ventilation within warehouses, distribution centres, and other industrial environments. These systems are essential not only for workforce comfort but also for the safe storage of temperature- or air-sensitive goods.
In many facilities, AHUs are mounted on rooftops to optimise floor space and reduce internal noise. While this is an efficient setup, it introduces a key operational consideration: safe and reliable roof access. Without proper access systems in place, carrying out essential maintenance on rooftop AHUs becomes difficult, increases risk to personnel, and can lead to avoidable downtime or compliance issues.
This blog explores the importance of regular AHU and roof access maintenance in industrial settings. We’ll highlight how proactive upkeep contributes to equipment performance, site safety, and regulatory compliance, supported by UK-specific data and guidance relevant to facilities managers, maintenance teams, and health & safety professionals.
Practical Steps You Can Take to Ensure Efficiency
Keeping your AHUs running efficiently comes down to a series of regular, practical maintenance actions. This includes replacing and cleaning air filters to prevent dust and debris from restricting airflow and putting extra strain on motors. It’s important to clean coils and fan blades to avoid dirt buildup that reduces heat exchange efficiency and drives up energy use.
Safe Roof Access Steps
Accessing rooftop AHUs safely is critical for effective maintenance and protecting your workforce. AHUs are often installed in hard-to-reach locations where falls, slips, or trips pose serious risks. Tadweld’s safe access platforms are designed specifically to provide secure, compliant access routes to these rooftop units, ensuring maintenance teams can perform their tasks safely and efficiently.
Why Choose Tadweld?
- Comprehensive Safety: Sturdy guardrails, anti-slip platforms and secure ladders
- Regulation Compliant: Meets UK Work at Height Regulations 2005
- Durable & Low Maintenance: Built to withstand harsh industrial environments
- Easy Installation: Minimises downtime and disruption
- Improves Efficiency: Enables maintenance teams to work confidently and quickly
Common Questions About Roof Access Safety
Q: Why is safe roof access important?
A: Roofs provide a potentially high-risk environment where occasional access leads to less health & safety oversight. Safe roof access is essential to prevent the risk of any injury. Ensuring your roof access is installed by a professional helps you comply with health and safety regulations, and ensures maintenance can be done efficiently.
Q: How does Tadweld’s solution improve safety?
A: Our designs consider things like preventing the risk of falling debris, the load bearing weights of guardrails and handrails, edge protection around the roof perimeter, and providing comfortable working heights for maintenance operatives.
Q: Will the installation disrupt operations?
A: Normally not – roof access projects can usually be installed without disrupting operations. We produce risk and method statements (RAMS) for all work carried out, and team members are trained in CSCS and working at height as required for the job.Ready to maximise your AHU efficiency and keep your rooftop access safe?
