As we mentioned in the first post, the Ypsos brand did not come alone; it was accompanied by several sub-brands, of which we have already welcomed the first two: PIGNUS and ANANKE.
Both are names for two collective fall protection systems, safety nets and edge protection guardrails, and next we are going to introduce ORYG, the name we give to our crossovers or step-over walkways.
DEFINITION OF A CROSSOVER
Crossover walkways are structures designed to allow people to cross safely and efficiently over obstacles in the terrain, such as rivers, roads, railways, or swampy areas.
These walkways are usually elevated and built with materials resistant to weather and load, such as wood, steel, aluminum, or concrete. They can also be equipped with guardrails, ramps, and stairs to make access to the platform easier.
Crossover walkways are used in many settings, from trails in nature parks or urban areas to industrial or military facilities. We are going to focus on crossovers installed in industrial buildings or on roofs.
FEATURES
Crossovers or crossover walkways have a number of general characteristics:
- It is designed to allow workers to move from one place to another safely.
- It may or may not be elevated, depending on the location and needs of the place where it is built.
- It must have guardrails to ensure the safety of individuals and prevent falls into the void.
- If elevated, it may have ramps or stairs.
- In some cases, it may have rest areas for individuals.
- It must comply with the construction and safety regulations established in each country or locality; in this case it must conform to UNE-EN 14122-2.
It is important to note that crossover walkways can vary in design and characteristics according to their specific locations and purposes.
WHEN TO INSTALL A CROSSOVER
Crossovers should be installed when there is an obstacle that hinders passage and work for the operator.
On a roof we can encounter different elements that make it necessary to install a crossover walkway.
- Walls
- Ventilation ducts
- Solar panels
- Pipes or tubes.
- Architectural obstacles
- Smoke vents
- Gaps between buildings
- Electrical infrastructure
On the other hand, we can also find this type of walkway inside industrial buildings:
- Machinery
- Tanks
- Silos
- Conveyor belts
Crossovers are a collective protection alternative that ensures operators’ safety when it is not possible to install another system such as guardrails or ladders.