Physical access infrastructure for safe, routine work on roofs — cat ladders, walkways, step-overs and access platforms.
A cat ladder (also known as a fixed ladder or roof access ladder) is a permanently-mounted vertical ladder used to access rooftops, plant platforms, mezzanines and high-level areas where routine maintenance is required. UK cat ladders are designed to BS EN ISO 14122-4 — covering rung spacing, side-rail geometry, safety cages over 3 metres, and rest platforms at fixed intervals. Apex designs, supplies and installs galvanised steel and stainless cat ladders alongside complementary rooftop access systems — GRP walkways, aluminium step-overs and mansafe lifelines — for industrial, commercial, education and infrastructure clients across the UK. Every installation is signed off with structural calculations, test certificates and maintenance documentation, ready for the building's H&S file.
Part of Fall Protection Division.
BS EN ISO 14122-4 cat ladders in hot-dip galvanised mild steel, stainless 316 (coastal, food, pharma) or aluminium where weight matters. Above 3 metres we add fall protection — a traditional cage or a cleaner vertical lifeline — with rest platforms at intervals and a safe transition onto the roof, surveyed to the access route and signed off with test certificates.
GRP and aluminium walkway systems that create defined, slip-resistant routes across roofs and around plant — keeping foot traffic off fragile surfaces and away from the edge.
Bridges and step-over platforms for crossing parapets, service runs and changes in roof level without stepping onto unprotected areas.
Fall protection for any fixed ladder over 3 metres — a traditional ladder cage, or a BS EN 353-1 vertical lifeline that's easier to inspect and cleaner on aesthetic-led facades.
Optional lockable hatches, security gates and access-control integration to keep unauthorised users off the ladder.
Annual inspection and recertification programmes — keeps the ladder safe to use and supports compliance with HSE working-at-height duties.
Cat ladders are installed wherever routine high-level access is needed — plant rooms, rooftop maintenance routes, tank tops, silos, gantries and atria. Apex delivers UK-wide.
Contact our Fall Protection team today about your project. We aim to respond within 24 hours.