Anyone have any ideas of rooflight / Part K situation?

[GEO-PAR]

I have a roof terrace at the back of my new build. Next to the terrace I have a rooflight providing light into the deep plan space below.  The issue I have is that I both don't want and am now unable to put a gaurdrail up along the edge (upstand is only blockwork and is not all waterproofed).  However I understand from Part K this required.  I am going to enquire about making the glass 'walk-on' but have a feeling it's going to massively increase the price to the point I cannot afford.  Anyone experienced similar and keen to know how you got over this? 

 

[Mr Punter]

If the rooflights are toughened and laminated the requirement for balustrade may be reduced anyway.  Don't forget access for cleaning with all that glass.

[kandgmitchell]

Not easy to reconcile "don't want" and "unable to" with compliance with Part K. I hear what Mr Punter has to say, but BC will want proof that these rooflights will be capable of sustaining the loads imposed by a falling person and how do you do that? A very cautious BCO may say "what if the rooflights are open?". 

 

Walk on glass may be an option but can you be sure the rooflight frames and fixings are suitable for foot traffic?

 

I would have thought one of the many available fully glazed modular systems available on line is your only option, but fixing down adequately and ensuring good waterproofing at this late stage are going to be the issues.

 

[Mike]

In addition to the Building Regs, the 'principal designer' - i.e. you, if you haven't formally appointed anyone else to the task -  is required to comply with the the CDM (Construction Design and Management) Regs. They make them / you legally responsible for eliminating safety risks during construction, cleaning, maintenance & demolition (or mitigating the risk if that's impossible) at design stage, involving a risk assessment. They come with some pretty severe potential penalties.

 

Handrails or walk-on glass might be adequate solutions, but I see no obvious way of dispensing with both while being able to safely clean or repair the windows & the rest of the structure above.