A rooftop mechanical platform that fails inspection is a very expensive problem. This checklist covers the Australian + New Zealand rules that consistently trip up jobs at handover. It is a plain-English summary, not a substitute for AS/NZS 1657, the NCC or your local jurisdiction — take it as a starting point, not the final word.
1. Guardrails on every fall edge over 2 m
Any edge with a fall greater than 2 m needs a compliant guardrail: 900–1100 mm top rail, mid-rail, and a toeboard where objects can fall. Fair Dinkum Mechdecks flags these edges automatically when you set the platform height.
2. Access width
Walkways around plant should stay above 600 mm clear for maintenance access. 750 mm is safer if the tenant swaps units.
3. Live load rating
The platform has to carry the units, the maintainer, and the tools. Load-rated placement is not optional on shopping-centre roofs.
4. Substrate fixings
Metal deck fixings vs concrete anchors are not interchangeable. The shop drawing should call out the substrate per fixing location.
5–9. Ridge, drainage, screens, edge protection, sign-off
Roof pitch and ridge line documented. Drainage not blocked by the deck. Screens rated for wind. Edge protection on stair access. Documented sign-off by the responsible engineer.