Background

As part of Auckland Airport's ongoing infrastructure development, a new multi-level car park and associated walkway canopies were constructed to improve parking capacity and passenger access.

To support the long-term maintenance of the facility, a comprehensive Height Access and Fall Protection solution was required. The systems needed to comply with relevant AS/NZS standards while providing safe access for maintenance personnel carrying out routine façade cleaning, inspections, repairs and servicing of rooftop plant and building services.

The challenge

The project required a coordinated height safety solution across multiple roof types and maintenance zones — each with different access and fall protection requirements.

One of the key project challenges was delivering a complete height safety solution while maintaining the architectural appearance of a highly visible public building. The systems also needed to accommodate varying roof geometries, multiple maintenance activities and safe access routes without compromising functionality or aesthetics.

Installation also had to be carefully coordinated around the staged opening of the car park and surrounding public areas, ensuring minimal disruption to airport operations while maintaining safe pedestrian movement throughout the construction programme.

The solution

Goleman Group designed, supplied and installed a tailored combination of proprietary height safety systems to suit the specific maintenance requirements of each area.

The Rigid Rail System was selected as the primary engineered access solution, providing continuous abseil access to the entire façade for maintenance personnel. Static line systems and certified anchor points were incorporated where appropriate to provide safe access for inspection, maintenance and façade cleaning activities.

Roof access ladders, ladder support brackets and walkway systems created clearly defined access routes, helping maintenance teams move safely between work areas while protecting roof surfaces.

The installed systems in each area included: 

Main Car Park: 

• Rigid Rail System
• AP141A Abseil Anchors
• Fall Arrest Static Lines
• Roof Access Ladder Systems
• Walkway Systems

Concourse Roof

• Rigid Rail System
• Fall Arrest Static Lines
• AP141A Abseil Anchors

Office Roof

• Rigid Rail System
• Fall Arrest Static Lines
• Xplora Mega Posts
• AP130 Fall Arrest Anchors
• Ladder Support Brackets

Canopy Roofs

• Fall Arrest Static Lines

Installation

The installation of height safety systems was executed in carefully planned stages, coordinated with the phased opening of the carpark sections for public use and Air NZ staff. This approach ensured minimal disruption to daily operations. Special attention was given to safeguarding pedestrians, especially during work on the walkway canopies. Extra precautions were implemented to manage foot traffic efficiently, with enhanced safety measures in place to maintain a secure environment for both workers and the public at all times.

All external Height Safety Systems installed were powder coated to seamlessly blend with the surrounding walls and louvres, ensuring a cohesive and polished appearance.

In addition, several sections of the Rigid Rail were expertly curved to align with the unique contours of the new carpark building, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic integration.

The end result

The completed installation provides Auckland Airport with a fully compliant, integrated height safety solution that supports safe, efficient maintenance across the new facility.

By combining engineered access systems with custom fabrication, Goleman Group delivered a solution that not only meets stringent safety requirements but also preserves the architectural intent of the development. The project demonstrates Goleman's ability to adapt standard systems to complex project requirements through thoughtful design, custom engineering and meticulous installation.