Exploring Your Options for Fiberglass Walkway and Catwalk Grating Systems

With OSHA reporting more than 200,000 injuries from falls, slips, and trips, proactively preventing these incidents with slip resistant flooring and decking simply makes good economic sense. Whether beginning a new project or making an existing space safer, it is a smart move to choose cost-effective materials that deliver exceptional long-term value while prioritizing safety. For these reasons and more, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) can be an outstanding slip resistant flooring choice — both for indoor and outdoor applications. In industrial settings and public spaces, walkways and catwalks play a crucial role in providing safe and efficient passage for workers and pedestrians. In this blog, we will explore the differences between walkway and catwalk gratings and delve into the advantages of using FRP gratings in various applications and environments.

It's important to understand the difference between walkway and catwalk gratings. Walkway gratings are used on elevated platforms or pathways designed for pedestrian use in industrial, commercial, and residential settings. 

On the other hand, catwalks are typically more narrow and are most often used in industrial settings, providing access to elevated equipment and machinery. Gratings are used on both catwalks and walkways to provide a safe walking surface.

Fiberglass reinforced gratings can deliver a number of important advantages:

• Durability and longevity: Some FRP options can withstand heavy loads and constant foot traffic without showing significant signs of wear and tear. 
• Lightweight, easy installation: Compared to steel, FRP gratings are lighter and easier to move and install which reduces the overall load on support structures.
• Corrosion resistance: They are ideal for industrial applications (chemical processing, oil and gas refineries, power generation facilities, etc.) where other materials simply can not stand up to the abuse.
• Slip resistance and safety: Even in wet or oily conditions, FRP reduces the risk of accidents and injuries—an important consideration with the potential dangers posed in catwalk and walkway installations.
• Low maintenance requirements: Unlike wood and steel gratings which require frequent maintenance to prevent rust, corrosion, or decay, FRP gratings demand minimal upkeep. In many cases, a simple pressure washing with water alone is all FRP gratings need. 

Ensuring the safety of workers and pedestrians is a top priority when designing walkways and catwalks. As per OSHA Section 1910.22, employers are responsible for adhering to the guidelines governing walking-working surfaces, including catwalks. In broad terms, they must take necessary measures to ensure that these surfaces are:

1. Devoid of fall hazards
2. Possess slip-resistant properties
3. Maintain structural integrity, including being able to support the maximum intended load for that surface

In all three areas, using an FRP walkway grating or catwalk grating product can meet or exceed these standards: 

• FRP gratings are available in various surface textures and designs, each offering different levels of slip resistance to meet safety standards.
• The majority of Fibergrate products are designed to exhibit a flame spread of 25 or lower, as verified through ASTM E-84 testing. Additionally, most comply with the self-extinguishing criteria outlined in ASTM D-635.
• Evaluating load ratings for the various FRP gratings products reveals that FRP can stand up to heavy foot and vehicle traffic

When you add FRP guardrails for elevated walkways and catwalks per OSHA sections 1910.28 and 1910.29, you are providing an extra layer of safety while further capitalizing on the versatile benefits of FRP materials.

FRP walkway gratings find applications in a wide range of industries and settings, including:

1. Industrial sector: 

• • Chemical processing plants

• • Oil and gas refineries

• • Power generation facilities

2. Commercial sector:

• • Public walkways and bridges

• • Water and wastewater treatment plants

• • Shopping malls and parking garages

3. Residential sector:

• • Patios and decks

• • Pool areas and spas

• • Rooftop access and platforms

Real-world examples and success stories of FRP walkway grating installations illustrate their effectiveness and benefits. Here are some case studies worth exploring:

• Rooftop molded grating walkway between solar panels on the 18-story Federal Building in Portland, OR
• Elevated, 17,000 square-foot walkway installed at a university in Boulder, CO
• IFR molded walkway gratings installed at the world’s largest freight yard for Union Pacific Railroad in North Platte, NE

Explore our vast collection of case studies to discover numerous instances where Fibergrate grating has provided remarkable advantages for our valued customers.

Fibergrate offers a variety of grating options suitable for walkways and catwalks, including:

• Open area gratings are available in an array of options, colors, depths, panel sizes, and mesh configurations—including non-slip options  
• Covered grating to prevent contamination of work surfaces below the grating while delivering a strong, level surface for foot or cart traffic
• Pedestrian walkway options such as Dynaplank™ Boardwalk Plank, an incredibly lightweight, durable decking option that is rated for vehicular traffic up to an AASHTO H-10 truck. 

As you can see, fiberglass walkway grating and catwalk grating systems offer numerous advantages over traditional materials, including durability, safety, and low maintenance requirements. Their versatility and resistance to corrosion make them suitable for a wide range of applications across industries and settings.

Explore the possibilities of incorporating FRP gratings into your projects or to learn more about their benefits by reaching out to a Fibergrate sales representative in your local area today. Enhance safety and efficiency with fiberglass walkway grating systems, and experience the difference they can make in your next project.