Ceilings – health & safety guidance

Roof and ceiling voids should not be used to store items, unless they have been specifically designed to take the additional load. If items are stored between roof beams and on ceiling surfaces, it poses a health and safety risk to those using the building.

If you are proposing to install a suspended ceiling or fix a new ceiling (known as underdrawing) to an existing ceiling please note the following:

• The asbestos register should be checked to ensure the existing ceiling does not contain asbestos based materials. If it does, a suitable registered company must be used for the works.
• The suspended ceiling grid should be adequately secured to the existing ceiling with the appropriate number of fittings, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If appropriate, a Structural Engineer should check the grid’s capacity to take any additional load.
• Specialist structural advice will be required if you are installing a non standard ceiling, such as an acoustic or insulated ceiling, or wish to have large areas of lighting or items of equipment suspended from the ceiling.
•  The suspended ceiling grid should not be used to suspend fittings and equipment, such as projectors, unless additional support has been provided and calculations have been made by a Structural Engineer to ensure they are adequately fixed.
•  Any spaces between the original ceiling and a suspended ceiling must not be used as storage areas and materials should not be stored on beams or trusses.

For more information or to discuss proposals call the Maintenance & Minor Works team on 01622 694348 or email buildingmaintenance.enquiries@kent.gov.uk.