A catwalk is an elevated walkway that provides safe access for workers to equipment, machinery, or hard-to-reach areas.

A catwalk is a narrow, elevated walkway installed within or around a structure to allow personnel safe access to equipment, maintenance areas, or operational spaces. Catwalks are commonly found in industrial, commercial, and infrastructure projects where regular inspection, servicing, or monitoring is required.

In construction, catwalks are typically made from steel, aluminum, or grating materials and are designed to support foot traffic while minimizing weight. They often include safety features such as guardrails, toe boards, non-slip surfaces, and designated access points like ladders or stairs. Load capacity and fall protection requirements are governed by building codes and workplace safety regulations.

From a design and safety standpoint, catwalks must be carefully integrated into the structure to ensure clearances, visibility, and safe movement. Proper detailing helps prevent hazards while improving operational efficiency by allowing workers to reach critical systems without disrupting building operations.

The term “catwalk” is believed to come from shipbuilding, where narrow walkways were compared to the careful balance of a cat walking along a beam.