What is an elevated walkway provided in some buildings to help workers access utility spaces called?

The elevated walkway that assists workers in accessing utility spaces is referred to as a catwalk. This term specifically describes a narrow, elevated pathway that is often used in industrial settings to provide safe passage over equipment, allowing access to utility areas without obstructing regular operations or risking safety. Catwalks are essential in ensuring that technicians can perform maintenance tasks or inspections high above the ground while minimizing hazards associated with working at heights.

Other terms used in the context of elevated structures have different meanings. For instance, scaffolds are temporary structures designed to support work crews and materials during construction or maintenance on buildings, but they are not specifically meant for routine access to utilities. Platforms can refer to any flat surface at height, often for various purposes such as staging or work areas, but do not carry the same implication of a walkway for access as a catwalk does. Bridges typically refer to structures that connect two different points, allowing passage over obstacles, and are not specifically tailored for utility access within buildings.