Lightweight suspended ceilings break easily.
Suspended ceilings feature lightweight acoustical tile mounted on a grid framework, which hangs from the structural ceiling by thin wires or twine. Also known as drop ceilings, suspended ceilings are a cost-effective way to create a uniform ceiling. But they lack the structural integrity to handle a person's weight, so never walk on a suspended ceiling.
Considerations
Hold an in your hand and it's immediately apparent it cannot handle your weight. Even if the lightweight metal framework could, the wires holding the framework could not. If you attempt to walk on a suspended ceiling, you will crash through it within seconds.
Solution
If you need to work on concealed plumbing, wiring or ductwork, remove the tiles and use a ladder to access the space above the suspended ceiling. Don't rest your tools on the ceiling or lean against it for support. The hardware is designed to hold the ceiling's own weight. Anything more could warp or break the ceiling.
Commercial Buildings
Large commercial buildings sometimes have metal walkways integrated into their ceilings to allow maintenance staff to access vital building features, such as electrical panels and plumbing fixtures. These are safe for use if they are professionally installed and maintained.
Damage
If you have walked on a suspended ceiling and damaged it, hire a professional to inspect it. You might have bent or broken the support brackets around the borders of the room, for example, weakening the structural integrity of the entire ceiling. Bending the metal back into place might seem sufficient at first, but the ceiling might collapse unexpectedly in the future, presenting a safety hazard to anyone below.
Tags: suspended ceiling, acoustical tile, , structural integrity, walk suspended ceiling