What is Edge Protection? -

We recommends roofs include Roof Edge Protection when looking for a suitable Working at Height solution. This will provide safety at height. Guardrails or Handrails are often used to prevent personnel from falling over buildings’ edges. This helps prevent injuries and death. Although not all buildings are able to accommodate them, they can be one of the most cost-effective and safest systems you can have on your roof.

What’s Edge Protection?

Roof Edge Protection is used to prevent people from falling from a higher level to the ground. Guardrails or Handrails are the most common components of this solution. They can be used at a wide range of locations, including rooftops, railway platforms, football stadiums as well as warehouses and chemical facilities.

What Are the Different Types of Edge Protection?

Three types of Edge Protection are available in the Working at Height market. These are:

Handrail and Guardrail that collapses
Handrail and Fixed Guardrail
Guardrail and handrail freestanding

Collapsible guardrails can be folded flat to hide them from view when not in use. Due to their folding mechanism design, these are popular for historic buildings like churches, heritage sites, and university buildings. These can be used to create visually sensitive buildings with modern architecture as well.

Fixed Guardrails, on the other hand, are designed to provide edge protection for workers at height 24/7. These guardrails are permanently attached to parapets and can prevent falls from height. This system is usually attached to the parapet wall at the top and secured onto the coping stones. However, it is dependent on the condition of the wall. The height of Guardrails is not fixed in place, but can be adjusted with an Allen key.

The freestanding guardrails can be used to protect workers at height without having to penetrate the roof. This is due to the 20kg weights that are attached to each Guardrail section. The system can also be easily moved and removed, provided that qualified personnel are present.

Is Edge Protection necessary?

The Health and Safety Executive stipulates that roof edge protection with suitable guardrails is required if there’s a danger of falling over two metres. Fall arrest equipment such as safety harnesses will be used if guardrails are not necessary.

How Commonly Do You Need Edge Protection Testing to Ensure Compliance?

According to the Working at Height industry, all Edge Protection systems must be tested and inspected at least once every 12 months. This depends on how often they are used. Heightsafe can also perform Compliance Testing and Maintenance to ensure your Guardrails and Handrails remain safe and secure.