What Is Edge Protection

Roof edge protection on rooftops to ensure safety at height. Guardrails or handrails are often used to prevent personnel from falling off the edge of the building, preventing injury or death. This solution is not suitable for all buildings, but it is one of the most cost-effective and safest systems you can install on your roof.

What is edge protection?

Roof edge protection prevents people from falling down to a lower height. This solution is usually made up of handrails or guardrails. It can be used in a wide range of locations, including rooftops, train stations, football stadiums ware houses and chemical plants.

What are the different types of edge protection?

Three different types of edge protection are available on the market for working at height. There are three types of edge protection available on the market for working at height.

• Handrails and guardrails that collapse
• Fixed guardrails and handrails
• Handrails and guardrails for freestanding guardrails

When not in use, Collapsible guardrails can be folded completely flat. Due to their folding mechanism, these are popular in historical buildings like churches, heritage sites and university buildings. These can be used on other buildings with sensitive architecture, such as modern ones.

Fixed guardrails, on the other hand, are designed to offer 24/7 edge protection for personnel working at height. These systems are permanently attached to parapets and can prevent falls consistently. This system is usually fixed to the top of the parapet wall, and secured onto the coping stone. However, the condition of the wall will determine how this system is installed. The height of the guardrails, despite being permanently fixed can be adjusted using an Allen Key.

Free standing guardrails protect personnel working at height without having to penetrate the roof surface to install the system. The counter balanced design of this system is the reason for its effectiveness. Each section of Guardrail has 20kg of weights. The system can also be easily moved and removed, provided there is qualified personnel to do so.

Edge protection is required where?

According to the health and Safety executive, if there’s a danger of falling over two meters then roof edge protection will be needed. This includes guardrails. In the event that guardrails are not suitable, fall prevention equipment such as safety harnesses will be used.

How often do you need to test for edge protection compliance?

Working at height recommends that collective portable edge protection systems be tested and inspected at least every 12 months depending on their frequency of use. Height safe also offers compliance testing, and maintenance for this solution. This will ensure that your guardrails and handrails remain safe and secure.

Do you require edge protection installation or testing?

Our edge protection experts about Guardrail and Handrail installation, testing, or remedial work. We will provide you with a free quote and consultation.