Responsible for a public building or place of work? If so, it is your legal obligation to ensure the safety of employees, contractors and visiting members of the public. Wherever there’s a risk someone could fall a dangerous height from an edge, adequate edge protection is essential.
Edge protection is often necessary on rooftops, balconies, stairs and ramps, as well as around sunken areas. Whether you need daily access, or occasional access for maintenance, you must apply the same level of scrutiny to reduce risks.
Temporary or Permanent Protection
Whatever the scenario, height safety solutions must be sufficient to ensure prevention of both persons and objects from falling from an edge. Use a thorough risk assessment to guide action.
If you require a permanent solution, guardrails and edge protection will come under the specification of The Building Regulations Part K 2013. This requires guardrails to consist of a minimum two horizontal rails that conform with current standards.
If you only require temporary access, perhaps in a construction setting, edge protection is guided by The Working at Height Regulations 2005. These regulations make clear that collective systems, including edge protection, must be given priority over personal protective systems wherever possible. The regulations also specify the main guardrail must be at least 950mm above the edge with adequate intermediate guardrails.
Sometimes a roof parapet provides equivalent protection, but if it does not, a guardrail is necessary .
Work with the Height Safety Experts
After peace of mind that your team is safe and your site compliant? Our height safety specialists are always up-to-date on the latest regulations and work with the highest quality aluminium guardrails. Our systems include free standing, fixed and folding guardrails: all made to measure and available in a variety of finishes.
Get in touch today to book your FREE site survey. Or call: 0333 234 1801.
