The most common method of collective protection for working at height is edge protection otherwise known as Guardrail. These are generally free-standing systems that don’t require bolting to the roof surface.
The rigidity comes from their sheer weight, either in the weighted base of the rails themselves or on rails running inwards on the roof surface. In the latter cases the counterweights on the end of the bars will be low profile reducing trip hazard.
Heightsafe Systems will often offer both temporary and permanent solutions. A temporary system is a great while construction work is underway. There is of course a European standard for temporary edge protection systems, EN 13374. It is always prudent to ensure before allowing employees or contractors on your roof, that your safety lines, guardrail systems or eyebolts are compliant with current Regulations.
Guardrails fitted by edges under sloping surfaces generally require a system that conforms to Class B. This has the same rigid requirements as Class A, but must also have passed an impact test roughly equal to an adult stumbling into it.
There’s no comparable standard for permanent edge protection, since it can be considered to be a part of the building rather than protective equipment, but the WAHR requirements will always apply.
Visit our Guardrail and Guardrail image pages to see the many flexible applications we can accommodate. Call or drop us an email if you have, or believe you have a requirement.