What Is Edge Protection?

Edge Protection

Falling from height is a serious workplace safety issue and accounts for around a quarter of all fatal work-related accidents in the UK. It is therefore important to use effective edge protection on building construction sites. These barrier systems are fitted at the edges of roofs or sudden changes in level to prevent falls and injuries. They are a form of collective protection and should be prioritised over personal solutions such as lifelines and harnesses, as they do not require specialist training or equipment to function effectively.

There are many different forms of what is edge protection, but the most commonly used is a guardrail system. These are drilled or bolted to the roof surface and usually consist of two horizontal rails, although they can vary depending on the application. They are also available in a collapsible version where building aesthetics are a consideration and these can be folded down when not in use to minimise their presence on the roof.

These are a type of soft netting which rests at angles to the edge of the roof and is designed to catch and absorb the force of any objects that roll down the sloped side of the structure. They can be installed in addition to or instead of edge protection and can be particularly useful when working on flat roofs where there is a risk of materials falling over the side.

What Is Edge Protection?

Alternatively, a safety net fan system can be used to provide the same functional result and is particularly useful when a work area needs to be large or open with minimal obstructive barriers in place. These systems are also often used in conjunction with roof edge protection as they act as a secondary layer of safety that provides greater stability and allows for more movement around the site.

In addition to a comprehensive range of standard guardrails, EPS offers an extensive and innovative product portfolio of temporary edge protection systems that meet the requirements of EN13374, including freestanding and modular barriers and soft netting options. These are designed to be installed quickly and easily, with minimum disruption to the workforce or the building under construction, and can be dismantled just as efficiently.

For more information on our full range of edge protection products, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact us. We are always happy to help. In the meantime, why not check out our video describing how our roof edge protection systems can help reduce risk on your site.