Guardrails are a fundamental safety measure when working on roofs. They provide a passive fall protection system, creating a physical barrier between workers and roof edges, skylights or other hazardous areas. Unlike personal fall arrest systems, guardrails protect all individuals on a roof simultaneously, requiring no additional training or specialised equipment.

Key Benefits of Guardrails

  • Fall Prevention
    Reduces the risk of falls, the leading cause of workplace fatalities at height.
  • Ease of Use
    Requires no active participation from workers, making it an accessible safety solution.
  • Compliance with Regulations
    Helps duty holders meet legal obligations under safety standards such as the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (UK).
  • Long-Term Cost Efficiency
    Durable and reusable, reducing ongoing safety equipment costs.

Guidance on Standards for Duty Holders
Duty holders, including employers, building owners and contractors, have a legal and moral responsibility to protect those working at height. Key standards and guidance include:

  1. Risk Assessment:
    • Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify hazards on roofs.
    • Ensure risk controls are proportionate to the level of danger.
  2. Hierarchy of Controls
    • Eliminate risks where possible (e.g., by performing work from the ground).
    • Implement collective fall protection (e.g., guardrails, barriers) and then relevant personal fall protection systems.
  3. Regulatory Compliance:
    • Adhere to national and industry-specific safety standards, such as BS13700-2021 for temporary edge protection systems and BS13700-2021 for fixed guardrails.
  4. Training and Awareness:
    • Provide comprehensive training for all workers on roof safety practices.
    • Regularly update training to incorporate new hazards or technologies.
  5. Inspection and Maintenance:
    • Regularly inspect and maintain guardrails, anchors, and other roof safety systems to ensure ongoing effectiveness.

Relevance and Importance of Roof Safety Systems
A comprehensive roof safety strategy integrates various elements, each serving a specific purpose:

  1. Roof Anchors
    • Provide secure attachment points for personal fall protection systems.
    • Essential for tasks requiring mobility near edges or in unprotected areas.
    • Must be installed and inspected by qualified professionals.
  2. Demarcation Systems
    • Use barriers or visual indicators to delineate safe zones on roofs.
    • Effective in keeping workers away from unprotected edges or fragile areas like roof lights.
  3. Access Ladders
    • Provide safe and stable means of accessing roofs.
    • Should include handrails and comply with BS EN 131 standards for ladders.
  4. Safe Walkways
    • Protect both workers and roof surfaces by providing designated pathways.
    • Reduce slip hazards, particularly on fragile or uneven surfaces.
  5. Roof Light Covers
    • Prevent falls through fragile roof lights, a common and often overlooked hazard.
    • Covers should be strong enough to withstand the weight of a person.
  6. Step Units
    • Facilitate safe transitions across varying roof levels.
    • Minimise the risk of trips and falls when moving between heights.

Roof safety is a multifaceted challenge that requires a combination of proactive planning, compliant systems and ongoing education. Guardrails are a cornerstone of roof safety, but they must be supported by complementary measures such as roof anchors, access ladders and demarcation systems. By implementing these solutions, duty holders can create a safer working environment, reduce risks, and comply with regulatory requirements, ensuring the well-being of everyone who works at height. For more information, please contact the team at Roof Safety Supplies today.