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:
- Risk Assessment:
- Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify hazards on roofs.
- Ensure risk controls are proportionate to the level of danger.
- 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.
- 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.
- Training and Awareness:
- Provide comprehensive training for all workers on roof safety practices.
- Regularly update training to incorporate new hazards or technologies.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Access Ladders
- Provide safe and stable means of accessing roofs.
- Should include handrails and comply with BS EN 131 standards for ladders.
- Safe Walkways
- Protect both workers and roof surfaces by providing designated pathways.
- Reduce slip hazards, particularly on fragile or uneven surfaces.
- 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.
- 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.