Roof edge protection is required for many structures and operations in compliance with rules, statutory requirements, and health and safety recommendations, whether for rooftop maintenance, inspection, plant access, or work at height.
What Exactly Is Roof Edge Protection?
A structure or enclosure constructed to prevent falls and injuries at height is known as roof edge protection. Roof edge protection is installed around the perimeter of a roof to limit the possibility of persons or items falling over the edge. Roof edge protection for heightsis an excellent option.
When working at height is unavoidable, roof guardrail systems are a barrier to keep persons and materials from getting too close to the edge.
When Should You Utilize Roof Edge Protection?
Any job on a roof is dangerous since it requires working at a great height. All long or short-term roofing work must be done with the dangers and precautions covered by appropriate safety measures.
When roof work cannot be avoided, the only way to ensure precautions are in place to prevent falls over the side of the structure is to use roof edge protection.
The height at which you require roof edge protection is not a measurable quantity. Roof edge safety is required wherever there is roof work or access since rooftops are elevated above ground level, and falls from them can result in death or catastrophic injuries.
What Kinds Of Roof Edge Protection Are There?
Roof edge protection is available in a variety of designs and sizes. Some roof edge protection alternatives outperform others depending on the application, roof design, and project time management.
Scaffolding
Scaffolding is frequently used as roof edge protection to keep employees safe from falling. However, it is not a long-term solution and should not be utilized by anyone in the building industry.
Roof Handrails That Are Fixed
When it comes to accessibility and compliance, handrails are wonderful safety solutions. They are stronger and more durable than scaffolding and have a more visually pleasing finish, although they might cause problems with the roof membrane.
Because handrails must be secured into a surface, you may be able to attach them to a building parapet or a concrete/steel roof structure, but you must ensure that any holes do not jeopardize the roof’s waterproofing.
Roof Guardrail That Stands Alone
Unlike scaffolding or fixed railings, a self-supporting structure is a free-standing roof guardrail system.
A basic cantilever weight achieves the system’s strength, stability, and safety. This counterbalanced weight guarantees that the device can withstand moderate winds while remaining upright in bad weather and can withstand the impact of a body colliding in the event of an accident.
Roof guardrails are also a more aesthetically pleasing solution for older structures where aesthetics are important. Roof guardrails that stand alone have a sleek, metallic finish and a constant frame and integrate into their surroundings. If the customer or architect does not want to view the handrails from the ground, there is also a foldable alternative. Maintenance workers can then lift these before work on the roof begins.
This guardrail system is intended for long-term use on rooftops in all industries, and it is excellent for permanent edge protection when regular access for maintenance or inspections is necessary.
They are perfect for buildings and companies where rooftops are often visited, such as schools or healthcare facilities. When access is rare, it is excellent practice to construct free-standing roof guardrails on building roofs. Still, it is necessary to offer peace of mind to the building owner that any maintenance operator may securely operate on the roof without fear of falling.
For example, new buildings are being constructed with solar panels as a feature, while existing structures are adding them to enjoy energy-saving benefits. Solar panels may require frequent cleaning and maintenance to maximize their effectiveness, and having a free-standing roof guardrail system built will guarantee they can be reached securely when needed.
