The HSE recommends that roof edge protection is added to rooftops to provide adequate safety at height measures to those working on rooftops.
Depending on the project, determining which types of edge protection are needed can sometimes prove difficult.
Choosing a safety system for roofs can be a daunting process, especially as you need to think of people’s safety, installation time, how this system affects the top and, of course, the costs. Don’t put a price on safety – in the end, you risk everything by choosing an unsuitable roof protection method.
So without further ado, let’s look at some of the different types of edge protection and what they are suitable for.
What are the Different Types of Edge Protection?
When working at height, there are three types of edge protection. These are:
- Fixed Guardrails
- Collapsible Guardrails
- Freestanding Guardrails
Each system has its benefits, so it’s essential to weigh up all the options when deciding on the correct types of edge protection for your project.
A suitable roof edge system will keep everyone going on your roof safe, whether these are visitors, maintenance teams or employees.
All of these edge protection systems are collective fall protection. This removes the human error factor often attributed to the user. This means that the user will not have to worry about wearing a harness or connecting to a personal protection system; all they will have to focus on is the task on hand.
Where do I start?
If you don’t know where to start, it’s helpful to get familiar with the ‘Working at height hierarchy of control’?
The first rule of working at height is avoiding working at height completely. Of course, this is not always possible, so collective protection is the following type of solution suggested.
Collective protection solutions, such as rooftop guardrail systems, should always be considered the first option when choosing a suitable fall protection solution, as they do not require additional PPE.
Fixed Guardrails
A fixed guardrail such as the KeeGuard Topfix edge protection for standing seam and metal profile roofs is a permanent edge protection solution for personnel working at height. As the name suggests, the guardrail is fixed, but the height can be adjustable.
The KeeGuard Topfix Guardrail
The KeeGuard Topfix guardrail system is pre-engineered to work with metal profiles and standing seam roofs.
The modular components of the KeeGuard allow you to configure our edge protection solution to your specific roof requirements, including any rooftop obstacles. KeeGuard can be swiftly installed in a matter of days.
The specially designed base plates remove the need to create separate fixing solutions for each site, which minimises site visits, downtime and project costs.
The KeeGuard Topfix has been tested to current industry standards, including BS EN 14122 pt 3, BS EN 13374 Class A and EN 1991-1-4.
Collapsible Guardrails
The aesthetic of the building plays an essential factor in whether you would choose a system that you can hide out of view, such as collapsible guardrails, for example, collapsible guardrails are often found when work on heritage building roofs is necessary, as visible rails can alter the aesthetic of a listed building.
Collapsible (or folding) guardrails can be folded flat and out of sight when not in use.
The FoldShield Collapsible Guardrail
The KeeGuard Foldshield is a folding guardrail system designed for roofs with less than 10 degrees slopes.
FoldShield is a hinged version of the standard KeeGuard base fitting, so the guardrail can easily be lifted when work is in progress and folded back down when work is complete. Foldshield only requires a simple locking pin to be removed from the fitting, allowing it to pivot into place.
- Folding solution – Foldshield Folds down when not in use. It’s easy to put back up when needed.
- Quick and easy to install – The FoldShield Modular system allows almost any configuration possible.
- Compliant safety solution – KeeGuard FoldShield complies with EN 13374 and 14122.
FreeStanding Guardrails
A freestanding guardrail may be the system of choice where it is not desirable to affix anything permanently to the roof. Rooftop collapsible guardrails designed to preserve the aesthetics of a building
KeeGuard Non-Penetrating Guardrail
The KeeGuard is a freestanding balustrade, ideal for flat or low-slope roofs.
The Keyguard system is engineered to protect your roof from potential leaks by using recycled PVC for the weighted bases. The rigidity of the guardrail will hold up to the strictest of requirements and last a lifetime.
The KeeGuard rooftop guardrail system is a modular, collective fall protection system supplied and installed by Kee Systems. Our modular system can accommodate complex rooftop obstacles. It’s quick and easy to install and allows for any last-minute reconfigurations on site.
Our KeeGuard rooftop guardrail systems are suitable for use on a range of roof types, including concrete, asphalt and PVC membrane.
The KeyGuard Premium
The Keyguard premium base is an additional option if you need edge protection in a limited space area.
KeeGuard Premiums compact base allows maximum space-saving, ideal for narrow spaces or where trip hazards may concern.
The bases are located at the bottom of each guardrail and don’t require an offset counterweight. This allows the guardrail to fit into awkward and narrow spaces or walkways. The KeeGuard Premium is especially useful when solar panels are present and close to the roof’s edge.
Choosing the best method of edge protection for your project can sometimes be a challenge. Our team is always on hand to help with your project. We offer complete design and installation, inspection, training and maintenance. So if you are unsure as to the right kind of edge protection to install, speak to one of our team today.
