Edge protection is an important part of height safety regulations, whereby workers must be protected from sustaining serious injury or worse due to a fall from height. Edge protection refers to a solution, usually made of barriers, which are held in place by posts. These posts are fixed by brackets, clamps or bases that prevent a worker from falling over the edge of a building, platform or other elevated area.
With falls from height being the most common cause of fatal injury to workers, it is an imperative factor of safety when working at height. In this blog we will explore what edge protection means, what situations require edge protection, and why following regulations is so important for everyone working at height.
Edge Protection Legislation
Edge protection legislation in the UK ties into two key areas: the Work at Height Regulations and Building Regulations Part K. Let’s take a closer look at these regulations and how they fit together.
Work at Height Legislation
Work at Height Legislation requires a risk assessment to be carried out before works begin to assess the area and pinpoint potential hazards. Solutions must then be put in place to prevent both people and objects from falling from height.
These solutions require toe boards to prevent people, material and/or objects from falling. It is also stated that intermediate guardrails must not have any gaps exceeding 470mm.
Building Regulations Part K
Building Regulations Part K requires guardrails to have a minimum height of 1100mm to prevent workers from falling over the edge protection systems. These guardrails must be able to withstand a point load of 0.5 kN, and a uniformly distributed load of 0.75 kN per meter.
Other Edge Protection Standards
Permanent free standing edge protection must comply with BS 13700:2021 standards.
EN 13375 is a standard that regulates the use of collective edge protection systems.
Each piece of legislation for edge protection has been put in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone working at height, as well as anyone who could be harmed by falling objects, so following regulations is a must.
Height Safety Requirements for Edge Protection
Edge protection must be in place in all instances where workers are required to work above 1000mm. Edge protection must also be used where workers are close to a ‘leading edge’, which is any unprotected edge of a platform, floor, or other construction point where there’s a risk that the lifeline a worker is using may come in contact with an exposed edge, or edge of the working surface.
It may not seem necessary to have these regulations in place at 1000mm (or 1m), but falling from this height can cause substantial harm. Protecting life is a serious matter, and must be taken seriously. Did you know that of all the falls from height reported in 2024, falls from 2m or less were the most common and resulted in the most injuries?
Situations Requiring Edge Protection
Some key examples of working at height where edge protection is necessary include:
- Roof work such as maintenance and repairs, as well as construction.
- Open edges on platforms wherever the drop exceeds 2m as per regulations.
- Construction sites on open floors and balconies, or anywhere a worker could fall and sustain injury.
- Multi-storey buildings around the perimeter of levels where a fall could occur.
- Service or lift voids that are open and pose a fall risk.
- Stair flights and landings that could present an opportunity for a fall risk.
Types of Edge Protection
Fixed Guardrail: Permanent Protection for Uninterrupted Safety
When permanent fall protection is required, Fixed Guardrail systems deliver unwavering safety for personnel working at height. These robust systems are typically installed on parapet walls, offering a continuous barrier along the roof’s edge.
While the fixed nature ensures maximum stability, the system’s height remains adjustable to accommodate various roof configurations and safety requirements. Choose the Fixed Guardrail for long-term, reliable edge protection that prioritises safety without compromising accessibility.
Freestanding Guardrail: Non-Penetrative Solution for Sensitive Roof Surfaces
In situations where roof penetration is undesirable or impractical, Freestanding Guardrail systems provide an ideal alternative. Utilising a proven counterbalance design, these systems eliminate the need for any fixings to the roof surface.
This makes it particularly well-suited for roofs with sensitive membranes, fragile materials, or complex geometries. The Freestanding Guardrail ensures worker safety without compromising the integrity of the roof, offering a versatile and adaptable solution for various applications.
Collapsible Guardrail: Preserving Aesthetics and Functionality
For buildings with specific architectural or historical significance, such as listed buildings, churches, universities, or heritage sites, maintaining visual appeal is paramount. Collapsible Guardrail systems offer the ideal solution, providing reliable edge protection without compromising the building’s aesthetics.
When not in use, the guardrail neatly folds down flat against the floor, remaining discreetly out of sight. This unique feature ensures that the system seamlessly integrates with the surrounding environment, preserving the building’s character while prioritising safety.
Why is Edge Protection Important?
Edge protection is an important requirement of height safety because it prevents serious injury or worse from affecting those working at height.
Frightening statistics released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show 50 workers died due to a fall from height in Great Britain in 2023-2024. Falls from a height account for 36% of 138 worker deaths over the year and remain the leading cause of fatal injury to workers. That is why protecting those working at height is an important and necessary cause!
Ensure Height Safety with KATT Safety
KATT Safety is the specialist height safety division of Modular Safety Systems, a leading manufacturer and supplier of modular solutions for construction, infrastructure and building maintenance projects in the UK.
We are passionate about delivering a blend of products and services that go beyond achieving compliance. Speak to our experts about our systems to protect your workers.
