What it is
A guardrail is the collective fall protection measure required at the top of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 hierarchy. Where roof access is regular, infrequent, or required for maintenance, a properly designed guardrail removes the need to rely on personal fall arrest. We install two principal system types: permanent edge protection to BS EN ISO 14122-3:2016 (free-standing counterweighted or fixed-post) and Class A temporary edge protection to BS EN 13374:2025 and BS 13700:2021 where short-term works are planned.
Permanent systems are designed to remain on the building indefinitely and to support routine maintenance access. Counterweighted free-standing systems suit flat membrane roofs where penetration is not acceptable. Fixed-post systems suit parapet edges, concrete decks, and locations where structural attachment is available. Class A temporary edge protection is the appropriate choice where a roofing contract, refurbishment programme, or seasonal works package needs collective protection for the duration of the works.
Every installation is designed against BS 6180 for load resistance and verified against the building’s structural capacity. Installation includes the structural calculation pack, the system layout drawing, the supply, the fixing, and the as-built certification handover for inclusion in the H&S file.
When it applies
- New build or refurbishment where regular roof access is anticipated
- Following a compliance check that has identified an absent or non-compliant edge protection system
- Where existing systems have been condemned at inspection and full replacement is required
- For roof areas where workers currently rely on harnesses but collective protection is more appropriate under the regulations
- For temporary roof works requiring Class A edge protection for the duration of the contract
The process
- Site survey. Engineer attends, measures the roof, identifies parapet types, structural capacity, and surface conditions. Counterweight feasibility assessed.
- System design. Layout drawn against the building geometry. Standards selected based on permanent vs temporary application. Load resistance verified to BS 6180.
- Quotation. Fixed price covering design, supply, and installation, with optional inclusion in the annual recertification programme.
- Installation. Carried out by our own engineers. Counterweights positioned to layout, posts and rails fitted, joints secured, gates and access points commissioned.
- Certification. Installation certificate issued referencing the applicable standards. Roof plan, structural calculation pack, and photographic record provided.
What you receive
- Installation certificate referencing BS EN ISO 14122-3:2016, BS EN 13374:2025, and BS 6180 as applicable
- As-built roof plan showing every guardrail run
- Structural calculation pack
- Photographic record of installation
- Inclusion in the annual inspection programme
- 12-month recertification reminder