Your safety is important to us. We offer the most advanced fall protection equipment and industry knowledge through our blog. Additionally, working from height is a dangerous job in Australia. Therefore, we believe it is crucial to share information about ways you can make your business run safely. Today, we’re looking into edge protection. We will describe what it is and explain why it is important to follow the law. We will also explore the different types, their benefits, and what they do. Finally, we are here to assist you. We will explore how Australian Scaffold Safety may be able to assist with your project and provide you with the best roof edge protection.
What does Edge Protection do?
Edge protection or roof edge safety is provided by guardrails and rails. These protection measures are used when working at height is necessary. They are mounted on roofs to prevent workers from falling from higher than normal levels. These buildings could include factories, warehouses, football stadiums, or hospitals. Edge protection can be used when building a structure. This type of fall protection equipment is also used in large stadiums and arenas.
What are the Different Types and Benefits of Edge Protective?
Edge protection products are not a single product. It refers to many different types of roof safety equipment. Australian Scaffold Safety carries a wide selection of edge protectors. Let’s go over the different options so that you can decide which one is best suited for you and your company.
Freestanding Guardrails and Handrails
For those who work at height, guardrails or freestanding handrails are preferred. Freestanding guardrails are, as one would expect, completely freestanding and do not require any drilling or penetration of the roof. Additionally, they are lightweight at less than 20kg. They can also be easily moved when necessary. But once assembled they become very solid and provide maximum safety for all who use them. The many benefits of choosing handrails and guardrails are numerous, including the ease of installation and minimal training.
Guardrail & Collapsible Handrails
Collapsible guardrails make a beautiful choice for protecting roof edges. Because of their folding design, they are virtually inaccessible from the ground. They can be erected in the same way that guardrails and handrails but prevent falls to lower levels. They share many of the same benefits as the above-mentioned, being lightweight and easy to install. They also have the added benefit of not being obvious to others on the ground. The folding edge protection is great for buildings where aesthetics are important.
Fixed Guardrails
Handrails and Fixed Guardrails are all designed to provide the same safety features that the above mentioned but can be fixed permanently into the roof. These can be installed on different substrates, including composite, standing seam, and built-up roofs. This makes them an excellent choice for many buildings. Handrails and guardrails can be fixed to roofs to make them smaller or to raise existing parapet walls to meet the required height. Also, handrails and fixed guardrails don’t have any obstructions, so it is much less likely that someone will trip or fall.
Clamp Handrails
Clamp handrails can be built around any shape or complexity thanks to their flexible integral design. These handrails can be installed at any height or angle and are ideal for those without a traditional roof. The clamp handrail system works in the same way as the collapsible or freestanding guardrails. It can be easily moved and does not require drilling to the roof. Because of this, they are a cost-effective, effective way to protect your roof edge.