Edge Protection - safe working at height

There are many different systems available when it comes to edge protection. Choosing which type requires you to consider the relevant regulations to ensure that you get the most compliant and appropriate protection in place for those required to access these dangerous environments.

Fixed edge protection

Under the UK Building Regulations Part K2 suitable guarding must be used for the appropriate circumstance and that you must ensure that the guarding can resist, as a minimum, the loads given in BS EN 1991-1-1 with its UK National Annex and PD 6688-1-1. 

Permanent counter-balanced edge protection

This follows the new BS 13700:2021 standard which is the first standard to specifically provide guidance for permanent counter-balanced edge protection used for the life expectancy of the facility (compared to it being used temporarily). Until now, permanent freestanding guardrail systems were not covered by a specific standard. 

Temporary edge protection

This type of system falls under BS EN 13374: The Standard for Temporary Edge Protection Systems and are installed to BS6180 standards. Since BS EN 13374's original publication in 2003, this Standard for edge protection has led to the introduction of a significant number of purpose-designed systems for improving edge protection safety. Further details can be found at the bottom of the page.