Guard Rail Systems
Guardrails - basic roof fall protection system
The guardrails belong to the basic and also best working roof fall protection systems. Unlike the arresting safety systems, they try to prevent roofers from falling down from the roof (not to catch them after they fall already). Guard rail systems are often used for the
flat roofs.
How do the guard rails work
Guard rails are vertical (or little inclined, up to 15 degrees) safety constructions monted directly in the protection zone (means right onto the working level of the roof surface, near from the roof edge). Usually the system consists of the vertical and horizontal safety rods, safety meshes, screens or midrails and anchorage system the fixes the guard rail to the roof.
Guard rails height
The minimum guard railīs height must be 1,1 m (42 inches) but the height has to be adapted (raised) when you plan to use step-
ladders or stilts.
When to use the guardrail system
It depends on you. Based on the valid legislation of your country, you might be obliged to use it if you work in heights of 1,8 (6 foot) or 2 m and more, but I recommend to use it always when working on the roof.
The guard rails can be also substituted by any scaffolding system that exceeds the horizontal level of the working part of the roof 1,1 m (42 inches or more).
