Guardrail & Edge Protection
The HSE's hierarchy of measures within the 2005 Working at Height Regulations states that the 1st preference with dealing with height safety issues is to design out risk at initial conception or planning stage. This however is usually only a viable option on new build and major refurbishment projects and is far less suitable for existing buildings.
The 2nd preference in the Hierarchy of Measures is passive safety, providing a collective protection solution, such as edge protection in the form of guardrail systems. Such protection solutions require little or no user training for safe access to be obtained and provide continuous protection to multiple users around the clock.
Such solutions are preferred in the hierarchy over FALL RESTRAINT (3rd option) and FALL ARREST (final option), and as such should always be considered when addressing issues with working at height.
All handrail systems undergo rigorous testing and certification processes, resulting in the compilation of installation manuals and design parameters. Using this information the handrail systems undergo a bespoke design process to suit each application, thus ensuring complete compliance with standards and regulations.
The standard EN ISO 14122-3 is the only EN standard that deals with permanent guardrails for restricted access areas. Therefore, most manufacturers of permanent guardrail use it as the reference, for fixed guardrails as well as permanent free-standing
guardrails. The EN 13 374 A is almost equivalent; it is the standard that deals with temporary guardrails in building industry.
Horizon Specialist Contracting can provide a range of options for any Guardrail requirement, allowing for various fixing stylesand finishes to suit your requirements. All handrail systems are installed inline with manufacturers testing results and installation manuals.
Guardrail options include:
Freestanding Systems - utilizing weighted cantilever legs to allow a non-penetrating fix to roofs such as Single Ply Membrane roofs.
Fixed Systems - a range of options for anchorage back to most structures and materials, including anchorage systems to parapet walls prior to fitting of parapet coping on new-builds.
Dome Skylight Protection - Specifically designed perimeter protection for dome skylights
Horizon Specialist Contracting install the Securigard & KeyGuard ranges of Guardrail systems, which can be provided in vertical, raking and aesthetic curved styles, with a number of finishes from galvanized steel to powder coated as required.
For any Guardrail needs, please contact the office for further information, advice or a quotation. Call on 0115 9657 400 or email sales@horizonsc.co.uk
