Edge protection
Physical barriers installed at or near the edge of a working platform, roof or other elevated area to prevent persons from falling. Includes guard rails, toe boards and intermediate rails.
Also known as
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“guard rail”Exact equivalentSchedule 2 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 sets requirements for guard rails as collective fall prevention measures. Where it is not reasonably practicable to use a working platform, the edge of the platform must have a guard rail of sufficient height, an intermediate guard rail, and a toe board to prevent falls and falling objects.
Irish HSA
“guard rail”Close equivalentThe General Application Regulations 2007 (Part 4) and the Construction Regulations 2013 require guard rails and similar edge protection on working platforms and near floor openings. Requirements include a main guard rail, intermediate protection and toe boards.
US OSHA
“guardrail system”Close equivalentOSHA 29 CFR 1926.502(b) specifies guardrail system requirements for construction: top rail height 42 inches (plus or minus 3 inches); midrail required; capable of withstanding 200-pound force. General industry walking-working surfaces require guardrails at floor openings and platforms (29 CFR 1910.23).
Practitioner note: Collective protection before personal. A guard rail protects everyone present; a harness protects only the wearer, and only while clipped on.