Edge protection solutions to hire or buy

A temporary roof guardrail system, designed for concrete block and blockwork structures, is a roof edge protection system. It helps mitigate the risks for construction and maintenance personnel when working at height. Sometimes called roof handrail, roof edge protection systems extend around the perimeter of the area in question to prevent workers from falling when near the edge.

Specific standards vary by State, but according to OHS regulations and industry guidelines, edge protection is generally required in all cases where contractors and employees are working at a height of 2m or greater. This includes not just roofs but any surface where it is possible to fall 2 metres or more..

The decision to dry-hire or purchase roof edge protection for concrete block structures depends on the duration and frequency of use. If our customers are doing a quick one-off job, we always recommend hiring. On the other hand, if the edge protection is used regularly or required for a long period of time, it usually makes better sense to purchase. EWRG are always happy to quote for both options to help our customers decide which is a better way to go.

For core-filled or concrete blockwork structures, a temporary roof guardrail design must include a minimum of three handrails. The bottom rail should be located from 150 mm to 250 mm above the roof line or surface workers are standing on. The top rail should be between 900mm and 1100mm, with a gap to a middle rail of no more than 450mm from top and bottom rails. The bottom rail must be located no more than 225mm horizontally away from the edge of the roof/work surface. The angle of the handrails must be within 15 degrees of the roof/work surface pitch. For surfaces with gradients of 26 degrees or more, the guardrail must have sheeting or mesh material that reaches at least 900 mm above the base. All EWRG systems are designed to comply with Australian Standard AS4994.1.

For construction and one-off maintenance work, hiring or buying a temporary roof guardrail in Australia is usually the best solution. For areas that will be accessed regularly, permanent height safety systems are a more cost-effective choice.

Temporary roof edge protection systems are priced in lineal metres. Rates for dry hire and purchase vary based on the location, type of system, duration of hire and quantity. All our systems are priced to be cost effective for our customers and deliver bottom line returns on their projects. One the the best efficiencies temporary edge protection systems provide is use as an alternative to (or in conjunction with) ground-up scaffolding. For a free quote please contact your nearest EWRG branch.