When it comes to working at height, safety isn’t optional it’s a legal and moral responsibility. One of the most effective ways to prevent accidents when working on rooftops is by installing a suitable edge protection system. The right system not only prevents falls but also helps businesses meet their legal obligations under UK safety regulations.
But with so many options available, how do you choose the best edge protection for your specific building? In this guide, we’ll take you through the key factors to consider when selecting a solution, the types of systems available, and why partnering with a specialist like Safesite makes all the difference.
Why Edge Protection Matters
Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities in the UK. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), working on roofs accounts for a significant percentage of these incidents. In addition to the human cost, falls can result in substantial fines and legal action if proper precautions aren’t in place.
UK legislation such as the Work at Height Regulations 2005 makes it clear: if anyone is required to work at height, employers must ensure that suitable measures, like edge protection are in place to minimise risk.
Beyond compliance, effective edge protection gives peace of mind to workers, improves productivity, and protects your business from avoidable accidents.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Edge Protection System
Selecting the right edge protection system involves more than picking the first product you see. Here are the key considerations:
Type of Work and Frequency of Access
Ask yourself: How often will people need access to your roof?
Frequent access (for maintenance, inspections, HVAC servicing): Permanent guardrails are usually recommended.
Occasional access (annual inspections or emergency maintenance): Temporary or collapsible systems may be more suitable.
Building Structure and Roof Type
Different roofs present different risks:
Flat roofs: Perfect for free-standing guardrails that don’t require roof penetration.
Sloped or pitched roofs: May require specialist anchor systems or bespoke fixed guardrails.
Fragile roofs (e.g., those with skylights): Often need walkways and protective covers alongside edge protection.
Compliance with Standards and Legislation
Your chosen system must comply with:
BS EN 13374 – Temporary edge protection systems.
BS EN 14122-3 – Guardrails for machinery and industrial access.
Work at Height Regulations 2005 – Core legal framework.
Choosing an accredited supplier like Safesite guarantees that all solutions meet or exceed these standards.
Aesthetic and Architectural Considerations
For buildings where appearance matters, such as listed buildings, modern offices, or public spaces you may prefer:
Collapsible guardrails that can be folded down when not in use.
Colour-matched finishes to blend with building aesthetics.
Safesite offers systems designed to complement architectural features without compromising safety.
Environmental Factors
Environmental conditions play a role in material selection:
Coastal locations: Corrosion-resistant materials like galvanised steel or marine-grade aluminium are recommended.
High-wind areas: Systems must meet wind load testing requirements for stability.
Industrial sites: GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) components may be required for chemical resistance.
Types of Edge Protection Systems Available
At Safesite, we supply a wide range of edge protection systems to suit any requirement:
Essential for navigating fragile roofs or avoiding trip hazards.
Why Choose Safesite for Your Edge Protection Needs
With over 30 years of experience in fall protection, Safesite is your trusted partner for edge protection:
Expert Consultation & Design – Tailored recommendations based on your specific site.
Fully Certified Systems – All products tested to UK and international standards.
Complete Service – From survey to installation, inspection, and annual recertification.
National Coverage – Responsive service teams across the UK.
We work closely with businesses across all sectors to provide dependable, cost-effective safety solutions.
Conclusion
Selecting the right edge protection system is a critical step in safeguarding your workforce and ensuring full compliance with UK regulations. By considering your building’s unique requirements and working with an experienced provider like Safesite, you can be confident your team is protected.
Contact Safesite today for expert advice, a free site survey, or to learn more about our full range of edge protection solutions.
Protect your people. Protect your business. Choose Safesite.
