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Edge Protection

Unprotected edges remain one of the most common causes of serious injury and fatalities when working at height. From rooftops and construction sites to industrial platforms and mezzanines, open edges present a constant and often underestimated fall risk.
Edge protection is one of the most effective ways to manage this risk. By installing physical barriers at exposed edges, organisations can prevent falls from occurring altogether — providing continuous, collective protection for anyone working nearby.
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Edge Protection from Safesite

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers and duty holders are required to prevent falls wherever reasonably practicable. HSE guidance is clear: collective fall prevention, such as edge protection systems, should always be prioritised over PPE-dependent solutions.

With more than 30 years of experience, Safesite designs, installs, inspects, and recertifies edge protection systems across the UK, helping organisations create safer, compliant work-at-height environments.

What is Edge Protection?

Edge protection refers to physical safety systems installed at open edges to prevent people from falling from height. These systems typically take the form of guardrails, barriers, or similar protective structures positioned along exposed perimeters.

Unlike fall arrest systems, which stop a fall after it occurs, edge protection provides fall prevention. This means:

  • No reliance on harnesses or lanyards
  • Protection is always in place
  • All users are protected automatically

Edge protection is suitable for both permanent installations and temporary works and is widely recognised as best practice for managing work-at-height risks.

Why Edge Protection is Critical for Workplace Safety

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 place a legal duty on employers to prevent falls. HSE guidance clearly states that collective measures, such as edge protection, must be considered before relying on personal protective equipment (PPE).

Key Benefits of Edge Protection:

  • Legal compliance: Ensures adherence to HSE and BS EN standards.
  • Accident prevention: Protects against falls from roofs, walkways, and edges.
  • Universal safety: No specialist training or equipment needed.
  • Reduced liability: Demonstrates an employer’s duty of care.
  • Confidence & productivity: Workers can operate more efficiently when they feel safe.

In short, edge protection is not just a safety precaution — it’s a legal and moral obligation for any business where work at height is carried out.

Types of Edge Protection Systems

Permanent Guardrail Systems: Installed on rooftops with regular access, permanent guardrails provide year-round protection. Options include:

  • Fixed guardrails: Bolted into the building structure.
  • Non-penetrating guardrails: Freestanding systems that protect roof membranes from damage.

Temporary Edge Protection: Ideal for construction, refurbishments, and short-term projects, temporary systems are quick to install, dismantle, and reuse across different sites.

Freestanding Edge Protection: Counterweighted systems require no roof penetration, making them a popular choice for flat roofs with waterproof membranes.

Integrated Walkway & Edge Protection Systems: Walkways combined with guardrails create safe, slip-resistant routes across rooftops, while also protecting exposed edges.

Safesite’s Edge Protection Services

Survey & Risk Assessment: Every project begins with a detailed survey to identify hazards and recommend the most appropriate system for compliance and safety.

System Design & Installation: Safesite designs and installs bespoke edge protection systems tailored to each building and working environment.

Inspection & Recertification: To remain compliant, edge protection must be regularly inspected. Safesite provides ongoing inspection and recertification services, ensuring systems remain safe and reliable.

Training & Guidance: Although collective protection requires little training, Safesite supports employers with training and advice to ensure safe working practices around edge protection.

Edge Protection - Essential Safety for Working at Height in the UK - Safesite

Industries That Require Edge Protection

Edge protection is essential wherever workers are exposed to fall risks. Common industries include:

  • Construction & roofing – safeguarding contractors on live projects.
  • Warehousing & industrial sites – protecting maintenance staff.
  • Commercial buildings & offices – ensuring compliance during regular roof access.
  • Public sector & infrastructure – schools, hospitals, utilities, and transport facilities.

Wherever workers face fall risks, edge protection is the first and most effective safety solution.

Choosing the Right Edge Protection Provider

When selecting an edge protection provider, businesses should consider:

  • Experience in fall protection solutions.
  • Compliance with HSE regulations and British Standards.
  • Quality of installation and equipment.
  • Aftercare services such as inspection and recertification.

With over 30 years of experience, Safesite is one of the UK’s most trusted providers of edge protection. From surveying and design to installation and ongoing compliance, Safesite delivers safety solutions you can depend on.

Contact Safesite Today

Edge protection is one of the most reliable and effective ways to prevent falls from height. By eliminating exposure to open edges, it protects workers, simplifies compliance, and reduces the risk of serious injury or fatality.

If your site includes exposed edges, professionally designed edge protection could be the safest and most practical solution. Contact Safesite today to arrange an edge protection survey and ensure your site is fully compliant with work-at-height regulations.

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FAQ – Edge Protection

Is edge protection required by law in the UK?

Yes. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers must provide collective fall protection, such as edge protection, wherever reasonably practicable.

What’s the difference between edge protection and fall arrest systems?

Edge protection prevents falls altogether, while fall arrest systems stop a fall in progress. Edge protection is always prioritised as it protects everyone.

Can edge protection be installed without roof penetration?

Yes. Freestanding and counterweighted systems provide effective edge protection without drilling into the roof.

How often should edge protection be inspected?

At least once every 12 months, or more frequently if systems are exposed to heavy use or harsh environments.

Do temporary edge protection systems meet HSE requirements?

Yes. When installed and maintained correctly, temporary systems are fully compliant with HSE guidelines.

More Edge Protection Solutions

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Find Out More

For more details about Edge Protection, download our latest brochure or arrange a callback.
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Case Studies

Kee Guard & Bespoke Access Ladder Installation for NHS Properties - Safesite

Kee Guard & Bespoke Access Ladder Installation for NHS Properties

Safesite installed Kee Guard edge protection and bespoke ladder access platforms across NHS properties, providing safe, compliant access for roof maintenance.
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Safesite - Kee Guard Installation for UK University Solar Roof Project

Kee Guard Installation for UK University Solar Roof Project

Safesite installed Kee Guard edge protection, Kee Walk, fixed ladder and Kee Step systems for a UK university, enabling safe, compliant access for solar panel maintenance.
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Kee Guard Installation for East London University - Safesite 2

Kee Guard Installation for East London University

Safesite installed a Kee Guard edge protection system for an East London university, replacing condemned line systems with compliant collective fall protection.
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Kee Guard Installation for a Commercial Banking Facility - Safesite

Kee Guard Installation for a Commercial Banking Facility

Safesite installed a freestanding Kee Guard edge protection system for a commercial banking facility, providing safe roof access and BS 13700-compliant fall protection.
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