Choosing your freestanding edge protection is just the start of your safety journey. After selecting your systems, you’ll need to make sure you follow regulations around the installation and testing of guardrails. 

Not only does this help you understand more about your role in protecting those working at heights, but it also ensures your guardrails keep your site safe year after year. Ready to learn more? We’ve put together an easy-to-understand guide to all the free-standing guardrail regulations you need to know.

What’s the Importance of Guardrail Testing?

Guardrails are a vital safety solution for those working at height, helping to prevent falls by providing a protective barrier around the edge of your roof. To remain effective, though, your freestanding edge protection must meet regulatory standards.

Regular testing gives you a professional thumbs-up that your rails are ready to use. With expert insight into the regulations and how to meet them, professional testers (like our team at Altus) ensure your solutions keep everyone accessing your site safe.

How Often Should Guardrails Be Tested?

Freestanding guardrail regulations specify that guardrails should be tested at least every 12 months. This includes a full inspection and compliance test, and it can be carried out more frequently if you choose.

What Are the Guardrail Regulations to Be Aware Of?

At Altus, we can take care of freestanding edge protection testing so that you don’t have to worry. We’ve put together a quick look at the regulations you need to follow when using freestanding guardrails while working at height.

BS EN 13374:2013 - Class A

The BS EN 13374:2013 regulations refer to temporary edge protection systems, including freestanding guardrails. Do note that this regulation doesn’t apply to scaffolding.

It outlines safety requirements for 3 classes of systems based on roof pitch:

• Class A: 0-10° pitch

• Class B: 10-30° pitch

• Class C: 30-45° pitch

Some of the key specifications and freestanding guardrail regulations that BS EN 13374:2013 outlines include:

• The materials that can be used

• How the system is designed

• The required dimensions

• Minimum load-bearing capacity

• Static and dynamic test methods

BS EN ISO 14122-3:2016

The BS EN ISO 14122-3:2016 regulations look at requirements for stairs, stepladders, and freestanding guardrails when accessing machinery. The guidance outlined ensures your edge protection is effective at preventing falls and reducing accidents, and covers requirements including:

• The safe design of access routes

• Appropriate risk assessments

• Load capacities and the positioning of guardrails and handrails

• Adding toe boards

• Correct and compliant installation

BS 13700:2021

BS 13700:2021 looks at compliance for permanent freestanding edge protection designed for the lifespan of the facility. It covers:

• Manufacturing and testing requirements

• How often each system needs to be recertified

• Wind calculations needed for the installation of the system

It’s vital that any site using permanent rails follows BS 13700:2021 guidance instead of the EN 13374 regulations (which are for temporary freestanding guardrails).