Collapsible Handrail & Guardrail Edge Protection Systems

Collapsible Guardrails - Where Height Safety & Aesthetics Meet

Collapsible handrails and guardrails are unique in their ability to provide superior edge protection where collective protection against falls whilst working from height is required - whilst also being pleasing to the eye. Their collapsible nature allows them to fold onto the roof structure when not in use, hiding them from view. When erected, they provide a sturdy support system for workers. Better yet, they're a freestanding guardrail system, meaning there's no need for drilling or fixing and zero chance of roof surface damage when installed.

Our collapsible guardrail systems are suitable to be used with a range of roof types - including most flat roofs - and is one of our most popular options where working at height is unavoidable. Multiple users can work at height with this edge protection system and benefit from the safety and peace of mind it offers, all with only basic working at height training. It's an excellent choice for regular and long duration roof level maintenance and servicing work.

Collapsible guardrails and collapsible handrails, as well as any fall arrest system used for Work at Height must be inspected and compliance tested once every 12 months. Our folding guardrail services fully adhere to BS EN 13374-2013 - Class A, BS EN ISO 14122-3:2016 & BS 13700:2021 standards.

Enquire about CGhS

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email

Subject

Message

Collapsible Handrails -
The Key Benefits

Aesthetically pleasing, collective measure – folds down when not in use
Not visible from ground level
Folding collective measure / guards hazard for entire maintenance teams
Suitable for multiple users requiring only basic working at height training
Completely freestanding with no need for drilling or penetration
Suitable for frequent access for long periods of time due to low risk level

Enquire about this product

Beginner’s Guide To BS 13700:2021

Item 1 of 4

Collapsible Handrail FAQs:

Collapsible handrails & guardrails are easy to install & use.
The system is completely freestanding, meaning there is no need for drilling or penetration of the roof membrane – suitable for new and existing roofs. Lightweight materials and quick installation make this solution a simple and cost-effective rooftop safety system.
Our installation team ensure that all aspects of the installation are fully compliant with the latest regulations and all components of the installation are fully inspected upon completion, including the:
- pre-galvanised sleeves fixed with stainless steel grub screws
- horizontal rails
- unique hinged base foot
- and other key features making up the handrail system
These edge protection systems must be inspected by a suitable working at height Specialist Company a minimum of every 12 months. Altus Safety can carry out the initial installation of your collapsible handrail system and any subsequent safety inspections and tests for a competitive price. Contact our team today for a no-obligation quote.
We recognise that each roof is different, which is why our modular design makes all the difference. Unlike fabricated systems which are not flexible in their design, we can create a system designed perfectly for your roof, offering a bespoke solution to your edge protection concerns.
Because our systems are freestanding and don't require fixing to the roof, we can work on asphalt, concrete, PVC sheet covered roofs, and more, all whilst preserving the structural integrity of the roof. Most systems base plates are fitted with bonded ribbed rubber mats, which can include an EPDM foam infill suitable for use with a range of roof materials.
As this system is freestanding there is no need to fix back to the building's structure either. However some roof materials will require protection underneath the feet (as described above) to maintain guarantees for the roof. This can be checked with the roofing material manufacturer or contractor.
Our folding guardrail has a modular design which allows for onsite reconfiguration if needed, making them ideal for retrofitting to older buildings as well as new build constructions.
Reach out to our expert customer service team today if you're concerned about the suitability of our collapsible edge protection systems for your roof.
In line with the working at height regulations our Folding Guardrail system provides a collective measure making it the preferred system of choice for most fall protection situations by providing a permanent edge protection. The Health and Safety Executive's hierarchy of control states if working at height cannot be avoided, then the first consideration should be to use collective measures to create a safe working environment for all.
Our folding guardrail system is just one of the innovative solutions ensuring safety whilst working at height in a way that is low risk to the user, effective at preventing falls, and also aesthetically pleasing thanks to the way the system folds away from the roof edge when not in use.
Folding Guardrails comply with the following standards:
- BS EN 13374:2013 – Class A
- HSG-33 Health & Safety in Roof Work
- HSE INDG 284 “Working on roofs”
- BS6399: Part 2 1995 Wind Code
- BS EN ISO 14122-3:2001
- Testing/Inspection standards and frequency:BS EN 13374 for Temporary Edge protection systems – minimum of every 12 months by a working at height specialist company
Our highly customisable collapsible Handrails & Guardrails are available in a range of materials and finishes, including the below:
Materials:
- Aluminium
- Galvanised steel
- Stainless steel
Finishes:
- Powder coated to any RAL colour
Please note Folding Guardrails offer curved, incline or straight options depending on your roof edge and protection needs.
Folding Guardrails are also known as: collapsible guardrail, weighted guardrail, counter-balanced guardrail, edge protection, safety railing. So whilst you might know them by different names, they all do the same thing - act as a collective protection measure against falls from height without permanently visible railings.
Folding Guardrails are commonly installed in the following sectors:
- Residential
- Industrial
- Offices
- Retail
- Hotels / Leisure
- Education
- Healthcare
If you own a business in any of these sectors and regularly require roof level work at your site, then investing in an affordable and effective collapsible guardrail system could be right for you. Contact our team today for more information.