Roof Edge Protection 101
Working at height always comes with a high risk of fall accidents. The most effective way to protect workers from falling is of course to eliminate the need to work at height, however for many various (and some obvious) reasons this solution might not be feasible.
Instead, the risk of a fall must be minimised through the application of control measures, usually in form of fall arrest or restraint systems such as an edge protection system and temporary edge protection.
What is Roof Edge Protection?
Roof edge protection is the most common structure or enclosure installed to prevent falls and injuries at height in the construction industry. It is a crucial safety feature during the construction of residential homes, garages, commercial buildings and other structures.
When working at height can’t be avoided, scaffolding solutions provide a barrier that limits people, equipment or materials from coming close to or completely falling off the edge. Types of roof edge protection are placed around the perimeter of a roof to ensure the safety and security of construction workers during times of maintenance, repairs or new roof installations. This is why it’s important to ensure you receive the best quality, compliant roof edge protection possible.
Also read: Emergency Procedures For Falls In the Workplace
When to use Roof Edge Protection?
Roof edge protection is a necessity whenever roof work or access to a roof is needed. Because roof work involves movement elevated from ground level, falls can cause critical or even fatal injuries.
If you’re about to start a residential or commercial construction project, you need to minimise the likelihood of accidents by installing the right edge protection product. No matter if it’s a long or short term project, all roof work must be carried out with the risks and precautions covered by protective measures.
Roof edge protection is the only way to ensure there are measures in place to prevent falls over the edge of the building when roof work cannot be avoided.
Also read: When is Scaffolding Required?
AustralianLaw on Working at Heights
According to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 it’s required to install edge protection or a fall arrest device before accessing any roof 2 metres above ground level, or with a slope greater than 26°.
Before starting this type of height work the person conducting the business or undertaking must ensure:
- Fall prevention controls are in place (e.g. edge protection or travel restraint system) to prevent a person falling any distance, or where this is not practicable;
- Fall arrest controls that arrest a person’s fall (e.g. fall arrest harness or catch platform) and prevent or minimise the risk of death or injury to a person when the fall is arrested.
You can find more information on the WHS regulation’s specific requirements for these types of control measures here: s.306E to s.306J
CanDo Roof Edge Protection Solutions
If you need experienced and credible scaffolding professionals, CanDo provides cost-effective scaffolding solutions, edge protection hire and consultation services to all clients on the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and northern NSW.
We supply a wide range of roof safety systems and scaffolding hire to suit your specific building requirements. We aim to eliminate height safety risks that your employees or contractors are exposed to while working at various heights.
We can fit safety rail and hang-on platforms on a wide range of building and structure types to meet your construction and repair needs. Our systems have been designed for ease of installation, protection of the property and compliance with Australian Standards and codes. Call CanDo today at 1300 226 336 or send an email to theguys@cando.com.au.
