Edge protection is the primary collective measure for preventing falls from height on construction sites. It consists of a top rail at a minimum of 950mm, a mid-rail, and a toe board to prevent people and materials falling from open edges. Edge protection must be installed at any location where a person could fall two metres or more, or where a fall of any distance could result in injury. Removing or bypassing edge protection for convenience is strictly prohibited and has directly caused fatal falls.
Key Hazards
Fatal falls from unprotected floor edges, stairwells, and openings
Materials and tools falling through gaps where toe boards are missing
Edge protection removed by trades for access and not replaced afterwards
Inadequate or non-compliant guardrails failing under load during a fall
Control Measures
Install edge protection at all floor edges, stairwells, and openings before work begins at each level.
Ensure top rails are at a minimum height of 950mm above the working surface.
Fit mid-rails and toe boards at every location to prevent people and materials falling through gaps.
Use proprietary edge protection systems that comply with BS EN 13374 for the required load class.
Never remove edge protection without a permit and equivalent alternative measures in place.
Inspect edge protection at the start of every shift and after any impact or disturbance.
Secure all connections and ensure posts are firmly fixed to prevent displacement under load.
Report any missing, damaged, or displaced edge protection to your supervisor immediately.
Replace edge protection as soon as possible after any temporary removal and before leaving the area.
Remember
Edge protection is the most effective way to prevent falls and must be the first measure considered.
Top rails must be at least 950mm high with mid-rails and toe boards to prevent gaps.
Removing edge protection without a permit and alternative measures is strictly prohibited.
Toe boards prevent tools and materials falling onto workers below and must always be fitted.
Inspect edge protection daily because other trades may have damaged or displaced it.
Every opening, void, and unprotected edge on site must have compliant edge protection installed.
Applicable Legislation: Work at Height Regulations 2005 · BS EN 13374 (Temporary Edge Protection Systems) · CDM Regulations 2015