1. What is roof edge protection?
Roof edge protection is a barrier system fitted around the perimeter of a roof to prevent falls from height during access, maintenance or construction work. It gives workers collective fall protection without relying on individual harnesses or fall arrest equipment, and it’s a core requirement under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 wherever people are exposed to a fall risk.
2. What’s the difference between permanent and temporary edge protection systems?
Permanent roof edge protection, such as a freestanding guardrail system, stays in place year-round and suits roofs with regular access for cleaning, inspection or plant maintenance. Temporary edge protection systems are erected for the duration of a specific project, such as construction or re-roofing work, then removed. Permanent counterweighted guardrail systems like Kee Guard® are often the more practical and cost-effective choice where access is ongoing rather than one-off.
3. Does installing roof edge protection mean drilling into my roof?
Not necessarily. Kee Guard® is a free standing, non-penetrating system, so no drilling into the roof surface, membrane or structure is required. This protects your roof warranty and avoids the leaks or damage that can come with fixings, while a modular design means the system can be adjusted or extended without disturbing the roof surface again.
4. How do I know which edge protection system is right for my roof?
The right system depends on your roof type, the exposure level of the site and how the roof is used. Flat roofs with a pitch up to 10° generally suit a standard freestanding system, while roofs with parapets, curves or standing seam profiles need a different type of guardrail. A short risk assessment of your building, covering the roof’s intended use and location, will help determine the most suitable option.
5. What regulations and standards apply to roof edge protection in the UK?
UK roof edge protection is governed by the Work at Height Regulations 2005, with guidance from the Health and Safety Executive on managing fall risk. Product standards such as BS 13700:2021 for permanent guardrails and EN 13374 for temporary edge protection set out requirements for load, height and testing. Choosing a system that’s tested to these standards keeps your business compliant and gives roofing contractors and site teams a clear reference point during inspection.
6. Do I still need toe boards or fall arrest equipment if I have a guardrail system?
A compliant top guardrail system, fitted with toe boards where required, is generally accepted as sufficient collective fall protection on its own, without workers needing to carry personal fall arrest equipment for routine access. This is one of the main benefits of edge protection: it protects everyone who accesses the roof, not just those trained to use a harness, and reduces the risk of serious injuries from falling objects as well as falls from height.
7 Signs Your Building Needs Roof Edge Protection
1. Workers regularly access the roof for maintenance or inspection
If your team carries out routine maintenance, cleaning or inspection work at height, permanent edge protection removes the need to plan temporary fall protection every time someone needs roof access.
2. Your roof currently has no barrier at the edge
An unprotected roof edge is one of the most common causes of falls from height. A guardrail system creates a continuous barrier around the perimeter, so there’s no gap in protection for anyone working near the edge.
3. You’re planning building work or a construction project
A construction or refurbishment project often brings extra people onto the roof, from contractors to surveyors. Temporary or permanent edge protection, installed ahead of the project, keeps everyone safe without disrupting the wider build programme.
4. Your roof has been repurposed for plant, solar or added equipment
Adding plant equipment, solar panels or extra services to a roof increases how often it’s accessed, which can affect your fall risk and your obligations under health and safety regulations. Edge protection should be reviewed whenever a roof’s use changes.
5. A recent risk assessment flagged a fall hazard
If a risk assessment has identified a gap in edge protection, that’s a clear sign the current setup isn’t suitable. A modular system can usually be installed quickly to close the gap and support ongoing compliance.
6. You want to reduce reliance on personal fall arrest equipment
Personal fall arrest equipment depends on training, inspection and correct use every time it’s worn. A permanent guardrail system offers collective protection instead, covering the whole team without individual kit or certification for routine roof access.
7. Your current edge protection is ageing, damaged or non-compliant
Older or damaged edge protection may no longer meet current standards such as BS 13700:2021. If your system shows signs of wear, or was never tested to the right specification, it’s worth having it assessed and, where needed, replaced with a system suited to your roof.
