Roof Guardrail Systems & Safety Railing

Passive fall protection, like guardrail, means that there is no special training, equipment, or required action on the worker's part needed to be protected from a fall. It also means that the equipment doesn't need to be regularly tested and certified like active fall protection systems do.

Your selection of roof guardrail should take into account your roofing material and desire for penetrating or non-penetrating roof guardrail systems. Consider whether you are seeking a long-term solution or a temporary one, which is easy to set up and remove. Non-penetrating roof guardrail works for both temporary and permanent installations.

You should also pay attention to your local and federal OSHA laws. Guardrail systems in California require compliance with additional Cal-OSHA standards.

Toeboards should be considered where tools, parts, or materials could fall and strike workers or equipment below. OSHA and site-specific requirements may also apply depending on the application. 

 A properly installed guardrail is a passive fall protection system, so workers generally do not need to wear a harness or connect to an anchor while protected by the railing. Other areas of the roof or facility may still require active fall protection.

Yes. Portable and non-penetrating safety rail systems can be used for temporary maintenance, construction, inspection, or repair work. Permanent systems are better for recurring access routes and long-term rooftop fall protection.