Top guardrail
The upper barrier at the exposed edge.
Fall prevention and exposed edges
What Is Edge Protection?
Edge protection is a temporary collective barrier system used to prevent people, tools and materials falling from exposed edges. In scaffolding and construction work it normally combines a top guardrail, intermediate guardrail, toe board, standards or uprights and a suitable fixing or support arrangement.
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Temporary edge protection systems
Collective protection at roof, slab and scaffold edges
Temporary edge protection systems create a physical barrier at an exposed edge. Scaffolding edge protection may use tube-and-fitting guardrails, system scaffold guardrails, proprietary barrier systems or panel-style arrangements. The correct system depends on the edge, surface, work activity, loading and support method.
Intermediate guardrail
A midrail that reduces the open gap below the top rail.
Toe board
Helps prevent tools, materials and small items falling from the working surface.
Standards / uprights
Vertical members supporting the guardrails and transferring loads into the support arrangement.
Fixing or support
May use clamps, anchors, scaffold support or a tested freestanding/counterweighted arrangement.
Infill
Mesh, panels or brickguards may be needed where smaller objects could pass through rail gaps.
Where edge protection is used
Roof edge protection, slab edges, open steelwork and scaffold platforms
Roof edges
Roof edge protection for flat and pitched roof construction, repair and maintenance access.
Slab edges
Temporary edge protection around open concrete floor and frame edges.
Open steelwork
Guarding exposed structural frame edges where temporary barriers are required.
Scaffold platforms
Scaffolding edge protection where a person or material could fall from an open side or end.
Openings and returns
Corners, ends, access points and changes in level need suitable closure or return protection.
Material-fall control
Toe boards, mesh, panels or brickguards may be required for tools, debris and smaller materials.
Planning and set-out
Edge type, loading, fixing and surface angle all matter
The layout should be selected around the surface angle, edge condition, fixing method, working area, likely loads, material movement and the risk of materials falling through the barrier.
- Top guardrail and intermediate rail arrangement.
- Toe board and infill requirement.
- Standard or upright spacing to suit the system and loading.
- Clamps, anchors, scaffold ties, counterweights or proprietary fixings.
- Flat, inclined or steeper surfaces and the required edge protection class.
- Openings, corners, ends and access returns.
- Supporting structure, edge distance, wind exposure and manufacturer limits.
BS EN 13374:2025
Temporary edge protection systems for construction and maintenance, including Classes A, B and C.
Work at Height Schedule 2
Guardrails, toe boards, barriers and similar collective protection.
NASC SG27:22
Temporary edge protection on open steelwork, roofs and slab edges.
NASC SG29:17
Internal edge protection on scaffold platforms.
BS EN 13374 classes
Class A, Class B and Class C edge protection
The class is selected around surface inclination, likely loading and whether the system may need to resist a person leaning, falling or sliding towards the barrier. Proprietary temporary edge protection systems should be used in their tested configuration and within manufacturer limits.
Class A
Generally associated with flatter surfaces and static loading requirements.
Class B
Generally associated with higher demands, including some dynamic loading and inclined surfaces.
Class C
Generally associated with steeper surfaces and higher energy absorption requirements.
Limitations
Edge protection does not make every nearby hazard safe
Fragile roofs, rooflights, holes, risers, voids, access routes, material handling and the strength of the supporting structure still need separate consideration. Construction edge protection is also not the same as public crowd or vehicle protection.
Common questions
Edge protection FAQs
Is edge protection the same as a handrail?
No. A handrail is only one part. Edge protection normally includes a top guardrail, intermediate guardrail, toe board, standards/uprights and a suitable fixing or support method.
Does edge protection stop materials falling?
It can help when toe boards, mesh, panels or brickguards are used correctly. The arrangement depends on the material-fall risk.
Can edge protection be freestanding?
Some systems are freestanding or counterweighted, but they must remain within the tested configuration and manufacturer limits.
When does edge protection need design input?
Design input may be needed where loading, fixing, surface angle, support structure, wind exposure or the arrangement falls outside a standard or manufacturer-tested configuration.
Need temporary edge protection assessed?
BlackFox Scaffolding can assess roof edges, slab edges, open sides, exposed working platforms and areas where people or materials could fall to a lower level.
Request edge protection access