Roof edge protection: Ensure safety, avoid accidents

Working on roofs is one of the most dangerous activities in the construction industry. Numerous falls occur every year, often resulting in serious injuries or even deaths. Properly installed roof edge protection is therefore essential to protect tradespeople, roofers, and maintenance personnel. In this blog post on GerüstExpress , we explain what roof edge protection is, how it's used, and why it's an essential part of workplace safety.

What are roof edge guards?

Roof edge guardrails are special safety systems installed along the edge of the roof to protect people from falling. They typically consist of railings, nets, or other barriers that serve as collective protection, meaning they protect several people simultaneously without additional personal protective equipment (PPE). According to DIN EN 13374 (Temporary Edge Guard Systems), roof edge guardrails are suitable for flat roofs with a slope of up to 10° and must meet strict safety standards. They can be installed temporarily or permanently, depending on the requirements of the construction project or the roof's use.

Why are roof edge guards so important?

Falls from heights are one of the most common causes of serious workplace accidents. Thousands of falls are reported annually in Germany and Austria, many of them on roofs. The Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) and DGUV Regulation 38 "Construction Work" stipulate that suitable fall protection must be in place for falls from a height of more than 3 meters. For flat roofs, the area up to 2 meters from the roof edge is considered particularly dangerous, which is why collective protection measures such as roof edge guards take priority. These protect not only workers but also passersby on the ground from falling objects, such as tools or roof tiles.

Roof edge protection offers the following advantages:

• Collective protection : You protect all people on the roof without each individual having to wear PPE.
• Easy assembly : Modern systems, such as those from Euroscaffold, can be quickly assembled and dismantled and are flexibly adaptable.
• Economic efficiency : Compared to a complete facade scaffolding, roof edge protection is often more cost-effective, especially at greater heights.
• Versatility : They are suitable for flat roofs, maintenance work, roofing work or the installation of photovoltaic systems.

Areas of application of roof edge protection

Roof edge protection is used in numerous scenarios:

• Roofing work : When constructing or renovating roofs, they protect workers from falls.
• Maintenance work : For regular inspections, cleaning (e.g. gutters) or maintenance of air conditioning and solar systems.
• Flat roofs as usable areas : For roofs with photovoltaic systems, ventilation systems or roof terraces that are frequently accessed.
• Temporary projects : For short-term construction work where full scaffolding is not economical.

Roof edge guards are particularly essential on flat roofs, as the entire roof surface is considered a hazard zone. They allow safe access without penetrating the roof membrane, for example, through freestanding systems with concrete weights as ballasting.

How are roof edge guards used?

The installation and use of roof edge protection requires careful planning and compliance with legal regulations:

1. Risk assessment : The risk of falling must be assessed before starting work. Areas less than 2 meters from the roof edge are considered particularly dangerous.
2. Choosing the system : There are different types of roof edge protection, for example:
   • Freestanding systems : These use counterweights (e.g. concrete ballasts) and do not require roof penetration, ideal for flat roofs.
   • Systems attached to the structure : railings that are screwed to the edge of the roof or parapet.
   • Foldable systems : Particularly practical as they can be transported in a space-saving manner and folded up when necessary to enable work to be carried out directly on the edge of the roof.
3. Professional installation : Installation should only be carried out by trained personnel to ensure compliance with standards such as DIN EN 13374. Systems such as those from Euroscaffold are modular and allow for quick assembly with steel tube couplings or aluminum lattice girders.
4. Regular maintenance : Permanent systems must be checked regularly to ensure their stability and safety.

Euroscaffold roof edge protection at GerüstExpress

At GerüstExpress, we offer high-quality roof edge protection systems from Euroscaffold, specifically designed for flat roofs. Our systems comply with DIN EN 13374 (protection class A) and are ideal for roofers, maintenance personnel, and construction companies. Highlights include:

• Lightweight aluminum : Allows easy transport and quick assembly.
• Modular design : Flexibly adaptable to different roof sizes and shapes.
• Foldable railing stands : Space-saving and practical for working directly on the edge of the roof.
• Safety certification : TÜV-tested and compliant with standards for maximum safety.

Our roof edge guards are suitable for both temporary and permanent installations and offer a cost-effective alternative to full facade scaffolding. With accessories such as toe boards and concrete ballasts, they provide comprehensive protection, even against falling objects.

Conclusion

Roof edge guardrails are an essential component of occupational safety when working on roofs. They provide reliable collective protection, are versatile in use, and comply with the strictest legal regulations. Whether for roofing work, maintenance work, or using flat roofs as a work surface – with the right systems, you minimize the risk of falls and protect both your employees and pedestrians on the ground.

Visit GerüstExpress to discover our selection of Euroscaffold roof edge guardrails. With our best price guarantee and fast delivery, we'll equip your project safely and efficiently. Do you have questions or need personalized advice? Our team is always at your disposal!