Edge Protection Systems

We use temporary edge protection systems as the first line of defence to secure the open edges in construction sites and buildings to prevent the fall of workers or object from height. In general for EU and OSHA standards indicate that fall protection is required when working above a free fall distance of 2.0m (6 feet (1.8 m) as per OSHA). However, most regulations will require the user to have fall protection from a height that may cause injury. Consideration and priority must be given to collective and passive fall prevention systems for the selection of fall protection systems when working at height.

We use temporary edge protection systems as the first line of defense to secure the open edges in construction sites and buildings to prevent the fall of workers or objects from height. TSS provides Meshguard©, shaftgate©, Coreguard© as edge protection systems. TSS Meshguard© System utilizes steel mesh barriers to protect the open edges on concrete, steel, and timber structures. With its industry-established connection detail, Meshguard delivers a speedy assembly with economy and safety in mind. TSS edge protection system meets all necessary safety standards in this region and industry and beyond. TSS Edge Protection systems are fully compliant with EN 13374 class A and B.

TSS Shaftgate is an adjustable gate that protects the open edges of Staircase Cores and Lifts shafts. TSS Coreguard is a fixed protection steel mesh that protects the open edges of Staircase Cores and Lifts shafts. These are an important element in fall protection on sites. These openings are subject to restrictive access control measures for sub-contractors who need access to the shafts.

The European standard EN13374 defines and outlines the use of temporary edge protection to be used on construction and building sites. This standard specifies the material, appearance, performance, and the necessary markings on such systems.
EN 13374 outlines requirements for three classes of the edge protection systems.
Class A     0-10° roof pitch
Class B     10-30° roof pitch
Class C     30-45° roof pitch
All classes have a static load requirement to be applied perpendicular, horizontal and vertical. Class B & C also have a dynamic load requirement applied, representing a worker or material rolling down the roof slope and impacting the edge protection system.

In accordance with EN 13374, edge protection systems are designed for 3 Classes depending on the slope and use. Each system is designed with a certain application in mind, the most popular of which are :
1. Tubular Guardrail solutions.
2. Mesh Barrier Systems.
3. Counterweight systems.
4. Full enclosure or vertical screen.
5. Net type edge protection.

1. Tubular Guardrail solutions
Tubular guardrail edge protection is the traditional solution using 48.3 Dia or 42 Dia tubes and fittings. This method incorporates a 1.0m or higher post, main handrail, an intermediate handrail, and a toe board (usually with a 225mm (9″) scaffold board) connected using scaffold fittings.
Tubular guardrail systems are generally designed to class A with only static loading taken into account for designs. Some countries specify a triple handrail for additional safety and use debris netting for the better enclosure.

2. Mesh Barrier Systems
Mesh barrier systems utilize a pre-designed steel mesh to protect the open edges on concrete, steel, and timber structures with proprietary connection details and a welded integral steel toeboard. Mesh barriers deliver a speedy assembly with better containment, economy, and safety in mind.

3. Counterweight systems
freestanding, counterweight temporary edge protection solutions are freestanding, used on existing roofs during the maintenance or refurbishment. Free-standing weighted edge protection systems are designed to comply with the Class A requirements of BS EN 13374 but are based on different supporting principles to fixed mesh barrier systems.

4. Full enclosure or vertical screen
These applications are beyond BS EN 13374. Such configurations or systems will typically fill the edge protection space including and above 1.0m, at varying heights up to the soffit. These arrangements are different
from standard BS EN 13374 installations due to the increased forces (mainly wind loadings) that result.
The typical applications encountered will be where there is an increased hazard affecting pedestrian traffic, for high rise/multi-story buildings, and generally where a safety policy applies to a client /contractor/project.

5. Net type edge protection
They are specifically designed for clamping to steelwork sections usually at full height roof level but can also be used at intermediate floor levels.
They would normally incorporate aluminum or steel tube/lattice beams to
form a guardrail or safety nets as additional fall protection.
Safety nets and/or debris nets can be attached to the system to give additional protection for roof workers and to prevent objects falling from the roof but the system must be tested for this purpose.
If the netting is to be used for fall arrest purposes, safety netting which is compliant with EN 1263-2 must be specified. Debris netting should be assessed for wind loading on the guardrail structure.