Not all that long ago, installing a protective guardrail against falls was a complicated and expensive endeavour that required a concrete structure. In fact, installing a conventional guardrail system requires drilling into the surface area, which can potentially compromise a building’s seal.
Today, there is a new type of guardrail that is just as effective as the traditional system, but without the same attachment complications: the freestanding guardrail. It offers the same degree of protection as a conventional system, but in a modular format. It’s even easy to install: thanks to its counterweight system for stability, the guardrail can be put up or taken down easily and efficiently.
While the freestanding guardrail system was designed for permanent installation, it can also be used for temporary sites, notably on rooftops. Cost-effective and efficient, this type of freestanding guardrail system offers an undeniable advantage for unanchored work at heights because it allows workers to move around freely and safely.
Freestanding Guardrails Are Practical
Freestanding guardrails can be installed quite easily to flat membrane rooftops. Installation does not require perforating, penetrating, drilling or altering the roof structure in any way, therefore the building’s seal is not compromised. Our freestanding guardrail system is compatible with all types of flat roofs, even multi- level, and can be placed around obstacles. Furthermore, it is easy to set up, take down or expand thanks to standard assembly techniques.
Freestanding Guardrails Are Economical
Contrary to conventional temporary guardrails, the freestanding guardrail system can be reused at different worksites. Designed to be permanent or modular, freestanding guardrails save money in the long term. What’s more, renting a freestanding guardrail system costs less than investing in traditional guardrails.
Freestanding Guardrails Are Safe
Quebec Regulation respecting occupational health and safety regarding fall prevention and protection states that a building must be equipped with a guardrail for any work to be performed at a height of 3 metres or more. Furthermore, it states that the safe working area must be located at 2 metres or more from the edge of the roof. Freestanding guardrails meet these criteria. This type of counterweight system is very stable, even if naysayers believe the contrary. On the contrary, the freestanding guardrail system is the result of extensive research. Made of stainless steel, this fall protection system is robust and lightweight, which is what makes installation and removal of this system so simple.
Conclusion
With a modular design in compliance with Canada Building Code and CNESST standards, a no-maintenance, rust-resistant construction, easy installation, and lightweight strength plus durability, freestanding guardrails offer an economical rooftop fall protection solution for work at height.