A guardrail is a collective fall protection measure installed at the edge of an elevated working area to physically prevent workers from falling. It is classified as a passive system because no worker action is required for it to be effective.
Compliant guardrail specification
- Top rail: 950–1100 mm height
- Mid rail (or infill mesh) to prevent a person passing through
- Toe board: at least 150 mm high, to prevent objects falling
Why it’s the preferred control
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, collective protection (guardrails, nets) takes priority over personal protection (harnesses) wherever reasonably practicable. Guardrails protect everyone in the area continuously, without needing training or compliance from individual workers.
Types
Permanent steel systems (industrial mezzanines, rooftops) or temporary modular systems (construction, maintenance).