Edge Protection in Construction
Edge protection in construction can be any type of barrier that is erected to protect people from falling off the end or edges of structures such as buildings and civil engineering infrastructure worksites. It is usually made up of steel barrier fencing and steel posts which are in turn fixed to the building structure or platform by brackets, clamps or bases.
It is designed to be erected and dismantled quickly, so that workers are not spending too long at height trying to erect the system or welding it in place. It is also quick and easy to inspect and maintain, which helps with worker safety and compliance with site safety regulations. It is also flexible enough to provide a range of solutions to fit individual projects, whether that be working on an existing building or a new high-rise construction.
There are several different types of temporary edge protection in construction systems available and each has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. It is important to select the most appropriate solution for your project to ensure it meets all of the required safety standards. For example, if you are working on a roof with a leading edge it is essential to use temporary roof edge protection systems that meet the requirements of AS 4994.2. This will ensure that the system is safe to work on and will help to reduce the risk of workers being injured by debris that falls from the roof.
Edge Protection in Construction
A worker who is not adequately protected while at height on a project can suffer a fatal fall. The most common causes of fatal falls are climbing over objects or falling off building and construction sites. While some employers have a policy of not allowing workers to fall off building sites, this is often not practical for large commercial or industrial construction projects.
When a worker is on a construction site, they should be trained to recognise leading edges and any hazards associated with them. It is then their employer’s responsibility to provide them with the right equipment to perform their job safely, including a personal fall arrest system or other suitable method of protection.
It is also important that a method for installing and dismantling temporary edge protection is documented in a Safe Work Method Statement, as this will help to reduce the risk of injury to workers. This will include a task schedule, any exclusion zones and a layout plan.
RMD Kwikform has a full range of temporary edge protection systems for building and construction sites, including high-rise buildings and civil engineering projects such as bridge refurbishment. For more information about our range of leading edge protection and how we can assist with your next project, contact us today. We are experts in the field and offer a complete design, manufacture and installation service. We also offer inspection and maintenance of all our products to help you comply with the relevant safety standards. To find out more about our services, click on the links above.