Proprietary Edge Protection Systems (EPS) have a number of significant operational advantages, and are considered an effective means of collective fall prevention.

• They offer a high level of flexibility and reactive adjustment, not relying on a specialist trade to install them.
• They offer a high level of material containment with the mesh panel barriers, and they are often taller than the minimum height requirements.
• They readily integrate with the frame construction method, and can be pre-fitted on many projects minimising or even removing the need to install at height.

Requirements for the correct selection, installation and use of proprietary edge protection systems:

Performance Requirements to EN 13374

All systems should meet the performance requirements of EN 13374, the European Standard for Temporary Edge Protection. The Standard has three Classes, and there is a guidance graph indicating the intended application range for each Class. Each Class also has performance criteria, and evidence should be sought to confirm that the system selected meets the relevant criteria and is suitable for the application on site.

The majority of applications will require Class A performance, although any sloping surfaces less than 30º will require Class B. Class A must be stiff (<55mm deflection with 0.3kN horizontal load), Class B must be equally stiff, but must also have been type tested to accept the swing bag impact test. If using mesh panels, both Classes must contain a sphere of 250mm diameter.Class C is most suitable for steep slopes greater than 30º, and must contain a high dynamic test (a rolling cylinder), and must absorb substantial energy. A Class C system does NOT have to pass the stiffness/deflection test, and must simply contain the rolling cylinder, and a sphere of 100mm diameter. For this reason Class C tends to be made using supported safety netting.

The application graph is for information/guidance only (within the Standard), and in certain circumstances higher capacity systems are being used for less steep roofs (eg. Class C systems are frequently used on large bay industrial buildings which do not have the structural capacity to support the stiffness requirements of Class A or B).

The performance requirements within EN 13374 are equally applicable to guard rails, tube and fitting, or any form of edge protection. The stiffness requirements for Class A and B can be confirmed by calculation alone, however the swing bag test requirements for Class B require the solution to have been type tested. The containment requirements should be noted, and if using guard rails to protect a sloping surface in a Class B application, the requirement to contain a sphere of 250mm will demand more than two guard rails. Class C requirements are difficult to achieve without the use of energy absorbing safety nets.

Note that installations over 40m above the ground will require additional technical confirmation due to the increased wind loading.

Early Involvement at Design Stage

The earlier the decision concerning edge protection is made, the greater the project can benefit. Frequently the frame contractor is expected to install the initial edge protection, however without care and information this will often need to be moved or even removed as the project progresses, resulting in frustration, delay and cost. A system solution that can accommodate the needs of the various trades as the project progresses, can be incorporated into the project design to minimise installation at height, and that can be readily adjusted as the needs change, will save time and money and better contribute to project safety. This requires early consideration, shared detail between package contractors, and perhaps the involvement of technical or specification support from the supplier.

Before Installation

The area requiring installation, is by definition “unsafe.” Every effort should be made to install (or partially install) the edge protection without the need to work at height, however this is not always possible. Therefore all those installing and supervising the installation, must also be formally trained and competent to work at height, on a leading edge, using temporary fall protection equipment (harness and lanyard systems).

The selection and use of this equipment requires great care, as clearance distances are large and once a fall occurs recovery is extremely urgent to prevent deterioration. Anchor/attachment points must be specified within the safety method statement, and in general terms should be above and behind the worker. A useful rule of thumb is “if you wouldn't hang a car on it .. don't connect your lanyard to it.” The shorter the lanyard, whilst still permitting work, the better. Retractable blocks can be very effective, however they should only be used within their recommended performance envelope, and only used horizontally if this use is supported by the manufacturer.

Installation Stage

To meet the requirements of the standard, all systems must have instructions for use, and those installing edge protection systems on site should have been formally trained by the system supplier, and they should follow the installation instructions in detail.

The systems comprise :-

1. An Attachment, selected depending on the base material and application.
2. A Post, whose length and level of barrier support is selected with reference to the working levels, and which may require adjustment as the work progresses.
3. A Mesh Barrier, supported on the post to provide the protection and containment.

Care is needed to ensure that the attachments are correctly selected and installed. Frequent oversights include, too little edge distance for drilled anchors (minimum normally 230mm), anchors not correctly set, and attachments made to unsuitable members (eg. secondary beams on the outer edge of table forms).

After Installation

After installation, before each occasion of use, and at least every week, the installed system should be checked by a competent person, trained by the system manufacturer, to confirm its continued fitness for purpose. This check should be recorded. Most manufacturers provide a suitable checklist within the Installation Instructions.

Materials, Handling and Maintenance

All material used within the edge protection system must be part of the manufacturer's system, or fully compatible with it. If in doubt, seek the advice of the manufacturer.

Stillages, storage facilities, and lifting devices must be used as directed within the installation instructions. Care must be taken to avoid damage to the components due to poor handling, contamination or deterioration through extended exposure. Where stillages are used as lifting devices, they must meet all the LOLER requirements (eg for certification). System components must be examined and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations by competent persons trained by the manufacturer. The periodic component examination should be recorded.

Oversheeting

On no account may the system be oversheeted or covered with debris net without the express technical approval of the manufacturer. Oversheeting will dramatically increase the wind loading, potentially compromising the systems compliance and overloading the attachments.

Monitoring: It is strongly recommended that daily monitoring of the EPS is undertaken, and that it is recorded at least weekly.

Safe System of Work: A specific Safety Method Statement defining a detailed safe system of work for installation, use, and dismantling must be drawn up by the contractor using the EPS. This must clearly and concisely detail a logical sequence each step of the process – it is strongly advised that sketches are included to clarify particular issues (for example the location of anchor points for personal fall protection system).

Author - Barney Green