Does the thought of workplace falls keep you up at night? With a shocking 71% increase in fatalities in recent years, it's a risk that business owners and site managers can't afford to ignore. Fortunately, there’s a practical and dependable solution: edge protection. In this guide, Sitetech Solutions outlines everything you need to know to create safe edges on your site and protect the well-being of your team.
What is Edge Protection?
Edge protection encompasses a range of safety systems, but they all have one thing in common. They’re designed to prevent falls from height, acting as a crucial barrier between workers and open edges.
Types of Edge Protection Systems
Let’s unpack the types of temporary edge protection and determine which one is right for your site.
Guardrail Systems
Guardrail systems consist of vertical posts, horizontal rails, and fixings. They’re commonly used on roofs, platforms, walkways, and other elevated surfaces where workers need protection from falls. Consider adding an extra layer of safety with a toeboard. It’s a low barrier that prevents tools, materials, or debris from being accidentally kicked, dropped, or falling over the edge.
Safety Net Systems
Safety net systems offer a passive form of fall protection, acting as a safety cushion to catch workers or objects in the event of a fall. Think of them as a strong, flexible net (usually made from nylon or polypropylene) that’s installed below the work area. Safety nets are particularly useful in situations where traditional guardrail systems are impractical or impossible to install, such as bridge construction, high-rise building erection, or work over open water.
Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)
Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) protect workers by stopping a fall in progress. A complete PFAS includes a full-body harness, a lanyard (often with an energy absorber), and an anchor point. The harness distributes fall forces, the lanyard connects the harness to the anchor, and the energy absorber reduces impact. PFAS are essential when other fall protection isn't feasible. Proper training in PFAS use and inspection is crucial for effectiveness, and choosing the right lanyard and anchor point is also vital.
When is Edge Protection Required?
The simple answer is that edge protection is required whenever there's a risk of falling from a height. Here are some common situations where safe edges are essential:
- Working at Height: Safe Work Australia states that any work performed at a height of 2 meters or more requires fall prevention, including edge protection where applicable.
- Open Edges: Roofs, balconies, platforms, stairwells, and any other open edges where a fall is possible require safe edges.
- Construction & Maintenance: During construction, renovation, or maintenance activities on elevated structures, temporary edge protection is essential.
- Work Near Openings: Any work conducted near floor openings, shafts, or other unprotected edges necessitates appropriate edge protection.
- Specific Industry Regulations: Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations and relevant Australian Standards (AS) mandate safe edges in many situations, especially in construction. Consult these regulations for your industry and location to ensure you stay compliant.
Key Considerations Before Installing Edge Protection
About to begin your edge protection installation? Here’s a handy checklist to ensure you’re good to go following the hierarchy of controls.
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Elimination: Remove the need to work at height entirely.
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Substitution: Replace the work at height with a safer alternative that doesn't involve working at height.
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Engineering Controls: Implement physical solutions like guardrails, safety nets, or platforms to reduce risk.
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Administrative Controls: Introduce safe work practices, training, and procedures to reduce exposure to risks.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use protective gear like harnesses, lanyards, and helmets as the last line of defence if other controls are not possible.
Safeguarding Lives: Why Edge Protection Should Never Be Overlooked
Protecting your workers with safe edges isn’t just a regulation, it's a vital responsibility. Imagine a safe worksite where everyone feels confident and secure, thanks to robust edge protection. This is the peace of mind that comes from proactive safety planning, and at SiteTech Solutions, our expertise in site safety can help you achieve it. Contact us today to discuss your needs, explore our products for hire, and build a safer future.