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Temporary edge protection hire | Reducing risk of falls from heights

temporary+edge+protection shown on a construction site

Temporary edge protection in place to prevent falls on a construction site

Temporary Edge Protection

Falls from heights remain a leading cause of fatalities on construction sites in New South Wales (NSW) and temporary edge protection hire is a viable solution to reducing falls. 

To mitigate the risk of falls from height on construction sites, Safework NSW have produced a guide on Roof Edge Protection when working on roofs and a National Code has been established through Safeworkaustralia, emphasizing the importance of temporary edge protection systems and assisting with safe working choices. 

The Regulatory Framework

The key regulations governing safe working at heights in NSW can assist construction site project managers in assessing risk, implementing safety measures and ensuring compliance while safeguarding workers.

SafeWork NSW Guidelines

SafeWork NSW underscores the critical need for effective edge protection to prevent falls from roofs, ladders, and scaffolds. Their Roof Edge Protection Fact Sheet provides comprehensive guidance on the appropriate use of temporary edge protection systems, emphasizing that such measures are vital for any work conducted at heights. 

National Code of Practice

The National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Falls in Housing Construction offers detailed directives on managing fall risks. It mandates the implementation of fall prevention devices, such as guardrails and scaffolding, especially when working at heights where the risk of falling is significant.

Australian Standards: AS/NZS 4994.1:2009

The standard AS/NZS 4994.1:2009 specifies the general requirements for the design, construction, and testing of temporary edge protection systems. It ensures that such systems are robust and reliable, capable of withstanding the dynamic forces encountered during construction activities. 

The Role of Temporary Edge Protection

Temporary edge protection systems are designed to prevent workers from falling off edges during construction, maintenance, or repair activities. 

These systems are crucial for:

  • Protecting Workers: Providing a physical barrier to prevent accidental falls 

  • Specialist equipment: Posts come with three timber rail insertion points and also come with a kick board insertion provision.

  • Compliance: Meeting legal obligations under safework NSW regulations and National Codes of Practice.

  • Efficiency: Allowing work to proceed safely without the need for personal fall arrest systems in certain situations.

  • Allows edge protection where surfaces cannot be drilled into with bolts. Examples are water proofing membranes at concrete roof levels, or damage to finished surfaces such as tiles.

Suitability of equipment

The Plant Yard Sydney, offers a range of temporary edge protection equipment suitable for various construction scenarios. Their products are designed to meet the stringent requirements of AS/NZS 4994.1:2009, ensuring both safety and compliance.

Our range - Temporary edge equipment

By hiring temporary edge protection equipment from The Plant Yard, project managers can ensure that their sites are equipped with reliable and compliant edge protection systems, thereby minimizing the risk of falls and enhancing overall site safety.

  • Roof Edge Protection Systems: Ideal for residential and commercial projects, providing comprehensive coverage along roof perimeters.

  • Guardrail Systems: Versatile solutions that can be adapted to different site conditions.

  • Scaffold Edge Protection: Integrated systems that enhance the safety of scaffold platforms.

  • Fixing-Free Temporary Edge Protection: an alternative to the traditional bolt down, post and panel system.

  • Formwork Handrail Posts: ideal for formwork decks where exposed timber edges and or concrete slab edges

Regulation - safe work practices at heights

For more detailed information on regulation around safe work practices at heights, check the following resources :

Conclusion

Ensuring the safety of workers at heights is a paramount responsibility for construction site project managers in NSW. 

Understanding and adhering to the guidelines set forth by SafeWork NSW, the National Code of Practice, and the AS/NZS 4994.1:2009 standard is essential. 

Utilizing temporary edge protection systems, such as those available for hire from The Plant Yard, provides an effective means to meet these safety requirements, protect workers, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.

Gary Stone