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Edge protection is a safety system designed to prevent falls from heights during construction, maintenance, and other elevated work activities. It includes guardrails, barriers, and other protective structures that create a secure perimeter around roof edges, open sides, and other high-risk areas. The primary purpose of edge protection is to safeguard workers and prevent accidents by providing a physical barrier that reduces the risk of falls. By using edge protection, construction sites can maintain compliance with safety standards and improve overall site safety.

The standard for edge protection in Australia is outlined in AS/NZS 4994.1:2009, which specifies the performance requirements, design, and testing of temporary edge protection systems. This standard ensures that edge protection is strong, durable, and capable of withstanding the forces it may encounter during use. Compliance with this standard is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of edge protection systems, minimising the risk of falls from heights, and maintaining safety on construction and maintenance sites.

In Australia, edge protection must meet specific requirements outlined in workplace safety regulations, including the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act and Codes of Practice. Key requirements include having guardrails at a minimum height of 900 mm from the working surface and midrails or mesh infills to prevent falls. The system must be securely fixed and capable of withstanding the forces of a fall without collapsing. Edge protection must be installed by trained personnel and inspected regularly to ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness.

Edge protection provides numerous benefits, primarily by significantly reducing the risk of falls and enhancing overall site safety. It offers a secure barrier that allows workers to perform tasks at height with confidence, knowing that they are protected. This system not only protects workers but also reduces potential liabilities and downtime associated with accidents. Additionally, by complying with safety standards, edge protection helps businesses meet legal obligations, avoid penalties, and maintain a positive safety record.

Edge protection is used in various settings where work at height is involved, including construction sites, roof maintenance, scaffolding, and high-rise building projects. It is commonly deployed on the edges of roofs, scaffolds, balconies, and any open sides of elevated work platforms. Edge protection is also used in industrial settings, infrastructure projects, and anywhere that requires safeguarding workers from potential falls from height.

Edge protection should be installed before any work at height begins, particularly when there is a risk of falls from open edges, roofs, or elevated work areas. It is crucial to have edge protection in place during construction, maintenance, demolition, or any activity where workers are exposed to height risks. Installation should be done as part of the initial site setup and must remain in place until all work is completed, and there is no longer a fall hazard. Regular inspections are also necessary to ensure the system remains secure and effective throughout the project duration.

Edge protection is required whenever there is a risk of falls from height, such as on roofs, scaffolding, balconies, or around open pits and trenches. It is a critical safety measure to prevent workers, tools, or materials from falling, complying with workplace health and safety regulations.

Situations requiring edge protection include:

• Construction sites with exposed edges or floors.
• Elevated platforms or mezzanines.
• Roof work or installation of high-level equipment.
• Open trenches, shafts, or elevated roadworks.

Properly installed edge protection improves worker safety, reduces accident risk, and ensures regulatory compliance on site.

Several types of edge protection are available to suit different work environments and heights. Common options include:

• Guardrails – fixed or removable barriers around edges of roofs, platforms, or scaffolding.
• Toe boards – low barriers at the base of guardrails to prevent tools or materials from falling.
• Safety nets – suspended nets that catch falling workers or debris.
• Temporary fencing or barriers – used around open pits, trenches, or elevated work areas.
• Modular edge protection systems – adjustable systems for complex or irregular surfaces.

Choosing the right type depends on site conditions, height, risk level, and duration of the work, ensuring effective protection for workers and materials.

Edge protection can be installed on most surfaces, but the type and method of installation depend on the surface material, load-bearing capacity, and site conditions. Guardrails, toe boards, and modular systems can be fixed to concrete, steel, timber, or compacted soil, while temporary fencing may be used on softer or uneven ground.

Proper installation requires secure anchoring, level positioning, and compliance with safety standards to ensure the edge protection effectively prevents falls and protects workers, tools, and materials. Some surfaces may require specialised mounts or base plates to maintain stability and load capacity.