If the hazard cannot be eliminated by redesigning the danger or through changing working practices, then the preferred option is to use collective measures by installing guardrails to protect people working on or accessing workplace roof.
But when you start looking at the different types of guardrails and what standards they need to conform to, the decision is not as straight forward as you might assume.
What type of rooftop guardrail is best?
If you want to protect people working on your rooftop, then you will need a permanent guardrail, as access to the roof will be required several times a year.
Many permanent guardrails are fixed directly into the roof structure, and while this will provide suitable protection, these systems do have their drawbacks. For example, drilling holes into the roof to fix the system could void your roof warranty or cause costly water damage if proper care is not take at time of installation.
Properly designed and installed guardrail provides strength, stability and safety, and does not require the roof membrane to be penetrated during installation in case of standing seam roof.