ACR (CP) 006: 2014 REV2

ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR ROOFSAFETY

Good Practice Guide

ACR (CP) 006: 2014 REV2

Practical methods of providing edge
protection for working on roofs

BCSA - BSIF,HSG - EPIC - FASET - HSE - IOR - MCMRA - NARM - RIDBA - RTA - SPRA - WAHSA
 ACR[CP]006:2014
Practical methods for providing edge protection for working on roofs
PREFACE Consequently, people working on roofs must be protected
This Good Practice Guide has been drawn up to provide from falling from any exposed edge. Similarly, those who
information on practical methods that can be used to prevent install the selected protection must also be protected from
workers on roofs falling off the edge. It is one of a series of falling.
guides that have been drawn up by the Advisory Committee Edge protection can be achieved in many ways. Any system
for Roofsafety (ACR). It compliments the other guides in in conformity with the BS EN 13374 will provide adequate
this series, to make working on roofs safer. edge protection for workers on roofs. BS EN 13374 specifies
The edge protection systems dealt with in this guide are, at three classes of edge protection: Class A, Class B and Class
the time of writing, generally available and considered good C. A brief overview of BS EN 13374 is given in Annexe A,
practice when constructed correctly and erected safely. They at the end of this document, and the various types of edge
can be erected using readily available components. protection covered by BS EN 13374 are illustrated in Annexe
Readers are advised to seek and follow manufacturers’ A, Figure A3.
advice, as the use of proprietary systems will, for example, Edge protection can take many forms but, traditionally, it has
depend on whether the site conditions are suitable. Only used ‘tube and fitting’ scaffold components, supplemented
suitable persons having appropriate competence, training and where necessary by nets, fencing meshes and tensioned
physical fitness should be allowed on any roof to work at wires. More recently, it has been formed from purpose-made
height and to carry out the task at hand. components, manufactured and/or assembled by specialist
Graham Willmott(ACR Chairman) companies. Whichever system you propose to use you must
be able to demonstrate that the system you specify is ‘fit for
purpose’ This may be by provision of design calculations,
CONTENTS evidence of testing, or both if appropriate, or manufactures
Introduction 1 supporting information..
Scope 1 SCOPE
Reference Documents 1 This Guide illustrates, and gives advice about some of the
Choosing an appropriate fall protection system 2 ways in which any exposed roof edge can be protected using
Principles behind selecting and installing suitable readily available components and work equipment.
edge protection 2
Propritary Systems 3 This Guide does not cover the fall protection requirements
Edge protection systems 4 needed during the erection and dismantling of the edge
Leading Edge Protection 8 protection system chosen. This will be site specific and
Minor Work 9 MUST be considered during the selection of edge protection,
Annexe A – Brief overview of BS EN 13374 11 and included in the method statement for the erection and
Annexe A – Proprietary edge protection systems 13 dismantling. Techniques may include the use of mobile
Annexe B – Fall protection work for minor work elevating platfroms (MEWPs) or personal fall protection
on roofs 14 systems such as industrial rope access and work
Annex C -Constitution of the Working Group restraint/work positioning/fall arrest systems .
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and revision information 15 Note1: see BS 7985, BS 8437.

Participating organisations Back cover REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
ACR(M)001 Test for Non-Fragility of Profiled
Introduction [The Red Book] Sheeted Roofing Assemblies
It is against the law for people to work unprotected close to ACR(CP)001 RecommendedPracticeforWork
an edge off which they can fall a distance that will cause [The Orange Book] on Profiled Sheeted Roofs
injury or harm.
ACR(CP)002 Guidance Note for Safe Working on

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Practical methods for providing edge protection for working on roofs
[The Green Book] Fragile Roofs roof may not provide adequate protection, especially if the
ACR(CP)005 Guidance note for competence and work is some distance up the roof slope from the edge,
[The Black Book] general fitness requirements to work because a person sliding down the roof could:
on roofs
a) Cause the guard-rail to fail (because Class A
Work at Height Statutory Instrument 2005 No. 735 systems are not designed for dynamic forces); or
Regulations 2005
[WAHR] b) Injure the person who impacts the guard-rail
SG4 Preventing Falls from Scaffolding (because the arresting forces could be significant).
and False work - NASC
3. In addition, the choice and the extent of protection should
BS EN 1263-1 Safety nets. Safety requirements, fit the job in hand. For example there is nothing to be
test methods
gained by protecting the complete perimeter of a roof for
BS EN 13374 Temporary edge protection systems, situations that will only require operatives to work over a
product specification, test methods
small part of the roof, provide edge protection which
BS 7985 Code of Practice for the use of extends beyond the work area, by at least 2m and ensure
rope access methods for industrial
purposes adequate controls are in place to prevent them
approaching unprotected edges.
BS 8437 Code of practice for selection,
use and maintenance of personal PRINCIPLES BEHIND SELECTING AND
fall protection systems and
equipment for use in the workplace INSTALLING SUITABLE EDGE PROTECTION
HSG 33 Health and Safety in Roof work 4. A roof from which it is impossible to fall does not need any
(Revised -Fourth Edition 2012) additional edge protection, because it comes under the
TG20 : 13 Operational Guide –NASC legal definition of an ‘existing place of work’ under Work
SG27 Temporary edge protection on at Height Regulations (WAHR). For example, a non-
open steel work –NASC fragile ‘flat’ roof, with a full perimeter parapet at least
BS EN 12811 – 1 Temporary works equipment – Part 1 950 mm high, will not normally require additional edge
- Performance requirements and protection.
general design
5. Before commencing work on any existing roof it is
Edge Protection – EPF absolutely essential that you find out whether your roof is
Guidance Sheet a Fall protection and fragile, or has fragile elements in it e.g. roof lights in a
prevention for working on roofs metal sheet clad roof, or is non-fragile. This is a key
(February 2009) – NFRC
decision, which should only be made by persons
Edge Protection Code of practice – Edge protection competent2 to do so. If there are any doubts, assume that
- Edge Protection Federation (EPF)
the roof is fragile2.
CHOOSING AN APPROPRIATE FALL PROTECTION Note2: See ACR [CP] 005 [The Black Book],ACR [CP]001 [The
SYSTEM Orange Book]& ACR[CP]002 [The Green Book].

1. The legal requirement is for the fall protection equipment Providing an effective system
to prevent so far as is reasonably practical any person 6. In choosing the system of edge protection3 , each of the
falling a distance liable to cause personal injury or where following processes and their risks should be considered:
this is not practical reduce the distance and consequences
of the fall. a) Type ofWork
2. Therefore, it is important that the correct system is chosen. b) Access and egress;
For example, the provision of BS EN 13374 Class A c )Erection;
guard-rails, intended for edge protection to roofs slopes d) Use;
up to 10 degrees placed at the edge of a steeply sloping e) Dismantling;
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Practical methods for providing edge protection for working on roofs
f) Rescue (associated with its provision and removal). be used within the limitations of the selected class as
Note3: MEWPs and mobile tower scaffolds may be suitable for outlined in Annexe A of that Standard (see Annexe A,
carrying out work at the perimeter of a roof from their Figure A.1).
working platforms. However they are not recommended for 10. When called into use, the edge protection system itself
use as edge protection for people working at the edge of the should be designed to minimise harm to the person being
roof, from the roof, or further up the roof slope. In the case protected, e.g. from sharp edges or, on a sloping roof, a
of MEWPs the length of the working platform may be structure that is too stiff.
inadequate, and a person impacting the guard­rail adjacent
11. When positioning edge protection systems, the
to the roof edge may cause the platform to sway resulting in
dimensions and location of any gutters or other
a significant gap between the MEWP platform and the roof
protrusions should be considered. Failure to do so may
edge. Single mobile tower scaffolds will have insufficient
result in them fouling the edge protection.
length to provide adequate edge protection. Multiple towers
secured to the building to prevent outward sway if impacted 12. Toe-boards must be effective in stopping objects from
may be required. falling both over and under them, i.e. their height; shape
7. In accordance with the principles of the Work at Height and positioning must be commensurate with the objects
Regulations 2005 (WAHR)4, an edge protection system being used on the roof and the roof profile5 . An
which can be installed without the need to work at height assessment1 should demonstrate what is ‘suitable
should be the preferred solution. andsufficient’ to prevent the fall of any person, material
or object. Where there is the risk of a fall of materials or
Note 4: If such systems are available but not selected it is advisable objects an exclusion zone must be created below any area
to record a justification of the reason for its non­selection. of work. Where reasonably practical good practice would
8. To be effective, edge protection systems must stop people be to create an exclusion zone below an area of work at
and objects falling off the edge of the surface it is erected height.
to guard. To achieve this, the law requires that all Note 5: See Work at Height Regulations (WAHR: 2005, Reg. 6(1),
elements be of sufficient strength and rigidity for their Risk assessment, and Reg. 10, Falling objects.
purpose and as far as reasonably practical cannot be
accidentally displaced. PROPRIETARY SYSTEMS
Additionally, as work on a roof is classed as “work at a 13. A detailed description of the many prefabricated systems
height”, the law specifically requires the provision of: that are available is beyond the scope of this good
practice guide. herefore, those planning roofwork should
a) A principal barrier, usually a guard-rail, at least 950 consult with manufacturers/suppliers to ascertain what
mm above the working surface it is providing equipment is available currently to meet their particular
protection to; application.
b) A barrier at working surface level, commonly called
a toe-board; and It should be noted that BS EN 13374 does not cover
proprietary edge protection systems, used in those
c) Any vertical gap between the protection components situations listed in Annexe A, Item A3.
must not exceed 470 mm in the case of BS EN 13374
Class A edge protection and 250 mm for Class B and 14. Where it is intended to use proprietary systems, their use
100mm for Class C. should be discussed with the manufacturer who supplies
it. The manufacturer should be made aware of (at least)
d) Due consideration of the principal barrier height the following information:
should be given to take into account the variation or
increase of roof depth as work proceeds. a)The situation in which the system is to be used, e.g.
9. If choosing an edge protection system that is required to whether or not the site is exposed and there is any
meet the requirements of BS EN 13374: 2013, it should significant topographic feature likely to affect the wind
speed and direction;
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 ACR[CP]006:2014
Practical methods for providing edge protection for working on roofs
b) The thickness of the floor or roof slab, e.g. when and the work to be done. The edge protection should
clamped to the edge of a concrete slab; extend a sufficient distance each side of the physical work
c) The width of the flanges, e.g. when clamped to steel area and access should be restricted to the protected area9.
beams; Where the work is extensive (or adequate control cannot
d) The slope of the roof, e.g. when used on a sloping be achieved), all edges of the roof should be guarded. For
roof; minor work the extent may be determined using the
information in Annexe B Figures B1 and B2 .
e)Whether the system will be modified, e.g. fixing
debris nets or advertising banners to it; Note : This should be the case even where the pitch of the roof is less
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than 10 degrees (i.e. ‘flat’).

f)Whether work will be carried out at the edge of the
roof, e.g. sections may need to be removed temporarily. EDGE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Working safely upon an existing roof Full Scaffolding
15 Before any work starts, a competent6 person must verify 19. This type of edge protection combines an eaves level
whether the roof is ‘fragile’ or has fragile elements in it scaffold access platform with edge protection meeting the
(e.g roof lights in a metal sheet clad roof) or ‘non-fragile. requirements of BS EN 12811. See Figure 1 and 2
Where operatives are required subsequently to work upon
a fragile roof7 action must be taken to prevent falls of
people and materials through or off it.
Note 6: See ACR[C]005 [The Black Book].

Note 7: See ACR[CP]001 [The Orange Book] and ACR[CP]002:

[The Green Book].

Using competent people

16. Only people with the competence to do so should install
edge protection.
17.A definition of competence is given in the ACR ‘Black
Book’ 8.In connection with the installation of edge
protection this definition implies:
a) Where the work involves work at height8; being
competent to work at a height;
b) Understanding and being able to state the correct
sequence of erection and positioning of the edge
protection components;
c) Understanding and being able to state the correct way
to maintain their own fall protection equipment during
its installation;
and
d) being able to state the limitations of any work
equipment they use.
Note8: Described in detail in ACR[CP]005:2012 [The Black Book].

Extent of edge protection

18. The type of edge protection used depends upon the roof Figure 1: Full Scaffolding

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 ACR[CP]006:2014
Practical methods for providing edge protection for working on roofs
Figure 2: full scaffolding than 225mm .

20. The ACR considers this type of protection is best suited

for the following types of work:
a)Accessing the workplace on the roof;
b)Slating and tiling;
c)Delivering materials to their required location; and
d)Man-handling heavy or large components along the
roof, e.g. on curved roofs, trussed-rafter roofs, etc;
e)Working on steep roof pitches.
21. The ACR considers that if it is intended to store materials
on the platform, then the scaffold should be designed for
this load (see NASC TG20 : 13).
22. Protection on the outside of the working platform is Figure 3: Ground Supported Edge Protection
provided by guard-rails. If there is a chance that people 25. Lateral stability should be ensured by sufficient ties or
and materials can fall from the inside edge, then this edge attachments to the structure and suitable lacing and
must also be protected by guard-rails and toeboards. bracing.
Independent Perimeter Edge Protection
23.This type of edge protection is best suited to low-pitched Figure 4: Ground Supported Edge Protection with Access
roofs10.
Edge Protection off the Structure
Note10: A pitch up to 100 is normally considered ‘flat’.
26. The ACR considers that these are most suitable for use on
Typical examples are as follows: new steel structures. Edge protection uprights can be
Ground Supported Edge Protection secured to prefabricated brackets/sockets on the structural
steel work. Where practical the guard-rail system should
24 The raking support tubes should connect to the vertical
tubes within 300 mm of the eaves. If the work or the
gutter dimensions require, stub tubes can be used to space
the edge protection off the eaves (see figure 3 and 4). The

be attached to the structural steel work component at

ground level. The ACR considers this the safest form of
installation of this type of edge protection. The structure
gap so created, must be kept to a minimum and no greater
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 ACR[CP]006:2014
Practical methods for providing edge protection for working on roofs
27. The ACR considers that a guard-rail (in tube and fitting
scaffold components), that is placed over an existing
parapet which is below the stipulated minimum 950 mm
above the roof, can be provided to raise the height to that
required by the Work at Height Regulations.
Consideration must be given to the suitability and strength
of the parapet. (see figure 7). .

should be of sufficient strength and rigidity to resist

foreseeable forces from the guard-rail system (see
figures 5 & 6).
Figure 5: Edge Protection off the Structure

Figure7 Parapet edge protection using tube and fitting

Counter Weighted Edge Protection

28. The ACR considers that Counter-Weighted Edge
protection should only be used on low roof pitches, within
the roof slope recommendations of the manufacturer, and
comply with BS EN 13374 Class A edge protection.. This
type of protection must be used on non-fragile roofs only
(see figure 8). Therefore, before installation is attempted, a
competent person must confirm the roof is ‘non-fragile.'
Figure 8: Counter Weighted Edge Protection
29. This type of system is not recommended on closely
corrugated roof sheets and should be used with caution on
roofs covered with an ACR Class C ‘non-fragile’
Exploded view of attachment
assembly11 . In addition, it may not be suitable when work
is close to the edge of a roof, because it could interfere
with the work (requiring it to be moved aside by
operatives doing the work). Some proprietary systems
have feet which can be raised for work at the roof edge.
Figure 6: Edge Protection off the Structure (Close up)
Note11 ACR Class C is the minimum non­fragility rating
Parapet Edge Protection 30. As the effectiveness against the sliding mode of failure of
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 ACR[CP]006:2014
Practical methods for providing edge protection for working on roofs
this system relies on friction between the system and the Net Barrier System
material of the roof, care should be taken to ensure the 35. This type of edge protection system is illustrated in Figure
system is suitable for use on the specific roof surface. 10. It utilises safety nets provided for fall protection. The
31. The design of the system should ensure that it is possible net is supported by a bracketing system extending from,
to erect the protection in modules not exceeding loads that and attached, to the stanchions.. The ACR considers these
are suitable for the persons to handle, without overloading fall protection systems particularly well suited for fall
the roof structure. protection on steep roof slopes.
32. Counter Weighted Edge Protection systems are commonly 36. The roof slope limitations stipulated by the
designed so that they can be erected at least 2 m away manufacturer/supplier should not be exceeded. The net
from the edge of the roof and then walked into position must conform to BS EN 1263-1.
from a position of safety behind the system. A safe system
of work incorporating the manufacturer’s instructions
should always be strictly followed.
Extended Scaffolding
33. This type of edge protection is connected to a previously
erected perimeter scaffold that is positioned too low from
the roof level to provide adequate fall protection11 (see
Figure 9).
Note11: A guard­rail should be set at a minimum 950mm above the
finished roof level.To provide adequate edge protection at the
eaves of a sloping roof the top guard­rail may have to be
higher than 950mm.

34. When planning the work, consideration must be given to

the fly-past (over sail) roof projection at the eaves.

Figure 10 Net Barrier system

37. The gap between the vertical net surface and the edge of
the roof structure must be minimised. The angle of the
edge protection should not exceed 15 0 from the line
perpendicular to the slope.
38.Where it is not possible to create a controlled or exclusion
zone under and around work on a roof, the lower section
of net, should be ‘close mesh’, i.e. gaps less than 15 mm,
to prevent objects falling to ground.
39. The net, must be capable of supporting the loads of a
person falling into it, which means that the supports, must
be able to resist the characteristic loads given in BS EN
1263-1 (see Figure 10 and 11) (Non-designed net barriers
Figure 9 extended scaffold

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 ACR[CP]006:2014
Practical methods for providing edge protection for working on roofs
using tube and fitting supports are unlikely to be LEADING EDGE PROTECTION
adequate). 42. Where the construction process constantly results in a
progressing edge (leading edge), for example laying roof
sheets, where edge protection cannot practically be placed,
other methods of fall protection are used to protect against
internal falls. These include safety netting, birdcage
scaffolds, soft landing systems (air bag and ‘bean’ bags)
and the use of safety lines, lanyards and harnesses to
provide a system of work restraint and fall arrest.
43 Soft landing systems such as air bags and ‘bean’ bags are
typically used to protect against internal falls of less than
2m and are typically used when installing roof trusses,
joists and flooring in house building.
Figure 11: Net Barrier System (Class C) continued under The following section, by kind permission of HSE as
Eaves extracted from HSG 33 (revised) covers the options
available to offer protection from internal falls.
Valley Gutter Protection
40. On an existing roof, where a valley has to be used to
provide the access to and from the workplace, and the roof 44.Take precautions to prevent falls from roof edges and
sheets either side are either not ACR-classified non-fragile working (‘leading’) edges. Nets and birdcage scaffolds are
or are missing; workers using it must be protected. If the preferred options. However, where these are not
possible safety nets or other collective fall protection reasonably practicable you can consider using work-
systems should be used. When utilised, the nets should be restraint safety harnesses with running line systems, or
erected in advance of the gutter being used and should temporary barriers at the leading edge, e.g. trolley
extend a distance at least 2 m either side. If safety nets systems.
cannot be used the fragile material or missing material 45.The preferred solution is to use properly erected safety nets
should be securely covered with non-fragile material for a along with edge protection around the perimeter of the
distance of 2 m up slope from the valley gutter. Shallow roof. Nets give roof workers maximum freedom of
roof slopes may require protective measures to extend movement, provided that they do not work beyond their
further up the slope than 2m. boundary. They can be installed to minimise fall distances
41.Valley gutter walking frames provide a means of protection (see Appendix 2, HSG33). They are effective where
for inspection or minor works (see figure 12). design details such as hips make other systems complex
and difficult to manage. In a fall the chance of injury is
reduced, compared to a similar fall in a harness or onto a
birdcage scaffold. Nets protect the leading edge and gaps,
fragile areas, etc (see Figure 8, HSG 33). When using nets,
additional leading edge protection will not usually be
required12.
Note12: See ACR [CP]003:2008 Rev1 [The Blue Book] for guidance
on the safe use of nets.

46. Where it is not possible to use nets, other fall-arrest

systems may be used. Running lines designed to be used
with a suitable harness/lanyard can be attached to the
Figure 12 valley gutter protection structure, to a mobile anchor point or to a working
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 ACR[CP]006:2014
Practical methods for providing edge protection for working on roofs
platform. Running line systems should be designed and running line systems) are required to protect workers
tested to make sure that they are fit for purpose. The using trolley systems from failing through the gap created
quality of the attachment point is critical; as is the type of to lay a new sheet or through fragile material such as
harness (belts are not acceptable for fall arrest, see partially fixed liner sheets. Follow the manufacturer’s
Appendix 3, HSG 33 for further information). recommendations on suitable anchorage points for
47.Where a running line is attached to the structure, seek running line systems. Horizontal guard rails on purlin
advice from the equipment supplier and the structural trolleys or stagings are unlikely to be strong enough.
designer to make sure that the imposed loads can be 53. Trolley systems rely on the alignment of the supporting
sustained. Where it is attached to a working platform, the steelwork and the quality of the joints between purlins
platform must be secured against overturning. Where a for the trolleys to run freely. Attempting to free trolleys
mobile anchor is used, minimise the number of workers that have jammed can be dangerous. They are not suitable
approaching the leading edge to reduce the risk of tripping where design details such as hips, dormers etc do not
and snagging. allow adequate support over the full length of the trolley.
48. Remember that most inertia real devices are designed for For many reasons, trolley systems are often not practicable
use only where the anchor point is directly above the user, and should only be used where there is no safer
i.e. in the vertical plane. This is to avoid problems such alternative. However, where trolleys are used:
as poor inertia reel performance (allowing freefall to a) There should be a safe system for installing and/or
occur), the lifeline shearing over an edge, or pendulum assembling them on the roof specified in the method
swing. Therefore their safe application could be limited. statement;
49. In any case personal fall-protection systems should not be b) The trolley attachment/locking system should be
your first choice when considering how to avoid risk from suitable for the purlin design;
work at height. Avoidance, fall prevention (guard rails, c) A safe system for moving trolleys should be
MEWPs, scaffolds etc), collective safeguards for arresting established;
falls (nets, airbags, mats etc) and work- restraint systems
should be considered first. d) The joints between the purlins must allow the trolley
to slide freely. Even minor misalignment can cause the
50. Temporary barriers will be needed to control access to trolley to jam and lead to unsafe systems of work;
areas where harnesses have to be worn. Where running e) There should be a safe means of access to the trolley;
line systems are used, strictly control access to the roof,
e.g. during work breaks and at the end of the working day. f)When used as edge protection, the trolley must always
be locked in position;
51. Temporary leading edge devices (e.g. purlin trolleys) are
available and if locked in position they can provide an and,
effective guard rail at the leading edge when work is not in f) If there is risk of failing from the end of the trolley,
progress. The disadvantage is that installing and moving e.g. at an unprotected ridge, a suitable barrier should be
the systems can be a high-risk operation. When used as provided.
a working platform, they often (in practice) provide little MINOR WORK
protection while laying and fixing sheets, as once the 54. Minor work may be classified as any work over a small
sheets are fixed, trolleys have to be moved, creating area of roof lasting minutes not hours, involving up to two
another gap in which to lay the next sheet. In addition, on people, taking into account the work to be carried out, the
long roofs the trolleys have to be linked and can create a prevailing conditions and type of roof.
gap for the whole length of the leading edge, which is
undesirable. 55. While it may be expensive to provide any of the edge
protection systems described previously, Operatives on
52. In most situations, additional measures (usually in the minor jobs should not work unprotected (see figure B1
form of fall arrest such as safety nets or harness and
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 ACR[CP]006:2014
Practical methods for providing edge protection for working on roofs
and B2 in Annexe B).
56. For single person working where no mobility over a roof
exceeding 15 0 pitch is required, and the work is short
duration, an accepted means of accessing the roof is using
a roof ladder which hooks over the ridge, as long as:
a)The ladder has been manufactured as a roof ladder;
b)The person does not have to move off the ladder;
c)Where roof ladders have to be joined, e.g. on long
slope roofs, this joint must be adequate in its
construction in order to ensure that adjacent ladders do
not come apart.
Note: It is strongly recommended that a second person is in
attendance.

Note: Safety line and ladder securing systems are available which
reduce the consequences of a fall on a leaning or roof
ladder.

55. In addition, for minor work requiring 2 people and limited

mobility there are lightweight proprietary systems
available some based on the use of ladders14.
Note14: Whichever system is selected, every consideration should be
given to the use of fall protection equipment where
practicable.

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Practical methods for providing edge protection for working on roofs
ANNEXE A 100 mm.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF BS EN 13374 Elastic Deflection:
A1. British Standard BS EN 13374 specifies the requirements The elastic deflection shall not be greater than 55 mm.
and test methods for temporary edge protection systems
Wind:
for use during construction or maintenance of buildings
and other structures. Therefore, it covers edge protection The wind velocity pressure shall be taken as 0.6 kN/m2.
systems that may be used on roofs. Note: This covers most wind conditions in Europe. More onerous

A2. Although, it specifies three classes of temporary edge conditions may occur. The wind velocity pressure is based

protection, for edge protection systems with a fall arrest upon a 40­metre height and an exposure period of 6 months

function (e.g. falling or sliding down a sloping roof) the and represents a wind speed of approximately 30 m/s.

Standard only specifies requirements for energy Note the elastic deflection limit of 55mm is an arbitrary figure and so
absorption. edge protection which just fails this criterion should not

A3. The Standard does not provide requirements for edge necessarily be condemned.

protection systems intended for: A6. Class A may be used if the angle is less than 10 degrees
a) Protection against impact from vehicles or from other Such edge protection systems are designed to withstand
mobile equipment, only static loads, based on a requirement to:
b) Protection from sliding down of bulk loose materials, (i) Support a person leaning on the protection or provide
snow etc., a handhold when walking beside it,
c) Protection of the general public from falling; or and
d) Side protection systems on scaffolds. (ii) Stop a person who is walking or falling towards the
A4. The edge protection specified in BS EN 13374 relates to protection.
three classes to use depending on the angle of the A7. Class B may be used if the angle is less than:
working surface from the horizontal and the possible 30 degrees without limitation of the falling height, or
falling height. These are Classes A,B and C. ;60 degrees and the falling height is less than 2m
A5. The Design loads to be supported by each system are: The edge protection systems, which are designed to
General: withstand static loads and low dynamic forces, based
on a requirement to:
Each edge protection (and each of its components, except
toeboard) shall be designed to withstand 0.3kN applied (i) Support a person leaning on the protection or provide
perpendicular to the post. a handhold when walking beside it.
(ii) Stop a person who is walking or falling towards the
Toeboard: protection.
Each toeboard shall be designed to withstand 0.2kN at the Class B systems are checked by a low dynamic impact test
most onerous position. (refer to BS EN 13374 for test procedure).
Loads Parallel to the Guard-rail: Note This standards allows Class ‘B’ edge protection to be used on

Each edge protection (and its components) shall withstand a roof pitches up to 300 with no limitation on the fall height, we

horizontal force of 0.2kN at the most onerous point. recommend that on roof pitches above 150 the fall height is
restricted to no more than 2m.
Accidental Loading: A8. Class C may be used if the angle is between
Any guard-rail or toeboard shall be capable of resisting a 30 and 45 degrees without limitation of the falling
downwards (+/- 10o) point load of 1.25kN, on a length of height, or;

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 ACR[CP]006:2014
Practical methods for providing edge protection for working on roofs
45 and 60 degrees and the falling height is less then
5m.
The edge protection systems are designed to withstand high
dynamic forces (refer to BS EN 13374 fortest procedure)
based on the requirement to:
(i)Stop the fall of a person sliding down a steeply
sloping surface.
Class C systems are checked by a high dynamic impact test
only.

Figure A.1 (BS EN13374 fig A1): Classes for the use of
different
inclinations and falling heights

Note:­
If the angle is more than 60 degrees or more than 45 degrees
and the falling height is more than 5m, edge protection
systems are not appropriate as protection. At greater
falling heights the system can be placed higher on the
sloping area, for example every 2m and 5m of falling
height for system class B and C respectively. (see figure
3)

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 ACR[CP]006:2014
Practical methods for providing edge protection for working on roofs
Annex A
PROPRIETARY EDGE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Figure A3 –
Diagrammatic examples of different types of temporary edge protection
[Abstracted from EN 13374 Fig 1]
Key to Figure A1
1 Slab edge clamp system 6 Beam bottom flange clamp system
2 Fixed to floor type system 7 Column clamp system – sloping roofs
3 Counterweighted system 8 Fencing system
4 Beam top flange clamp system 9.Edge protection on temporary structure
5 Column clamp system – Slabs and flat/low sloping roofs 10 Temporary structure (not defined in this standard)
Note: Not all systems are suitable for use on roofs as edge protection. The ones that can be adapted for use on roofs are highlighted

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 ACR[CP]006:2014
Practical methods for providing edge protection for working on roofs
Annex B
FALL PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR MINOR WORK ON ROOFS

Figure B1 Illustrating Extent of Edge Protection on non fragile roofs (Figure 10,

Figure B2 Illustrating
Fall protection
requirements for fragile
roofs Figure 11
ACR(CP)002 [The
Green Book]

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 ACR[CP]006:2014
Practical methods for providing edge protection for working on roofs
Annex C updated BSEN 13374
CONSTITUTION OF THE WORKING Para 12 Included exclusion zones
GROUP Para 15 Clarified fragile areas
Original Document 2009 Para 19 Included reference to
BSEN13374
The Associations represented on this Working Group were:
Figure 4 updated
Rural Industrial Design and Build Association (RIDBA),
Para 25,26, reworded
Fibre-cement Manufacturers’ Association (FCMA),
Para 27 , 29 Minor rewording
National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC),
Para 34, 35 Minor clarification
Health and Safety Executive (HSE),
Para 41 Reworded and incuded
by the following people: limitations of soft landing
systems
Mr M Long NFRC Chairman
Para 54 Reworded
Mr A Hutchinson FCMA
Mr A Lowther RIDBA Note 14 New note
Mr B Green Co-opted Appendix A Updated to reflect
latest requirements of
Mr D Thomas William Hare Ltd BSEN13374
(Formerly HSE) Annex B New diagram added
Mr A Maitra FaberMaunsell Annex c New annex
(Formerly HSE) Rear Page Disclaimer updated

Nov 2014 : 2nd Edition revision

Mr Graham Willmott BSIF (HSG)
Mr J Grieve HSE
Revison Information
This second edition of the document contains the following
technical changes:

Section Revision
Introduction Reference to BSEN 13374
Working group Moved to Annex C
Scope Included refrence to
dismantling
Reference documents Added NASC and NFRC
documents
Updated BSEN13374
Para1 Clarified legal requirements
Para 2,3,5 Minor text change
Note 3 & Para 8c Reworded to take account of
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 ACR[CP]006:2014
Practical methods for providing edge protection for working on roofs
This document can be downloaded free of charge from the NATIONAL FEDERATION OF ROOFING C ONTRACTORS LTD [NFRC]
Roofing House
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www.roofworkadvice.info London, EC2A 2DY
Where the up to date list of members can also be found Tel: 020 7638 7663
e-mail: info@nfrc.co.uk
BRITISH C ONSTRUCTIONAL STEELWORK ASSOCIATION [BCSA] Contact: The Technical Officer
4 Whitehall Court
Westminster ROOF TILE ASSOCIATION [RTA]
London, SW1A 2ES Federation House
Tel: 020 7839 8566 Station Road
www.steelconstruction.org Stoke on Trent
Contact: Mr P Walker ST4 2SA
Tel: 01782 744631
BRITISH SAFETY INDUSTRY FEDERATION, HEIGHT SAFETY GROUP Email: John.Mercer@weinerberger.com
93 Bowen Court Contact: Mr J Mercer
St. Asaph Business Park
St. Asaph RURAL INDUSTRIAL DESIGN AND BUILDING ASSOCIATION [RIDBA]
Clwyd, LL17 OJE 5a The Maltings
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www.bsif.co.uk Stowmarket
Contact: Mr G Hook Suffolk, IP14 5AG
Tel: 01449 676049
E NGINEERED PANELS IN C ONSTRUCTION [EPIC] e-mail: secretary@ridba.org.uk
29 High Street Contact: Mr A M Hutchinson
Ewell
Surrey, KT17 1SB WORK AT HEIGHT SAFETY ASSOCIATION [WAHSA]
Tel: 020 8786 3619 3 Sherwood Road
www.epic.uk.com Aston Fields Industrial Estate
Contact: Mr P Trew Bromsgrove
Worcestershire, B60 3DU
FALL ARREST SAFETY E QUIPMENT TRAINING [FASET] Tel: 01527 577665
PO Box 138 email via website: www.wahsa.org.uk
Whitchurch
Shropshire, SY13 9AD
Tel: 01948 780652
e-mail: tony.seddon@faset.org.uk
Contact: Mr A Seddon
DISCLAIMER
INSTITUTE OF ROOFING NOTE Although care has been taken to ensure, to the best of
Roofing House
31 Worship. Street, our knowledge, that all data and information contained herein
London are accurate to the extent that they relate to either matters of
EC2A 2DX
www.instituteofroofing.org fact or accepted practice or matters of opinion at the time of
Contact: Mr T Chiswell publication, the ACR, the authors and the reviewers assume
METAL C LADDING & ROOFING MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION [MCRMA] no responsibility for any errors in or misrepresentations of
MCRMA Ltd
106,Ruskin Avenue such data and/or information or any loss or damage arising
Rogerstone, from or related to their use. Elements of this guidance may go
Newport
South Wales, NP10 0BD further than the minimum needed to comply with health and
Tel: 01633 891584 safety law.
Email: mcrma@compuserve.com
Contact: Mr C Jones
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ROOFLIGHT MANUFACTURERS [NARM]
43 Clare Croft The Advisory Committee for Roofsafety (ACR) is a body
Middleton dedicated to making working on roofs safer. Its membership
Milton Keynes, MK10 9HD
Tel: 01908 692325 is made up of nominees from the major roof working
e-mail: admin@narm.org.uk Federations and Associations and the Health and Safety
Contact: Lorraine Cookham
Executive, who provide the experience of many years of
involvement in working on roofs in the advice given in their
documents.

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