We often talk about the benefits of freestanding guardrails when protecting people working on roofs. Collective protection, such as guardrails, is preferred over personal fall protection according to the hierarchy of control as it allows people to work on the roofs without specialist training, supervision, or fall protection PPE. But, freestanding guardrails are not suitable for every type of roof. Take metal roofs, for example. These are common on buildings at manufacturing and industrial facilities, but, as you can see from our photos, a freestanding guardrail isn’t possible on these types of roofs. That’s where top fix guardrails come in.
What are metal roofs?
Industrial roofs tend to be standing seam, corrugated or box profile sheets. Standing seam roofs feature raised seams that interlock to form a continuous surface. Corrugated sheets have a ripple, undulating effect. Box profile roofing is similar to corrugated but has a square, box-like look.
Metal roofs are popular for industrial buildings mainly because they are more durable, can withstand exposure to heavy rain, high winds and snow and can last for decades. They also require lower maintenance and repair costs.
Although these roofs look different from a traditional flat commercial roof, they have one thing in common. People will need access to the roof for maintenance, repair or inspection purposes. But, as the roof surface isn’t flat, freestanding guardrail is impossible for these roof types.
The advantages of top fix guardrails for industrial roofs
As the name suggests, top fix guardrails are secured directly to the roof structure. The fixed guardrail system we use at Height of Safety uses A2 stainless steel screw fixings which provide a secure and long-lasting attachment.
The posts and rails have an extra smooth galvanised coating to BS EN ISO 1461, which is far superior to the standard hot-dip galvanised products. This offers enhanced corrosion resistance, a sleek, smooth appearance and a minimum lifespan of 25 years.
Versatile and adaptable top fixed guardrail
One of the main features of top fix guardrails is their robust and modular design. Their versatility enables systems to be tailored to accommodate different roof layouts, shapes and sizes. This makes fixed guardrails an ideal choice for complex roofing scenarios. Telescopic adjustable legs are a key feature, allowing the guardrail system to compensate for any rise and fall in the roof surface. As you can see from our installation photo below, this adaptability ensures consistent protection across the entire roof.
Accommodating roof features and obstacles
Industrial roofs often feature various design elements such as ductwork, cable trays and changes in level. Top fix guardrails can cope with these features seamlessly. The modular design means the guardrail can be adjusted to accommodate these obstacles, ensuring continuous protection without compromising the functionality of the roof’s features.
Following the hierarchy of control
Top fix guardrails offer a reliable and adaptable solution for metal profile roofs, enhancing safety for those working at height. The systems we install are robust, modular, and versatile, ensuring they can meet the demands of diverse roofing scenarios. With their superior A2 stainless steel fixings, galvanised finish, and telescopic legs, these guardrails offer secure and aesthetically pleasing protection.
For more information on our guardrail systems and installation shots showcasing how these systems cater to different roof layouts, please visit our guardrails product page or contact us directly.
Ensuring the safety of those working at heights is our top priority, and we are here to help you achieve that with our comprehensive range of fall protection systems and services.
