What are guardrails used for in UK workplaces?

Guardrails (also called safety rails or handrails) are used to prevent falls from elevated platforms, mezzanine floors, loading bays, ramps, staircases, and any edge where there is a risk of falling. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, guardrails must be provided wherever work is carried out at height and a fall could result in injury.

What height do guardrails need to be in the UK?

Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Work at Height Regulations 2005, guardrails must be at least 1,100mm high measured from the working surface. A mid-rail at approximately 500-600mm is also required. A toe board of at least 150mm is needed where there is a risk of objects rolling off the edge.

What is the difference between a guardrail and a handrail?

A guardrail is a structural barrier along the edge of an elevated surface to prevent falls — it must be strong enough to withstand the force of a person falling against it. A handrail is a graspable rail alongside a staircase or ramp to assist with balance and support when ascending or descending. Both are safety-critical elements and must comply with relevant British standards.

What standards do UK guardrails need to comply with?

UK guardrails in workplaces must comply with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and BS EN ISO 14122-3 (Safety of machinery — permanent means of access — guardrails and handrails). For construction sites, BS EN 13374 (Temporary edge protection systems) applies.

Can guardrails be used to protect against vehicle impacts as well as falls?

Standard pedestrian guardrails are not designed to withstand vehicle impact. For protection against forklifts, cars, or other vehicles, you need vehicle impact barriers specifically rated for the expected impact energy. Combination systems are available that provide both fall protection and vehicle impact resistance.

Guardrails & Protection

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Guardrails & Protection UK — Fall Prevention & Edge Protection

Guardrails are a legal requirement wherever workers or members of the public could fall from height in the UK. From mezzanine floors and loading bays to staircases and elevated platforms, BarriersCo's range of guardrails and edge protection products ensures compliance with UK health and safety legislation while providing robust, durable fall prevention solutions.

Types of Guardrails & Edge Protection

Steel Guardrails — Heavy-duty steel rail systems for permanent installation on mezzanine floors, plant rooms, and industrial platforms. Hot-dip galvanised or powder-coated finish for long-term corrosion resistance.
Modular Guardrail Systems — Bolt-together modular components that can be configured for any edge profile. Adjustable post heights and panel widths for flexible installation.
Handrails & Stair Rails — Graspable rails alongside staircases, ramps, and access ladders. Compliant with BS 8300 for accessibility and DDA requirements.
Temporary Edge Protection — Quick-install temporary guardrail systems for construction sites, compliant with BS EN 13374. Designed for rapid deployment and repositioning as works progress.
Roof Edge Protection — Specialist guardrail systems for flat roof access and maintenance operations, compliant with Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Vehicle Impact Guardrails — Robust steel systems designed to withstand forklift impact, protecting personnel and structures in warehouses and logistics facilities.

Applications

Mezzanine Floors — Edge protection and access gates on warehouse mezzanine levels
Loading Bays — Dock edge protection to prevent falls and vehicle overrun
Staircases & Ramps — Handrail and guarding systems for safe access
Plant & Machinery — Access guardrails around elevated plant and equipment
Construction Sites — Temporary edge protection at slab edges, lift shafts, and floor openings
Rooftops — Maintenance access and permanent roof edge protection

UK Legal Requirements

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require all practicable steps to prevent falls from height. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 mandate guardrails on open edges of floors and elevated platforms. Key dimensions: minimum 1,100mm top rail height; intermediate rail at approximately 500–600mm; 150mm toe board where objects could fall. These requirements apply to both permanent and temporary installations.

See also our safety barriers, handrails, and warehouse safety barriers ranges.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 products