BarriersBarriers

Barriers

Barriers (or edge protection) to prevent a person falling over edges and into holes should be provided on relevant parts of a solid construction. These include:

• the perimeters of buildings or other structures
• mezzanine floors (see Figure 2)
• openings in floors
• the open edge of a stair, landing, platform or shaft opening (see Figure 3).

Figure 2: A barrier on a mezzanine floor

Figure 2 shows a barrier on the mezzanine floor.

Figure 3: A platform with guard rails installed above silos

Figure 3 shows a platform with guard rails installed above silos.

The barrier should be designed and constructed to withstand the force of someone falling
against it.

Edge protection should consist of guard rails, solid balustrades or other structural components,
for example wire mesh supported by posts and provided with a reinforced top edge. The top of the guard rail or component should be between 900 mm and 1100 mm above the working surface. If
a guard rail system is used, it should also have mid-rails and toe boards or wire mesh infill panels.

If access is required to equipment (for example, a hoist) it should be protected with gates, safety chains or other means to prevent a person falling.