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Rooftop Guardrail

Permanent, OSHA-compliant rooftop guardrails designed to improve safety without roof penetration.

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Compliant railing and safety barrier solutions that meet needs and exceed requirements

Maintaining the integrity of your building's envelope while ensuring worker safety is a delicate balance. Our rooftop guardrail systems integrate with existing ladders, equipment, and obstructions to provide durable OSHA and ANSI compliant fall protection for all standard rooftops, including Membrane, Metal Profile, and Standing Seam up to 45°. Because passive fall protection is often the preferred "first line of defense," these railings eliminate the need for specialized training or complicated harness setups. We ensure these systems satisfy the 42:inch height requirement of OSHA 1910.29 (Fall Protection Systems and Criteria) while maintaining compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for commercial accessibility. By utilizing non-penetrating Rooftop Guardrail (RRG) technology, we safeguard your personnel without compromising your roof's warranty or structural health. 

Rooftop Railing System

Freestanding Guardrail Installation

Who is qualified to install these systems?

 While the modular design is straightforward, we recommend installation by factory-trained technicians to ensure all fittings are torqued to specification and the counterweight layout matches the original safety engineering plan. 

Are these systems considered ‘Permanent’ if they aren’t bolted down?

 Yes, under OSHA definitions, a freestanding guardrail is considered a permanent fall protection solution as long as it meets the load requirements and is intended to remain in place for the life of the hazard. 

How does corrosion resistance vary by material?

 While aluminum is lightweight, our hot-dip galvanized steel systems offer superior impact resistance and are treated to ASTM A153 standards to prevent “white rust” and deep oxidation in salt-air environments. 

Is a self-closing gate required at ladder access points?

 Yes, per OSHA 1910.28, any gap in a guardrail system used for ladder access must be protected by a self-closing gate or an offset (swing gate) to prevent a worker from accidentally stepping backward into the opening. 

What happens if the guardrail is pushed with more than 200 lbs of force?

 While the 200 lb requirement is the legal minimum, our systems are engineered with a safety factor. However, if a significant impact occurs, the system must be inspected for “grub screw” slippage or post deformation before being cleared for continued use. 

Will the weight of a freestanding system damage my roof membrane?

 No, the system uses anti-slip rubber pads to distribute weight evenly. This prevents point-loading and protects delicate surfaces like TPO or EPDM from abrasion or compression damage. 

What are safe methods to access roofs?

Fixed ladder, temporary ladders, stairs and manlifts are all potentially safe methods of accessing a roof.  A job hazard analysis should be performed to ensure the access can be done in a safe manner.  If near the edge, protecting access points with additional guardrail around the access point to protect the worker once on the roof should also be considered.  Depending on the height of a fixed ladder it may require additional fall protection. Ensure temporary ladders are used correctly and extend above the roof level and are not near a roof corner.  When using a man lift to access a roof ensure it can extend to a safe place to access the roof before exiting.

Compliance

  • OSHA 1910.29 Requirements: All guardrail systems are engineered to withstand a concentrated force of 200 pounds applied in a downward or outward direction within 2 inches of the top edge. 
  • ASTM A47-77 and A53 Standards: Fittings are manufactured to ASTM A47:77 Grade 32510 and pipes meet ASTM A53 standards, ensuring the structural rigidity and longevity required for industrial environments. 
  • Corrosion Resistance: Components are hot-dip galvanized to ASTM A153 specifications, providing a protective barrier that resists environmental degradation in coastal or high-humidity regions. 
  • TUV Tested and Approved: The modular components undergo independent TUV testing to verify load-bearing capacity and material consistency across various rooftop configurations. 
  • Qualified Person Engineering: For sloped surfaces or unique roof profiles, our Qualified Person (Professional Engineer) provides a structural review to ensure the counterweight principle or mechanical attachments meet local building codes and seismic requirements. 

Application In Use

Railing with Chainlink

Railing with Chainlink

This rooftop safety railing features an integrated chainlink barrier to prevent objects from falling through and provide aesthetic appeal. The non-penetrating design of the guardrail systems ensures roof integrity while providing OSHA-compliant edge protection. Components are strong, durable, and corrosion-resistant.

Guardrail for Metal Roofs

Guardrail for Metal Roofs

Designed specifically for metal roofs, this guardrail system features secure mounting brackets installed without penetrating the roofing material. These adaptable baseplates conform to various standing seam and metal profile roofs with a stable, robust fit. Workers can perform their inspection, maintenance, and repair tasks comfortably and safely.

Railing for Solar

Railing for Solar

Guardrail systems for rooftops with solar installations provide unobtrusive fall protection that does not interfere with panel performance. Their space-saving design features upright posts embedded in weighted PVC bases for strength and stability. With an OSHA-compliant railing system, workers have safe, easy access for inspection, maintenance, and repair needs.

Guardrail for Narrow Spaces

Guardrail for Narrow Spaces

Ideal for confined areas, this guardrail system has upright posts set in weighted PVC bases to provide OSHA-compliant fall protection without requiring extensive space. Its compact design ensures safety in confined areas where traditional guardrails may not fit. The modular setup allows for quick installation and removal as needed.

Railing for Metal Roofs

Railing for Metal Roofs

Railing systems with a non-penetrating design can be engineered for metal rooftops. Baseplates are available to match various metal roof profiles, ensuring secure, stable installation. These guardrail systems offer robust fall protection for maintenance and repair workers while maintaining the structural integrity of the roof.

Durable Rooftop Guardrail

Durable Rooftop Guardrail

Constructed with corrosion-resistant aluminum or galvanized steel, these systems are built to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide long-lasting safety. Modular components and robust design ensure long-term minimal maintenance. The durability of these railing systems contributes to OSHA-compliant worker safety year after year.

Guardrail for Parapets

Guardrail for Parapets

This guardrail system mounts directly onto parapet walls, providing a secure, compliant barrier along the roof edge. It is an ideal retrofit where parapets do not meet OSHA height requirements for fall protection. Its design complements the building’s architecture and does not infringe upon the roof surface area.

Railing Ladder Access

Railing Ladder Access

Enhancing safety at ladder access points, this railing system provides a protected zone for secure rooftop entry and exit. It features a self-closing safety gate that prevents accidental falls near ladder openings. The design integrates seamlessly with existing ladder systems to provide workers comprehensive, safe access.

Guardrail near RTUs

Guardrail near RTUs

Guardrail systems can provide fall protection around rooftop units (RTUs), ensuring safe access for maintenance personnel. Enclosing the area around equipment prevents accidental falls during servicing. The modular design allows customization to fit various RTU configurations.

Railing for RTU

Railing for RTU

Specifically designed where rooftop units (RTUs) are installed, this railing system provides a safety barrier that facilitates secure maintenance access. For optimal coverage, the modular guardrail adapts to different RTU sizes and placements. Featuring robust, corrosion-resistant materials, the railings do not penetrate the roof and are fully compliant with OSHA.

Guardrail Safety Features

Ease Of Guardrail Installation

Modular design takes the complexity and high cost out of roof edge protection for good. The system uses minimum components and requires no welding, bending or threading. Additionally the system’s freestanding guardrails require no drilling or special anchoring. With FlexGuard, no special tools are needed to complete a reliable and safe rooftop railing installation.

Outstanding Durability

Fittings are manufactured to the requirements of ASTM A47-77-325 10 to provide strong, rigid, maintenance free connections. Components are further secured in place using case-hardened steel grub screws providing additional protection. All system fittings are galvanized to ASTM A153 finish and pipe galvanized to ASTM A53 providing outstanding corrosion resistance. Additionally, all fittings are TUV tested and approved

Adaptable

Adjustable uprights allow up to 11 degree raking from vertical movement meaning the system can be implemented on sloped surfaces such as uneven rooftops or ramps. The system components are adaptable to almost all variations of flat roofs, whether they are circular, square, rectangular or multilevel.

Versatile

In addition to its utility as an OSHA compliant roof edge guardrail, this railing can be used for walkway demarcation, open shaft and stairwells, fall protection around roof top equipment and other safety applications. Pre-fabricated design, utilizing the lightweight modular counterweights, allows maximum versatility on any site.

Modular

Sections of railing systems can be taken down, added to and re-erected on site as needed. Its modular design takes the complexity and high cost out of guardrail system implementation.

Non-Penetrating

When used for roof edge protection, this freestanding systems utilizes the well-proven counterweight principle to fix in place without piercing the rooftop. Assemblies that come in contact with the rooftop are fitted with an anti-slip rubber pads to further protect the roof membrane.

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