800-353-9425

Freestanding Permanent Guardrail

Permanent free-standing guardrail that adds OSHA/ANSI compliant barrier protection without drilling, special anchoring or penetration of the roof membrane.

Talk to an ExpertTalk to an Expert

Or, give us a call: 1-800-353-9425

Secure your rooftop with our permanent freestanding roof railing

Secure your rooftop with our permanent freestanding roof railing. Our Permanent Freestanding Guardrail is an OSHA compliant, versatile, and long-lasting roof guardrail system that does not penetrate the roof membrane. Its modular design takes the complexity and high cost out of providing roof edge protection and safety to workers accessing the rooftop for maintenance and repair. Because guardrail is a passive fall protection solution, it provides a high level of security without requiring specialized user training or active equipment. Permanent Roof Guardrail systems have a variety of options and features, so there’s no need to compromise when developing the perfect custom solution for protection from fall hazards. Every installation is designed to meet or exceed OSHA 1910.29 and ANSI standards, ensuring your team is protected by a robust, engineered barrier. 

Freestanding Permanent Guardrail Projects

What type of finish or color options are available?

 The system comes standard with an anti-corrosive hot-dipped galvanized steel finish. However, components can be powder coated to any RAL color to coordinate with the building’s aesthetic or branding. 

What wind speeds can the FlexGuard system withstand?

In its standard configuration, FlexGuard can withstand wind speeds up to 150 MPH. We can also provide custom engineering to accommodate higher wind force requirements if necessary.

How much time does it take to install freestanding guardrail?

 Two people can typically install up to 300 linear feet of FlexGuard railing in an 8-hour day using only simple hand tools. No special training or welding is required for setup.

Does the modular design affect the strength of the railing?

 No, the modular fittings are galvanized to ASTM standards and provide strong, rigid connections. This design actually offers superior durability compared to welded systems, as it is more resistant to corrosion and allows for easier replacement of individual sections if they become damaged.

When is a toeboard required on a guardrail system?

 A toeboard is required if there is a risk of tools, equipment, or materials falling over the edge and injuring someone below. FLS systems can be configured with integrated aluminum toeboards to mitigate this risk, especially in areas with high foot traffic or overhead work. 

Can this guardrail be installed on sloped roofs?

 Our freestanding guardrail is designed for flat or low-slope roofs with a pitch of up to 3 degrees. For roofs with a steeper incline, specialized mounting solutions or different structural anchorage systems may be required to maintain stability and compliance.

 What is the required height for an OSHA-compliant guardrail?

 According to OSHA 1910.29, the top rail must be 42 inches above the walking-working surface, plus or minus 3 inches. The system must also include a midrail positioned roughly halfway between the top rail and the walking surface to prevent a worker from falling through the barrier.

How does the system stay in place without penetrating the roof?

 The system utilizes a patented counterbalance design or weighted bases to secure the uprights. This weight provides the necessary leverage to meet OSHA’s 200-pound load requirement without the need for screws or drilling, which preserves your roof’s structural integrity and manufacturer warranty.

Is freestanding guardrail considered a passive or active fall protection system?

 Guardrail is classified as a passive fall protection system because it does not require the worker to wear a harness or actively interact with the equipment to be protected. This makes it the preferred solution in the hierarchy of fall protection, as it eliminates human error and the need for specialized training.

How Do I Install Freestanding Guardrail? 

All that is required is some time and simple hand tools. There is no special training required to set up FlexGuard railing. Two people can typically install up to 300 linear feet of FlexGuard in an 8-hour day.

What colors are guardrail available in? 

FlexGuard railing comes standard with an anti-corrosive clear coating over a hot-dipped galvanized steel finish. FlexGuard can be painted or powder coated to match any building or aesthetic preference.

What Wind Speed Can Freestanding Guardrail withstand?

In its standard configuration, FLS FlexGuard can withstand a wind speed of up to 150 MPH. FlexGuard can also be engineered to withstand higher wind forces if necessary.

Can I Install Freestanding Guardrail on a Sloped Roof?

FlexGuard Railing can be installed on any type of flat roof with a slop of up to 3 degrees.

What roof surfaces can I use Freestanding Guardrail on?

FlexGuard offers several base options that allow it to be installed on a variety of roof surfaces including membrane, asphalt, concrete, metal, and standing seam. FlexGuard (freestanding guardrail) can be used on roofs with up to a 3 degree slope.

Is Freestanding Guardrail OSHA Compliant?

Yes, provided it is designed and tested to exceed local and national safety regulations, including the following OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.29, OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.501, 29 CFR 1926.502, Canadian National Building Code 4.1.10.1(1)(e), 4.1.10.1(2), 4.1.10.1(4), Ontario Building Code Section 4.1.10.1(1)(b), 4.1.10.1(2), 4.1.10.1(4), HSG-33 Health & Safety in Roof Work, HSE Specialist Report No 15: 1988, HSE Sheet 21 “Working on Flat Roofs Protection Against Falls”, BS 6399: Part 2 1995 Wind Code, EU Directives & CDM Regulations, BGV A1: 2000, BGG 928 & BGR 184, Health, Safety & Welfare Regulation 13 “Falls or Falling Objects” 1992, NFE 85-003, EN ISO 14122: PT3, EN 1337.

What type of system would a guardrail be considered?

Guardrail would be classified as a passive fall protection system.

How thick does the railing on a guardrail need to be?

The exact thickness depends on material and jurisdiction you’re in. In general, OSHA mandates at least a 1/4″ thickness for the top rail and midrail of a guardrail system.  The most common guard railing material is 1.90” O.D. tubing or 1 ½” pipe.

Are guardrails passive fall protection?

Yes.

Is guardrail considered fall protection?

Yes, when properly designed to meet OSHA as well as other applicable codes such as IBC and ASCE 7.

What is an OSHA compliant guardrail?

In general, a guardrail must have a top rail, midrail, and uprights. Top Rail – 42″ +/-3″, mid rail – 21″, & can withstand a 200 lbs. point load or 50 lbs. per linear foot.  A toeboard should also be included if there is a risk associated with kicked objects falling on anyone below

Compliance

  • Federal Standards: Designed to meet or exceed OSHA 29 CFR 1910.29, Fall Protection Systems and Criteria, and 1926.501, Duty to Have Fall Protection. 
  • Structural Load: Engineered to withstand a minimum 200-pound point load applied to the top rail in any outward or downward direction, as per OSHA mandates. 
  • Design Standards: Systems are compliant with ANSI/ASSP A1264.1, Safety Requirements for Workplace Walking/Working Surfaces and Their Access. 
  • International Testing: Independently tested to meet European EN 13374 and EN ISO 14122-3 standards for edge protection and permanent access. 
  • Wind Resistance: Standard configurations are engineered to withstand wind speeds up to 150 MPH, with custom engineering available for high-velocity hurricane zones. 

Permanent Railing System Options

Post Weight System

Post Weight System

Post Weight System uprights are supported with weighted bases. This kind of base has a small footprint making it easier to fit the railing in tighter spaces. Post weights don’t stick out into the walking area reducing trip hazards. This system does require return sections of railing to anchor it in place.

Counterbalance System

Counterbalance System

With the counterbalance system, the railing uprights are supported by spreading the weight out. This reduces the weight strain on the roof. The counterbalance system does not require return sections of railing to anchor it in place.

Infill Panels

Infill Panels

Infill panels act as a fence by attaching to the top and bottom rail of the system. Only approved materials can be attached to the system due to wind loading requirements. Custom chain link and picket options are also available.

Integrated Toeboard

Integrated Toeboard

The base of the system is designed to connect to an extruded aluminum toeboard. This component of the railing is needed when there is no parapet to protection objects from falling over the edge of the rooftop.

Installation

Installation

Flexible Lifeline Systems provides the level of service you require to install your system. Whether it’s turnkey installation services where an FLS crew installs the system completely, supervision of a workers you provide, or certification of the railing after it’s been installed, FLS is ready facilitate the installation of your roof guardrail system according to your specific needs.

Color

Color

The railing system come standard as galvanized metal. The system components can be powder coated in their entirety to any RAL color allowing the system to coordinate with the building color when needed.

Permanent Freestanding Guardrail Features

Non-penetrating

Protects both workers and your rooftop with a free-standing guardrail that does not require drilling, special anchoring or penetration of the roof membrane. Instead, the patented counter balance system locks the railing in place without the need to penetrate the roof. Padded kickboard fittings provide extra protection for the rooftop.

Easily Installed

The modular design and minimum components takes the complexity and high cost out of roof edge protection. No welding, bending, threading or special tools are required to complete a reliable and safe rooftop railing installation. Two people can install a 600 foot run in 8 hours, saving time and money.

Flexible

The railing system’s pre-fabricated design, utilizes lightweight modular counterweights allowing maximum flexibility on site. Guardrail sections can be taken down or added when needed.

Adaptable

Adaptable to almost all variations of flat roofs, split-level and low slope roofs whether they are circular, square, rectangular or multilevel. Adjustable uprights allow up to 11 degree raking from vertical movement.

Versatile

Can be used for walkway demarcation, open shaft and stairwells, fall protection around roof top equipment, stairwells, open elevator shaft fall protection, skylight fall protection, and other safety applications.

Durable

A maintenance-free reliable solution for roof edge protection. Components and fittings are galvanized to ASTM standards on all assemblies. These strong, rigid connections make this a corrosion resistant system which will last much longer than inferior powder coated systems with welded joints.

      X