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Mobile Guardrail

Portable Guardrail System designed to meet OSHA construction industry standards. Easily assembled, disassembled, and moved to where it’s needed.

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Contractor Rooftop Mobile Guardrail

When temporary work zones require rapid deployment of safety barriers, FlexGuard Portable safety railing provides a mobile guardrail system made up of modular sections and weights that can easily be assembled, disassembled, and moved to where it's needed. It's an efficient and cost: effective solution when a safety railing system is required temporarily without sacrificing structural stability. FlexGuard Portable is contractor  grade equipment that meets OSHA 1926.502 (Construction) standards, which differ slightly from the OSHA 1910 (General Industry) regulations typically applied to permanent fixtures. This system acts as a Passive Fall Protection (PFP) barrier, meaning it requires no active engagement from the user, such as donning a harness. By utilizing 42:inch vertical uprights made from Schedule 40 pipe, we ensure your team remains protected at the leading edge while maintaining full operational flexibility on the job site. 

Portable Guardrail System Advantages and Specifications

The FlexGuard Portable system is free standing with no need for any connections to, or penetration of the roof surface. Uprights are held in place by steel galvanized collars and set screws. The system is sturdy like permanent railing, but can easily be adjusted or moved when necessary. Only a standard torque wrench or hex key is required for assembly or disassembly.

The modular railing system comes in 10 foot sections with 5 foot return sections. The horizontal railing and 42″ vertical uprights that make up each railing section are made from Schedule 40 pipes.

System components can be powder coating over the galvanized finish in Safety Yellow as an additional option. The system base is also designed to accommodate an optional timber toeboard if needed.

Ideal for Construction

FlexGuard Portable was specifically designed for the construction industry and to meet the needs of contractors. The portable railing system can deployed in conjunction with the FlexLine Warning Line System to designate a rooftop perimeter that meets safety standards for large roofing jobs.

Mobile Guardrail Projects

Portable Safety Railing Animation

How quickly can a team install 100 feet of mobile railing? 

A trained two:person crew can typically install 100 linear feet of FlexGuard Portable railing in approximately one hour, as the system requires no drilling and utilizes simple hex:key connections. 

What is the lifespan of a portable guardrail system? 

Because the components are hot:dip galvanized and the bases are UV:resistant PVC, these systems can last decades. However, because they are moved frequently, they should be inspected for structural dents or loose set screws before every new deployment. 

Is there a limit to how many sections can be connected together?

 There is no technical limit to the length, but the system must include “return sections” (outriggers) at the ends of a run to maintain the necessary lateral stability required to meet OSHA load standards. 

How do you prevent the base weights from sliding on wet or icy roofs?

 The recycled PVC bases feature high:friction footprints. However, on extremely slippery surfaces, a Qualified Person should evaluate if additional mechanical restraints are needed to prevent the system from shifting under wind or impact loads. 

Can a mobile guardrail be used as a tie-off anchor point? 

No: mobile guardrail systems are designed as passive barriers only. They are not engineered to withstand the dynamic forces of a fall arrest event. Never attach a lanyard or lifeline to a portable railing system unless it is specifically labeled as an anchor. 

How does OSHA 1926 (Construction) differ from OSHA 1910 (General Industry) for mobile systems?

 While both require the 200 lb point load, the construction standard (1926) is specifically designed for temporary work sites. Mobile systems are optimized for these environments because they allow for frequent reconfiguration as the “leading edge” of a project moves. 

How can I get an estimate on a non-penetrating system?

Call one of our experts at 1-800-353-9425 or start a chat below. Some information needed includes locations of hazards, size of the roof, type of work being done, and frequency of access.  No cost site assessments are also available.

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.

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

  • OSHA 1926.502 Subpart M: Engineered to meet specific construction industry requirements for temporary safety railings, ensuring a top rail height of 42 inches (+/- 3 inches) above the walking/working level. 
  • Point Load Resistance: The portable system is tested to withstand a 200:pound force applied within 2 inches of the top edge in any outward or downward direction, satisfying federal safety mandates. 
  • ASTM A153 Galvanization: All steel collars and pipe components are finished to ASTM A153 standards to provide corrosion resistance, ensuring the hardware remains functional through repeated assembly and disassembly in outdoor environments. 
  • Recycled PVC Bases: The system utilizes 90:pound interlocking PVC bases that provide the necessary ballast for stability without the risk of rust or degradation common with cast iron weights. 
  • Toeboard Integration: Designed with built-in accommodations for optional timber or steel toeboards, satisfying OSHA requirements for falling object protection when tools or materials are used near the roof edge. 

Portable Guardrail System Benefits & Features

Easy Installation

Modular railing system can be assembled quickly, It only takes 1 hour for 2 people to install a 100 foot FlexGuard Portable railing system.

Non-penetrating

FlexGuard Portable is a free-standing guardrail that does not require drilling, special anchoring or penetration of the roof membrane. Instead, the portable system base weights hold railing in place without the need to penetrate the roof.

Durable

Railing and system components are galvanized for extra durability and to protect against rust. The recycled PVC bases are rugged, durable and rust free

OSHA Compliant

Meets OSHA regulations for fall safety with a temporary, mobile railing solutionc

Portable

The system’s base weights are made of recycled PVC and weigh a minimum of 90 pounds. The base weights are made up of two interlocking halves, and are supplied assembled. The weights can be easily split by removing two bolts allowing each half to be carried by a single person. The base weights incorporate comfortable carrying handles allowing two people the option to carry a complete base weight.

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