800-353-9425

Safety Railings and Handrail Systems

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

Our rooftop guardrail systems integrate with existing ladders, equipment, and obstructions and provide durable OSHA and ANSI compliant fall protection for all standard rooftops including Membrane, Metal Profile, and Standing Seam up to 45°. Our handrail systems ensure commercial and public buildings satisfy Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

Safety Railing Features

Ease Of Railing Installation

Ease Of Railing Installation

FlexGuard’s 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.

Outstanding Durability

Outstanding Durability

Fittings used in  FlexGuard railing systems 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.

Adaptable

Adaptable

FlexGuard’s 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

Versatile

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

Modular Design

Modular Design

Sections of FlexGuard 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

Non-Penetrating

When used for roof edge protection, the Freestanding FlexGuard 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.

FlexGuard Lifeline Video

Today’s strict legal requirements require employers to ensure a proper safety management program for employees working at heights. FlexGuard is a permanent railing solution for rooftops. View the video above for more information.

FlexGuard Installation Video

Learn how easy it is to install FlexGuard by viewing the video above.

Safety Railing Projects

Takata Horizontal Lifeline Project

FLS Fall Protection for Roofs Takata Corporation, based in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of motor vehicle seat belts, airbags, steering wheels, interior trims, and child restraint systems. The main production building at the facility had several unprotected edges on the roof where no parapet walls were...Read More

Safey Railing FAQs

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.

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.

Will Freestanding Guardrail Penetrate My Roof Surface? 

No. FlexGuard is a non-penetrating freestanding railing that uses counterbalance weights that are made from recycled PVC rubber. The system will not puncture your roof surface.

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.

What Metal Material Makes up Freestanding Railing? 

FlexGuard railing is made using gator shield galvanized steel tubing and fittings.

What are the freestanding base weights made out of?

The base weight for freestanding guardrails can be made of a variety of materials including steel and heavy plastics.  Our FlexGuard base weights are made from environmentally friendly 100% recycled PVC.

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

Tell Us About Your Fall Hazard