Table of Contents
Introduction
Working at height presents significant risks across the construction industry and every other sector requiring rooftop access. From workers falling to falling objects, the dangers are severe, leading to major injuries or even workplace fatalities. To combat these risks, businesses must implement proper planning and fall protection measures that comply with strict height regulations.
One of the most effective solutions is Kee Guard®, a roof guardrail system designed to provide collective protection. Unlike traditional personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety harnesses, Kee Guard creates a permanent safety barrier that eliminates the risk of a fall before it occurs.
In this article, we’ll explore how Kee Guard meets and exceeds safety regulations, ensuring properly planned and fully compliant fall protection for workers at height.
Why is Protecting Workers at Height So Important?
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height are the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the UK. Even in low-risk situations, workers falling from fragile surfaces or weak upper surfaces can suffer severe injuries.
Common causes of accidents include:
- Inadequate risk assessment and control measures
- Failure to secure a suitable anchor point
- Overloaded ladders and improper ladder safety practices
- Lack of rescue procedures and emergency evacuation plans
- Inappropriate use of portable leaning ladders
- Strenuous or heavy tasks without safety gear
- Insufficient training for appropriately trained workers
Businesses must ensure they are equipping appropriately trained workers with the right equipment, such as roof ladders, fall arrest harnesses, and collective protection like Kee Guard®.
How Kee Guard® Exceeds Safety Standards
1. Compliance with Height Regulations
Kee Guard® is designed to meet and exceed British and international safety standards, including:
- BS 13700:2021 – Permanent counterweighted guardrails
- EN ISO 14122 Part 3 – Safety of machinery and permanent means of access
- EN 13374 Class A – Temporary edge protection systems
- HSG-33 – Health & Safety in Roof Work
- HSE INDG 284 – Working on Roofs
- BS 6399: Part 2 – Wind Code
By properly inspecting and maintaining a Kee Guard® system, businesses ensure long-term compliance with these height regulations while mitigating significant risks.
2. Non-Penetrative Roof Guardrail for Maximum Protection
Traditional fall protection solutions often require drilling into the roof, which can cause leaks and structural damage over time. Kee Guard’s counterbalanced design ensures workers at height remain safe without compromising the roof’s integrity.
Kee Guard® is suitable for:
- Concrete, asphalt, PVC membrane, and felt roofs
- Flat or low-slope surfaces up to 10 degrees
- Construction sites, warehouses, and commercial buildings
Unlike safety harnesses that require a suitable anchor point, Kee Guard® provides collective protection for multiple workers at height, removing the need for personal protection on fragile surfaces.
3. Modular and Flexible Safety Design
Kee Guard® is a modular, free-standing roof guardrail system that can be adapted to any roof layout. With options like:
- Kee Guard® Railing for Roofs With Limited Space – Ideal for roofs with tight layouts or installed rooftop equipment
- Kee Guard® Guardrail for Metal Roofs – Designed for standing seam and metal profile roofs
- Kee Guard® Folding Guardrail – A collapsible system for aesthetic considerations
- Kee Guard® Rooftop Guardrail for Ladder Access Points – Enhancing ladder safety and secure safe access
These variations make it easy to implement fall protection across different construction sites and building types.
4. Durability and Weather Resistance
Built from galvanised steel with a corrosion-resistant finish, Kee Guard® is engineered for long-term durability in harsh weather conditions. It provides workers at height with a strong and stable barrier, ensuring long-lasting fall protection with minimal maintenance.
5. Cost-Effective Alternative to Lifeline Systems
While flexible safety lines and fall arrest harnesses are essential in some situations, they require:
- Appropriately trained workers
- Rescue equipment and emergency evacuation planning
- Proper PPE and rigorous risk assessment
Kee Guard® offers a simpler, cost-effective, and permanent solution for businesses looking to prevent falls without the complexities of personal protection systems.
Proper Planning for Rooftop Safety with Kee Guard®
Ensuring a safe working environment for workers at height requires proper planning, risk assessment, and the right fall protection system. Kee Guard® is a proven collective protection solution that eliminates fall hazards by creating a permanent, non-penetrative barrier on rooftops.
Follow these four essential steps to implement Kee Guard® effectively.
Step 1: Conduct a Risk Assessment
Before installing Kee Guard®, businesses must evaluate potential fall hazards and establish control measures. A thorough risk assessment should include:
- Ensuring the System Covers All Fall Risks – Even with Kee Guard® installed, are there areas that remain unprotected, such as ladder access points or skylights?
- Verifying Edge Clearance & Guardrail Placement – Are the guardrails placed at the correct distance from the roof edge, ensuring full coverage?
- Considering Additional Safety Enhancements – Do they need self-closing gates, toeboards, or additional safety measures alongside Kee Guard®?
Step 2: Choose the Right Kee Guard® System
Selecting the correct Kee Guard® variation ensures workers at height are fully protected while complying with fall protection regulations. Options include:
✔ Kee Guard® Free-standing Roof Edge Protection – For flat roofs where a non-penetrative guardrail system is required.
✔ Kee Guard® Foldshield (Folding Guardrail) – For buildings where visual aesthetics matter, allowing the rails to be folded when not in use.
✔ Kee Guard® Topfix (Guardrail for Metal Roofs) – Specifically designed for standing seam and metal profile roofs, using suitable anchor points without damaging the roof.
✔ Kee Guard® Ladder Access Guardrail – Provides collective protection around access points, reducing the risk of workers falling when transitioning between ladders and rooftops.
📌 Related: Choosing Roof Safety Systems for Uneven Surfaces & Obstacles
Step 3: Plan for Safe Installation & Inspection
To ensure a safe and effective installation, businesses must:
🔍 Ensure a stable working environment – Use a secured ladder or roof ladders for safe access.
🔍 Confirm proper assembly – Install Kee Guard® using counterbalanced weights for stability, ensuring it is properly positioned on the roof structure.
🔍 Inspect before use – Before workers operate in the area, the roof guardrail should be properly inspected for correct placement and security.
🔍 Schedule periodic checks – Though Kee Guard® is low-maintenance, competent people should inspect it periodically to confirm its structural integrity and ensure it remains a properly planned safety solution.
Take Action: Protect Your Workers with Kee Guard® Today
Falls from height remain a leading cause of workplace fatalities, and the consequences of inadequate fall protection are too severe to ignore. Kee Guard® provides the ultimate roof guardrail system, offering collective protection that eliminates the risk before it happens—no need for complex safety harnesses, suitable anchor points, or extensive rescue procedures.
Whether you’re securing a construction site, a commercial rooftop, or an industrial facility, Kee Guard® meets and exceeds all height regulations, ensuring workers at height are fully protected. With its modular design, non-penetrative installation, and proven compliance with BS 13700:2021, it’s the gold standard in roof fall protection systems.
Don’t wait for a serious injury or safety executive inspection to force action. Properly planned fall protection starts now.
📞 Contact Harcon today to speak with our safety experts about the best Kee Guard® solution for your site. Let’s prevent falls, protect lives, and create a safer working environment.