8 reasons for choosing a self-supporting guardrail

With more stringent standards and regulations concerning the risks of falling from heights, business leaders and health and safety managers are always looking for the best solutions to make their workplace safer. Since the C-21 Act took effect, preventing falls from the roof is becoming a priority for a majority of organizations. To protect your employees and contractors working on your rooftop, several methods are available. Here are eight reasons to choose a self-supporting guardrail.

#1 No holes

By definition, a self-supporting guardrail does not require drilling through or puncture the roof membrane, which eliminates the risks of water infiltration or the need for periodic inspections. A counterweight is used to generate enough force to resist a 900-newton point load resistance applied horizontally.

#2 A collective protection

The team in charge of maintaining the air-conditioning units, the person responsible for surveillance cameras, the school janitor needing to retrieve lost balls: all of them are protected when a self-supporting guardrail is installed on the roof. While the level of knowledge regarding the risks of falling from heights may vary, the self-supporting guardrail ensures maximum safety for those working on your roof.

#3 Quick and easy installation

The installation of a self-supporting guardrail is quick and easy. Once the material is hoisted on the roof, it can be installed by your own team as long as the current safety standards are in effect. This eliminates the need to consult architectural drawings and involve engineering services, which reduces installation costs.

#4 Can be modified

Generally installed permanently, a self-supporting guardrail can be moved in case of repair work on the roof without involving any other trade. With its modular design, this guardrail adapts to your needs and may be modified if your buildings are renovated or expanded. The best systems offer various configurations using the same components.

#5 Simplified prevention plan

When you are collectively protected by a self-supporting guardrail, the preventive plan is simplified when working on the roof and it eliminates the need for a contingency plan. Also, the purchasing of equipment, its inspection and maintenance, as well as the staff training entail an additional and useless administrative burden.

#6 No need for annual inspection

Thanks to the preventive operations and simplicity of the self-supporting guardrail, only a routine visual inspection is necessary. The best system offers aluminum and galvanized steel components resisting to temperature variations and acidity. By contrast, due to their corrective operations, traditional fall arrest systems stop the worker during a fall and may require a complicated rescue. Also, this equipment must be maintained and certified on a regular basis, which involves considerable costs.

#7 No restriction on freedom of movement

A self-supporting guardrail eliminates obstructions and restrictions associated with harnesses and lanyards, thus increasing the satisfaction of your workers. Freedom of movement helps get the job done faster and safely.

#8 Durable and reliable protection

Are your employees or subcontractors using fall arrest equipment? The building manager is responsible for ensuring they do. Installing a self-supporting guard provides all the people visiting your roof with a constant, permanent and reliable protection. This system enables you to protect your staff and have peace of mind.