Are You Up to Date with Roof Edge Protection Requirements?

BS 13700:2021Lockinex M.R.
Roof Top Guardrails-Safety Access
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Working at Height & Roof Edge Protection: The Complete Compliance Guide

Working at height is one of the most dangerous activities in the UK workplace. Falls from height consistently account for a significant proportion of workplace fatalities and life-changing injuries every year — in 2021/22 alone, falls from height made up a quarter of all work-related deaths, with construction workers making up the majority.

At Lockinex, we supply roof edge protection and working at height safety systems to construction companies, facilities managers, and contractors across the UK. This is our complete guide to working at height compliance — covering legislation, employer and employee responsibilities, risk assessment, and the right protection systems for your site.

What Is "Working at Height"?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines working at height as any work where a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. This includes:

  • Working on roofs
  • Working on ladders or scaffolding
  • Using mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs)
  • Working near unprotected edges
  • Working within deep excavations or pits

Rooftop access is an unavoidable part of construction and facilities maintenance — but the risks can be effectively managed with the right systems in place.

The Legal Framework: What You Must Comply With

The Work at Height Regulations 2005

The primary legislation governing working at height in the UK. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to all employers, self-employed individuals, and anyone who controls work at height activities.

The key principles are:

  • Avoid working at height wherever possible
  • Where it cannot be avoided, use the safest equipment and controls available — including roof guardrails and access ladders
  • Implement measures to minimise the consequences of falls if they occur
  • Ensure all work at height is properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent individuals

Since this legislation was introduced, there has been a significant reduction in height-related deaths and injuries — but falls remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the UK.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

The overarching legislation covering general employer duties. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must provide safe systems of work, adequate training, appropriate PPE, and regular risk assessments — all of which apply directly to working at height.

BS 13700:2021 — Permanent Counterweighted Guardrail Systems

In 2021, a new British Standard was introduced specifically for freestanding roof guardrail systems. BS 13700:2021 sets out design and test requirements that freestanding systems must meet to be considered compliant. At Lockinex, we are one of the first UK suppliers to offer a system that fully complies with BS 13700:2021 — designed, tested, and installed at numerous sites across the UK.

BS EN 14122-3:2016 — Permanent Means of Access to Machinery

Our fixed roof guardrail system is designed and tested to BS EN 14122-3:2016, which governs permanent means of access including fixed guardrail systems on metal-clad roofs and similar structures.

BS EN 1461:2022 — Hot Dip Galvanised Coatings

All Lockinex roof guardrail components are hot-dip galvanised to BS EN 1461:2022, providing strong corrosion resistance and a long service life.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers have a legal duty to assess and manage the risks of working at height. In practice, this means:

  • Conducting risk assessments before any work at height begins
  • Ensuring all work is properly planned, organised, and supervised
  • Providing suitable fall prevention or protection equipment
  • Ensuring all employees receive adequate training for working at height
  • Regularly inspecting all equipment used for work at height
  • Considering weather conditions when planning any work at height

Employee Responsibilities

Employees also have legal responsibilities under the Work at Height Regulations 2005:

  • Following all training and instructions provided by the employer
  • Using safety equipment correctly and as intended
  • Reporting any defects or issues with equipment immediately
  • Avoiding reckless behaviour that could endanger themselves or others

Common Risks When Working at Height

Weather Conditions Rain, ice, and wind significantly increase the risk of slips and falls on rooftops. Work at height should be planned around weather forecasts, and appropriate anti-slip surfaces should be in place.

Roof Stability Before any work begins, the roof must be assessed to confirm it can safely bear the weight of workers, equipment, and safety systems. Fragile roofs require additional precautions.

Edge Awareness Losing track of the roof edge is a leading cause of falls. A properly installed roof edge guardrail system is the most effective way to eliminate this risk — providing a physical barrier that protects workers without requiring them to take any action.

Fragile Surfaces Skylights, rooflights, and certain roof materials may not support the weight of a person. These must be clearly identified and protected before work begins.

Collective vs Personal Protection: What the HSE Says

The HSE is clear on the hierarchy of protection for working at height:

"Always consider measures that protect everyone who is at risk (collective protection) before measures that protect only the individual (personal protection). Collective protection is equipment that does not require the person working at height to act to be effective, for example a permanent or temporary guard rail."

This means guardrail systems should always be your first choice — before harnesses, lanyards, or other personal protective equipment.

Roof Edge Protection Systems

Freestanding Roof Guardrail

 

The freestanding system requires no drilling or fixing into the roof membrane — eliminating the risk of water ingress and roof damage. Rubber counterweights hold the system securely in place, making it ideal for flat roofs.

Our freestanding system is fully compliant with BS 13700:2021 — the latest British Standard for permanent counterweighted guardrail systems — and has been installed at numerous sites across the UK.

 

Fixed Roof Guardrail

 

The fixed system is designed for permanent installation on metal-clad roofs and similar structures. Pre-holed base-plated posts are fixed using self-tapping screws or rivets, with standard vertical posts or bespoke raked posts available to suit any roof angle.

Designed and tested to BS EN 14122-3:2016. All posts are hot-dip galvanised to BS EN 1461:2022.

 

Access Ladders

Safe rooftop access starts before you reach the edge. Our galvanised steel access ladders provide compliant, permanent access to rooftops and elevated areas, reducing the risk of accidents during ascent and descent.

What Are the Consequences of Non-Compliance?

Failing to comply with working at height regulations carries serious consequences:

  • Financial penalties — fines can reach millions of pounds for severe breaches
  • Criminal prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
  • Civil liability — exposure to workplace injury claims and lawsuits
  • Reputational damage — HSE enforcement notices and prosecutions are publicly recorded
  • Most importantly — serious injury or death of your employees or members of the public

Staying compliant isn't just a legal obligation — it's the right thing to do.

Technical Literature & Downloads

 

Need Help Specifying the Right System?

Not sure which roof edge protection system is right for your site? Contact our team at sales@lockinex.com or call 01323 737 626 — we're here to help you find the safest, most compliant solution for your requirements.

References:

Tags: Bs 13700:2021, Construction safety, Fall protection, Fixed guardrail, Freestanding guardrail, Hse compliance, Roof edge protection, Roof guardrail, Work at height regulations 2005, Working at height

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