Guard rails are a fixed system used to protect the general public, workers and even cars and animals. The best thing about guardrails is that they don’t require much effort, in the way of training to erect and use.
Well-made guardrails are a reliable means of protection as they form a visible and physical barrier to help prevent accidents, falls and more. They can also help provide barriers between levels, and from roofs, open halls, ditches or stairwells. Guardrails are often used wherever floors, walls and covers aren’t practical, or cannot be installed.
You can find guardrails in every single industry. Some common places to see them include:
- Roads and car parks.
- Any workplace with an accessible rooftop.
- Landscaping and work areas.
- Shipping facilities.
- Retail shops.
- Industrial areas.
- Warehouses
- Construction sites.
When Do You Need Professional Guardrails?
The usual rule of thumb is to install a guardrail if there is a hazard that cannot be eliminated.
Guardrails should be used when workers have access to the unprotected edge of any of the above work surfaces. If employees are likely to fall or walk onto hazardous equipment such as concrete, chemicals and the like, such falls should also be prevented by installing handrails and footboards. Make sure that the handrail is installed around the edge or opening before work begins.
It is good practice to install guardrails in places such as balconies, along decks, around openings in floors or roofs, on accessible roofs and anywhere materials are used. In most jurisdictions, the use of balustrades is regulated under certain circumstances. Always check with your local authority for exact requirements.
In most jurisdictions, the use of a guardrail is specified for certain circumstances. Always check with your local government for exact requirements.
What to Consider When Using a Guardrail?
The use of guardrails is entirely safety-related, with this in mind, guardrails have to be well made and well installed. From this point, there are some further considerations to keep in mind.
To prevent people from falling, guardrails must:
- Be tall enough to prevent a person from tumbling over the top of the guardrail.
- Be robust enough to withstand the force of the number of people likely to lean or push against them.
- Have posts spaced evenly that are made close enough together to prevent people from falling through the gaps.
- Be positioned as near as possible to the open edge.
- Cover the whole length of the unprotected area or edge.
- Be made of a material with smooth surfaces that are not abrasive and will not cut skin or snag clothing. Metal and wood are often employed materials.
When building guardrails on the job:
- Consider the length of time the guardrail will be required and its surrounding environment.
- If making the guardrail from wood, only use lumber that is construction grade quality or higher.
- Choose the appropriate fasteners for the materials being used. Make sure those fasteners are strong.
- Make sure the guardrail does not have protruding nails, screws, or rough edges.
- Do not reuse construction materials.
Need a Guardrail?
If you’re in need of an industrial guardrail, safety guard rails or more, no one beats Guardrail Direct. The premier maker of guardrails for both construction and customer-based safety used, they install Road Safety Barriers, End Terminals, Motorcycle Barriers, and Car Park Barriers. Operating out of Victoria, they can ship all over Australia.
Choose Guardrail Direct for your next project.