Scaffold, Access and Rigging
The leading edge in edge protection Edge protection and scaffolding are two completely different things, so what is the difference?
protection can’t be used over five metres unless installed by a certified scaffolder” or “you can’t use it over 25 degrees of roof pitch”. Both claims are in fact incorrect, as proprietary edge protection systems are not classed as scaffolding.
Temporary edge protection and scaffolding are commonly thought of as one and the same, but there is a fundamental difference between the two and many in our sector are unaware of exactly what that is.
At Edge Protection NZ Ltd we have been at the forefront of development for proprietary edge protection systems in this emerging sector of our industry and although the tried and tested method of traditional scaffolding certainly still holds a place in the future of construction, innovation has ultimately led to a simpler and more efficient method of achieving external fall protection at the roof edge. As a result, massive cost savings can be realised.
For starters, roof edge protection and scaffolding fall under two completely separate NZ standards. AS/NZS1576:2010 for scaffolding and AS/NZS4994:2009 for roof edge protection. The main point of difference is that Temporary Roof Edge Protection is generally a proprietary “guardrail only” system, whilst scaffolding includes a “working platform”. Scaffolding can certainly include edge protection, but if it is used at the roof edge as a means of protecting workers from a fall when working at height, it must comply with the AS/NZS4994 standard, as well as the AS/ NZS1576 standard and include all necessary guardrails, toeboards and a platform. There is much confusion over all of this and subsequently myths abound such as “edge
Our systems have been tested and comply with the aforementioned standard and as such can be used and installed by any competent person, so long as the system is installed as per manufacturers specifications. As a rule of thumb compliant proprietary edge protection systems can in fact be used on roof pitches up to 35 degrees. There is actually no legal requirement to prescribe scaffolding as the primary method of managing the risk of a fall from height. In some cases it is most certainly the best
option but for so many scenarios, including residential roof construction and re-roofs/ maintenance, solar installation, garages, sheds and more commonly commercial construction, it is becoming a more viable option to opt for a proprietary edge protection system, especially for commercial buildings where traditional scaffolding would not be practical at the roof edge.
the most cost effective alternative for many construction projects.
Whether you look to own your own system or use one of the multitude of service providers out there, edge protection is by far
For more information contact us on 0800334776 or go to www.edge-protection.co.nz
Recent product development has also seen a ground breaking new tool become available for the safe lifting of guardrails into place from the ground. This means most single storey edge protection jobs can now be 90% erected before the installer even gets on the roof!
ARE YOU SICK OF SCAFFOLDING? CONTACT US NOW! FAST
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THE E BRACKET® EDGE PROTECTION SYSTEMS TICKING ALL THE BOXES e. info@edge-protection.co.nz
www.edge-protection.co.nz 60 | B&C - Issue #112
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