Guide to Rooftop Safety Railing

When it comes to rooftop fall protection and safety railing systems, freestanding safety railing is one of the simplest yet most effective types available today. None is required for one to be able to use it. For example, there is no need to wear a harness or take any kind of safety training course. But of course, good planning is still a must for maximum safety - which is, after all, the whole point of installing the railing - and OSHA compliance.

Speaking of planning to install a free-standing safety railing, it's always best to begin from the bottom - the baseplates. There's a common misconception that the railing itself is the most important part of this safety system, but baseplates are equally crucial. Remember that every single section of a guardrail has to go into a baseplate that is fastened to the roof's surface. Therefore, it is critical that there are enough baseplates to ensure proper and full installation. People may also think that they only need as many baseplates as there are railing sections, but this isn't always true. The actual number of baseplates needed will depend on the system's layout.

A closed system is one that makes a total enclosure, meaning zero access. There are several applications of this layout, and one of the most popular is a skylight enclosure. On the other hand, an open system is one that has a door leading to it or at least one side open. An open layout is more commonly used, such as for HVAC equipment and other types of equipment that call for regular maintenance.

There are two rail receivers for every baseplate. In a closed system, the last rail leg goes into the first baseplate's second receiver. Hence, a closed system should include one base plate allotted for every single piece of rail. In an open system, the last rail's last leg isn't inserted into the first base plate. It is important to remember that any railing system that needs an a swing gate or a rail with an open leg, there should be one additional base plate.

Knowing one's safety railing needs begins with a few basic measurements. For a closed system with ladder security cover, only the area's perimeter will be considered. An open system, however, will require adding 36 inches to the area's perimeter, for the purpose of giving maintenance staff enough legroom to perform their tasks.  

Finally, as per OSHA standards, outriggers must be used for any freestanding system, where the top rail should be able to resist a force of 200 pounds (from all angles), and the mid rail, 150 pounds (from all angles).

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