Falls from elevated job sites are a leading cause of severe injuries and death in the manufacturing, construction, and other industries. These accidents lead to downtimes and may also attract costly penalties and lawsuits, especially if you don’t have safety barriers like guardrails. Such safety barriers are mandatory if your job site is elevated at a height exceeding six feet.
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For this reason, it’s no surprise that many project owners and managers are looking to install guardrails in their job sites. So, how do you choose the appropriate guardrail system for your job site? Here are the critical roles to ask before you engage a safety guardrail sales & installation company. Call us today for a consultation.
Guardrails get installed for various reasons. Your reason for installing a guardrail system will determine the type of guardrail you need. For instance, if the guardrail system is required for protection, it must meet standards applicable to you, including OSHA. Similarly, consider whether you need the guardrail for fall protection or something more robust for protection from forklift traffic.
Guardrail systems typically get installed on rooftops. Other potential installation locations include inside warehouses, on a dock, and even on mezzanines. Remember, each site has unique considerations and requirements, determining the guardrail type to install. Furthermore, different safety guardrail sales & installation companies offer different products. So, knowing where the guardrail system will go helps you determine the company to work with.
This may sound obvious, but it is an oft-overlooked consideration when installing guardrail systems. The last thing you want is to purchase guardrails that will last for only a few months. Indeed, guardrail systems will deteriorate over time, but investing in something that will last for as long as you need it is best.
In this regard, consider the type of material used on the guardrails. Powder-coated steel guardrails may not last for as long as galvanized steel ones. Generally, lower-quality options are sensible if you only need protection for a short time. However, if you want something that will last, consider safety guardrail sales & installation companies that offer the best quality.
When looking to install guardrails at a job site, it’s forgivable to think that you only need to abide by OSHA requirements. However, other codes also come into play, including local ones. For this reason, ensure the guardrail system you intend to install meets the minimum safety requirements outlined by all applicable codes and regulations.
OSHA stipulates application and industry-specific fall protection height requirements. Nonetheless, the height requirements specified in local codes also come into play and depend on your specific application and industry. Therefore, before you commit to a safety guardrail sales & installation contract, understand what is required of you. It will help you identify an installation company offering the most appropriate guardrail systems.
Some applications may require you to wear fall protection equipment. Thus, consider user-friendliness, comfort, and flexibility when installing guardrails. In this case, the guardrail systems complement the wearable fall protection equipment.
With the number of fatal accidents resulting from falls on the rise, much can be done to keep workplaces safe. Installing guardrail systems is one such measure. Nonetheless, you can only find the appropriate guardrail for your industry and application by asking the right questions before committing to safety guardrail sales & installation.
If you need help choosing the right guardrail system for your application, call us today! We will help you sort through your options to find what suits you best.
REQUEST INFO ON OUR COURSESWhen it comes to fall protection on an elevated jobsite, guardrails are some of the most fundamental and effective solutions. They’re your first line of defense, helping prevent falls and creating a visible boundary between workers and hazardous areas. But not all guardrails are created equally. Choosing the right system requires a clear understanding of your site’s needs, regulatory requirements, and long-term goals.
Whether you’re overseeing a construction site, industrial facility, or rooftop workspace, this guide will help you navigate the essentials of selecting the right guardrails.
Guardrails serve as passive fall protection, meaning they don’t require any active involvement from a worker, like harnessing in. This makes them the ideal solution for many worksites, especially where multiple workers are present or frequent access is required.
Remember to consider the Hierarchy of Fall Protection. This model ranks control methods by effectiveness, starting with eliminating the hazard entirely (most effective) and ending with administrative controls (least effective).
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Passive systems like guardrails sit near the top of the hierarchy because they provide consistent, stationary protection without requiring specialized training.
Before you make a decision, consider the following:
Start by evaluating the physical environment of your worksite:
For example, a freestanding guardrail system might be best suited for a flat rooftop with no penetration allowed, while a permanent solution could be more appropriate for installation at a manufacturing plant.
Always choose a system that meets OSHA and ANSI standards. In most situations, OSHA requires that:
Working with a provider that understands these standards and designs with regulation compliance in mind can help you avoid costly citations.
State and local regulations also vary across the country, especially in regions with unique environmental factors like high wind, heavy snow, or seismic activity. In these areas, local agencies may require a Professional Engineer (PE) stamp. These additional engineering reviews help you meet safety standards specific to a region or jobsite.
Some jobsites demand flexibility, especially in construction. If your project involves shifting work zones or frequent site changes, consider temporary guardrails that can be installed and reconfigured with minimal tools.
Non-penetrating systems are especially popular for rooftops where preserving the integrity of the surface is a concern. Look for weighted base designs that provide stability without compromising the rooftop or requiring costly engineering reviews.
Guardrails should be built to last, even under tough conditions. Look for systems made of galvanized or powder-coated steel that resist corrosion and wear.
It’s also smart to partner with a provider that offers warranties and ongoing customer support to maximize your investment and protection for years to come.
In some settings, appearance matters. Facilities with public access or customer visibility might benefit from sleek, low-profile guardrail options that don’t compromise on safety. In warehouses or manufacturing facilities, guardrails might need to integrate with traffic flow and avoid interfering with day-to-day operations.
Effective solutions come from safety collaboration — designers, architects, engineers, and fall protection experts each bring a unique perspective to system installation. When they align early in the planning process, the result is a more cohesive and compliant safety strategy that supports both form and function.
With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to identify the right guardrail system on your own. Working with an experienced provider who understands your industry, environment, and compliance needs simplifies the process.
At EDGE, we specialize in providing tailored, turnkey safety solutions that align with both regulatory standards and real-world worksite demands. Our systems are designed to be OSHA-compliant, durable, permanent or removable, and easy to install.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of steel traffic crash barrier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.