What is roof edge protection and when is it needed?

Roof edge protection is a collective fall protection measure fitted along open roof edges to stop workers falling during access, maintenance, or repair work. It's required wherever people work at height on a roof, whether for a single inspection or ongoing maintenance, and is generally the first line of defence recommended under Irish safety guidance before any personal protective equipment is considered.

What's the difference between roof edge protection and fall arrest systems?

Roof edge protection, such as Kee Guard, is collective protection: a physical barrier that protects everyone on the roof without training, harnesses, or rescue planning. Fall arrest systems are personal protection, relying on individual PPE and a rescue plan if someone falls. Collective protection is the preferred first option wherever it's practical to install.

Is Kee Guard roof edge protection suitable for flat roofs?

Yes. Kee Guard's freestanding option is designed specifically for flat and low-slope roofs, using a counterweighted, non-penetrating base that sits directly on the roof surface without fixings.

Does installing roof edge protection damage the roof membrane?

No. Kee Guard is a non-penetrative system, meaning no drilling or welding into the roof deck. This protects the waterproof membrane and helps preserve existing roof warranties, avoiding the leak risk associated with penetrative fixings.

What standards does Skyway's roof edge protection meet?

Kee Guard roof edge protection is tested to EN 13374 Class A and EN ISO 14122, the European standards governing guardrail and roof access safety performance. These European standards apply directly in Ireland alongside employer duties set out in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007.

Can roof edge protection be fitted to standing seam or metal roofs?

Yes. Skyway's metal rooftop guardrail option is pre-engineered to work with standing seam and metal profile roofing, giving the same non-penetrative edge protection without compromising the roof's weathertightness.

Is roof edge protection a legal requirement for building owners in Ireland?

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, employers and duty holders must protect anyone working at height, with collective measures like guardrails favoured over personal protective equipment where reasonably practicable. The Health and Safety Authority is the relevant regulator for compliance in Ireland.

How much roof space does an edge protection system need?

Standard Kee Guard requires a modest working footprint, but Skyway also offers a limited space option with a smaller base, purpose-built for roofs where plant, equipment, or restricted access reduces the room available for a standard installation.

Can roof edge protection be made discreet from ground level?

Yes. Skyway's folding Kee Guard option collapses down when not in use, keeping the guardrail out of sight from the ground, an option often chosen for buildings where aesthetics or planning considerations matter.

Does roof edge protection need ongoing inspection or maintenance?

Yes. Like any height safety system, roof edge protection should be periodically inspected and recertified to confirm it remains fit for purpose. Skyway's Recertification & Maintenance division manages this on an ongoing basis for systems it installs across Ireland.

Can roof edge protection be installed around rooflights, plant, or obstacles?

Yes. Kee Guard is a modular system, so it can be configured around rooflights, changes in roof level, plant equipment, and other obstructions without gaps in protection, and reconfigured later if the roof layout changes.

Who is responsible for arranging roof edge protection on a commercial building?

Responsibility typically sits with the building owner, facilities manager, or principal contractor overseeing work at height, though specifiers and duty holders share responsibility for ensuring a compliant system is installed. Skyway supports this through its six-stage process, from consulting and design through to installation, certification, training, and maintenance.

Roof Guardrail Kee Guard

Rooftop guardrail systems, superior fall protection

When choosing a working at height fall protection solution, collective protection such as roof guardrails must be considered first. Rooftop guardrails ensure that all users are protected from falls without the need for specialised training and equipment; they also eliminate the need for rescue procedures to be put in place.

Collective protection, such as Kee Guard, is the primary choice when protecting people working at height for three simple reasons:

Does not require ongoing training
Does not require employees to wear custom-fit PPE
Eliminates the need for complicated rescue plans and procedures

Flexible Solutions for your specific roof

Kee Guard rooftop guardrail is a modular and non-penetrating form of collective fall protection. This modular system can accommodate complex rooftop obstacles. Modularity also means that installation and reconfiguration is simple and quick.

Kee Guard rooftop guardrail is suitable for use on a range of roof types including concrete, asphalt and PVC membrane.

Non-penetrative guardrails installed on a flat roof for edge protection

Powder coated edge protection blends in with surrounding buildings

Edge protection without compromise

This rooftop guardrail solution has been developed to suit Irish work at height requirements and can be installed with minimal impact to the aesthetics of a building. Kee Guard’s limited space option caters for rooftops with smaller profiles, while our folding version provides discreet protection when aesthetics is a concern.

If you want the protection system to blend in with, or even stand out from your building or the surrounding environment, we can powder coat Kee Guard in virtually any colour.

Contact our experts

Why Use Kee Guard Edge Protection Handrail?

Flexible Design

The Kee Guard range can fit virtually any shape and size of roof and can easily cope with obstacles or changes in level.

Free Standing Solution

Non-penetrating systems which overcomes the possibility of costly leaks and maintains your roof warranty.

Approved Compliance

Kee Guard has been tested to meet current industry standards including EN 13374 Class A, EN ISO 14122, EN 1991-1-4 and BS 6399: Part 2.

Options to Suit Your Roof

Flat or Low Slope

Kee Guard is a free-standing balustrade and the ideal choice for any low-slope or flat roof.

Limited Space Option

Kee Guard’s limited space option has a smaller footprint than our standard Kee Guard system, making it ideal for roofs with limited space, particularly where plant and equipment is installed.

Collapsible Rooftop Guardrail

Kee Guard’s folding option is a great choice for where aesthetics are important and you don’t want the roof guardrail to be seen from the ground.

Metal Rooftop Safety Guardrail

Kee Guard’s fixed metal rooftop guardrail is pre-engineered to work with both standing seam and metal profile roofs.

60 Second Overview of Kee Guard Rooftop Railing

A few examples of how Kee Guard can be used

Collective fall protection roof guardrail system

Need help with your rooftop guardrail?

Let our team of professionals help you.

Get in touch

Need to know more?

KeeGuard Rooftop Guardrail Brochure

Range of KeeGuard edge protection solutions for rooftops

DOWNLOAD

Looking for another safety solution?

We can help with all of your rooftop safety and safe access needs

Get in touch with our team

Roof Edge Protection — What Customers Frequently Ask

1. What is the British Standard for roof edge protection systems?
Kee Guard systems are fully tested to meet BS EN 13374 Class A, EN ISO 14122, and other height regulations. These standards define safety performance for guardrail systems installed on flat roofs and other roof types across the construction industry.

2. Is Kee Guard suitable for standing seam roofs and metal profile structures?
Yes. Kee Guard includes components specifically designed for standing seam roofs and metal profile surfaces. The system offers a secure fit without drilling or damaging the roof membrane.

3. Can this protection system be installed without affecting the roof membrane?
Absolutely. The Kee Guard roof edge protection system uses a counterweighted base and rubber components that sit directly on the roof surface. It is a non-penetrative system and avoids damage to the roof membrane, reducing the risk of leaks and costly repairs.

4. How does the system help prevent falls in hazardous areas?
The system is part of a complete fall protection approach, used to prevent falls around the roof edge. It provides a physical barrier that supports safe access and reduces reliance on PPE, particularly in compliance with safety regulations.

5. What makes Kee Guard a versatile system for different roof configurations?
Kee Guard’s modular system is designed to adapt to a variety of roof types, including roofs with changes in elevation, equipment obstructions or confined spaces. Its key features include easy reconfiguration, corrosion resistance, and minimal maintenance.

6. How should building owners approach roof edge protection planning?
A proper risk assessment is essential. This should identify fall hazards, structural conditions, and the correct installation method. Kee Guard provides protection without the use of scaffolding, making it a simpler solution for long-term compliance and workplace safety.

5 Essential Features of a Kee Guard Roof Edge Protection System

Non-Penetrative Installation
Avoids drilling or welding, preserving the roof membrane and waterproof layers.
Tested to Recognised Safety Standards
Systems are fully tested to BS EN and other relevant safety regulations.
Versatile Across Roof Types
Suitable for flat roofs, pitched surfaces, and those with complex layouts.
Adaptable Modular System
Easily fits around rooflights, plant, or access points using simple tools.
Reduces Long-Term Costs
Preserves roof warranties and minimises maintenance and repair costs.

Roof Guardrails

Kee Guard Freestanding Roof Edge Protection