Alert

Edge protection Guard railing failure

This Alert highlights the need to ensure that any alterations to temporary edge
protection guardrails are signed off by a competent person.

November 2010
Background
There have been several recent incidents where guardrails
have failed on edge protection systems when force is applied
by workers or materials.
Last month, a construction worker fell five meters when the
guardrail on the edge protection system gave way when he
leant against it.
An investigation found the guardrail had been removed to load
a piece of plant onto the roof. The guardrail was replaced, but
was not secured appropriately.

Control measures
WorkSafe expects:
any edge protection system to be erected, used and
maintained according to supplier information
a thorough inspection is done by a competent person at least
monthly or following an occurrence that may have affected
the stability or adequacy of the edge protection system
regular visual checks are undertaken to identify defects and
any unauthorised alterations of the edge protection system
any identified defects to be rectified immediately. These
repairs must be assessed and signed off by a competent
person.

ALE0134/02/11.10

Contact details
Call on: 1800 136 089 Email: info@worksafe.vic.gov.au
For more information on occupational health and safety,
go to WorkSafes website: worksafe.vic.gov.au

Further information
AS 1657 1992 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and
ladders Design, Construction and Installation
AS/NZS 1576.1 1995 Scaffolding General
requirements
AS/NZS 4994.1 - 2009 Temporary edge protection General requirements
AS/NZS 4994.2 - 2009 Temporary edge protection - Roof
edge protection - Installation and dismantling

Disclaimer: This Alert contains information following WorkSafes inquires

into the incident at the date of this report. The information contained in this
report does not necessarily reflect the final outcome of WorkSafes action with
respect to this incident. WorkSafe does not warrant the information in this
report is complete or up-to-date and does not accept any liability to any person
for the information in this report or as to its use.