Guard rail

The top member of the side protection on a working lift, fitted at least 1 m above the deck to stop people falling from the platform edge.

Also called: principal guard rail, top rail, handrail, side protection rail, longitudinal guard rail

The guard rail is the part people grab instinctively, and the one that prevents a fall when it really counts. It forms the top of the side protection required on every working lift. Together with the intermediate rail and the toe board it makes up the classic three-part side protection; without it, a scaffold at height simply cannot be used.

On frame scaffolds the outer guard rail also connects the frames lengthwise. That is why it goes in very early during erection, often straight after the next frame is placed.

Design and lengths

A guard rail is a tube of hot-dip galvanised steel, less often aluminium. The ends are flattened and punched or carry a fitting. Depending on the system, it slides over a tilting pin, is wedged into a rail socket or is secured with a toggle at an eye. On modular scaffolds the job is usually done by a tubular ledger wedged in at rail height. Lengths follow the bays, typically 0.73 m to 3.07 m. For the scaffold ends there are end guard rails, and the double guard rail combines top and intermediate rail in one part.

Heights that matter

EN 12811-1: the upper edge of the side protection sits no lower than 1.0 m over the deck, with openings small enough that a 470 mm ball cannot pass, which puts the intermediate rail at about mid-height.
UK, Work at Height Regulations 2005: main guard rail at least 950 mm above the edge, no unprotected gap over 470 mm.
Other countries: national rules plus the system instructions apply.

Fitting correctly

Fit the rail on the outside from the already protected lift wherever possible. Always place it against the uprights from the deck side, so that it bears on the standard when someone leans on it. Close tilting pins completely, strike wedges firmly or turn toggles down. Where the gap between deck and wall exceeds 0.30 m and the fall height is over 2 m, add side protection on the inner side too or reduce the gap with inside brackets. On dismantling, the rail stays in as long as possible; for erecting the next lift there is advance guard rail equipment.

Faults and used rails

A rail taken out to pass material through must go back in immediately.
Outward-facing pins, for example for diagonals, are not meant for guard rails.
A rail with a kink no longer holds the required load reliably; scrap it rather than straightening it.
Split, flared or worn holes at the ends are typical wear.
Fall-arrest lanyards may be attached only where the system instructions permit it.

Straight tubes, intact ends and closed galvanising: a used guard rail in that condition is as good as new. Browse guard rails.

Frequently asked questions

How high must a scaffold guard rail be?

Under EN 12811-1 the top of the side protection must be at least 1.0 m above the deck; in the UK the Work at Height Regulations 2005 require at least 950 mm. An intermediate rail and a toe board complete the protection.

Does a scaffold need guard rails on the inside as well?

If the deck is more than 0.30 m from the wall and the fall height is over 2 m, inner side protection is usually needed. Alternatively, close the gap with inside brackets.

What is three-part side protection?

Three parts work together: the top rail, a mid-height rail and a toe board along the deck edge. Every working lift needs them on the outer side.