BS 13700:2021– The New Standard for Permanent Roof Guardrails

 

 

The introduction of BS 13700:2021 marks a significant milestone in the development of permanent roof guardrail safety standards, particularly for counterweighted types that are not rigidly attached to the roof structure. This new British Standard brings valuable clarity, direction, and rigour to the design, installation, inspection, and maintenance of these vital fall protection systems. Let’s explore everything about advanced guardrail systems in UK.

 

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Background and Need for BS 13700

 

Before BS 13700, permanent counterweighted guardrail systems were often installed without a specific standard. There were existing codes, mainly relating to temporary edge protection systems applied during construction, such as those specified in EN 13374, which are intended for short-term use and can be disassembled and reassembled multiple times.

 

However, the increasing use of counterweighted guardrails as permanent installations, due to their non-penetrative installation that maintains roof integrity, has left uncertainty regarding applicable standards.

 

BS 13700 was created to address this lack by providing a comprehensive, detailed standard for permanent counterweighted guardrails, ensuring such systems are safe and durable throughout the entire life of a building.

 

Key Features of BS 13700:2021

 

BS 13700:2021, released in June 2021, sets out detailed specifications for permanent counterweighted advanced guardrail systems UK, covering design, testing, installation, inspection, and maintenance.

 

1. System Technical File: A comprehensive technical file must be maintained, detailing the system design, layout, design calculations, and wind speed calculations. Compatibility, safety, and suitability for use may be assured by this file.

 

2. Wind Loading Calculation: The standard requires site-specific calculations of wind speed in accordance with the building's location, height, and level of exposure, as specified in BS EN 1991-1-4:2005+A1:2010. This ensures that the guardrail system is strong enough to resist severe wind events, such as a 1-in-25 or 1-in-50-year maximum velocity pressure situation.

 

3. Design for Permanency: Unlike temporary guardrails, permanent guardrails must be designed to meet the building's lifetime and thus have rigorous demands for structural integrity, resistance to corrosion, and maintenance regimes.

 

4. Inspection and Maintenance: BS 13700 requires regular maintenance and inspection to verify sustained safety. Fixings must be inspected for damage, corrosion, and the correct torque, as well as the presence of friction elements, to safeguard the roof surface. Inspection labels containing manufacturer and inspection information must be revised.

 

5. Non-Penetrating Installation: The standard specifically addresses counterweighted systems that do not penetrate the roof membrane, thereby retaining roof warranties and avoiding leaks while offering adequate fall protection.

 

Why BS 13700 Is a Game-Changer

 

To comply with BS 13700, organisations should:

 

1. Engage professional and competent companies for design, installation, and inspection services to ensure adherence to the standard.

 

2. Obtain and maintain a System Technical File for each installation, including all design and wind load calculations.

 

3. Conduct and document regular inspections, checking every component for damage, corrosion, and proper installation in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines.

 

4. Train and educate all personnel responsible for applying the standard's requirements and best practices.

 

BS 13700:2021 represents a vital advancement in the safety and reliability of permanent roof guardrail installations.

 

If you are involved in specifying or installing permanent counterweighted roof guardrails, familiarising yourself with BS 13700 and working with experienced professionals is crucial to achieving compliance and safeguarding lives.

 

If a permanent freestanding guardrail system was installed before July 2021, it is the responsibility of the building owner, premises, or health & safety manager to have the system inspected and retrospective wind calculations carried out to verify that the original design complies with the new standard.

 

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