Are Welded Guardrails a Thing of the Past? The Rise of Modular Safety Systems
Table of Contents
If you’re in construction, maintenance, or any industry where working at height is part of the gig, you’ve probably wrestled with guardrails at some point. For years, welded guardrails were the go-to—sturdy, reliable, but let’s be honest, a bit of a hassle. Fast forward to today, modular safety systems like Fisher Alvin’s Freestanding Roof Edge Protection. We’ve been championing this shift for over 15 years with our systems. So, are welded guardrails becoming old news? Let’s dive in and explore why modular safety systems might just be the future.
Why Welded Guardrails Are Losing Ground
Welded guardrails have been around forever, and for good reason—they’re strong and can be tailored to fit specific spaces. But here’s the catch: they come with a lot of baggage. For starters, installation is a pain. Welding requires skilled labour, specialised equipment, and a whole lot of time on-site. If you’re on a tight deadline, that’s a problem. Plus, once they’re up, they’re pretty much set in stone. Need to adjust or move them—you’re looking at more welding, more effort, and more costs.
Then there’s the issue of compliance. Safety standards like BS EN 13374:2013 (Class A) and BS 13700:2021 are non-negotiable when working at height. Welded guardrails can meet these, but ensuring every weld is up to scratch takes extra documentation and diagnostics. If something’s off, you’re risking worker safety and potential legal headaches. And let’s not forget the wear and tear—welded joints can corrode over time if not properly treated, leading to loss of functionality and the need for costly repairs.
The Rise of Modular Safety Systems
Enter modular safety systems, like our Freestanding Roof Edge Protection at Fisher Alvin. These systems are shaking things up by offering a smarter, more flexible alternative to traditional guardrails. So, what makes them so special?
Flexibility and Easy Installation
One word: flexibility. Our Roof Edge Protection system uses counterbalanced arms and key clamp components, which means no welding is required. You can set it up on any flat roof (or up to a 3-degree pitch) without damaging the surface, thanks to the curved PVC weights and galvanised malleable iron feet with protective rubber bases.
The installation process is a breeze. You lay out the equipment, slot the main rail tubes into preassembled 1100mm uprights with open cradle fittings, and secure them with grub screws. Working in pairs, you then position the bay and slide in the counterweight tube. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require a welder on speed dial.
This approach with modular safety systems lets you adapt on the fly. Need to create a guarded walkway across a roof or protect hazards like skylights? The same system can handle both safety applications with minimal effort. That’s a huge benefit for busy contractors who need to get the job done without slowing down.
Compliance Without the Headache
When it comes to compliance, our Roof Edge Protection system has you covered. It’s designed to meet BS EN 13374:2013 as a Class A protection system (for roofs up to a 5-degree pitch) and can also comply with BS 13700:2021 (max 3-degree pitch).
The galvanised steel tubes (48.3mm diameter, per BS EN ISO 1461) and key clamp components (made to BS EN 1562 and 1563) are built to last, with each set screw supporting an axial load of 900kg when tightened to 39Nm. That’s a safety system you can trust, backed by rigorous data and testing certificates available on request. No need for endless diagnostics to ensure every weld is up to standard—our modular setup takes the guesswork out of safety.
Cost-Effective and Time-Saving
Welded guardrails often come with hidden costs—labour, equipment, and the potential for rework if something doesn’t fit right. With Fisher Alvin’s modular system, you get a price guarantee, free cutting service, and super-fast delivery (next day, in most cases). We also offer free help and advice to map out the required materials, so you’re not over-ordering or under-preparing. All quotations are for supply and delivery to site, though you’ll need to handle the installation or any crane hire to get materials to the roof. The result? A system that saves time and money while delivering top-notch quality.
Real-World Applications of Modular Safety Systems
Let’s look at an example. Imagine you’re working on a commercial building with a flat roof that has skylights and air conditioning units scattered across it. A welded guardrail setup would mean days of measuring, cutting, and welding on-site—plus the risk of damaging the roof membrane. With Fisher Alvin’s Roof Edge Protection, you can set up a modular safety system in hours. The preassembled uprights and key clamp fittings let you drop the handrail tubes into place, and the counterbalanced arms keep everything secure without penetrating the roof. Need to protect those skylights? The same range of components can be reconfigured to create individual protection zones, ensuring all safety functions are met with one versatile system.
Why Choose Fisher Alvin?
At Fisher Alvin, we’ve been a trusted name in safety for over 100 years. Our Roof Edge Protection system is a prime case of how modular safety can transform the way you work. We offer a number of services to make your life easier—from free design advice to super-fast delivery.
Want to know how we can help? Call our friendly team on 01905 779944. Or contact us HERE
We’re here to help you create a configuration that meets your business needs without the loss of time or quality.
The Added Perks
Our system’s interface modules (like the key clamps and preassembled uprights) are designed for users who value speed and functionality. You don’t need to be a welding expert to get it right. Plus, with access to information like load calculations and testing certificates, you can acknowledge the system’s reliability with confidence. It’s a system that’s built to stop risks in their tracks while giving you the flexibility to adapt to any job.
The Future of Guardrails
So, are welded guardrails a thing of the past? Not entirely—but they’re definitely losing ground. The end goal is the same: keeping workers safe. But the means to get there? That’s where modular systems shine. They offer compliance, flexibility, and easy installation without the longer timelines and higher costs of welding. For businesses looking to streamline their safety applications, this is the way to go.
