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Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the workplace. Wherever employees work at height, there is a legal and moral responsibility to put effective fall protection systems in place. Guardrails play a central role in this because they provide collective protection that does not rely on individual behaviour, specialist skills, or constant supervision.
For many duty holders and building managers, the key decision is whether a free-standing guardrail or a fixed guardrail is the right solution. This guide explains the differences, how they fit within UK height regulations, and how to choose a system that protects workers and supports long-term compliance using proven Kee Safety solutions.
Guardrails are a form of collective fall protection designed to prevent falls before they can occur. Unlike fall arrest equipment, such as harnesses, lanyards, or self retracting lifelines, guardrails remove the fall hazard entirely at the edge. This makes them one of the most reliable fall protection products available.
Under UK safety regulations, employers must prioritise measures that prevent falls rather than relying on personal protective equipment. Guardrails protect everyone who accesses the area, regardless of their role, training level, or the duration of the job. Kee Safety’s guardrail systems are commonly used on roofs, plant areas, platforms, and access routes where employees work near exposed edges.
Kee Guard® free-standing edge protection provides collective fall prevention without penetrating the roof membrane
A free-standing guardrail system is designed to sit on the roof surface without being fixed into the structure. Kee Safety’s Kee Guard® Free-Standing Roof Edge Protection uses counterweights to provide stability without drilling into the roof. This makes it particularly suited to flat roofs with sensitive membranes or buildings where roof penetration presents a risk.
Free-standing guardrails are often chosen for retrofit projects or locations where access requirements may change over time. Installation is typically quicker and less disruptive, which is valuable in live work environments where maintenance must continue. Kee Guard® systems can also be adapted or reconfigured if roof layouts change or new equipment is introduced.
However, free-standing systems are not suitable for every situation. They require adequate space for counterweights and must be assessed carefully where wind exposure or roof layout could affect performance. A thorough risk assessment is essential to confirm whether a free-standing system provides suitable protection.
Fixed guardrails are permanently secured to the building structure and are often specified where long-term or frequent roof access is required. Kee Safety offers several fixed options, including Kee Guard® Guardrail for Metal Roofs, which is designed specifically for profiled metal roof structures.
In addition, Kee Klamp® guardrail systems provide a modular fixed solution where handrails or barriers need to be secured directly to floors, walls, or steelwork. These systems are widely used across industrial and commercial environments due to their strength, adaptability, and long service life.
Fixed guardrails are particularly suitable where roofs are exposed to higher forces or where a permanent solution is required. Installation must be carefully planned to ensure structural integrity and long-term durability, especially where drilling is required.
Fixed guardrails are suited to metal roofs and permanent access areas where long-term fall protection is required
The primary difference between free-standing and fixed guardrails is how the system is supported. Free-standing systems rely on weight and friction, while fixed systems rely on structural attachment. This influences installation time, flexibility, and long-term maintenance.
Free-standing guardrails are often selected where roof penetration must be avoided or where future changes are expected. Fixed guardrails are better suited to permanent access routes and high-exposure environments. Kee Safety’s range includes solutions for both scenarios, ensuring the right fall protection equipment can be specified based on actual site conditions rather than assumptions.
Guardrails should always be considered as part of a wider fall protection system. While collective protection is preferred, there are situations where guardrails may need to work alongside other protection systems, such as horizontal lifelines or fall restraint systems.
Kee Safety supports this layered approach through its range of guardrail solutions that integrate with access points, walkways, and plant areas. Where fall arrest equipment is required, it should be supported by proper training, rescue planning, and inspection regimes, recognising that these systems rely on correct use to remain effective.
Free-standing guardrails provide immediate edge protection on flat roofs, offering collective fall prevention without drilling or structural alteration
Compliance with working at height regulations requires more than installing a guardrail. Employers must ensure systems are suitable, correctly installed, and maintained throughout their lifespan. Kee Safety systems are tested and certified to recognised standards, supporting long-term compliance and reliability.
Routine inspection and maintenance are essential, particularly in exposed environments. Fixed and free-standing systems should both be reviewed regularly to confirm they continue to provide effective protection as site conditions change.
Selecting the right guardrail system is about understanding risk, environment, and usage. Kee Safety supports duty holders through site surveys, system design, and installation, helping ensure the chosen solution is suitable for the building and compliant with regulations.
With decades of experience delivering fall protection solutions, Kee Safety provides practical guidance that helps businesses protect workers and meet their responsibilities with confidence.
Kee Klamp® guardrail systems offer a fixed, modular solution for protecting exposed edges in industrial environments
Falls from height rarely happen without warning. In most cases, the risk is known, but the protection in place is either unsuitable, incomplete, or missing altogether. Choosing between free-standing and fixed guardrails is not simply a technical decision. It is a critical safety choice that affects compliance, long-term maintenance, and, most importantly, the lives of the people working on your site.
Kee Safety supports organisations at every stage, from initial risk assessment through to system design, installation, and ongoing inspection. Whether your building requires a non-penetrative free-standing solution or a fixed guardrail system designed for permanent access, our team will help you specify a compliant, reliable fall protection system that suits your environment.