NEWBURGH-BASED KR Group recently submitted their Class B edge protection designs for testing to confirm their compliance with EN 13374.

Typically, edge protection is used for commercial and agricultural buildings during construction and maintenance works. It protects roofers from falling off the roof edge during new sheeting works or maintenance.

EN 13374:2013+A1:2018 “Temporary edge protection systems – Product Specification – Test methods” is the Standard to which edge protection should be installed. It exists to ensure that those working at height are afforded the highest levels of fall protection.

At the centre of the guidance is the different class of roof. This is based upon the slope of the working surface. The Standard requires that classes B & C need to withstand dynamic loads because a worker may slide or roll towards the edge protection and create high loads upon themself and the system.

The capacity to withstand dynamic loads can only be proven by testing – not by calculation. Any roof with a slope greater that 10° will require this dynamic testing.

Rob Harris, Director at Harrigen

Founding Director of Harrigen, Rob Harris, says: “This is regularly over-looked by those placing orders for edge protection and those installing edge protection. The absence of this testing is potentially life threatening to those working at height because there is no evidence the system will restrain the falling person upon impact. The requirement within the Standard is very clear. Put simply, to ensure a worker doesn’t fall through the edge protection because it’s not strong enough, it must be tested.”

The test involves swinging a 50kg bag at specified locations along a built edge protection system and measuring the relative deflection to establish sufficient energy absorption.

This is best carried out away from site, in a controlled environment, to ensure safety and accuracy.

Rob Harris continues, “So often we see double or triple rail systems installed by default. The employers of those sheeting the roof must first identify the class of roof (A, B or C). If it is between a 10° and 30° pitch, they must ensure that there are no gaps that a 250mm sphere can pass through and, crucially, provide evidence that the edge protection design has successfully passed the dynamic swing bag test. If this is not available, the installation doesn’t comply.”

Independent Testing

Harrigen provides an independent dynamic swing bag testing service that is easy to organise and plan. The firm was established by Rob Harris and Phil Gennard, both highly experienced individuals within the edge protection industry. The pair have a combined knowledge totalling some 50 years.

Rob Harris said “To make it easy for clients, they send us a drawing of their edge protection design and we build it on our test rig. We then set up measurement devices and cameras and swing the bag as prescribed in EN 13374. We record the results of the test and issue a written report and video. We’ve put the video on the Harrigen website: www.harrigen.com.”

Kenny Robertson of KR Group added, “We recognised the need to comply across all our edge protection installations. It is also a FASET membership requirement and something against which we are audited. We have a safety commitment to all those who work for, and with, us. KR Group had numerous discussions with Harrigen about how best to achieve this and found them to be brilliant partners. The test was booked, they built our system, tested it and provided us with evidence that we can proudly forward upon request.”

Contact Rob Harris on 07540 469843 or email rob@harrigen.com or contact Phil Gennard on 07970 603820.

 

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