EN 13374 Standard

The number of regulations, standards and guidelines that need to be considered when specifying edge protection systems can be daunting. In this two part blog series we will try to simplify the various requirements that need to be met when a system is being specified and installed in order to comply with the Work at Height Regulations, EN 13374 and Eurocode 1 EN 1991-1-1.

The en 13374 standard sets out the test methods and requirements for temporary edge protection systems during construction or maintenance of structures such as buildings. The standard includes three classes of temporary edge protection systems, each with different requirements. Class A relates to systems that protect surfaces with a flat or less than 10 degree slope, Class B relates to surface that have up to a 30o angle of inclination and class C relates to surfaces with an up to 60o angle of inclination.

Edge protection systems that are used for construction works need to be able to absorb energy and stop or decelerate a fall from the working surface. The en 13374 standard requires that a temporary edge protection system can withstand a dynamic load of at least 1.0kN per m2 or 0.5kN point load. The standard also outlines the requirement for a certain amount of energy absorption and deflection at the maximum force applied to the system.

What is the EN 13374 Standard? Part 2

In addition to this the standard sets out a range of inspection and handover procedures that need to be followed when installing and using a temporary edge protection system. This includes a risk assessment, record keeping and verification of the systems ability to achieve the required load requirements by a specified engineer not involved in its design. The inspection regime also needs to take into account weather conditions, site specific alterations and monitoring.

Despite the fact that both BS 13700 and EN 13374 regulate collective edge protection, they differ in scope, requirements and application. BS 13700 is more general in nature and applies to all systems used in construction while the EN 13374 standard focuses on temporary edge protection systems during construction. The main difference between the two standards is that the EN 13374 standard requires more rigorous testing and verification of the system than BS 13700. It also relates specifically to the use of counterbalanced freestanding systems rather than systems which are fixed to the structure. The use of both standards is necessary to ensure the safety of workers who are at risk of falling from the edge of a structure. Both have been developed to help improve the efficiency of the working at height process and are important tools in reducing accidents on construction sites.