Guardrail Systems

Passive Fall Protection for Rooftops and Elevated Work Areas

Guardrail systems create a physical barrier between workers and exposed edges. Because the protection is already in place, workers can move through the protected area without relying solely on harnesses, lanyards or individual tie-off procedures.

CH Bull provides permanent and non-penetrating guardrail solutions for roof perimeters, access routes, mechanical equipment areas, platforms, roof hatches and other elevated work areas.

Delta Prevention Guardrails

Compare Guardrail Systems

Guardrail systems vary by mounting method, construction and appearance. Compare the featured options below, or contact CH Bull for help evaluating your facility.

kattsafe guardrail systems

kattsafe-guardrail-system

Best For: Facilities requiring a system matched to the roof type or mounting condition.

Highlights:

  • Non-penetrating and permanently mounted options
  • Lightweight aluminum construction
  • Multiple roof and wall mounting configurations
  • Modular layouts for perimeters and access areas

Garlock RailGuard 200â„¢

garlock-railguard-200

Best For: Flexible rooftop protection for temporary or permanent applications.

Highlights:

  • Non-penetrating weighted-base design
  • Tool-free modular assembly
  • Temporary or permanent installation
  • Galvanized or safety-yellow finishes

Tractel SafetyRail 2000

bluewater-safetyrail2000

Best For: Standard industrial rooftop perimeter protection.

Highlights:

  • Non-penetrating weighted-base system
  • Modular perimeter configurations
  • Temporary or permanent use
  • Designed for industrial rooftops and elevated work areas

Tractel SafetyRail 2000 Architectural Series

bluewater-architectural-rail

Best For: Rooftop protection where appearance and sightlines are important.

Highlights:

  • Non-penetrating installation
  • Straight, inclined and curved post options
  • More refined architectural appearance
  • Designed for highly visible rooftops

Delta Prevention vss Classic Guardrail

VSS Classic Guardrails

Best For: Open rooftops and long, straight perimeter runs requiring permanent fall protection.

Highlights:

  • Freestanding, non-penetrating design
  • Linear guardrail configuration
  • Lightweight aluminum construction
  • Suitable for partial or full rooftop perimeter protection
  • No full-height end return required

Delta Prevention vss Compact Guardrail

VSS Compact Guardrail

Best For: Rooftops with limited space between equipment, protected areas and the roof edge.

Highlights:

  • Freestanding, non-penetrating design
  • Reduced-footprint configuration
  • Designed for confined rooftop layouts
  • Lightweight aluminum construction
  • Shorter return sections than traditional configurations

Not sure which guardrail system fits your facility?

Tell us about the roof, exposed edges, access points and work being performed. CH Bull can help determine which system and configuration should be considered.

Why Guardrails Are Effective

Guardrails help prevent a fall from occurring rather than relying on equipment to stop a worker after a fall has begun. As a passive system, they provide protection whenever workers are within the guarded area.

1

Continuous Protection

The physical barrier remains in place whenever the rooftop or elevated area is accessed.

2

Fewer Tie-Off Requirements

Workers who remain behind a properly installed guardrail can often perform their work without connecting to an individual anchor.

3

Protection for Multiple Workers

A guardrail can protect everyone within the guarded area at the same time.

4

Less Reliance on Worker Action

Protection does not depend on each worker remembering to wear a harness, inspect equipment or connect a lanyard before approaching the edge.

Quick Comparison Guide

Compare the mounting styles, applications and key features of each guardrail system.

SolutionMounting StyleBest ForKey Difference
Kattsafe Guardrail SystemsWeighted, surface, wall or metal-roof mounting optionsFacilities with varying roof types and mounting needsBroad selection of aluminum guardrail configurations
Garlock RailGuard 200Freestanding weighted-base systemTemporary or permanent rooftop protectionTool-free modular steel system
Tractel SafetyRail 2000Freestanding weighted-base systemIndustrial roof edges and elevated work areasStraightforward modular perimeter
Tractel Architectural SeriesFreestanding weighted-base systemHighly visible rooftops and architectural applicationsMore refined appearance and sightlines
Delta Prevention VSS Classic GuardrailFreestanding, weighted-base aluminum systemOpen rooftops and long perimeter runsAnodized aluminum, modular non-penetrating system for linear perimeter protection
Delta Prevention VSS Compact GuardrailFreestanding, weighted-base aluminum systemTight rooftops and areas near equipmentAnodized aluminum, modular non-penetrating system with a reduced rooftop footprint

Need help evaluating an existing rooftop or elevated work area?

CH Bull can review the roof conditions, access points, exposed edges and work requirements to help identify an appropriate guardrail configuration.

Common Questions

Passive fall protection helps prevent a fall without requiring each worker to wear, connect or actively operate specialized equipment. A guardrail provides a physical barrier whenever the protected area is accessed.

Industrial guardrails are generally used to protect workers on rooftops, platforms, loading docks and other work areas. They typically include a top rail, midrail and, where required, a toeboard.

Commercial guardrails are used around public or occupied spaces such as balconies and stairs. They are often designed with smaller openings and greater emphasis on appearance and building-code requirements.

Permanent guardrails attach directly to the building or supporting structure.

Non-penetrating systems use engineered weighted bases rather than roof fasteners. They are often considered for existing roofs where drilling through a waterproof membrane is undesirable.

Workers who remain entirely within a properly guarded area generally do not need to tie off solely for that protected edge. Additional protection may be required when someone passes through an opening, works beyond the guardrail or leaves the protected area.

Yes. Non-penetrating, surface-mounted, wall-mounted and metal-roof-mounted systems provide several options for existing facilities. The roof, structure and installation conditions should be evaluated before a system is selected.

A non-penetrating system avoids drilling through the roof surface. The roof construction, membrane condition, allowable loading and need for protective pads should still be evaluated before installation.

Not in every application. A toeboard may be needed when tools, materials or equipment could fall from the elevated surface and create a hazard below.

Yes. Guardrails can be configured around roof hatches, mechanical equipment, access routes, skylights, roof drains and other areas where workers may be exposed to a fall hazard.

Not automatically. California requirements may differ based on the work activity, exposure and system configuration. The specific application should be reviewed before selecting or installing a system.

Helpful information includes:

  • Roof type and condition
  • Parapet height
  • Length of the exposed edge
  • Roof-access location
  • Photos or drawings
  • Nearby equipment and obstructions
  • Building height and project location
  • Frequency and purpose of roof access

Protect Workers at the Edge

The right guardrail system depends on the roof, access route, work area and surrounding conditions. CH Bull can assess the application and help identify a practical passive fall-protection solution.

Or call us directly 800-871-8440