More and more buildings, structures, and machines are incorporating permanent protection railings to guarantee safety during access and tasks such as cleaning, climate control, or maintenance of photovoltaic installations.

These systems provide a stable and certified solution without the need to set up a temporary system every time or resort to fall protection PPE.

When is a permanent railing recommended?

• On technical roofs with frequent access for maintenance or cleaning.
• In buildings with photovoltaic installations, air conditioning, or equipment requiring periodic visits.
• In companies looking to reduce dependence on harnesses and lifelines for simple tasks.

Characteristics of EN 14122 permanent railings

Railings, according to the UNE-EN ISO 14122-3 standard, are mandatory as collective protection when the risk of falling exceeds a 500 mm drop in machines, platforms, or permanent access areas. They must have a minimum height of 1100 mm, including handrails, an intermediate rail, and a toe board.

Key points of use and dimensions (EN 14122-3):

• Mandatory nature: Installation required if the fall height is >500mm or if the lateral distance between the platform and the machine/wall exceeds 200mm.
• Height: Minimum 1100mm from the walking level.
• Components: Top handrail, intermediate rail (max. distance 500mm between bars), and toe board (min. height 100mm).
• Resistance: They must withstand a minimum horizontal load of 0.3kN/m.
• Access points: Safety gates or closures must be used at stair access points to ensure continuity of protection.

This regulation is specific to machinery access and industrial environments, differing from general building standards.

Aspects to consider when choosing the type of railing:

• Always choose a certified railing.
• Wall mounting, floor mounting, or counterweighted systems to avoid perforations and potential waterproofing issues.
• Weather-resistant finishes with minimum maintenance. Special care in coastal or industrial environments.

Advantages for the building owner

• Easier compliance with occupational risk prevention obligations for roof work.
• Cost reduction in the medium term compared to improvised solutions or continuous assembly and disassembly.
• Improvement of the property's image for tenants, maintenance technicians, and safety audits.

Applicable regulations

The currently applicable standard in Spain for permanent railings is UNE-EN ISO 14122, which establishes safety requirements for permanent means of access to machines and industrial installations.