Roof Hatch Guardrail
Freestanding guardrail system designed to provide fall protection around roof hatches
Roof Hatch Guardrail systems are engineered to deliver effective fall protection around rooftop hatch openings while ensuring full compliance with Canadian occupational health and safety regulations. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and provincial legislation such as Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and WorkSafeBC regulations, any rooftop opening presenting a fall hazard must be properly safeguarded. Since most hatch covers are non-structural and may not safely support a worker’s weight, additional guardrail protection is typically required to prevent falls.
The Roof Hatch Guardrail system is a freestanding, modular safety solution designed to integrate with nearly any roof hatch or rooftop access point. Made from lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum tubing, it includes counterweighted baseplates that eliminate the need for roof penetration, protecting against leaks and preserving roof integrity.
This system is designed for quick and straightforward installation. Most components arrive pre-assembled, fit on a single pallet, and can be installed using just one tool, guided by clear, easy-to-follow instructions. Each Roof Hatch Guardrail system features a spring-loaded, self-closing safety gate, ensuring the hatch opening remains secure at all times. An optional grab bar is also available to help prevent slips and falls, improving overall safety and supporting compliance with Canadian workplace safety standards for rooftop access and fall prevention.
ROOF HATCH GUARDRAIL MODELS
| Kit Size | Coverage |
|---|---|
| 4 foot by 4 foot | 16 square feet |
| 4 foot by 6 foot | 24 square feet |
| 6 foot by 6 foot | 36 square feet |
| 4 foot by 8 foot | 32 square feet |
| 4 foot by 10 foot | 40 square feet |
KEY FEATURES
Easy Installation
Quick to assemble and install on most rooftop types, no specialized tools required
Modular Design
Flexible, reconfigurable system that adapts to nearly any rooftop layout
OHS Compliant
Engineered to meet or exceed Canadian safety regulations, including provincial OHS and WorkSafeBC standards
CORROSION RESISTANT
Constructed from lightweight aluminum for excellent resistance to rust and corrosion
non-penetrating system
Counterweighted design protects the roof membrane, no drilling required
DESIGNED by Engineers
Custom rooftop safety solutions developed by our experienced in-house engineering team
Your Perfect Solution Awaits!
Fall Protection Regulations in Canada
Fall Protection Regulations in Canada
| Jurisdiction | Regulation |
|---|---|
| Federal (Canada) | Canada Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, SOR/86-304, Sections 12.01 to 12.09 |
| Ontario |
|
| Quebec |
|
| Alberta | Occupational Health and Safety Code, 2009 Part 9, Fall Protection Sections 138 - 161 |
| British Columbia | Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, B.C. Reg. 296/97 Part 11, Fall Protection, Sections 11.1 to 11.10 |
| Manitoba | Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, Man. Reg. 217/2006 Part 14, Fall Protection, Sections 14.1 to 14.23 |
| New Brunswick | General Regulation -N.B. Reg. 91-191 Part VII, Protective Equipment, Sections 49 - 51 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012, N.L.R. 5/12 Part X, Fall Protection, Sections 138 to 146 |
| Nova Scotia | Workplace Health and Safety Regulations, N.S. Reg. 52/2013 Part 21, Fall Protection, Sections 21.1 to 21.4 |
| Prince Edward Island | Fall Protection Regulations, EC2004-633 |
| Saskatchewan | Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996, R.R.S., C. O-1.1, R. 1 Sections 102 to 107, and Sections 116 to 116.3 |
| Northwest Territories |
|
| Nunavut | General Safety Regulations, R.R.N.W.T. 1990, c. S-1, Part 7 Sections 104 to 109, and Part 9, Sections 118 to 122 |
| Yukon |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
At what height is Fall Protection required?
Employers must provide protection to prevent employees from falling. According to Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) laws, any surface 3 metres (10 feet) above another level requires fall protection. In most cases, fall protection is required when:
- other means of fall protection are not available or possible, such as guardrails
- working at a height of 3 metres or more (permanent and/or temporary work areas)
- working at a height of less than 3 metres when the surface below could cause a greater injury than just the fall (e.g., machinery; risk of drowning in water or other liquid; open tanks, vats, or pits containing hazardous materials; materials that can shift)
- a worker may fall through an opening in the work surface
- it is determined that fall protection is necessary
I don’t know if I need a HatchGuard system. Can Liftsafe Fall Protection help me decide?
For sure! Fall protection regulations can be tricky, so if you’re unsure whether a HatchGuard system is the right solution, we can help. Just click here to fill out the form with as much detail as possible and our team will get back to you as soon as possible for a complete consultation. You can also reach our team directly at:
Phone: 1-800-977-2005
Email: info@liftsafegroup.com
Do HatchGuard Systems comply with current US/Canada safety regulations?
What is the difference between active and passive fall protection?
Both active and passive fall protection are effective in protecting workers from falling. However, while active protection requires involvement from the worker, passive systems can keep people safe regardless of training level and awareness of a hazard.
Active fall protection are known as Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS), such as body harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points. Passive fall protection, alternatively, are physical barriers or systems, such as guardrails and safety nets, that prevent workers from falling or catch them if they do fall.
Passive solutions are always preferred to active ones. They represent engineering controls that keep people safe regardless of training level and awareness of a hazard.
How can I purchase HatchGuard from Liftsafe Fall Protection?
It’s pretty simple. Click here to request a quote and our team will get back to you as soon as possible. Don’t forget to fill out the form with as much detail as possible so we can provide a precise quote. You can also reach our team directly at:
Phone: 1-800-977-2005
Email: info@liftsafegroup.com
How long does it take to install a HatchGuard? Does it require any special tools or skills?
HatchGuard is incredibly simple to install and can be easily installed by an inexperienced worker with simple hand tools and our instructions. Each system has labels that contain a QR code linking to a series of videos showing exactly how to install it for maximum time savings.
Are HatchGuard Systems certified by an engineer?
Each HatchGuard system comes with a stamped engineering drawing back by the in-house engineering team at Liftsafe Fall Protection.
If I close my lid, do I need HatchGuard?
Yes. For two main reasons:
- When the lid is open, you are non-compliant;
- It is recommended by the Ministry of Labour in Ontario to move forward with the assumption that non-structural covers (such as hatch covers) cannot support a worker unless you can provide engineering documentation confirming that they are able to support the weight of a worker who may fall or stumble on it. This also applies to skylights.
Only three sides are protected by a railing, does the gate leave my hatch unprotected?
No. HatchGuard comes with a spring loaded, self closing gate that swings shut automatically as soon as the user walks through it. The gate itself acts as the fourth side of the HatchGuard system.
Does HatchGuard mount to the hatch?
No. The HatchGuard system is freestanding and independent of the hatch it is protecting. This provides a number of advantages such as creating a safe zone when exiting a hatch (particularly when close to a roof edge). Also, mounted systems can be difficult to install properly and may not fit the hatch it is mounting to if there isn’t enough clearance.
Because it is a modular system, it can also be combined with RoofGuard Classic systems and RoofWalk in order to create egress and walkways for maximum protection.
Does a ladder up bar protect my hatch?
No. Ladder up bars still leave an opening that someone can fall through. We recommend using a larger HatchGuard when you have these, as they can be difficult to operate while maintaining three points of contact on your ladder if the railings are too tight to the hatch. This is mainly a problem that you run into with mounted systems.
How do I know what size I should use?
In our experience, it is better to add some extra space for egress when installing HatchGuard. Our fall protection specialists can work with your team to decide on the best configuration based on your situation.
Are guardrails more expensive than horizontal lifeline systems?
While every system is different, at times the initial costs of guardrail can be slightly more compared to horizontal lifeline systems. However, you also need to consider the costs of certifying employees for working at heights (every three years), anchor point inspections (annually), lanyard and harness costs and inspections (annually), recordkeeping (ongoing), a rescue plan, and other related costs. When you take these into account, the overall cost of an installed guardrail system is much lower when compared to horizontal lifeline systems.
There is also the amount of time and resources that must be devoted to making sure these are all adhered to. Whereas, a guardrail system can be set up once and you are instantly compliant.
Are the materials used in the HatchGuard Systems protected from corrosion and other environmental factors?
Yes. HatchGuard Systems are typically made of aluminum, which ensure durability in diverse weather conditions. They are designed to be protected from corrosion, rust and other environmental factors, and its components contribute to resistance to environmental wear and tear.
Can HatchGuard be painted?
Yes. HatchGuard comes standard as an aluminum system that is grey but some clients prefer it to be painted safety yellow. This is done in-house with a powder coated paint that is weather resistant.
Can HatchGuard be used as an anchor?
No. HatchGuard must not be used as an anchor. This is stated explicitly in the RoofGuard installation manual among other safety requirements.
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ROOFTOP PROTECTION PROGRAM
Our rooftop protection program uses 6 stages to systematically assess fall hazards on rooftops, prioritize risks, and implement compliant safety solutions.