EN 13374 Standard for Temporary Edge Protection Systems

EN 13374: Temporary Edge Protection Systems (TEPS) is a European standard that specifies safety requirements for edge protection systems used in construction to prevent falls from heights. Below HAKI will provide a summary of the key aspects of this regulation before exploring how our products meet the requirements outlined.

Scope and Purpose

EN 13374 provides technical guidelines for designing, testing, and installing temporary edge protection systems, ensuring they can protect workers from falling from the leading edge during construction or maintenance activities. The standard covers systems used on flat or inclined surfaces (like roofs or scaffolds).

Edge Protection Classes

The edge protection specified in this standard is for three different classes. The annex below gives advice on which class to use depending on the angle of the working surface from the horizontal and the possible falling height.

Class A may be used if the angle is less than 10°.

Class B may be used if the angle is less than:
— 30° without limitation of the falling height, or;
— 60° and the falling height is less than 2 m.

Class C may be used if the angle is between:
— 30° and 45° without limitation of the falling height, or;
— 45° and 60° and the falling height are less than 5 m.

If the angle is more than 60° or more than 45° and the falling height is more than 5 m, edge protection systems are not appropriate as protection.

Design and Testing Requirements

EN 13374 specifies rigorous testing, these tests ensure that systems can withstand loads perpendicular, parallel, horizontal and vertical to the system, tests include:

• Load tests: To ensure the system can handle both static and dynamic forces.
• Impact tests: To confirm the system’s ability to absorb the impact of a falling person or object (conducted through swing bag and cylinder tests).
• Deflection tests: To measure the amount the system bends under load, ensuring it does not compromise safety.

HAKI Edge Protection products have been designed and tested to meet the requirements of EN 13374 and are engineered to provide safe and reliable solutions for construction across reinforced concrete frame, steel frame and timber structures. HAKI data sheets and product labels are available for all solutions and detail the class or classes that an individual item complies to. 

Mesh Barrier Panels

HAKI offers a wide range of flat or angled (return) powder coated steel mesh barrier panels that comply with EN 13374 standards. These panels are available in standard half length (1300mm), full length (2600mm), and make-up panels in the same lengths, ensuring flexibility to meet site-specific safety requirements. Barrier panels supplied by HAKI typically meet the criteria of EN13374 Class A but the Mk2 90 2600 Barrier has also been tested to Class B and C. In line with EN 13374-A guidelines, HAKI also provides the Stair Barrier, delivering an intelligent solution for temporary edge protection on stairways during construction, offering both safety and compliance.

Components

Barrier System components are also tested to meet EN13374 Class A, where applicable, for use in RC Frame, steel frame or timber environments. This means that products are tested to withstand static loads.

Drilled products: These involve securing the barrier system by drilling the post anchor directly into the structure to provide a base for Edge Protection. 

Clamped products: These are installed without the need for drilling, using clamps to attach the barriers securely to the structure which is often timber beams, aluminium beams or sheet pile.

Compression Post

These systems differ from standard BS EN 13374 installations due to the forces from increased wind loads. The Compression Post offers edge protection similar to bolted methods but use a quick fixing approach, ideal for concrete frame structures. Friction post systems secure between concrete floors and soffits without anchors. Panels attach once posts are locked, with visual indicators confirming security. Single or multiple height panels can be installed or lower panels combined with netting for soffit protection. HAKI Compression Posts and all related Sliders have been tested to meet EN13374-A.