The Kattsafe GR34 KattGuard is a freestanding aluminum guardrail that sits on weighted bases on top of the roof membrane, so it protects a roof edge or equipment area without any roof penetrations. To lay one out you need four numbers from the manufacturer: bases no more than 10 feet apart, a 90 degree return (typically 5 feet) at each end of a run, bases at least 2 feet back from an open edge, and a 42 inch top rail.
When a freestanding guardrail is the right choice
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.28(b)(13) sets the rule for work on low-slope roofs. Within 6 feet of the roof edge, each employee must be protected by a guardrail system, safety net, travel restraint or personal fall arrest system. From 6 feet to less than 15 feet the same options apply, with a designated area allowed only for work that is both infrequent and temporary. A guardrail is passive protection that needs no harness.
What is in the kit we stock
Our KattGuard GR34 freestanding aluminum guardrail kit is listed with these components:
- One GR34.0020 aluminum guardrail kit
- Two GR34.RET5 5 foot return kits
- Five GR.PAD.EPDM base protective pads
- One GR34KIT with base handles, mid-rail installation bracket, nut setter, wrench, file, manual and spare kit
GR34 layout rules from the manufacturer
| Item | Kattsafe requirement |
|---|---|
| Top rail height | 42 inches when installed correctly |
| Top rail to mid rail gap | No more than 19 inches |
| Base and post spacing | 10 feet on center maximum. Some states require 8 feet |
| Ends of every run | A 90 degree return kit at the start and the stop, typically 5 feet long, regardless of run length |
| Edge setback | Bases at least 24 inches from the roof edge where there is no parapet or small wall |
| Roof protection | A 24 x 24 inch rubber pad under every base where there is no parapet or small wall |
The returns are not optional trim. Kattsafe states that the return geometry is what lets a freestanding run meet the OSHA load. The drawing notes that the top rail is engineered for a 200 pound minimum load applied in any direction, which matches the 200 pound top rail test in OSHA 1910.29(b)(3). OSHA 1910.29(b)(1) sets the top rail at 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the walking surface.
Turning a sketch into a parts list
- Measure each straight run along the edge you are protecting and mark every corner.
- Divide each run by 10 feet (or 8 feet where your state requires it) to count bases and posts.
- Add a return kit at both ends of every run that does not terminate at a wall or ladder.
- Count one protective pad per base.
- Note the membrane type and whether there is a parapet, then send the sketch with your quote request.
Getting to the roof: RL20, RL30 and RL40 fixed ladders
A guardrail protects people once they are on the roof. The Kattsafe RL series covers the climb.
| Series | Type | Where it fits |
|---|---|---|
| RL20 | Angled fixed ladder, fixed at 75 degrees | Shorter climbs and roof to roof level changes, up to 16 feet |
| RL30 | Vertical fixed ladder | Permanent vertical access to the walking-working surface. Heights of 24 feet and up need a vertical ladder fall arrest system |
| RL40 | Vertical fixed ladder with cage | Where a cage is wanted. A cage alone is not compliant fall protection on new ladders over 24 feet |
Each series comes with grab rails, a parapet platform or a walkway platform at the top. The RL20 data sheet lists serrated 1-1/4 inch square rungs at 12 inch spacing, a 42 inch stile extension above the landing, and a 1000 pound load rating for the unit and for individual rungs. Under OSHA 1910.28(b)(9), fixed ladders installed on or after November 19, 2018 that extend more than 24 feet need a personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system, and from November 18, 2036 that applies to all fixed ladders.
To control who uses an exterior ladder, the GRLP.0010 ladder protector is a 10 foot non-penetrating ladder protector with a self-closing gate that connects to any vertical fixed ladder. The KG roof hatch guardrail clamps to the hatch without drilling, and the KD001 landing platform gives a portable ladder a fixed attachment point and a gated landing.
FAQ
Does the GR34 guardrail penetrate the roof?
No. The posts bolt to weighted bases that sit on top of the membrane. Kattsafe requires a rubber protective pad under every base where there is no parapet or small wall.
How far apart are the posts?
The maximum is 10 feet on center. The Kattsafe product sheet notes that certain states limit spacing to 8 feet, so tell us the project state when you ask for a quote.
Do I need returns on a short run?
Yes. Kattsafe requires a 90 degree return kit at the start and stop of any freestanding GR34 run regardless of length.
Next steps
All of the guardrail, ladder and hatch rail products above are on our Kattsafe brand page, skylight screens and other roof safety items are under related products, and ladder projects have their own ladder worksheet. To get a GR34 layout quoted, send your roof sketch and run lengths through the fall protection request for quote page.
Product data on this page comes from the manufacturer's published data sheets, drawings and installation instructions, which are posted on each product page. Code references are to the current OSHA text. Always confirm requirements with the authority having jurisdiction for your project.
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