Rank: Forum user 
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This question has just come in-
I am designing a permanent elevated platform which is essentially a steel frame with a floor on it, around 2.8m high, on which an antenna dish will be mounted. This platform has a handrail all around it (apart from where the stair comes up!) at 1100 high, and an intermediate rail, and the generic detail supplied to us also shows a steel angle acting as a ‘toe board’ 125mm high. The reason given for needing the toe board was that it was a requirement under the Working at Height regs. My question is, does this apply once the platform is completed and operating, or only while it is being constructed? The toe board is a bit of a pain, and if we don’t need it I would like to do without.
Any thought on question regarding the completed platform and the need for toe boards? (I recognise the temporary 1100 -125 gaps may not meet the WAH etc)
Thanks
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Rank: Super forum user 
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To help us answer, can you tell us why the toe-board would be a pain?
Given that the platform would be there to allow access for maintenance it could be safely assumed that tools and materials could be in use. Furthermore, these could be dropped and roll of the deck onto someone below (perhaps assisting the works).
What is there to prevent somone falling over whilst on the platform and rolling over the edge?
WAH or not you still have a duty to design out the risks.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Falling objects. If you don't like the aesthetic of toe-boards, what about an in-fill mesh?
You mention a stairway (presumably permanent). You'll need to consider the continuation of a hand-rail and also a cover or trap-entry to provide an effective all-round working platform.
Best practice (in scaffold) design is to have the stair separate from the continuous platform.
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Rank: Forum user
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In summary then would I be correct in thinking that there is no standard other than to consider falling objects?
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Rank: Super forum user
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NR,
Please refer to BS 5395 Part 3 (Industrial stairs and walkways). Permanent edge protection required for industrial type walkways (Section 9) and the Workplace Regulations (paragraph 111 of the ACoP).
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Rank: Super forum user
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NR wrote:In summary then would I be correct in thinking that there is no standard other than to consider falling objects?
You are already aware of (or recognise) the 'stopping falling people' requirement of the W@H Regs(950mm for the main guard rail and a maximum gap of 470mm for the mid/intermediate rail) so add that to the other standard.
Like previously said, any maintenance work would require toe boards as well.
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Rank: Super forum user
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frankc wrote:NR wrote:In summary then would I be correct in thinking that there is no standard other than to consider falling objects?
You are already aware of (or recognise) the 'stopping falling people' requirement of the W@H Regs(950mm for the main guard rail and a maximum gap of 470mm for the mid/intermediate rail) so add that to the other standard.
Like previously said, any maintenance work would require toe boards as well.
Just to be accurate, the 950mm / 470mm specification stated in Schedule 2 of the WAHR is specifically relating to construction works.
For permanent edge protection (i.e. once that which is left in position once the podium is constructed) should be inline with building regulations / BS 5395 and workplace regs as PH2 states, which stipulates the top barrier should be 1100mm and an suitable intermediary guard rail.
To the OP, is there a risk of falling items colliding with persons below? If you have eliminated this hazard elsewhere then toe boards could be omitted, if there is still a risk (presumably during maintenance etc.) then it would be prudent for them to remain.
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