Posted By James Midlake All, Why do I always feel so stupid on Monday mornings?? I have a business that has built some work platforms from old 40ft containers. They are using a chain as a single guard rail to "prevent falls". I would normally expect to see an upper fixed rail, middle rail and toeboards. Question: Can chains be used instead of a fixed rail? Seems poor to me but I note that chains are used on fixed ladders for example in tank farms. Question: If they have constructed this platform themselves what standards does it have to meet? I am concerned that the uprights would fail if someone fell against them. Look forward to your comments - thanks Midlake.

Posted By holmezy Suitable fall or edge protection required here.... Chains not suitable, in my opinion and from limited description.

Posted By Alan Woodage James, On your second point the system should be designed by a competent structural engineer to withstand a line load of at least 1.5KN in my opinion but this could vary dependant on area, use, implied loadings. And chains NO the handrail needs to be fixed, a chain cannot be fixed unless under tension.