A New Chapter in Edge Protection Standards
Construction never stands still, and neither do safety standards. As projects become taller, faster, and more complex, regulations evolve to make sure workers remain protected. The latest update, BS EN 13374:2025, sets a new benchmark for temporary edge protection systems across Europe.
For contractors, designers, and safety managers, understanding this update is vital. Here’s what’s changed, why it matters, and what it means for everyday site practice.
Why Standards Like BS EN 13374 Exist
Falls from height remain the leading cause of serious injury and fatalities in construction. Standards like BS EN 13374 ensure that edge protection systems, such as guardrails and panels, are tested against real-world conditions before reaching site.
The standard outlines how systems must perform under pressure, wind forces, and site stresses. In simple terms, it guarantees that equipment can withstand the unexpected and do its job: keeping people safe.
Key Changes in BS EN 13374:2025
The 2025 version updates and strengthens the previous 2013+A1:2018 edition. While the focus is still on Class A and Class B systems, several improvements stand out:
- Refined performance testing – Load simulations now better reflect site conditions, ensuring more reliable performance.
- Clearer class definitions – Stronger guidance on where Class A (low-slope applications) and Class B (steeper slopes or higher loads) should be used.
- Greater alignment with international standards – Helping companies operating in multiple markets work more consistently.
- Emphasis on documentation – More focus on certification, testing evidence, and compliance records.
These changes don’t reinvent edge protection but provide clarity, consistency, and reassurance for all stakeholders.
What It Means on Site
For site teams, the updated standard will affect several key areas:
- Procurement – Buyers must ensure systems are certified to BS EN 13374:2025, not older versions.
- Design planning – Temporary works coordinators need to specify the right class from the start.
- Inspections – Stronger emphasis on compliance documentation means more rigorous site checks.
Ultimately, the update makes it easier to prove that the right system is in place, in the right setting, for the right reason.
Beyond Box-Ticking
It’s easy to see compliance as paperwork, but every clause in BS EN 13374:2025 comes from lessons learned on real sites. Each update reflects risks that have been identified, studied, and engineered out.
Choosing systems certified to the new standard isn’t just about meeting regulations — it’s about reducing accidents, improving confidence, and making sites more efficient.
Rapid-EPS and Global Compliance
Rapid-EPS systems are already aligned with BS EN 13374:2025 Class A & B, alongside other major international standards:
- OSHA 1926.502 (USA)
- O. Reg. 213/91 (Canada)
- AS/NZS 4994.1:2009 (Australia/NZ)
For contractors working across regions, this consistency eliminates complexity. One system, tested and proven, can meet the needs of multiple markets without compromise.
The Bigger Picture
BS EN 13374:2025 reflects a wider industry shift toward engineered, sustainable, and traceable safety systems. Panels designed for reuse, refurbishment, and long-term service are now the expectation, not the exception.
While digital tools like wearables and site monitoring apps are gaining attention, physical edge protection remains the first and most reliable line of defence. Technology may enhance safety, but only a tested and certified system can physically stop a fall.
Final Thoughts
The publication of BS EN 13374:2025 is more than a regulatory update — it’s a reminder of construction’s responsibility to protect its workforce. By setting a higher bar for temporary edge protection, the standard helps create safer sites and more confident teams.
For contractors, the takeaway is simple:
- Review your current systems.
- Check for compliance with the new standard.
- Choose solutions that last — in safety, sustainability, and reliability.
At Rapid-EPS, our mission has always been clear: to engineer edge protection that keeps people safe, speeds up installation, and exceeds compliance.
To learn more, contact Rapid-EPS to discuss BS EN 13374:2025 compliant solutions for your next project.
