Edge Protection Inspection Form

An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.

What an edge protection inspection form is

An edge protection inspection form is used to record checks of temporary collective fall protection at exposed edges and openings — posts, top and intermediate rails or mesh, toe boards and their fixings — so it remains complete and secure.

This is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template; what edge protection is required follows from the working-at-height risk assessment, and the employer decides the regime.

Purpose

• Confirm protection is complete across all exposed edges and openings.
• Check posts, rails or mesh, toe boards and fixings are secure.
• Confirm gaps and access points are controlled.
• Record the check and flag faults for repair.

Who completes it

• A competent person appointed by the employer.
• Faults are reported and the area controlled until repaired.
• The employer decides who inspects and how often.
• The risk assessment determines what protection is required.

When it is used

• Before use and after installation or alteration.
• On a periodic cycle while the protection is in place.
• After any impact, removal and refitting, or adverse weather.

Typical fields

• Area or edge reference and date.
• Posts, rails or mesh and toe boards present and secure.
• Fixings and connections sound.
• Openings and access points controlled.
• Faults found and action taken, with sign-off.
• Example items only — adapt to the system installed.

Common mistakes

• Leaving gaps where edge protection is missing.
• Removing protection to work and not refitting it.
• Ignoring loose fixings or impact damage.
• No interim control where protection is taken down.

Document workflow

An edge protection inspection supports the working-at-height risk assessment and sits alongside the guard rail and scaffold checks and the workplace inspection. A fault triggers a repair and interim control; a fall triggers an accident report and investigation.

See the related documents below for what is commonly used with and completed after an edge protection inspection.

Retention (high level)

Inspection records are typically retained for a period defined by the employer and any applicable rules. This page does not state a required period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.

Completing and sharing as a PDF

Inspections are commonly recorded and stored as PDFs. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the inspection official or guarantee compliance.

Employer checklist

• Ensure edge protection follows from the risk assessment.
• Arrange competent inspection while the protection is in place.
• Control any area where protection is removed or damaged.
• Repair faults promptly and keep records.

Worker notes

• Never remove edge protection without authorisation and a control in place.
• Report damaged, loose or missing protection.
• Keep clear of unprotected edges and openings.

Country considerations

Requirements for edge protection, standards and inspection vary by country, and the official authority differs. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee of validity.

Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.

Who is responsible

The employer is responsible for safe work at height, suitable edge protection, inspection and compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not make any protection safe and does not transfer responsibility.