Collective restraint systems
Collective restraint systems are passive safety systems designed to stop personnel from falling when working from significant heights. Once collective restraint systems have been installed, they do not require workers to take proactive measures in order to be safe. This is why they are considered passive safety measures.
Unlike personal fall arrest or fall prevention systems, collective restraint systems protect numerous workers across a large area. To protect personnel working in high-risk areas, systems should be at least 1.2m high and placed around the perimeter of the area.
Systems can include:
- Guardrails. A guardrail is a longitudinal barrier that prevents people from falling or straying into a dangerous or restricted zone.
- Barriers or guardings. These are structures – either raised rails, parapets or walls – that deny access to unsafe areas
- Purlin trolleys. Purlin trolleys provide workers with a safety deck to walk on and protect them from exposure to edging. They are frequently used in roofing installations.
Some systems are static and do not require removal when they are not in use, but some do not need to be permanently installed and can be disassembled.
If a collective restraint system is not in place, personal fall arrest systems should be used to protect workers in situations where falls are possible.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Approved Document K.
- Barrier.
- BS 7883.
- BS 7883 guide released.
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.
- Fall arrest system.
- Fall prevention systems.
- Guarding.
- Guardrail.
- Injuries on construction sites.
- Personal fall protection system.
- Purlins.
- Railings.
- Safety in high places.
- Safety systems for working at heights.
- Site safety.
- Work at height checklist for managers.
- Work at height regulations.
- Work at height.
- Working at height - our duty to prevent harm and protect each other.
- Working at height training.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.