Standard Pedestrian Guardrail

Standard pedestrian guardrail types

There are three main standard pedestrian guardrail types used throughout the UK. They’re categorised by pedestrian guardrail classes, which indicate their level of strength.

Pedestrian guardrail class 1 (light duty) – suitable only for situations where pedestrian traffic is very light and there is no likelihood of vandalism. Typical uses would be to provide guidance and restraint for workmen in situations, such as the tops of cuttings, and where the public normally have no access.

Pedestrian guardrail class 2 (normal duty) – For all purposes guiding pedestrians to safe crossing points and restrain them from stepping out into an area likely to be hazardous, except where crowd loading is anticipated or much vandalism is likely.

Pedestrian guardrail class 3 – The minimum requirement for pedestrian parapets and guardrails where class 2 is likely to be inadequate, such as where crowd loading is anticipated, there’s risk of fall or much vandalism is likely.

Pedestrian guardrail standards

The current British Standard for pedestrian guardrails in the UK is BS 7818:1995.

There are a number of specifications necessary to meet British Standard requirements depending on the circumstances of your guardrail project. For example, the pedestrian guardrail class you need depends on the level of pedestrian traffic in that area.

You can find more details on the BS 7818:1995 requirements on this page.

One basic requirement for all guardrails for pedestrian safety is that they consist of two horizontal rails and reach a height of at least 1050mm height above ground. The M1, SM1, M2 and SM2 pedestrian guardrail all comply with these guidelines.