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Guardrails, Walkways and Inverter Cages for Safer Access and Equipment Protection
Edge protection, defined access routes and secure equipment enclosures designed to reduce risk in rooftop, elevated and ground-level industrial environments. Engineered to meet applicable SANS requirements.
About Our Roof Anchors
At EMFab, safety is engineered into every roof anchor we supply.
Our anchors are designed to meet SANS standards for fall protection, ensuring reliable connection points for fall arrest and restraint systems.
We serve construction, roofing, solar, and industrial clients across South Africa, delivering solutions for flat, pitched, and composite roofs.
Our goal is simple: protect your team, ensure compliance, and reduce downtime with turnkey solutions from design to certification.
When Guardrails, Walkways and Inverter Cages Are the Right Solution
These systems are used where risk must be controlled through physical protection rather than reliance on PPE alone.
Guardrails and walkways provide passive fall protection and defined movement routes, while inverter cages protect critical electrical equipment from impact, interference or unauthorised access.
They are commonly specified for:
- Commercial and industrial rooftops
- Solar PV installations (roof-mounted and ground-mounted)
- Warehouses and distribution centres
- Plant rooms and electrical infrastructure zones
- Energy storage and hybrid power systems
- Facilities with multiple contractors or shared access areas
This page focuses on collective protection and equipment safeguarding, not personal fall arrest systems.
Guardrail Systems
Guardrails create a physical barrier between workers and fall hazards.
Typical applications include:
- Roof perimeters
- Changes in roof level
- Open edges and drop-offs
- Maintenance zones near edges
Design considerations:
- Roof type and fixing method
- Load requirements and edge distances
- Permanent or non-penetrating configurations
- Integration with access points and walkways
Correctly designed guardrails reduce the likelihood of falls without daily user interaction.
Walkways and Access Routes
Walkways define controlled movement paths in both elevated and ground-level environments.
Walkway systems are used to:
- Protect fragile surfaces
- Create safe routes to equipment
- Reduce slip and trip risks
- Control foot traffic in high-movement areas
Modular sections allow walkways to follow complex layouts while maintaining consistent footing and safe clearance from hazards.
Inverter Cages
Inverter cages are fabricated steel enclosures designed to protect inverter units and associated electrical equipment.
They are suitable for installation in:
- Rooftop solar systems
- Ground-mounted solar plants
- Warehouse interiors
- Plant yards
- Carports
- Battery storage areas
- Industrial electrical zones
Inverter cages are designed to:
- Prevent unauthorised access
- Protect equipment from accidental impact
- Reduce tampering or theft risk
- Define safe service zones
- Allow adequate ventilation and maintenance access
Cages are custom fabricated to suit the installation environment while maintaining durability and service access.
Design, Installation and Verification
Protection systems must be matched to the structure and environment they serve.
Each installation includes:
- Assessment of layout and risk exposure
- Selection of suitable guardrail, walkway or inverter cage systems
- Verification of structural compatibility
- Secure installation by trained teams
Systems are installed to remain stable, compliant and effective under operational conditions.
Compliance and Load Performance
Guardrails and walkways must meet defined structural and safety requirements.
EMFab systems:
- Align with SANS 10160 and related structural standards
- Are designed to resist specified edge and lateral loads
- Are installed with verification checks and documentation
Inverter cages are fabricated to provide structural integrity and durability appropriate to industrial and energy environments.
This ensures systems are suitable for audits and long-term use.
Materials and Environmental Suitability
Systems are manufactured to suit environmental exposure and structural conditions.
Material options include:
- Marine-grade stainless steel for corrosive environments
- Hot-dip galvanised steel for inland and industrial sites
- Powder-coated finishes where required
Material selection
ensures long-term performance and protection of both personnel and equipment.
Expansion and Adaptability
Guardrails, walkways and inverter cages are often installed in phases.
Modular and fabricated systems allow:
- Extension of walk routes
- Addition of new protected zones
- Expansion of protected equipment areas
- Integration with ladders, platforms and access systems
This flexibility supports changing operational requirements without full system replacement.
Inspection and Ongoing Compliance
Although passive, these systems require inspection.
Inspection services include:
- Annual compliance inspections
- Checks after structural alterations or damage
- Updated inspection records and reports
Routine inspection
ensures continued performance and regulatory compliance.
Within a Broader Safety Strategy
Guardrails, walkways and inverter cages are often combined with:
- Fixed access ladders and platforms
- Roof anchor points
- Lifeline systems where required
- Equipment signage and lockout procedures
This layered approach
reduces reliance on PPE while improving overall site safety.
Other Core Products & Solutions
People Sometimes ask...
Are guardrails mandatory under SANS?
Guardrails are required where collective protection is reasonably practicable and where fall risk exists at edges.
Do guardrails eliminate the need for harnesses?
In many areas, yes. However, certain tasks may still require personal fall protection.
Can guardrails be installed on existing roofs?
Yes. Most systems are retrofitted following assessment of roof structure and load capacity.
How long does installation take?
Typical installations take one to three days depending on roof size and layout.
Can inverter cages be installed indoors?
Yes. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments.
Are inverter cages custom sized?
Yes. Each cage is fabricated to suit the inverter dimensions and installation layout.
Are these systems suitable for retrofits?
Yes. Installations can be matched to existing structures and equipment.
Book an assessment to determine the most effective layout for your roof, or protection system for your equipment, and ensure your systems meet safety and compliance requirements.
Free site assessments limited each month | Dont delay, contact us today | Certified SANS & ISO systems