BS EN 13374:2025 Explained: What the New Standard Means for Temporary Edge Protection
Working at height remains one of the highest-risk activities within the construction industry, making effective edge protection critical on every project. The publication of BS EN 13374:2025 marks the latest evolution in the standard governing temporary edge protection systems, providing clearer guidance, enhanced testing procedures and greater consistency across the industry.
While the core objective remains unchanged, protecting workers and preventing falls from height, the updated standard reflects modern construction practices and sets a new benchmark for assessing temporary edge protection systems.

What is BS EN 13374?
BS EN 13374 is the European standard that specifies the performance requirements and testing methods for temporary edge protection systems used on construction sites. These systems are designed to prevent falls from exposed edges, floor openings, lift shafts and other areas where there is a risk of workers or materials falling to a lower level.
The new BS EN 13374:2025 edition replaces BS EN 13374:2013+A1:2018, refining and strengthening existing requirements rather than introducing a complete overhaul.

What’s Changed in BS EN 13374:2025?
The latest revision introduces several important updates that aim to improve consistency, clarity and confidence across the sector.

Clearer Technical Requirements
One of the most significant improvements is the clarification of technical requirements. By reducing ambiguity within the standard, manufacturers, testing bodies and contractors can work to a more consistent interpretation of compliance requirements.
This helps ensure that products are assessed fairly and accurately against a recognised industry benchmark.
Enhanced Testing Procedures
The updated standard includes more robust testing methods designed to better reflect the loads and forces that temporary edge protection systems may experience in real-world construction environments.
These refinements provide greater assurance that compliant systems can perform effectively when installed and used correctly on site.

Improved Guidance on Protection Classes
Selecting the right edge protection system is essential for maintaining safety and compliance. BS EN 13374:2025 provides clearer guidance on the different classes of temporary edge protection, helping duty holders choose the most appropriate solution for the specific working environment and risk profile.

Recognition of Modern Construction Methods
Construction continues to evolve, with increased adoption of modular construction, off-site manufacturing and innovative building techniques. The revised standard reflects these changes, ensuring edge protection requirements remain relevant to contemporary construction practices.

What Does This Mean for Existing Edge Protection Equipment?
The introduction of BS EN 13374:2025 does not mean that equipment previously certified to BS EN 13374:2013+A1:2018 suddenly becomes unsafe or unusable. Systems tested and certified to the previous standard remain compliant with the requirements that were in place at the time of certification. As always, suitability for use depends on proper inspection, maintenance, installation and adherence to project-specific requirements.
However, as clients and principal contractors begin specifying compliance with the latest edition, demand for products tested to BS EN 13374:2025 is likely to increase.

What Does the New Standard Mean for the Industry?
For Hire Companies
Hire providers should review their equipment fleets and supporting documentation to ensure customers have access to products that meet current industry expectations.
Having clear evidence of compliance and a strong understanding of the latest standard will become increasingly important as project specifications evolve.
For Contractors
The revised guidance allows contractors to make more informed decisions when selecting temporary edge protection solutions.
Early understanding of BS EN 13374:2025 requirements can help ensure compliance from the planning stage through to project completion, reducing the risk of delays or specification issues later in the process.
For Principal Contractors
Principal contractors may wish to review procurement policies, temporary works procedures and project specifications to ensure alignment with the latest recognised standard and industry best practice.
Taking a proactive approach now can help maintain high safety standards while meeting increasing client expectations.
Safegate’s Commitment to Safer Working at Height.

At Safegate, we continuously invest in developing innovative temporary edge protection solutions that support safer working environments across the construction industry. Our Safegate Standard system has been tested to BS EN 13374:2025 Class A & B, providing customers with confidence that they are using equipment assessed against the latest recognised standard.
Alongside Safegate Standard, our range includes:

Safegate Solid
Safegate Double
CoreGuard
Drakon

This comprehensive product portfolio enables contractors to select the most appropriate solution for their specific project requirements while maintaining compliance and safety.
Whether through our nationwide hire service, installation support, technical guidance or training, our goal remains the same: helping customers create safer, more efficient working environments when working at height.

Looking Ahead
BS EN 13374:2025 represents a natural progression in temporary edge protection standards. By introducing clearer requirements, enhanced testing methods and guidance that reflects modern construction practices, the standard supports greater consistency and confidence across the industry.
As adoption increases, organisations that understand the new requirements and specify compliant systems will be well positioned to demonstrate best practice, meet client expectations and maintain the highest standards of safety on site.

Need Advice on BS EN 13374:2025?
If you’d like to learn more about the latest standard or discuss the most suitable edge protection solution for your project, contact the Safegate team today. Our specialists can provide expert guidance on compliant systems, installation requirements and best practice for working safely at height.