The Shorguard range has been developed over a number of years to meet the need of ever increasing safety demands on all types of structures for better methods of temporary and permanent guardrails.  Over this period of research and development, Whelan Plant liaised closely with the Materials Laboratory of Lloyds Register, in carrying out tests on the various Shorguard Units to test compliance with the relevant standards.

In March 1995 Whelan Plant developed a completely redesigned SG4 flat plate lifting shoe to make the system even more versatile.  This new development greatly assists when roof areas have to be re-surfaced, allowing complete freedom for operatives to work under the post without the need to remove any of the Guardrail System.

Shorguard SG4 Guardrail System designed for permanent or temporary flat roof applications where no physical connection is possible.
During the development stages of the SG4, consideration was given to various of aspects of the design to satisfy requests from clients and users on the following points:
1) Elimination of heavy and cumbersome counter weights.
2) Minimises trip hazards.
3) Minimum amount of components to carry to roof areas.
4) One system that can be used for both permanent and temporary installation.
5) Simple to install, safe and maintenance free.
6) Galvanised finish.
7) Complies with relevant regulations.
8) Facility to engage toeboards if required.

References were made to the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 Part 1 Section 6(1), and the Health & Safety Inspector Report 15. Based on these guidelines Lloyds Register and Whelan Plant developed a series of rigorous tests which not only achieved but exceeded those guidelines.

The guardrail is inclined 10° towards the working area enabling it to resist the weight of any person falling against it, by making the maximum use of the self weight of the post, shoe and double handrails.  This was proven by including a series of dynamic tests thus reflecting a more realistic working situation.

The location of the tests is important due to the properties of various surfaces having a profound effect on test results, therefore Shorguard SG4 was tested on high and low friction surfaces of tamped concrete and tarmacadam as well as roofing felt. All tests were passed satisfactorily.

The Shorguard range has been tested by Lloyd's Register.  All the systems comply with The Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulation 1996, Schedule 1.  Shorguard SG1, SG2, SG3 comply fully to BS 6180, 1982.  SG4 complies with the requirements of section 6 of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

The Shorguard Guardrail system for temporary and permanent use was awarded the Sun Alliance International trophy for "Outstanding achievement in Occupational Risk Improvement"