Regulation 8(a)
1. Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference in this Schedule to means of protection is to a guard-rail, toe-board, barrier or similar collective means of protection.
2. Means of protection shall—
(a)be of sufficient dimensions, of sufficient strength and rigidity for the purposes for which they are being used, and otherwise suitable;
(b)be so placed, secured and used as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that they do not become accidentally displaced; and
(c)be so placed as to prevent, so far as is practicable, the fall of any person, or of any material or object, from any place of work.
3. In relation to work at height involved in construction work—
(a)the top guard-rail or other similar means of protection shall be at least 950 millimetres or, in the case of such means of protection already fixed at the coming into force of these Regulations, at least 910 millimetres above the edge from which any person is liable to fall;
(b)toe-boards shall be suitable and sufficient to prevent the fall of any person, or any material or object, from any place of work; and
(c)any intermediate guard-rail or similar means of protection shall be positioned so that any gap between it and other means of protection does not exceed 470 millimetres.
4. Any structure or part of a structure which supports means of protection or to which means of protection are attached shall be of sufficient strength and suitable for the purpose of such support or attachment.
5.—(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), there shall not be a lateral opening in means of protection save at a point of access to a ladder or stairway where an opening is necessary.
(2) Means of protection shall be removed only for the time and to the extent necessary to gain access or egress or for the performance of a particular task and shall be replaced as soon as practicable.
(3) The task shall not be performed while means of protection are removed unless effective compensatory safety measures are in place.