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If you need to hire edge protection in Wellington for a reroofing, solar installation, gutter replacement, or any other roof-level work, this guide covers everything — the types of edge protection available, what they cost, what WorkSafe NZ requires, and how to book it fast.
What Is Edge Protection?
Edge protection is a physical barrier system installed around the perimeter of a roof or elevated work surface to prevent falls. In New Zealand, WorkSafe NZ requires compliant edge protection before any worker can legally work at height — typically defined as any work where a fall of 1.5 metres or more could occur.
For most Wellington homes and buildings, this means you need edge protection hired and erected before your roofer, solar installer, or gutter repair crew starts work. It's not optional. It's a legal requirement.
Types of Edge Protection You Can Hire in Wellington
1. Scaffolding Edge Protection (Most Common)
Full scaffolding around the perimeter of the building with:
- Guardrails at 900mm and 1800mm height
- Kickboards at the base
- Wide scaffolding boards for working from
- Handover certificate from the scaffolding company
This is the most versatile and most common form of edge protection for residential reroofing, painting, and general exterior work. It provides a working platform as well as a barrier.
Best for: House repaints, reroofing, cladding, fascia, and general exterior work
2. Roof Edge Protection Systems (Lightweight)
Lightweight guardrail systems that attach directly to the roof or eaves, without a full scaffolding deck. These use:
- Anchor points fixed to the roof structure
- Stanchions at regular intervals
- Horizontal guardrail tubes creating a perimeter barrier
These are faster to install and cheaper than full scaffolding, but provide no working platform — just the fall protection barrier.
Best for: Solar panel installation, quick gutter clears, simple reroofing where trades don't need a walking deck
3. Temporary Safety Fencing (Ground-Level Edge Protection)
Ground-level edge protection for excavations, elevated slabs, or construction areas. Different product category — not typically relevant for roof work.
WorkSafe NZ Requirements for Edge Protection
New Zealand's Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016 require:
- Planning and management of fall risks for any work at height
- Edge protection where fall prevention is required
- Handover certificate from the edge protection installer confirming it is safe and compliant before trades start work
- Inspection record — scaffolding and edge protection must be inspected regularly (at least every 30 days for long-duration installations, and after any event that could affect integrity)
At Erect It, we provide a handover certificate with every edge protection installation in Wellington. This document confirms the system is WorkSafe compliant. Your roofer, solar installer, or painter needs this before they start. We won't leave site without giving it to you.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Edge Protection in Wellington?
Edge protection hire in Wellington varies by property size, type of system, and duration. As a guide:
| Property Type | Edge Protection Hire Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-storey house — full perimeter | $500 – $900 |
| Two-storey house — full perimeter | $900 – $1,400 |
| Large or complex roof | $1,400 – $2,200+ |
| Per-week hire rate | $80 – $200/week |
| Solar-specific edge protection | $500 – $800 |
These figures are for the Wellington region in 2026 and include erection, hire, and dismantling. There are no hidden extras — we give you a fixed, itemised price before confirming.
How to Hire Edge Protection in Wellington: Step by Step
Step 1: Call or fill in a quote form
Contact Erect It Scaffolding — 027 886 6688 or fill in the form here →. Tell us:
- Your address
- The type of work being done
- Your tradesperson's start date (or your estimated start date)
- Whether you need full perimeter coverage or just one or two elevations
Step 2: We assess and quote
For most Wellington residential properties, we can quote on-the-spot over the phone or from photos. We respond within 24 hours with a fixed price.
Step 3: We coordinate with your tradesperson
Give us your roofer, solar installer, or painter's contact. We deal directly with them on timing, access, and site-readiness. You don't need to manage the handoff.
Step 4: Edge protection goes up
Most Wellington residential edge protection installations are completed in a half-day. We hand you (and your tradesperson) the WorkSafe NZ handover certificate when we leave.
Step 5: Trades work safely
Your roofer, solar crew, or painter works from the compliant edge protection for as long as the job takes.
Step 6: We dismantle and remove
When work is complete, we return, dismantle the system, and remove all materials from site. Clean, fast, no mess.
Why Hire Edge Protection Professionally?
Some tradespeople attempt to manage their own fall protection. The risks of getting it wrong are:
- WorkSafe infringements — fines and enforcement action for non-compliant fall protection
- Prosecution if an injury occurs — both the homeowner and the tradesperson can face liability
- Insurance voiding — many homeowner and contractor insurance policies are void if fall protection requirements aren't met
The cost of hiring professional, compliant edge protection is small compared to any of those consequences. It also means your tradesperson can focus on the job rather than worrying about compliance documentation.
What Makes Erect It Different for Edge Protection Hire in Wellington
- SiteWise Gold 2026/27 — New Zealand's highest independent scaffolding accreditation
- Handover certificate every time — included automatically, no extra charge
- Coordination with your trades — we deal directly with your roofer or solar installer
- No travel surcharge across Wellington City, Lower Hutt, Porirua, and Kāpiti Coast
- 5.0 stars from 68 Google reviews — Wellington's top-rated scaffolding company
- 24-hour quote turnaround — often same-day for residential enquiries
- 24–48 hour erection — from confirming the booking to scaffolding on-site
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need edge protection for a solar panel installation?
Yes. If your solar installer is working on a residential roof (almost always above 3 metres), WorkSafe NZ requires compliant fall protection. Edge protection or a scaffolding platform must be in place before work starts.
Can my roofer sort out their own edge protection?
In theory, some roofing companies supply their own edge protection. In practice, hiring a dedicated scaffolding company means the edge protection is installed correctly, the handover certificate is independent, and liability sits clearly. We recommend hiring edge protection separately from your roofing contractor.
How long can I hire edge protection for?
As long as you need it. We charge a weekly hire rate after the initial installation. Most residential reroofing and solar jobs need edge protection for 1–5 working days.
Do you cover Upper Hutt and the Kāpiti Coast for edge protection hire?
Yes — we cover the full Greater Wellington region including Upper Hutt, Masterton, Ōtaki, and Levin. Call us and we'll confirm coverage and pricing for your location.
Hire Edge Protection in Wellington — Get a Quote
Call Dhillon on 027 886 6688 or fill in our quote form →. We'll come back with a fixed price within 24 hours and can be on-site within 24–48 hours of confirming.
WorkSafe compliant. Handover certificate included. SiteWise Gold 2026/27.
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