Technical standard for fall arrest parapets UNI 11996:2025

UNI 11996:2025 regulates the safety requirements, test methods, and conditions of use of permanent fall arrest parapets as a collective protection device for roofs, buildings, structures, and installations at risk of falling from a height.

UNI 11996:2025 → Integrates Legislative Decree 81/2008 and NTC 2018 → Reduces subjective interpretations and guarantees correct and compliant technical choices.

Which parapets does this regulation apply to?

The standard applies only to permanent parapets intended for collective protection (DPC), while parapets for other purposes are EXCLUDED:

• temporary parapets regulated by UNI EN 13374;

• guardrails for access to machinery according to UNI EN ISO 14122-3;

• balcony parapets and areas accessible to the public, regulated by building legislation;

• systems intended to protect against vehicle impacts or the slipping of loose materials, snow, or aggregates.

Design criteria and classes

The standard also provides clear criteria for the selection and design of collective protections based on:

• of the function of the cover

• of the access methods

• of predictable activities over time

A performance classification of parapets into two classes is introduced:

• Class A: resistance to static loads;
• Class B: resistance even to moderate dynamic actions, typical of sloping roofs or cases of sliding along the slope.

Inspections

UNI 11996:2025 introduces a structured system of inspections, maintenance, repairs and registrations, aimed at ensuring that the declared performance is maintained over time.

The standard provides for four types of inspection:

• after assembly;
• before each access;
• periodic, at most every 48 months;
• extraordinary, necessary when the parapet has a defect or has suffered the effects of a person's fall.

All interventions must be recorded in a specific control log, which clearly reports the inspection dates, the persons responsible, the results and the interventions carried out.

Documentary requirements

• Product manual with assembly, use, maintenance and inspection instructions;

• specific markings and warning signs