103. (1) A reference in this Regulation to a means of protection is to a guard-rail, toe-board barrier or other similar means of protection.

(2) An employer shall ensure that a means of protection is—

(a) of sufficient dimensions, strength and rigidity for the purposes for which it is being used and is otherwise suitable,

(b) so placed, secured and used as to ensure, so far as is practicable, that it does not become accidentally displaced,

(c) so placed as to prevent, so far as is practicable, the fall of any employee, or any material or object from any place of work,

(d) in relation to work at height involved in construction work such that—

(i) the top guard-rail or other similar means of protection is at least 950 mm above the edge from which any employee is liable to fall,

(ii) toe-boards provided are suitable and sufficient to prevent the fall of any employee, or any material or object, from any place of work, and

(iii) any intermediate guard-rail or similar means of protection is positioned so that any gap between it and other means of protection does not exceed 470 mm.

(3) An employer shall ensure that—

(a) any structure or part of a structure that supports a means of protection, or to which a means of protection is attached, is of sufficient strength and suitable for the purpose of that support or attachment,

(b) subject to paragraph (2)(d), there is not a lateral opening in a means of protection other than at a point of access to a ladder or stairway where an opening is necessary,

(c) a means of protection may 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 is replaced as soon as practicable, and

(d) the particular task is not performed while the means of protection is removed, unless effective compensatory safety measures are in place.