Identification and assessment of requirements of temporary edge protection systems for buildings

•Requirements of temporary edge protection systems (TEPS) are presented.•A protocol for assessing TEPS design and use is introduced.•9 types of TEPS are assessed.•Metallic TEPS performed better than wooden and mixed types.•Study is framed as design science research.

Although the use of temporary edge protection systems (TEPS) is an important measure to prevent falls from height in construction sites, there is no comprehensive set of requirements for assessing those systems. Most assessments on TEPS are based only in structural requirements. This study proposed TEPS requirements from regulations, direct observations in construction sites, including TEPS assembling and disassembling operations, analysis of TEPS designs, and interviews with practitioners. Thity-three requirements were identified and divided into three categories: safety (14), efficiency (13), and flexibility (6). A protocol for assessing the requirements is also presented, and its use is illustrated by the evaluation of 9 types of TEPS in 26 construction sites. Both TEPS design and use are covered by those evaluations, which set a basis for discussing the theoretical and practical implications of this research study.