NZ759433A

NZ759433A - Improvements in Mounting of Hand Rails to Building Structures

Info

Publication number: NZ759433A
Application number: NZ759433A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Bernard Joseph Kennelly
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works
Priority date: 2018-11-21
Filing date: 2019-11-21
Publication date: 2022-02-25
Also published as: AU2019268148A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a retainer that is fixed or fixable at an edge of a structure to which safety railing is to be applied whereby people are protected from falling from a working platform defined by the structure during construction of a building of which the structure is to form a part. The retainer is configured to engage a lower part of the safety railing at the edge to retain the lower part of the safety railing so applied. Under loading, taken through the engaged lower part, from an impact on an inner side of the railing, either or each of the retainer and the structure permanently deforms so as to absorb the loading.

Description

Improvements in Mounting of Hand Rails to Building Structures The present invention s to application of safety railing to a structure in the construction of a building of which a structure is to form a part, so as to protect people from falling from a working platform defined by the structure during the construction. The invention has application, albeit not exclusively, to prefabricated building modules, including in particular floor cassettes, especially timber-frame building s.

The domestic and low- to mid-rise dwelling market is moving rapidly towards lightweight timber uction and increasingly using panelisation and modularisation techniques to reduce the time and cost of construction, so as to improve quality and increase safety of individuals involved in the construction.

An increasing proportion of the fabrication work is carried out in factories, where safety is managed more easily than on site. Of ular importance in this regard is provision of "edge protection" on a prefabricated structure which is to form part of the building and is lifted into on, so as to define a working platform, in the continued construction. Such protection is typically provided by temporary safety g mounted at the edge, ably before lifting of the ure into position.

Commonly, safety railing comprises spaced apart posts and one or more rails supported from the posts, the posts and rails typically sing lengths of timber, given that they are often y available in the construction/fabrication environment and relatively inexpensive to procure and assemble.

The adequacy of the safety railing in situ depends on the nature and integrity of the mounting thereof to the structure. Application of safety railing to modules prior to delivery to site is typically tical because it precludes stacking of the modules, which is typically the optimal way of arranging them for transport in sufficient numbers, necessitating the mounting of safety railing to the modules at site and thus reliance on skill and diligence of on-site personnel applying the safety railing to the modules.

To conform with relevant standards, including Australian standards, for edge protection, safety railing must y a static loading test and an impact test. Typically, timber railing systems are ularly prone to failure under impact against an inner side of the railing, given a tendency of the timber members, particularly the posts (given the anchorage of lower ends thereof to the module), to crack.

The invention provides a retainer, fixed or fixable at an edge of a structure to which safety railing is to be applied, the retainer being ured to engage a lower end of one of spaced apart posts of the safety railing, to retain the post to the edge, and to deform permanently under loading, taken through the lower end, from an impact on an inner side of the railing, so as to absorb such loading.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a method of applying safety railing to a ure whereby people are protected from falling from a working platform d by the structure during construction of a building of which the structure is to form a part, the method comprising moving a lower part of the safety railing into engagement with a respective one of mounts positioned at spaced locations along an edge of the ure, such that the lower part is supported from that mount.

A second aspect of the present invention provides an assembly comprising: a ure which is to form a part of a ng; and mounts, positioned at spaced locations along an edge of the ure, with each of which a respective lower part of safety railing is engageable such that the lower part is supported therefrom and the safety railing is thus applied to the structure whereby people are ted from falling from a working platform defined by the structure during construction of the building.

Preferably, each lower part is lowered into engagement with the mount. Preferably, each lower part is moved into an opening defined by the mount such that the post is retained horizontally.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a retainer, fixed or fixable at an edge of a structure to which safety railing is to be applied whereby people are protected from falling from a working platform defined by the structure during construction of a building of which the structure is to form a part, the retainer being configured to engage a lower part of the safety railing at the edge to retain the lower part of the safety railing so applied, and such that either or each of the retainer and the structure permanently deforms under loading, taken through the engaged lower part, from an impact on an inner side of the railing, so as to absorb such loading.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each mount comprises a ntal retainer, preferably being in accordance with the third aspect, configured with said opening, such that moving of the lower part into engagement with the mount comprises lowering that end through the g, such that the ntal retainer extends around a portion of the lower end to retain that portion horizontally. Preferably, the horizontal retainer comprises spaced apart outwardly projecting side ns and an outer end portion extending between distal ends of the side portions, the side and end portions bounding said opening laterally and distally, respectively, whereby the side portions are arranged to engage opposite lateral sides of said portion of the lower end, to preclude displacement of that portion along said edge, and the end portion is arranged to engage an outer side of said portion of the lower end, to preclude d displacement of that portion.

In an embodiment of the invention, the ntal retainer ses an inner end portion, which bounds said opening proximally and is thus arranged to engage an inner side of said portion of the lower end, to preclude inward displacement of that portion.

In an embodiment of the invention, part of the edge bounds said opening proximally and is thus arranged to engage an inner side of said portion of the lower end, to preclude inward displacement that portion. ably, the horizontal retainer comprises a bracket which comprises said side and outer end ns and is secured at a proximal end f to the structure.

Preferably, the bracket comprises arms, defining said side portions, and a distal erse portion interconnecting distal ends of the arms and defining said outer end portion.

Preferably, the bracket is folded or bent from a strip, whereby the distal transverse portion extends between spaced apart folds or bends in the strip at respective ones of the distal ends of the arms.

Preferably, the bracket is metal.

Preferably, the horizontal retainer includes a block structure via which it is secured to said structure.

Preferably, the block structure is secured to said structure by one or more fasteners received through the block structure. ably, the or each fastener is metal.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the block structure is arranged between and secured to said side portions.

Preferably, the block structure is arranged so as to be d by the side portions and thus to maintain spacing therebetween.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, either or each of the side portions is secured to the block ure by one or more fastening elements received in the block structure.

Preferably, the or each fastening element is metal.

In a preferred embodiment of the ion, the or each fastener is ed through the side portions so as to secure them to said structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the block structure is arranged n said structure and proximal ends of the side portions and is secured to said proximal ends.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bracket comprises proximal transverse portions each arranged at a al end of a respective one of said side portions, and the block structure is fixed to the proximal erse portions so as to be secured to said proximal ends.

In a red embodiment of the ion, the t is folded or bent from said strip such that the proximal transverse portions extend from folds or bends in the strip at respective ones of the proximal ends.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the al transverse portions is fixed to the block structure by one or more fastening elements received in the block structure.

Preferably, the or each fastening element is metal. Alternatively, it may be, for example, polymeric.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one respective said fastener is received through each proximal transverse portion to fix it to said structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the horizontal er includes a unitary block defining the block structure.

Preferably, the block structure is timber. Alternatively, it may be, for example, a polymeric material.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the block structure defines said inner end portion and/or said inner end portion comprises said block ure.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the horizontal retainers are secured to the structure such that they are positioned at said spaced locations.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each mount comprises a vertical retainer, arranged such that a portion of the safety railing is ed thereagainst as a result of moving of the lower end of the post whereby the post is retained vertically.

In one embodiment of the invention, in each mount, the vertical retainer is the horizontal retainer.

Preferably, the railing comprises posts.

Preferably, the railing comprises at least one rail.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the g comprises plural said rails each supported from ones of said posts.

Preferably said lower part comprises a lower end of a said post. Alternatively, said lower part could be defined by a said rail.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in each mount, the vertical retainer is below the ntal retainer, whereby said portion received against the vertical retainer is a portion of the post below said portion around which the horizontal retainer extends.

In a red embodiment of the invention, said portion received against the vertical retainer is configured with a transverse surface and the vertical retainer comprises a bearing portion arranged to abut the transverse surface such that the post is retained vertically.

In a preferred ment of the invention, the vertical er is configured with an upwardly facing opening, and n lowering the lower end of the post into engagement with the mount comprises lowering a portion of that end into the opening of the vertical retainer, such that the al retainer extends around that n to retain it horizontally.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lower end comprises an upper portion and a lower portion projecting downwardly from a bottom end of the upper portion, and the lower n is said n received into the opening of the vertical retainer and has a smaller cross-sectional ion than the upper portion such that the upper and lower portions form a shoulder in which said transverse surface is defined by said bottom end.

Preferably, the smaller cross-sectional dimension extends in a direction between an inner side of the post and an outer side of the post.

Preferably, the shoulder is arranged at an outer side of the post.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the al retainer comprises spaced apart outwardly projecting side portions and an outer end n extending between distal ends of the side portions, the side and end portions bounding said g laterally and distally, respectively, y the side portions are arranged to engage opposite lateral sides of the portion of the lower end which is received into said opening, to preclude displacement of that n along said edge, and the end portion is arranged to engage an outer side of the portion of the lower end which is ed into said opening, to preclude outward displacement of that portion.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer end n of the vertical retainer is said bearing portion.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vertical retainer comprises an inner end portion, which bounds said opening proximally and is thus arranged to engage an inner side of the portion of the lower end which is received into said opening, to preclude inward displacement of that portion.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, part of the edge bounds said opening proximally and is thus arranged to engage an inner side of the portion of the lower end which is received into said opening, to preclude inward displacement of that portion.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vertical retainer comprises a bracket which comprises said side and outer end portions, and is d at a proximal end thereof to the structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the t ses arms, defining said side portions, and a distal erse portion interconnecting distal ends of the arms and defining said outer end portion.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bracket is folded or bent from a strip, whereby the distal transverse portion extends between spaced apart folds or bends in the strip at tive ones of the distal ends of the arms.

Preferably, the bracket is metal. Alternatively it may be, for example, made of a polymeric material.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vertical retainer includes a block structure via which it is secured to said ure.

Preferably, the block structure of the vertical er is secured to said structure by one or more fasteners received through the block ure. Preferably, the or each fastener is metal. Alternatively, it may be, for example, made of a polymeric material.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the block structure of the vertical retainer is arranged between and secured to said side portions. Preferably, that block structure is arranged so as to be abutted by the side portions and thus to maintain g therebetween. Preferably, either or each of the side portions is secured to that block structure by one or more fastening ts received in the block structure.

The or each fastening element of the vertical retainer is preferably metal, though may instead be made of, for example, polymeric material.

In a preferred embodiment of the ion, the or each fastener of the vertical retainer is received through the side portions of the vertical retainer so as to secure them to said structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vertical retainer the block structure is arranged between said structure and proximal ends of the side portions and is secured to said proximal ends.

In a preferred ment of the invention, the t of the vertical retainer comprises al transverse portions each ed at a proximal end of a respective one of said side portions, and the block ure is fixed to the proximal transverse ns so as to be secured to said proximal ends.

In a red embodiment of the invention, the bracket of the vertical retainer is folded or bent from said strip such that the proximal transverse ns extend from folds or bends in the strip at respective ones of the proximal ends.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the proximal transverse portions of the vertical retainer is fixed to the block structure by one or more fastening elements received in the block structure. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the or each fastening element of the vertical retainer is metal. atively, it may be, for example, made of polymeric material.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one respective said fastener of the vertical retainer is received through each proximal transverse portion to fix it to said structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vertical retainer includes a unitary block defining the block structure.

In a preferred ment of the invention, the block structure of the vertical retainer is timber. Alternatively, it may be made of, for example, polymeric material.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the block structure of the vertical retainer defines said inner end portion and/or said inner end portion comprises said block structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vertical ers are secured to the ure such that they are positioned at said spaced locations.

Preferably, said method is in advance of locating the structure where it forms said part of the building.

Preferably, the safety railing is in an assembled condition when the lower ends of the posts are moved into engagement with the mounts.

Preferably, the structure comprises a prefabricated module.

Preferably, the structure comprises a floor .

Preferably, the structure ses a floor cassette.

Preferably, the structure comprises a frame and a ng which is arranged over and supported by the frame and defines the platform surface.

In a preferred ment of the invention, the frame comprises side-by-side joists or trusses and the mounts are positioned at ends of respective ones of the joists or trusses, the ends defining said locations.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises side-by-side joists or trusses and the mounts are arranged at spaced positions along one of the joists or s, that joist or truss defining the locations.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said side-by-side joists or trusses are s, and each horizontal er is secured to a chord of the truss at which the mount comprising that horizontal retainer is positioned. Preferably, the chord is a top chord.

In a preferred ment of the invention, said side-by-side joists or trusses are trusses, and each horizontal retainer is secured to a web of the truss at the end of that truss at which the mount that ses it is positioned.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said side-by-side joists or s are trusses, and each vertical retainer is secured to a chord of the truss at which the mount comprising that retainer is positioned. Preferably, the chord is a bottom chord.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said y-side joists or trusses are trusses, and each vertical retainer is secured to a web of the truss at the end of that truss at which the mount that comprises it is oned.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame includes a beam, of which the edge is comprised, and the mounts are arranged at spaced positions along the beam, that beam defining the locations.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the structure comprises timber parts to which the horizontal retainers are secured.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the structure comprises timber parts to which the vertical retainers are secured.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounts are applied to the ure such that they are positioned at spaced locations.

In a preferred embodiment of the ion, the mounts are secured to the structure via fasteners or fastening elements so as to be applied thereto.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounts are removably applied to the structure.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a retainer, fixed or e at an edge of a structure to which safety railing is to be applied y people are protected from falling from a working platform defined by the structure during construction of a building of which the structure is to form a part, the retainer being configured to engage a lower part of the safety railing at the edge to retain the lower part of the safety railing so applied, and such that either or each of the er and the structure permanently deforms under loading, taken h the engaged lower part, from an impact on an inner side of the railing, so as to absorb such loading.

The retainer may define a said upper retainer.

The retainer may define a said lower retainer.

The retainer may define a said vertical er.

The er may define a said horizontal retainer.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the ion the retainer comprises at least one yieldable portion arranged so as to plastically deform so as to absorb such loading.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention the retainer comprises at least one fracturable portion arranged to fracture so as to absorb such loading.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention the er comprises at least one pair of contacting portions arranged to move relative to one another against friction therebetween so as to absorb such loading.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention the retainer comprises at least one bearing portion arranged to bear against material within said structure whereby said material deforms so as to absorb such loading.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer is configured to engage a lower end of a respective one of spaced apart posts of the safety railing, said lower part being defined by the lower end.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer is configured with a space arranged to receive a portion of the lower part such that the retainer engages the portion to retain it horizontally.

In accordance with a red embodiment of the invention, the retainer is configured such that the lower part is lowerable into the space such that the retainer extends around said portion of the lower part.

In accordance with a preferred ment of the invention, the retainer comprises a perimeter section bounding said space laterally and ly, said perimeter section being arranged so as to be tensioned by said portion of the lower part under a said impact whereby loading from the impact is transferred from said lower part to said structure via that n.

In accordance with a preferred ment of the invention, said ter section is configured to deform plastically when so tensioned, thereby defining at least one said yieldable portion.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the er comprises spaced apart side portions bounding said space laterally.

In accordance with a preferred ment of the invention, each side portion is arranged so as to be tensioned by said portion of the lower part under a said impact y g from the impact is transferred from said lower part to said structure via that side portion.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the ion, each side portion is configured to stretch permanently when so tensioned and thereby defines a said yieldable portion.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer comprises an outer end portion extending between distal ends of the side ns and bounding said space distally so as to engage an outer side of said portion of the lower part to preclude displacement of that portion away from the edge.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, onnections between said outer end portion and said side portions are configured to deform plastically so as to absorb such loading, whereby respective ones of said yieldable portions are comprised of said interconnections.

In accordance with a preferred ment of the invention, the interconnections comprise folds or bends whereby the plastic deformation of said respective ones of said yieldable portions comprises l straightening thereof.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the yieldable ns comprise said interconnections are configured with openings therethrough which promote said partial straightening thereof.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the perimeter n defines or comprises said side portions and outer end portion.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer end portion and side portions are integrally .

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer ses a bracket defining the side and outer end portions.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the the bracket comprises arms, defining said side portions, and a distal transverse portion interconnecting distal ends of the arms and defining said outer end portion.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bracket is folded or bent from a strip, whereby the outer end portion extends between spaced apart folds or bends in the strip at respective ones of the distal ends of side ns.

In accordance with a red embodiment of the invention, said perimeter section is metal and/or said portions of the retainer are metal.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the er comprises one or more fasteners received or receivable by said structure to fix the retainer to said edge.

Preferably, the or each fastener is metal. Alternatively, it may be made of, for example, polymeric al.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the or each fastener is received or receivable through the side ns so as to secure them to said structure.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer includes a block ure secured or securable to the structure to fix the retainer to said edge.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the perimeter section and/or either or each of said side sections is ted to the block structure.

In ance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer comprises one or more fastening elements received or receivable in the block structure to secure the perimeter section and/or either or each of said side sections to the block structure.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the ion, the or each fastening t is metal. Alternatively, it may be made of, for example, polymeric material.

In accordance with a preferred ment of the invention, the retainer comprises plural said fastening elements.

In accordance with a preferred ment of the invention, the retainer is configured such that the or each fastening element extends transverse to a face of the block structure through which it passes to secure the perimeter n and/or either or each of said side sections to the block structure.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer is configured such that the or each fastening element plastically deforms in shear and/or in tension, under loading transmitted to it through the lower part d thereby, from a said impact, thus defining a said yieldable portion.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the block structure is configured to re under loading exerted on it by at least one said fastening element, at a position adjacent that fastening element, under g transmitted to it h the fastener(s), from a said impact, material in the block structure thus defining a said fracturable portion at the or each said position.

In accordance with a red embodiment of the invention, the block structure is arranged n said side portions.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the block structure is arranged so as to be abutted by the side portions and thus to maintain spacing etween.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the block structure is arranged between said structure and a proximal end of the perimeter section or of each side portion and is secured to said proximal end(s).

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer ses an inner end portion which bounds said space proximally and is thus arranged to engage an inner side of said portion of the lower part, to preclude inward displacement of that portion.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer is configured such that part of the edge bounds said space proximally and is thus ed to engage an inner side of said portion of the lower end, to preclude inward displacement of that portion.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the ion, the block structure defines said inner end portion.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer includes al transverse portions each arranged at a proximal end of a respective one of said side portions, and the block structure is fixed to the proximal transverse portions so as to be secured to said proximal ends.

In accordance with a red embodiment of the invention, the bracket defines said proximal transverse portions.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the proximal transverse portions extends from a fold or bend in the strip at a proximal end of a respective one of the side ns.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, onnections between the side portions and proximal transverse portions are configured to deform plastically so as to absorb such loading, y respective ones of said yieldable portions are sed of those interconnections.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the interconnection between each side portion and the respective proximal transverse portion comprises a tive said fold or bend, whereby the plastic deformation of the yieldable portions comprising that interconnection comprises l straightening thereof.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the ion, the yieldable portions comprising said interconnections are configured with openings therethrough which promote said partial straightening f.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the proximal transverse portions is fixed to the block structure by one or more said fastening elements received in the block ure.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one respective said fastener is received through each proximal transverse portion to fix it to said structure.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer includes a unitary block ng the block structure.

In ance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the block structure is timber.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer comprises plural said fasteners.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer is configured such that the or each fastener plastically s in shear and/or in tension, under loading transmitted to it through the lower part secured thereby, from a said , thus defining a said yieldable portion.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the ion, the retainer is configured such that the or each fastener bears against said material in said structure whereby that material deforms, under loading transmitted to it through the fastener(s), from a said impact, the or each fastener thus defining a said g portion.

In accordance with a preferred ment of the invention, the retainer is configured such that the material fractures at the or each position.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the er is configured such that the material is crushed at the or each position.

In ance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer is configured to retain said lower part ally.

In the retainer according to one preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one said fastener received or receivable through said side portions comprises an end arranged to be in abutting relation with one of said side portions when that fastener is so ed, and said one side portion is configured with an opening to receive that fastener therethrough in a manner such that there is a clearance n said one side portion and a portion of the fastener within the opening, permitting relative movement of one of said fastener and said one side portion relative to the other of said fastener and said one side portion, whereby said end and said one side portion define a said pair of frictionally interengaged components. Preferably, the other side portion h which that fastener is received or receivable is configured with an opening to receive that fastener therethrough in a manner such that there is a corresponding clearance between said other side portion and a portion of the er within that opening, permitting ve movement of one of said fastener and said other side portion relative to the other of said fastener and said other side portion during said relative movement of one of said fastener and said one side portion relative to the other.

Preferably, the or each end comprises a head of the fastener.

The retainer may be ured such that the or each end and said one side n are in t and abutment therebetween is thus direct. Alternatively, the or each fastener comprising an end arranged to be in abutting relation with one of said side portions when that er is so received, may be provided with a load distributing element, such as a washer, to be received between the end thereof and the side portion, whereby abutment therebetween is indirect.

Preferably, the one of said fastener and the one/other side portion is said one/other side portion.

In the retainer ing to another preferred embodiment of the ion, at least one said fastener received or receivable h a said proximal transverse portion comprises an end arranged to be in abutting relation with the proximal transverse portion when that fastener is so received, and the proximal erse portion is configured with an opening to receive that fastener therethrough in a manner such that there is a clearance between the proximal transverse portion and a portion of the fastener within the opening, permitting relative movement of one of said fastener and said proximal transverse portion relative to the other of said fastener and said proximal transverse portion, whereby said end and said proximal transverse portion define a said pair of frictionally interengaged ents.

Preferably, the or each end comprises a head of the fastener.

The retainer may be configured such that the or each end and said proximal transverse portion are in t and abutment therebetween is thus . Alternatively, the or each fastener comprising an end arranged to be in abutting relation with a said proximal transverse n when that fastener is so received may be provided with a load buting element, such as a washer, to be received between the end thereof and the proximal transverse portion, whereby abutment therebetween is indirect.

Preferably, the one of said fastener and said proximal erse portion is said proximal transverse portion.

In said method or assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said horizontal retainer is a retainer ing to the third aspect and said structure is said structure to which safety railing is to be applied.

In said method or ly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said vertical retainer is a retainer according to the third aspect and said structure is said structure to which safety g is to be applied.

A fourth aspect of the present ion provides an assembly comprising a retainer according the third aspect and said structure, wherein said retainer is fixed at said edge to engage a lower part of the safety railing at the edge such that it can retain the lower part of the safety railing and either or each of the retainer and the structure permanently deforms under loading, taken through the engaged lower part, from an impact on an inner side of the railing, so as to absorb such loading.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides an assembly comprising plural retainers according to the third aspect positioned at spaced ons along and fixed to the edge, such that each retainer can engage a respective said lower part and either or each of that retainer and the structure permanently deforms under loading taken through the engaged lower part, from an impact on an inner side of the railing, so as to absorb such loading.

A sixth aspect of the present invention provides an assembly according to the fourth or fifth aspect including said safety railing, wherein the/each lower part is in engagement with a said mount or said retainer.

Preferably, the retainer is ured to engage a lower end of a respective one of spaced apart posts of the safety railing, said lower part being defined by the lower end.

In one ment of the ion, each of the fasteners comprises a tamper-evident and/or -resistant screw, comprising a head the configuration of which is such that it can be d only by dedicated, complementarily configured, driver fitting (such as a driver socket.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fixing/securing of the retainers/mounts to said ure is effected and an assembly comprising the structure and retainers/mounts thus fixed/secured thereto is thereafter transported to a site at which the ng is being constructed.

Preferably, the mounting of the railing to that assembly is at site.

Preferably, the railing is bricated.

In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the safety railing is of a kind typically ed to as "guard railing".

The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A is a cross-sectional elevation view of an assembly comprising a floor cassette, safety g at an edge of the cassette, and a mount, comprising upper and lower retainers, via which a post of the safety railing is mounted at its lower end to the cassette, according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the safety g is in an unloaded condition; Figure 1B is a view of section A-A in Figure 1A showing details of an upper retainer of the mount and fastening elements connecting that retainer to a frame member of the cassette; Figure 2A is a cross sectional elevational view of the view of the assembly in an initial stage of impact loading on the safety railing; Figure 2B is a view of section B-B in Figure 2A, showing an initial degree of displacement of the upper retainer and initial degree of deformation of the fasteners and frame member in the initial stage of impact g; Figure 3A is a cross-sectional elevation view of the assembly in a final stage of impact loading on the safety railing; Figure 3B is a view of section C-C in Figure 3A, showing a final degree of displacement of the upper retainer and a final degree of deformation of the ers and frame member in the final stage of impact loading; Figure 4 is a view of detail A, marked in Figure 3B, showing successive urations of one of the fasteners, in the unloaded condition, initial impact stage and final impact stage; Figures 5A, 5B and 5C are perspective, side and top views, tively, of a bracket forming part of the upper/lower retainer; Figure 6 is a side view of a strip foldable to form the t; Figure 7A is a perspective view showing an assembly comprising a truss of the floor cassette (defining part of the frame thereof), a post of safety railing applied to the cassette at an edge thereof, a mount via which the post is mounted to the truss, the mount sing upper and lower retainers fixed to top and bottom chords, respectively, of the truss, in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7B shows the manner in which a lower portion of the post lower end engages the lower retainer in the assembly of Figure 7A; Figure 8A is a perspective view of the upper retainer of the mount shown in Figure 7A, comprising a bracket, a mounting block arranged therein and fasteners which extend h the bracket and mounting block to secure the upper retainer to the top chord, against a side face thereof; Figure 8B is a perspective view showing the mounting block of the upper retainer; Figure 9A is a perspective view of the lower retainer of the mount shown in Figure 7A, comprising a t, a mounting block received therein and fasteners which extend through the bracket and ng block to secure the lower retainer to the bottom chord, against a side face thereof; Figure 9B is a perspective view of the mounting block of the lower retainer; Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C are perspective, side and top views, tively, of the bracket of the lower retainer; Figure 11 is a side view of a strip foldable to form the bracket of the lower er; Figure 12 is a perspective view showing an assembly comprising the floor cassette and the mount, comprising upper and lower retainers, illustrated in Figure 7A; Figure 13A is a perspective view of an assembly comprising a floor cassette, safety railing applied to the cassette at an edge f, and spaced apart mounts, each comprising upper and lower retainers, via which respective posts of the safety railing are mounted at their lower ends to the cassette, according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the safety railing is in an unloaded condition; Figure 13B is a view of detail B, marked in Figure 13A, showing details of one of the mounts in the assembly shown in Figure 13A; Figure 13C is a perspective view showing details of an upper retainer of the other of the mounts in the assembly shown in Figure 13A; Figure 14A is a cross-sectional ion view of an assembly comprising a floor cassette, safety railing at an edge of the cassette, and a mount, comprising upper and lower retainers, via which a post of the safety railing is mounted at its lower end to the te, according to a fourth preferred ment of the present invention, n the safety railing is in an unloaded condition; Figure 14B is a view of section P-P in Figure 14A showing details of an upper retainer of the mount and fastening elements connecting that retainer to a frame member of the cassette; Figure 15A is a cross sectional elevational view of the view of the assembly of Figure 14A in an initial stage of impact loading on the safety railing; Figure 15B is a view of section Q-Q in Figure 15A, showing an initial degree of displacement of the upper retainer and initial degree of deformation of the fasteners and frame member in the initial stage of impact loading; Figure 16A is a cross-sectional elevation view of the assembly of Figure 14A in a final stage of impact loading on the safety railing; and Figure 16B is a view of section R-R in Figure 16A, g a final degree of displacement of the upper retainer and a final degree of deformation of the fasteners and frame member in the final stage of impact loading.

Shown in Figure 1A is an assembly 100 comprising a floor te 1, safety railing 20 and a mount 50 via which one of spaced apart posts 21 of the safety railing is mounted to the cassette 1, the mount 50 being one of plural such mounts arranged at spaced ons along a periphery of the te, via which respective ones of the posts are mounted to the cassette 1.

The safety railing 20 comprises, in addition to posts 21, upper, intermediate and lower rails 28 interconnecting the posts 21 and extending transverse thereto, the posts 21 and rails 28 being of timber. The safety railing 20 is mounted, via mounts 50, along an edge 2 of the module. Typically the edge 2 will be at the periphery of the module, though it is possible that the edge defines part of an g through the module, such as an opening providing stairway access to a floor, of which the cassette is to form a part, in the ng.

The te comprises a frame structure 3 and a covering 4, in the form of sheeting (typically particleboard (also known as low-density fibreboard (LDF) or chipboard), oriented strand board (OSB), or plywood), applied over and supported by the frame. The cassette 1, once it has been lifted into the position it is to occupy in the building, defines an elevated working platform, on which people carry out tasks in the continued uction of the building, the covering 4 defining the platform surface.

The te frame structure 3 comprises spaced apart parallel-chord trusses 5 arranged side-by-side, each truss 5 comprising a timber top chord 6, to which the covering 4 is secured, a timber bottom chord 7, diagonal webs 8 interconnecting the top and bottom chords and, at each end of the truss 1, a respective upright timber web 9. The webs 8 in this embodiment are formed from steel – more particularly, pressed/stamped from steel plate – though could instead comprise timber members without departure from the invention.

Each mount 50 comprises an upper retainer 51A and lower retainer 51B, which are secured to the top chords 6 and bottom chords 7 of the respective truss 5 to which that mount is applied. In the present ion, the lower retainer 51B is identical to the upper retainer 51A except that the orientation which it assumes is opposite to that assumed by the upper retainer 51A. For the purpose of describing and illustrating either retainer in its own right, the general reference numeral "51" is used to refer to it. ing also to Figure 1B, the retainer 51 comprises a bracket 60 and, arranged within the bracket, a mounting block 70. The t 60 is of metal, preferably steel (though ly another metal, such as ium), but could be formed from different material – e.g. sufficiently tough ric material - t departure from the invention. The mounting block 70 is of timber, though likewise could be formed from different material – e.g. sufficiently rigid polymeric material – without departure from the ion.

The bracket 60 of the retainer 51, referring to Figures 5A to 5C, comprises spaced apart parallel side arms 61 and an end portion 62 which extends transverse to the arms 61 and interconnects distal ends thereof. The arms 61 are configured with through holes 63, the holes 63 in one arm being offset from the holes 63 in the other. The holes 63 receive fasteners 64, as can be seen clearly at Figure 1B, which secure them to the mounting blocks 70 at opposite sides thereof, there being no interference between any of the fasteners 64 owing to the offsetting of the holes 63. The arms 61 are additionally configured with transversely aligned through holes at spaced apart positions therealong, each pair of d through holes 65 in the respective arms 61 and the block 70 between them receiving therethrough a respective fastener 66, as can be seen clearly in Figures 1B and 4, which is received into the chord 6/7, the fasteners 66 thus securing the retainer 51 to that chord, against a side face thereof. The ers 64 comprise nails, though may instead se alternative fasteners – e.g. screws – without departure from the invention.

The fasteners 66 comprise screws though may comprise alternative fasteners – e.g. nails – without departure from the invention.

The bracket 60 is of unitary construction. More particularly, referring to Figure 6, it is bent or folded from a strip 80, opposite elongate portions 81 of which are ured with the holes 63, 65 formed, e.g. punched or drilled, therein, and are bendable or le about respective parallel transverse axes marked by score lines or perforations 82 (to facilitate bending/folding), to either side of a central n 83 of the strip 80, such that the arms 61 are defined by respective ones of the portions 82, and the end n 62 is defined by the central portion 82 in the thus-formed bracket 60.

In each retainer 51, a distal end 72 of the block 70 is spaced from the portion 62 by a ce substantially equal to a thickness T of the post 21 (measured in the direction orthogonal to that to which each rail 28 extends). Each of the width w of the block 70 and the spacing between the parallel arms 61 is substantially equal to the width W of the post 21. The portion 62, distal end 72 and arms 61 thus bound an opening 55 having substantially the same cross-sectional dimensions as the post 21. Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, the retainers 51A and 51B are secured to the respective chords 6 and 7 on the same lateral side of the truss 5, and each is positioned such that the upright end face of the block distal end 72 is parallel to and spaced dly from an outer face of the edge 2, that face comprising an outer face of end web 9 and an outer face of the edge of a portion of the covering 4 supported on that web. The openings 55 of the upper 51A and lower 51B retainers are thus aligned such that the lower end 22 of the respective post 21 can be downwardly inserted h the upper retainer opening 55 and thence into/through the lower retainer g 55 (simultaneous with downward insertion of the other posts 21 of the railing 20 into the upper and lower openings of like mounts 50 on other of the trusses 5). As a result of the downward insertion, upper 22A and lower 22B portions of the lower end are snugly received in the openings 55 of the upper 51A and lower 51B retainers respectively. Also, lower rail 28 is consequently received against the upper face of the upper retainer block 70 and thus acts as a stopper precluding further downward displacement of the post 21/railing 20, the g between the distal end 72 of that block and the outer face of the edge 2 being ly (e.g. 5-10mm) greater than the thickness of the lower rail 28, such that the latter does not foul against the covering 4.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, each of the retainers 51A and 51B is positioned such that the upright end face of the block distal end 72 is flush with the outer face of the edge 2, whereby the lower rail 28 is d received against the upper face of the covering 4, that covering and the truss structure beneath it, thus d acting as the stopper precluding further downward displacement of the post 21/railing 20.

Each post 21, and thus the safety railing 20, is thus mounted to the cassette 1, rendering safe the working platform which the latter defines once it has been (together with the railing 20 mounted thereto) lifted into on. Each mounting 50, including the fasteners 66, and the chords 6, 7 into which the fasteners 66 extend, define a coupling, via which the post 21 is d to the cassette 1, which is configured to deform permanently under impact loading, represented by arrow 40 in Figures 1A, 2A and 3A, exerted against outwardly against the railing 20 – typically by an object hitting one or more of the rails 28 or an individual stumbling or suddenly g against the rail(s) – and taken h the respective post 21, as will now be described.

The load 40 results in a moment, about a pivot point at which a lower portion of the lower end 22 abuts the mounting block 70 of the lower retainer 51B and an upper portion of the lower end abuts the end n 62 of the bracket 60 of the upper retainer 51A, resulting in deformation in each retainer and in the connection between that er and the respective chord, as will now be described.

Regarding the retainer 51A, the abutment of the post lower end upper portion against the end portion 62 in that retainer causes bending (partial straightening) of the respective corners at which the arms 61 meet the end portion 62 (each corner being defined by a bend or fold between the end portion 62 and tive arm 61) and causes that end portion to bow outwardly to a degree, and axially stretches portions of the arms distal of the fasteners 66 securing them to the truss, each of the bending, bowing and stretching being permanent and thus a form of yielding. The aforementioned abutment also places the fasteners 66 securing the upper er arms 61 to the truss, into shear, sufficient to cause yielding in the fasteners 66, an initial stage of which is depicted in Figure 2A and the centre diagram in Figure 4, and a final stage of which is depicted in Figure 3A and the right-hand m in Figure 4. The plastic deformation of the bracket 60 (in the arms 61 and the end portion 62, and at the corners therebetween) and in the screws 66, advantageously, absorbs a proportion of the impact, protecting the interconnection between the post 21 and truss 5 from catastrophic failure. A proportion of the impact also is absorbed owing to localised crushing and/or other breakage of timber - in the block 70 of the upper retainer 51A, resulting from bearing failure of at least one of the fasteners 64 and/or at least one of the fasteners 66 adjacent to/against such timber within the block 70, and/or such timber in the upper portion of the post lower end, particularly lateral edges thereof, as a result of the latter being forced against the end portion 62 and the aforementioned bending and .

Regarding the retainer 51B, the nt of the post lower end lower portion against the mounting block 70 forces that block in an inward direction and thus places the fasteners 66 ng the lower retainer 51B to the truss lower chord into shear sufficient to cause yielding in at least one of those fasteners and/or causes localised crushing and/or other breakage of timber in the block 70 of the lower retainer 51B, ing from bearing e of at least one of those fasteners adjacent inst that timber within the block 70.

Additionally possible is that a proportion of the impact is absorbed owing to localised crushing and/or other breakage of timber in the upper chord 6 resulting from bearing failure of at least one of the fasteners 66 adjacent to/against such timber within the chord 6 and/or owing to localised crushing and/or other ge of timber in the lower chord 7 resulting from bearing failure of at least one of the fasteners 66 adjacent to/against such timber within the chord 7.

A further advantage of the permanent deformation of the upper retainer bracket 60, the fastener(s) 64/66 and timber (in /each retainer and/or in /each chord, and/or in the post), is that the tilted orientation of the post 21/railing 20 resulting therefrom, shown in Figure 3A (albeit exaggeratedly for clarity), serves as a clear visual indicator that the interconnection between it and the cassette 1 has been damaged, so that appropriate action – e.g. discontinuing work on the platform and/or removing the/each damaged mounting 50 and ing it with a new mounting 50 – can be taken.

Each retainer 51 is, advantageously, easy to fabricate and le, and comprises components which are inexpensive and readily available.

Shown in situ in Figure 7A is a mount 50' via which a safety g post 21' is mounted to truss 5 of the cassette 1 (in which, for clarity purposes, the sheeting 4 is not illustrated), in ance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The mount 50' is similar to the mount 50, comprising an upper retainer 51A, which is configured, and d to top chord 6, in an identical manner to the upper retainer 51A in the first embodiment, and further comprising a lower retainer 51B' which differs slightly from the retainer 51B, as described later herein.

Assembly of the upper retainer 51A comprises inserting block 70 (shown in Figure 8B), with through holes 67 therein for receiving respective ones of the fasteners 66, between the arms 61 of the t 60 (shown in Figure 5A) such that the through holes 67 align with the respective pairs of through holes 65, then inserting each fastener 66 through the respective aligned holes 65, 67, 65 thereby forming the assembly shown in Figure 8A.

Fasteners 64 are then driven, through holes 63, into the block 70 whereupon ation/assembly of the upper retainer 51A is complete.

The lower retainer 51B' is similar to er 51B, comprising a timber mounting block 70' and a bracket 60' secured to the block 70', and being secured to the bottom chord 7 against a side face thereof. Referring to Figures 9B and 10A, the mounting block 70' and bracket 60' of the retainer 51B' are the same as block 70 and bracket 60 respectively except that the block 70' and arms 61' of the bracket 60' are each shorter in length and receive fewer ers 64, 66 g fewer holes 63, 65 and 67 to that end), given that loading in the retainer 51B' is less than that in the retainer 51A.

The bracket 60', referring to Figure 11, is bent or folded from a strip 80', which is the same as strip 80 except that each of the opposite elongate portions 81' thereof is, consistent with the respective arm 61' it defines, shorter, and configured with fewer holes 63,65, than the ponding portion 81.

In the retainer 51B', the distal end 72 of the block 70' is spaced from the portion 62 by a ce substantially equal to a thickness T' at the lower end portion or bottom 22B' of the lower end 22' of post 21' (measured in the direction orthogonal to that to which each rail 28 extends), which thickness is less than the thickness T of the upper end portion 22A of the end 22', owing to the lower end being configured with a recess or notch 24, which defines a shoulder 25, the latter, in turn, defining orthogonal downwardly facing and outwardly facing surfaces 26, 27. The portion 62, distal end 72' and arms 61' thus bound an opening 55' having ntially the same cross-sectional dimensions as the bottom bottom 22B'.

Referring to Figures 7A, 8A, 9A and 12, each of the blocks 70 and 70' is configured with a groove 74 or other marking to align, when the retainers 51A and 51B' are mounted, with the outer face of the edge 2 such that the aforementioned spacing between the distal end 72 of each block and the outer face of the edge 2 is established.

Referring to Figure 7A, in the mount 50' in situ, proximal ends of the openings 55 and 55' of the upper 51A and lower 51B retainers (where the mounting block distal ends are, as in the previous embodiment, arranged) align such that the lower end 22' can be downwardly inserted h the g 55 and thence into/through the opening 55' (simultaneous with downward insertion of the other posts 21' of the railing 20' into the upper 55 and lower 55' openings of like mounts 50 on other of the trusses 5). The lower ns 22B' and 22A are, as a result of the downward insertion, snugly received in the openings 55' and 55 tively, and the downwardly facing surface 26 of the shoulder 25 is received against the end portion 62, the shoulder 25 thus, advantageously, acting as a stopper precluding r downward displacement of the post 21'/railing 20.

In the case of the mount 50', in the event of impact load 40, deformation is consistent with that in the mount 50. Specifically, regarding the retainer 51A in that mount, the abutment of the post lower end upper portion against the end portion 62 in that retainer causes bending (partial straightening) of the respective corners at which the arms 61 meet the end portion 62 and causes that end portion to bow outwardly to a degree, and axially stretches portions of the arms distal of the fasteners 66 securing them to the truss. That nt also places the fasteners 66 securing the upper retainer arms 61 to the truss into shear sufficient to cause yielding in the fasteners 66 as previously described. The plastic deformation of the bracket 60 (in the arms 61 and the end n 62, and at the corners etween) and in the screws 66, advantageously, absorbs a proportion of the , protecting the interconnection between the post 21 and truss 5 from catastrophic failure. A proportion of the impact also is absorbed owing to localised crushing and/or other breakage of timber - in the block 70 of the upper retainer 51A, resulting from bearing failure of at least one of the ers 64 and/or at least one of the fasteners 66 adjacent to/against such timber within the block 70, and/or such timber in the upper portion of the post lower end, particularly lateral edges thereof, as a result of the latter being forced against the end portion 62 and the aforementioned bending and bowing. Regarding the retainer 51B', the abutment of the post lower end lower portion against the mounting block 70' forces that block in an inward direction and thus places the fasteners 66 securing the lower retainer 51B' to the truss lower chord 7 into shear sufficient to cause yielding in at least one of those fasteners and/or causes localised crushing and/or other breakage of timber in the block 70' of the lower retainer 51B', resulting from bearing failure of at least one of those fasteners adjacent to/against that timber within the block 70'. Additionally possible, again, is that a tion of the impact is absorbed owing to localised crushing and/or other breakage of timber in the upper chord 6 resulting from bearing failure of at least one of the fasteners 66 adjacent to/against such timber within the chord 6 and/or owing to sed crushing and/or other ge of timber in the lower chord 7 resulting from bearing failure of at least one of the fasteners 66 adjacent inst such timber within the chord 7.

In each of the retainers 51A and 51B/51B', the holes 65 are ze, y there are clearances between the fasteners 66 and arms 61 such that initial deformation of the retainer involves movement of each of the arms ve to the fasteners 66, against the on between it and the surfaces between which it is clamped, those surfaces being defined by the block 70' and the heads of the respective fasteners 66 (until the clearances are reduced to zero) and p of the loading in the retainer is consequently more gradual.

Each of the blocks 70 and 70' is symmetrical about a vertical plane therethrough, such it is correctly orientated to be d to the respective bracket 60 or 60' regardless of which of the two ends thereof is arranged between the arms 61/61', facilitating assembly and also standardising and facilitating fabrication of the block 70/70'.

Shown in situ in Figure 13A is an assembly 100'' comprising a floor cassette 1', the safety railing 20 and spaced apart mounts 50'', secured to edge 2' of the cassette 1', via each of which a respective one of the spaced apart posts 21' of the safety railing is mounted to the cassette 1', in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The cassette 1' is the same as the cassette 1 except that the frame structure 3' thereof comprises, in addition to side-by-side trusses 5, a beam ("end beam") 2A secured to the end webs 9 of, and extending transverse to, those trusses. The end beam 2A underlies an edge portion of the covering 4 whereby an outer face of the end beam 2A and an outer face of the said edge portion together define the outer face of the edge 2'.

The end beam 2A des application, along the edge 2', of retainers 51A and B' to the top 6 and bottom 7 chords, respectively, of trusses 5. ingly, the mounts 50'' differ from mounts 50 and 50'. Each mount 50'', referring to Figure 13B, comprises an upper retainer 51A'' and lower retainer 51B'' secured to the outer side of the end beam 2A at upper and lower positions, respectively.

The upper er 51A'' ses a bracket 60'' and a mounting block 70''. The bracket 60'' is of metal, preferably steel h ly another metal, such as aluminium), but could be formed from different material – e.g. sufficiently tough polymeric material - without departure from the invention. The mounting block 70'' is of timber, though se could be formed from different material – e.g. sufficiently rigid polymeric material – without departure from the invention.

The t 60'' comprises spaced apart parallel side arms 61'', an end portion 62'', which extends transverse to the arms 61'' and interconnects distal ends thereof, and mounting portions 68 each of which projects laterally outwardly from a proximal end of a respective one of the arms 61'', so as to extend perpendicular to that arm. The mounting portions 68 are configured with through holes 68A. Fasteners 66 are ed, through the holes 68A and the mounting block 70'', and into the end beam 2A, thereby securing the mounting portions 68, and thus the bracket 60'', to the mounting block 70'', and securing both the bracket 60'' and block 70'' to the end beam 2A. As previously mentioned, the fasteners 66 comprise screws though may comprise alternative ers – e.g. nails – without departure from the invention. Bends or folds 69 n the mounting portions 68 and the respective arms 61'' from which they project are co nfigured with openings (holes/slots) 69A therethrough, which tate straightening of the bends/folds 69 when the railing 20 is under impact loading, as described later below.

In the er 51A'', a distal side 72'' of the block 70'' is spaced from the portion 62'' by a distance substantially equal to a thickness T of the post 21'. The spacing between the parallel arms 61'' is substantially equal to the width W of the post 21'. The portion 62'', distal side 72'' and arms 61'' thus bound an opening 55'' having substantially the same cross-sectional dimensions as the post 21'.

The lower retainer 51B'' is similar to retainer 51A'', comprising a timber mounting block 70'' and a bracket 60''' secured to the block 70''. The bracket 60''' is the same as the bracket 60'', except that the arms 61''' of the former are each r in length than the arms 61'' of the latter and the mounting ns 68' of the former are shorter in length and e fewer fasteners 66 than the mounting portions 68 of the latter (having fewer holes 68A to that end), given the er 51B'' is not subjected to the same kind or magnitude of loading as the retainer 51A''.

Because the arms 61''' in the retainer 51B''' are shorter than the arms 61'', the distal side 72'' of the block 70'' in the retainer 51B'' is spaced from the portion 62'' by a distance substantially equal to the thickness T' at the lower end portion or bottom 22B' of the lower end 22' of post 21' (measured in the direction orthogonal to that to which each rail 28 extends), which thickness is less than the thickness T of the upper end portion 22A of the end 22', owing to the lower end being configured with er 25, the latter in turn defining orthogonal downwardly facing and outwardly facing surfaces 26, 27. The portion 62'', distal end 72'' and arms 61''' thus bound an opening 55''' having ntially the same cross-sectional dimensions as the bottom 22B'.

Each of the brackets 60'' and 60''', like each of the brackets 60 and 60', is of unitary construction. More particularly, each of the brackets 60'' and 60''' is bent or folded from a strip, configured with the holes 68A and openings 69A formed (e.g. d or d) therein, the strip being bendable or foldable about respective parallel transverse axes marked by score lines or by perforations (which, in t of the bends 69, can be defined by the openings 69A themselves) to facilitate the bending/folding.

The upper 51A'' and lower 51B'' retainers are fitted such that the gs 55'' and 55''', respectively, thereof are aligned whereby the lower end 22' of the respective post 21' can be downwardly inserted through the upper retainer opening 55'' and thence into/through the lower retainer opening 55''' (simultaneous with downward insertion of the other posts 21' of the railing 20 into the upper and lower openings of like s) 50'' d to the edge 2'). The lower portions 22B' and 22A are, as a result of the downward insertion, snugly received in the openings 55''' and 55'' tively, and the downwardly facing surface 26 of the shoulder 25 is received against the end portion 62'' of the lower retainer bracket 60''', the shoulder 25 thus, advantageously, acting as a stopper precluding further downward displacement of the post iling 20.

As a result of the downward insertion, upper 22A and lower 22B' portions of the lower end are snugly received in the openings 55'' and 55''' respectively. Also, lower rail 28 is consequently received against the upper face of the upper retainer block 70'' and thus acts as a stopper precluding further rd displacement of the post 21'/railing 20, the spacing between the distal side 72'' of that block and the outer face of the edge 2' being equal to or slightly (e.g. 5-10mm) greater than the thickness of the lower rail 28, such that the latter does not foul against the covering 4.

Each post 21', and thus the safety g 20, is thus mounted to the cassette 1', rendering safe the working platform which the latter defines once it has been (together with the g 20 mounted thereto) lifted into position. Each mounting 50'', including the fasteners 66, and the end beam 2A into which the fasteners 66 extend, define a ng, via which the post 21' is d to the cassette 1', which is ured to deform permanently under impact loading, consistent with that represented by arrow 40, exerted against outwardly against the railing 20 – typically by an object hitting one or more of the rails 28 or an individual stumbling or suddenly leaning against the rail(s) – and taken through the respective post 21'.

The load results in a moment, about a pivot point at which a lower portion of the lower end 22 abuts the mounting block 70'' of the lower retainer 51B'' and an upper portion of the lower end abuts the end portion 62'' of the bracket 60'' of the upper retainer 51A'', resulting in deformation in each er and in the connection between that retainer and the beam 2A, as will now be described.

Regarding the er 51A'', the abutment of the post lower end upper portion against the end portion 62'' in that retainer causes bending (partial straightening) of the respective corners at which the arms 61'' meet the end portion 62'' (each corner being defined by a bend or fold between the end portion 62'' and respective arm 61'') and causes that end portion to bow outwardly to a degree, and axially stretches portions of the arms 61'' so that they, in turn, pry the respective mounting portions 68 from which they project such that the junctions n the arms 61'', defined by the bends/folds 69, are, as loading is taken up by the upper er 51A'', also subjected to a degree of bending (tending to straighten them to an extent), facilitated both by the openings 69A and by all of the fasteners 66 through the mounting portions 68 being ed sufficiently laterally outward of the respective bends/folds 69. The bending, bowing and stretching is permanent and thus a form of yielding. The abutment of the post lower end upper portion against the end portion 62'' also places the fasteners 66 securing the portions 68 to the block 70'' and beam 2A into tension, which may be sufficient to cause yielding in the fasteners 66 (in an example of the embodiment in which the shanks of the fasteners are sufficiently ductile) y a further tion of the impact is absorbed. Also, it is le that a proportion of the impact is absorbed owing to localised crushing and/or other breakage of timber - in the block 70'' of the upper retainer 51A'' and/or beam 2A, resulting from bearing failure of at least one of the fasteners 66 (in particular the thread(s) thereof) against such timber, and/or in the upper portion of the post lower end, particularly lateral edges thereof, as a result of the latter being forced against the end portion 62'' and the aforementioned bending and bowing. Also, the holes 68A in the er 51A'' are oversize, whereby there are clearances between the fasteners 66 and mounting portions 68 thereof, such that initial deformation of that retainer involves, in addition to the straightening, laterally inward movement of each of the mounting ns 68 relative to the respective fastener(s) 66, against the friction between it the surfaces between which it is clamped, until the clearances are reduced to zero, and take-up of the loading in the retainer is consequently more gradual and may involve plastic ation under shear loading in the fasteners 66 as a result of g exerted on them by the shanks of the fasteners no longer clear of the mounting portions. Advantageously, the plastic deformation (of the bracket/fasteners)/relative movement/localised crushing absorbs a considerable amount of the impact, protecting the interconnection between the post 21' and end beam 2A from catastrophic failure.

Each of the retainers 51A''' and 51B''' is, advantageously, easy to fabricate and assemble, and comprises components which are nsive and readily available. A further age associated with this embodiment is the tilted orientation, again, of the post 21'/railing 20, resulting from an impact, serving as a clear visual indicator that the interconnection between it and the cassette 1' has been damaged, so that riate action can be taken.

Shown in Figure 14A is an assembly 100''' comprising the floor te 1, safety railing 20 and a mount 50''' via which one of the spaced apart posts 21 of the safety railing is d to the cassette 1, the mount 50''' being one of plural such mounts arranged at spaced positions along a periphery of the cassette, via which respective ones of the posts are mounted to the cassette 1, in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment with the exception that in each mount 50''', the lower retainer is also a retainer 51A (as opposed to being retainer 51B). the lower retainer of each mount, each of the upper retainer and lower retainer is a retainer 51A. Figures 14A, 15A and 16A, which relate to this further embodiment, correspond to Figures 1A, 2A and 3A, respectively. Figures 14B, 15B and 16C, show the deformation of/in the upper bracket 51A at the stages shown in Figures 14A, 15A and 16A, respectively. The deformation of/in the upper retainer 51A – specifically, the bracket 60, fastening elements 64 and block structure 70 – shown in Figures 14B, 15B and 16C is illustrative of the ation of the upper retainer in the embodiments described above with reference to Figures 1A to 12.

Each of the mounts ,50''/50'''/retainers B,51B',51A'',51B'' conforms with Australian/New d Standard :2009, entitled Temporary Edge Protection – General Requirements (AS/NZS4994.1:2009), nothwithstanding that this standard applies to roofs.

In mounts according to alternative embodiments of the invention, the lower retainer 51B/51B'/51B''/51A may be omitted (notwithstanding that there would then be forfeiture of the impact absorption due to relative movement/plastic deformation/crushing ated with retainers 51B and 51B', as described above, and such relative movement/plastic deformation/crushing ated with lower retainer 51A in the case of the embodiment shown in Figures 14A to 16D); as long as there is provision to constrain the post vertically – e.g. arranging the lower rail 28 to abut an upwardly facing e defined by the cassette 1/1' (as described above) and/or inserting ers h the bracket 60/60'' and into the post – the lower portion 22B may simply rest t a lower portion of the cassette 1/1' at the edge, particularly if the railing 20, at either or each end thereof, adjoins another railing which is transverse to it and thus provides the railing 20 with adequate support against pivoting in a direction opposite to that in which it pivots under the impact load shown. In a variant of any such alternative ment, which variant likewise embodies the invention, the retainer 51B'/51B'' may be mounted, in the manner disclosed, to the top chord 6/end beam 2A, thereby defining the sole plastically deformable retainer of the mount, and a longer recess/notch 24 provided in the post such that the shoulder 25 is positioned at an upper position in the post lower end whereby the downwardly facing surface 26 thereof abuts the top of the end portion 62, whereby the er 51B' provides the requisite vertical restraint to the post, and the outwardly facing surface 27 abuts the inwardly facing side surface of the end portion 62.

Also possible, without departure from the invention, is a mount/retainer configured such that the permanent ation consists of only any one, two or three of the four permanent deformation modes, (namely yielding (comprising stretching/bending) of the bracket, deformation of the fasteners via which it is secured to the cassette, localised crushing of the timber in the cassette and cement of the bracket relative to the er via which it is d to the cassette (against friction, and owing to a clearance, between the bracket and fastener). For example, the retainer can be configured such that there is no sed crushing of the timber as described, and/or such that plastic ation occurs solely in the/each retainer bracket.

Advantageously, in each of the ments described herein with reference to the drawings, the mounting has a "built-in" shock-absorbing capability, and the posts and their fixings to the cassette are thus smaller in cross-section/size than would otherwise be necessary for their requisite conformity to code requirements for strength and serviceability.

Also advantageously, in the case of each of the embodiments, there is confidence in or assurance of the integrity of the mounting, owing to the provision of the ers, which preferably are pre-assembled/prefabricated – by a fabricator, under lled conditions and thus to a certifiable level of accuracy/precision and workmanship – and subsequently pre-applied to the cassette 1/1' – by the cassette fabricator, likewise under controlled conditions and thus to a certifiable level of cy/precision and workmanship – before arriving at site. Even where it is necessary for a person at site to apply, and perhaps also first assemble, the retainers, there is comparatively little risk of that person (even if relatively unskilled) making an error in doing so, given the simplicity of the retainers. The safety railing is also preferably prefabricated by a fabricator (preferably the fabricator of the retainers, though possibly the fabricator of the cassette, or another fabricator altogether), likewise under controlled conditions and thus to a certifiable level of cy/precision and workmanship, and thereafter orted to site.

Also, in each embodiment, the configuration of the mounts is such that, when they are in position, the mounting of the railing to the te, via the mounts, is simple and rapid, whereby crane or "hook" time on site, and thus the expense associated therewith, can be reduced.

In each of the ments, each of the fasteners 66 can comprise a tamper-evident and/or tamper-resistant screw ("security screw"), e.g. a security head screw as sold under the proprietary name Headlok (see at www.buildex.com.au ), comprising a head the configuration of which is such that it can be engaged only by ted, complementarily configured, driver fitting ising a driver socket, including in the case of Headlok screws). The dedicated driver fitting may be ed only to an dual, or limited number of individuals, deemed to have the requisite skills/experience to fix the/each retainer to the cassette 1/1' using the ty screws, enabling, advantageously, integrity of the fastenings to the cassette, provided by the security screws, to be assured. A further benefit is that the screws can only be removed (at least without being y modified) by use of a driver formed or fitted with the dedicated fitting, such that there is a preclusion of, or deterrent against, premature or otherwise inappropriate removal of the railing from the cassette. Each security screw may numbered be. It can thus be associated with a respective retainer and a respective fixing which it provides therein.

It can thus be ensured screw that the screws cannot be inappropriately removed/reused.

Preferably, in each of the embodiments, each of the fasteners 66 comprises a tamperevident and/or tamper-resistant fastener the fixing of which to structure is effectible/effected only by use of a tool configured or fitted with a dedicated fitting to engage the fastener.

In a method of applying the safety railing in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the ion, the fixing/securing of the retainers/mounts to the cassette is effected and an assembly comprising the/each cassette and retainer/mounts thus fixed/secured thereto is thereafter transported to the site at which the building is being constructed. The railing is preferably pre-fabricated and transported to site for mounting to the prior with a red embodiment of the invention, the retainers/mounts.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of tion. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the nt art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present ion should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or ation derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of tion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

Claims 1.

1. A method of applying safety railing to a structure whereby people are protected from g from a working platform defined by the structure during construction of a building of which the structure is to form a part, the method sing moving a lower part of the safety railing into engagement with a respective one of mounts positioned at spaced locations along an edge of the structure, such that the lower part is supported from that mount.

2. An assembly comprising: a structure which is to form a part of a ng; and mounts, positioned at spaced locations along an edge of the structure, with each of which a respective lower part of safety railing is engageable such that the lower part is supported therefrom and the safety railing is thus applied to the structure whereby people are protected from falling from a working platform defined by the structure during construction of the building.

3. A method or ly according to claim 1 or claim 2, being such that each lower portion is lowered into engagement with the mount.

4. A method or ly according any one of the preceding claims, being such that each lower portion is moved into an opening defined by the mount such that the post is retained horizontally.

5. A method or ly according to claim 4, wherein each mount comprises a horizontal retainer configured with said opening, such that moving of the lower n into engagement with the mount comprises lowering that portion through the opening, such that the ntal retainer extends around a portion of the lower portion to retain that portion ntally.

6. A method or assembly according to claim 5, wherein the horizontal retainer comprises spaced apart outwardly projecting side portions and an outer end portion extending between distal ends of the side portions, the side and end portions bounding said opening laterally and distally, respectively, whereby the side portions are ed to engage te lateral sides of said portion of the lower portion, to preclude displacement of that portion along said edge, and the end portion is arranged to engage an outer side of said portion of the lower end, to preclude outward displacement of that portion.

7. A method or assembly according to claim 6, wherein the horizontal retainer comprises an inner end portion, which bounds said opening proximally and is thus arranged to engage an inner side of said portion of the lower end, to preclude inward displacement of that portion.

8. A method or assembly according to claim 6, wherein part of the edge bounds said g proximally and is thus arranged to engage an inner side of said portion of the lower end, to preclude inward displacement that portion.

9. A method or assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the horizontal retainer comprises a bracket which ses said side and outer end portions and is secured at a proximal end f to the structure.

10. A method or assembly according to claim 9, wherein the bracket comprises arms, defining said side portions, and a distal transverse portion interconnecting distal ends of the arms and defining said outer end portion.

11. A method or assembly according to claim 10, wherein the bracket is folded or bent from a strip, y the distal transverse portion extends between spaced apart folds or bends in the strip at tive ones of the distal ends of the arms.

12. A method or assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the bracket is metal.

13. A method or assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein the horizontal er includes a block structure via which it is secured to said structure.

14. A method or assembly according to claim 13, wherein the block structure is secured to said structure by one or more fasteners received through the block ure.

15. A method or assembly according to claim 14, wherein the or each fastener is metal.

16. A method or assembly ing to claim 6 and any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the block structure is arranged between and secured to said side portions.

17. A method or assembly according to claim 16, wherein the block structure is ed so as to be abutted by the side portions and thus to maintain spacing therebetween.

18. A method or assembly according to claim 16 or 17, wherein either or each of the side portions is secured to the block structure by one or more fastening elements ed in the block structure.

19. A method or assembly according to claim 18, wherein the or each ing element is metal.

20. A method or assembly according to claim 14 or 15 and to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the or each fastener is received through the side portions so as to secure them to said structure.

21. A method or assembly according to claim 6 and any one of claims 13 to 15, n the block structure is ed between said structure and proximal ends of the side portions and is secured to said proximal ends.

22. A method or ly according to any one of claims 9 to 12 and to claim 21, wherein the bracket comprises proximal transverse portions each arranged at a proximal end of a respective one of said side portions, and wherein the block structure is fixed to the proximal transverse portions so as to be secured to said proximal ends.

23. A method or assembly according to claim 11 or 12 and claim 23, wherein the bracket is folded or bent from said strip such that the proximal transverse portions extend from folds or bends in the strip at respective ones of the proximal ends.

24. A method or assembly according to claim 22 or 23, wherein each of the al transverse portions is fixed to the block structure by one or more fastening elements received in the block structure.

25. A method or assembly ing to claim 24, wherein the or each fastening element is metal.

26. A method or assembly according to claim 14 or 15 and to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein at least one respective said fastener is received through each proximal erse portion to fix it to said structure.

27. A method or assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 26, wherein the horizontal retainer includes a unitary block defining the block structure.

28. A method or assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 27, wherein the block structure is timber.

29. A method or assembly according to claim 7 and any one of claims 13 to 28, wherein the block structure s said inner end portion and/or n said inner end portion comprises said block structure.

30. A method or assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 29, n the horizontal retainers are secured to the structure such that they are positioned at said spaced locations.

31. A method or assembly ing to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each mount ses a vertical retainer, arranged such that a portion of the safety railing is received thereagainst as a result of moving of the lower end of the post whereby the post is retained vertically.

32. A method or assembly according to claim 31 as appended to any one of claims 5 to 30, wherein, in each mount, the vertical retainer is the ntal retainer.

33. A method or ly according to claim 31 or 32, being such that said portion of the safety railing is a rail thereof supported from ones of the posts.

34. A method or assembly according to claim 31 as appended to any one of claims 5 to 30, wherein, in each mount, the vertical retainer is below the horizontal retainer, whereby said portion received t the vertical retainer is a portion of the post below said portion around which the horizontal retainer extends.

35. A method or assembly according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein said portion received against the vertical retainer is configured with a transverse e and the vertical er comprises a bearing portion arranged to abut the transverse surface such that the post is retained vertically.

36. A method or assembly according to claim 3 and any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the vertical retainer is configured with an upwardly facing opening, and wherein lowering the lower end of the post into engagement with the mount comprises lowering a portion of that end into the g of the al retainer, such that the al retainer extends around that portion to retain it horizontally.

37. A method or assembly according to claims 34, 35 and 36, wherein the lower part comprises an upper portion and a lower portion projecting downwardly from a bottom end of the upper n, the lower portion being said portion received into the opening of the vertical retainer and having a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the upper n such that the upper and lower portions form a shoulder in which said transverse surface is defined by said bottom end.

38. A method or assembly according to claim 37, wherein the smaller cross-sectional dimension extends in a direction between an inner side of the post and an outer side of the post.

39. A method or assembly according to claim 38, wherein the er is arranged at an outer side of the post.

40. A method or assembly according to any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein the vertical retainer comprises spaced apart outwardly projecting side portions and an outer end portion extending between distal ends of the side portions, the side and end portions bounding said opening laterally and distally, respectively, whereby the side ns are arranged to engage opposite lateral sides of the portion of the lower end which is received into said opening, to de cement of that portion along said edge, and the end portion is arranged to engage an outer side of the portion of the lower end which is received into said opening, to de outward displacement of that portion.

41. A method or assembly ing to claims 35 and 40, wherein the outer end portion is said bearing portion.

42. A method or assembly according to claim 40 or 41, wherein the vertical retainer comprises an inner end portion, which bounds said opening proximally and is thus arranged to engage an inner side of the portion of the lower end which is received into said opening, to preclude inward displacement of that portion.

43. A method or ly according to claim 40 or 41, wherein part of the edge bounds said opening proximally and is thus arranged to engage an inner side of the n of the lower end which is received into said opening, to preclude inward displacement of that portion.

44. A method or assembly according to any one of claims 40 to 43, wherein the vertical retainer comprises a bracket which comprises said side and outer end portions, and is secured at a proximal end thereof to the structure.

45. A method or assembly according to claim 44, wherein the bracket comprises arms, defining said side portions, and a distal transverse portion interconnecting distal ends of the arms and defining said outer end portion.

46. A method or ly according to claim 45, wherein the bracket is folded or bent from a strip, whereby the distal erse portion extends between spaced apart folds or bends in the strip at respective ones of the distal ends of the arms.

47. A method or assembly according to any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the bracket is metal.

48. A method or assembly according to any one of claims 31 to 47, wherein the vertical retainer includes a block structure via which it is secured to said structure.

49. A method or assembly according to claim 48, wherein the block structure is secured to said structure by one or more ers received through the block structure.

50. A method or assembly according to claim 49, n the or each fastener is metal.

51. A method or assembly according to claim 40 and any one of claims 48 to 50, wherein the block structure is arranged n and secured to said side portions.

52. A method or assembly according to claim 51, wherein the block structure is arranged so as to be abutted by the side portions and thus to maintain spacing therebetween.

53. A method or assembly according to claim 51 or 52, n either or each of the side portions is secured to the block structure by one or more fastening elements received in the block structure.

54. A method or ly according to claim 53, wherein the or each fastening element is metal.

55. A method or assembly according to claim 49 or 50 and to any one of claims 51 to 54, wherein the or each fastener is received through the side portions so as to secure them to said structure.

56. A method or assembly according to claim 40 and any one of claims 48 to 50, wherein the block structure is arranged between said structure and proximal ends of the side portions and is secured to said proximal ends.

57. A method or ly according to any one of claims 44 to 47 and to claim 56, wherein the bracket comprises proximal transverse portions each arranged at a proximal end of a respective one of said side portions, and wherein the block structure is fixed to the proximal transverse portions so as to be secured to said al ends.

58. A method or assembly according to claim 46 or 47 and claim 57, wherein the t is folded or bent from said strip such that the proximal transverse portions extend from folds or bends in the strip at respective ones of the proximal ends.

59. A method or assembly according to claim 57 or 58, wherein each of the proximal transverse portions is fixed to the block structure by one or more fastening ts received in the block structure.

60. A method or ly ing to claim 59, wherein the or each fastening element is metal.

61. A method or assembly according to claim 49 or 50 and to any one of claims 57 to 60, wherein at least one respective said fastener is received through each proximal transverse portion to fix it to said structure.

62. A method or ly ing to any one of claims 48 to 61, wherein the vertical retainer includes a unitary block defining the block ure.

63. A method or assembly according to any one of claims 48 to 62, wherein the block structure is timber.

64. A method or assembly according to claim 42 and any one of claims 48 to 63, wherein the block structure defines said inner end portion and/or wherein said inner end portion comprises said block structure.

65. A method or assembly according to any one of claims 31 to 64, wherein the vertical retainers are secured to the structure such that they are positioned at said spaced ons.

66. A method according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 65, being in e of locating the structure where it forms said part of the building.

67. A method according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 66, wherein the safety g is in an led condition when the lower ends of the posts are moved into engagement with the .

68. A method or assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the structure comprises a prefabricated module.

69. A method or assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the structure comprises a floor module.

70. A method or assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the structure comprises a floor cassette.

71. A method or assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the structure comprises a frame and a covering which is arranged over and supported by the frame and defines the platform surface.

72. A method or assembly according to claim 71, wherein the frame comprises yside joists or trusses.

73. A method or assembly according to claim 72, wherein the mounts are positioned at ends of respective ones of the joists or trusses, the ends defining said locations.

74. A method or assembly according to claim 72, n the mounts are arranged at spaced positions along one of the joists or trusses, that joist or truss defining the locations.

75. A method or assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 30 and to claim 73 or 74, wherein said side-by-side joists or trusses are trusses, and each horizontal retainer is secured to a chord of the truss at which the mount comprising that horizontal retainer is positioned.

76. A method or assembly according to claim 75, wherein the chord is a top chord.

77. A method or assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 30 and to claim 73, wherein said side-by-side joists or trusses are trusses, and each horizontal retainer is secured to a web of the truss at the end of that truss at which the mount that comprises it is positioned.

78. A method or assembly according to any one of claims 31 to 65 and to claim 73 or 74, wherein said side-by-side joists or trusses are s, and each vertical retainer is secured to a chord of the truss at which the mount comprising that er is positioned.

79. A method or ly according to claim 78, wherein the chord is a bottom chord.

80. A method or ly according to any one of claims 31 to 65 and to claim 73, wherein said side-by-side joists or trusses are trusses, and each vertical retainer is secured to a web of the truss at the end of that truss at which the mount that ses it is positioned.

81. A method or assembly according to claim 71 or 72, wherein the frame includes a beam, of which the edge is comprised, and wherein the mounts are arranged at spaced positions along the beam, that beam defining the locations.

82. A method or assembly according to claim 5 or any one of claims 6 to 81 as appended thereto, n the structure comprises timber parts to which the horizontal retainers are secured.

83. A method or assembly according to claim 31 or any one of claims 32 to 82 as appended thereto, wherein the structure comprises timber parts to which the vertical retainers are secured.

84. A method or assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounts are applied to the structure such that they are positioned at spaced locations.

85. A method or assembly according to claim 84, wherein the mounts are secured to the structure via fasteners or fastening elements so as to be applied thereto.

86. A method or assembly according to any one of the ing claims, wherein the mounts are removably applied to the structure.

87. A er, fixed or fixable at an edge of a structure to which safety railing is to be applied whereby people are protected from falling from a working platform defined by the ure during construction of a building of which the structure is to form a part, the retainer being configured to engage a lower part of the safety railing at the edge to retain the lower portion of the safety railing so applied, and such that either or each of the retainer and the structure ently deforms under loading, taken through the engaged lower n, from an impact on an inner side of the railing, so as to absorb such g.

88. A retainer according to claim 87, comprising at least one yieldable portion ed so as to plastically deform so as to absorb such loading.

89. A retainer according to claim 87 or 88, comprising at least one fracturable portion arranged to fracture so as to absorb such loading.

90. A retainer according to any one of claims 87 to 89, sing at least one pair of frictionally interengaged ns arranged to move relative to one another t friction therebetween so as to absorb such loading.

91. A er according to any one of claims 87 to 90, comprising at least one bearing portion arranged to bear against material within said structure whereby said material deforms so as to absorb such loading.

92. A retainer according to any one of claims 87 to 91, configured to engage a lower end of a respective one of spaced apart posts of the safety railing, said lower part being d by the lower end.

93. A retainer according to any one of claims 87 to 92, configured with a space arranged to receive a portion of the lower part such that the retainer engages the portion to retain it horizontally.

94. A retainer according to claim 93, ured such that the lower part is lowerable into the space such that the retainer extends around said portion of the lower part.

95. A retainer according to claim 93 or 94, comprising a perimeter section bounding said space laterally and distally, said perimeter section being arranged so as to be tensioned by said portion of the lower part under a said impact whereby loading from the impact is transferred from said lower part to said structure via that section.

96. A retainer according to claim 95, wherein said perimeter section is configured to deform plastically when so tensioned, thereby ng at least one said ble portion.

97. A retainer according to any one of claims 93 to 96, comprising spaced apart side portions bounding said space lly.

98. A retainer according to claim 97, wherein each side portion is arranged so as to be tensioned by said portion of the lower part under a said impact whereby loading from the impact is transferred from said lower part to said structure via that side portion.

99. A retainer ing to claim 98, wherein each side portion is configured to stretch permanently when so tensioned and thereby defines a said yieldable portion.

100. A er according to any one of claims 97 to 99, further comprising an outer end portion extending n distal ends of the side portions and bounding said space distally so as to engage an outer side of said portion of the lower part to preclude displacement of that portion away from the edge.

101. A retainer according claim 88 and to claim 100 as appended to claim 98 or 99, n interconnections between said outer end portion and said side portions are configured to deform plastically so as to absorb such loading, whereby respective ones of said yieldable portions are comprised of said interconnections.

102. A retainer according to claim 101, wherein the onnections se folds or bends whereby the plastic deformation of said respective ones of said yieldable ns comprises partial straightening thereof.

103. A er according to claim 101 or 102, the yieldable portions comprising said interconnections are configured with openings therethrough which promote said partial straightening thereof.

104. A retainer according to claim 95 or 96 and to any one of claims 100 to 103, wherein the perimeter section defines or comprises said side portions and outer end portion.

105. A retainer according to any one of claims 100 to 104, wherein the outer end portion and side portions are integrally formed.

106. A retainer ing to any one of claims 100 to 105, comprising a bracket defining the side and outer end portions.

107. A retainer according to claim 106, n the bracket comprises arms, defining said side portions, and a distal transverse portion interconnecting distal ends of the arms and defining said outer end portion.

108. A retainer according to claim 106 or 107, wherein the bracket is folded or bent from a strip, whereby the outer end portion s between spaced apart folds or bends in the strip at respective ones of the distal ends of side portions.

109. A retainer according to any one of claims 93 to 108, wherein said perimeter section is metal and/or said portions of the retainer are metal.

110. A retainer ing to any one of claims 87 to 109, comprising one or more fasteners received or receivable by said structure to fix the retainer to said edge.

111. A retainer according to claim 110, wherein the or each fastener is metal.

112. A retainer according to any one of claims 97 to 109 and to either one of claims 110 and 111, n the or each fastener is received or receivable through the side portions so as to secure them to said structure.

113. A retainer according to any one of claims 87 to 112, including a block structure d or ble to the structure to fix the retainer to said edge.

114. A retainer according to any one of claims 93 to 109 and to claim 113, wherein the perimeter section and/or either or each of said side sections is connected to the block structure.

115. A retainer according to claim 114, comprising one or more fastening ts received or able in the block structure to secure the perimeter section and/or either or each of said side sections to the block structure.

116. A retainer according to claim 115, wherein the or each fastening element is metal.

117. A retainer ing to claim 115 or 116, comprising plural said fastening elements.

118. A retainer according to any one of claims 115 to 117, configured such that the or each fastening element extends transverse to a face of the block structure through which it passes to secure the perimeter section and/or either or each of said side sections to the block structure.

119. A retainer ing to any one of claims 115 to 118, configured such that the or each fastening element plastically s in shear and/or in tension, under loading transmitted to it through the part d thereby, from a said impact, thus defining a said yieldable portion.

120. A retainer according to claim 89 and any one of claims 115 to 119, wherein the block structure is configured to fracture under loading exerted on it by at least one said fastening element, at a position adjacent that fastening element, under loading itted to it through the fastener(s), from a said impact, material in the block structure thus defining a said fracturable portion at the or each said position.

121. A retainer ing to claim 97 and any one of claims 113 to 120, wherein the block structure is arranged between said side portions.

122. A retainer according to claim 121, wherein the block structure is arranged so as to be abutted by the side portions and thus to in spacing therebetween.

123. A er according to claim 93 and any one of claims 113 to 120, wherein the block structure is arranged between said structure and a proximal end of the perimeter section or of each side portion and is secured to said proximal end(s).

124. A retainer according to any one of claims 87 to 123, comprising an inner end portion which bounds said space proximally and is thus arranged to engage an inner side of said portion of the lower part, to preclude inward displacement of that portion.

125. A retainer according to any one of claims 87 to 123, configured such that part of the edge bounds said space proximally and is thus arranged to engage an inner side of said portion of the lower end, to preclude inward displacement of that portion.

126. A retainer ing to any one of claims 113 to 123 and to claim 124, wherein the block structure defines said inner end portion.

127. A retainer according to claim 123, to claim 124 as appended thereto, or to claim 126, ing proximal transverse portions each arranged at a proximal end of a respective one of said side portions, and n the block structure is fixed to the proximal transverse portions so as to be secured to said proximal ends.

128. A retainer ing to any one of claims 106 to 108 and to claim 127, wherein the bracket defines said proximal transverse portions.

129. A retainer according to claim 108 and claim 127 or 128, wherein each of the proximal erse portions s from a fold or bend in the strip at a proximal end of a respective one of the side portions.

130. A retainer according any one of claims 127 to 129, wherein interconnections between the side portions and proximal erse portions are configured to deform plastically so as to absorb such loading, whereby respective ones of said yieldable portions are comprised of those interconnections.

131. A retainer according to claims 129 and 130, wherein the interconnection between each side portion and the respective proximal transverse portion comprises a respective said fold or bend, whereby the plastic deformation of the yieldable ns comprising that interconnection comprises partial straightening thereof.

132. A retainer according to claim 129 or 130, wherein the yieldable portions comprising said interconnections are configured with openings therethrough which promote said partial straightening thereof.

133. A retainer according to 115 or 116 and any one of claims 127 to 132, wherein each of the al transverse ns is fixed to the block ure by one or more said fastening elements received in the block structure.

134. A retainer according to any one of claims 110 to 112 and to any one of claims 127 to 133, wherein at least one tive said fastener is received through each proximal transverse portion to fix it to said structure.

135. A er according to any one of claims 113 to 123 and to any one of claims 126 to 134, including a y block defining the block structure.

136. A retainer according to any one of claims 113 to 123 and to any one of claims 126 to 135, wherein the block structure is timber.

137. A retainer according to any one of claims 110 to 112 or to any one of claims 113 to 136 as appended thereto, comprising plural said fasteners.

138. A retainer ing to claim 88 and any one of claims 110 to 112, or to any one of claims 113 to 137 as appended thereto, configured such that the or each fastener plastically deforms in shear and/or in tension, under loading transmitted to it through the lower part secured thereby, from a said impact, thus ng a said yieldable portion.

139. A retainer according to claim 91 and any one of claims 110 to 112, or to any one of claims 113 to 138 as appended o, configured such that the or each fastener bears against said material in said structure whereby that material deforms, under loading transmitted to it through the fastener(s), from a said impact, the or each fastener thus defining a said bearing portion.

140. A er according to 139, configured such that the material fractures at the or each on.

141. A retainer according to 139 or 140, ured such that the material is crushed at the or each position.

142. A retainer according to any one of claims 87 to 141, configured to retain said lower part vertically.

143. A retainer according to any one of claims 87 to 142, configured to retain said lower part horizontally.

144. A retainer according to claims 90 and 112, or to any one of claims 113 to 143 as appended thereto, wherein at least one said fastener received or able through said side portions comprises an end arranged to be in abutting relation with one of said side ns when that fastener is so received, and said one side portion is configured with an opening to receive that fastener therethrough in a manner such that there is a clearance n said one side portion and a n of the fastener within the opening, permitting relative movement of one of said fastener and said one side portion relative to the other of said er and said one side portion, whereby said end and said one side portion define a said pair of frictionally interengaged components.

145. A retainer according to claim 144, wherein the other side portion through which that fastener is ed or receivable is configured with an opening to receive that fastener therethrough in a manner such that there is a corresponding clearance between said other side portion and a portion of the fastener within that opening, permitting relative movement of one of said fastener and said other side portion relative to the other of said fastener and said other side portion during said relative movement of one of said fastener and said one side portion relative to the other.

146. A retainer according to claim 144 or 145, wherein the or each end comprises a head of the fastener.

147. A retainer according to any one of claims 144 to 146, configured such that the or each end and said one side portion are in contact and abutment therebetween is thus direct.

148. A er according to any one of claims 144 to 146, wherein the or each fastener comprising an end arranged to be in abutting relation with one of said side portions when that fastener is so received, is provided with a load distributing element to be received between the end f and the side portion, whereby abutment therebetween is indirect.

149. A retainer according to any one of claims 144 to 148, wherein the one of said fastener and the one/other side portion is said one/other side portion.

150. A retainer ing to claims 90 and 134, or to any one of claims 135 to 143 as appended thereto, wherein at least one said fastener received or receivable through a said proximal transverse portion ses an end arranged to be in abutting relation with the proximal erse portion when that fastener is so received, and the proximal transverse portion is configured with an opening to receive that fastener hrough in a manner such that there is a clearance between the proximal transverse portion and a portion of the fastener within the opening, permitting relative nt of one of said fastener and said proximal transverse n relative to the other of said fastener and said proximal transverse n, whereby said end and said proximal transverse portion define a said pair of frictionally ngaged components.

151. A retainer according to claim 150, wherein the or each end comprises a head of the fastener.

152. A retainer according to claim 150 or 151, configured such that the or each end and said proximal transverse portion are in contact and abutment therebetween is thus direct.

153. A retainer according to 150 or 151, wherein the or each fastener sing an end arranged to be in abutting relation with a said proximal transverse portion when that fastener is so received is provided with a load distributing element to be received between the end thereof and the proximal transverse portion, whereby nt etween is indirect.

154. A retainer according to any one of claims 150 to 153, wherein the one of said fastener and said proximal transverse portion is said proximal transverse portion.

155. A method or ly ing to claim 5 or any one of claims 6 to 86 as appended thereto, wherein said horizontal retainer is a er according to any one of claims 87 to 154, wherein said structure is said structure to which safety railing is to be applied.

156. A method or assembly according to claim 31 or any one of claims 32 to 86 and 155 as appended thereto, wherein said al retainer is a retainer according to any one of claims 87 to 154, wherein said structure is said structure to which safety railing is to be applied.

157. An assembly comprising a retainer according to any one of claims 87 to 154 and said structure, wherein said retainer is fixed at said edge to engage a lower portion of the safety railing at the edge such that it can retain the lower portion of the safety railing and either or each of the er and the structure permanently deforms under g, taken through the engaged lower portion, from an impact on an inner side of the railing, so as to absorb such loading.

158. An assembly sing plural retainers according to any one of claims 87 to 154 positioned at spaced locations along and fixed to the edge, such that each retainer can engage a respective said lower portion and either or each of that retainer and the structure permanently deforms under loading taken through the engaged lower portion, from an impact on an inner side of the railing, so as to absorb such loading.

159. An assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 86 and 155 to 158, including said safety railing, wherein ch lower n is in engagement with a said mount or said retainer.

160. A method or assembly according to any one of claims 1to 86 and 155 to 159, wherein each of said fasteners comprises a tamper-evident and/or tamper-resistant fastener.

161. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 86 and 155 to 160, wherein the fixing/securing of the retainers/mounts to said structure is effected and an assembly sing the structure and retainers/mounts thus fixed/secured thereto is thereafter transported to a site at which the building is being constructed.

162. A method ing to any one of claims 1 to 86 and 155 to 161, wherein the mounting of the railing is at site at which the building is being constructed site.

163. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 86 and 155 to 162, wherein the g is pre-fabricated.