WO2006001895A2

WO2006001895A2 - Parapet safety rail system

Info

Publication number: WO2006001895A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/014050
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregory S. Kenton
Original assignee: Kenton Gregory S
Priority date: 2004-06-14
Filing date: 2005-04-22
Publication date: 2006-01-05
Also published as: WO2006001895A3; EP1756384A2

Abstract

A roof mounted parapet safety rail system, which is portable but which can be made permanent, for prevention of personnel falls while installing or maintaining devices mounted on or near a parapet wall or an edge of the roof.

Description

PARAPET SAFETY RAIL SYSTEM

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This patent application is related to Serial No. 10/319,992 entitled "Gate Section and Base for a Safety Rail System" filed on December 16, 2002, pending, which is a continuation-in-part of Serial No. 09/595,794 entitled "Safety Rail System" filed on June 16, 2000, now U.S. Patent No. 6,554,257.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention pertains to a leading edge safety rail system for providing a portable or permanent protective barrier for preventing falls from the leading edge of an elevated work area, such as a parapet wall or the edge of a flat roof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART [0003] Prior art safety rail systems have existed, including systems which were portable and which could be erected adjacent to a leading edge or parapet wall to provide for fall protection therefrom. Such systems, however, were not provided to protect workers from falls when maintaining or installing items such as cameras, lighting fixtures, antennas, or other items on or about parapet wall structures due to the fact that such systems have a setback from the edge of the roof. Such protection is provided by the instant invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a leading edge or parapet safety rail system which is intended to be used to provide for fall protection at the leading edge of an elevated work area, such as when installing or servicing devices such as security cameras, lighting modules, antennas, and signs, or when cleaning drains and the like, where human safety is an issue. Not only is protection provided for personnel during installation or servicing at elevated locations, but also protection can be provided to the approach to the elevated location if such approach is narrow and precipitous in nature or if one side of the approach is adjacent to a parapet edge or other edge where safety is a concern. The parapet safety rail system is a portable system which can be broken down into individual portable assemblies or components including an outboard safety rail assembly, left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies, and a plurality of heavy and substantial bases, preferably of cast iron, which support the outboard safety rail assembly and the left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies. Although portability of the invention is a major attribute of the invention, provisions are also made for continual use of the invention, whereby the invention can be permanently secured and permanently utilized as a fixed structure. In portable use as well as in permanent use, the outboard safety rail assembly including the heavy and substantial bases is placed adjacent to a parapet or wall where work is to be performed, such as the installation or maintenance of devices mounted on the wall, in a manner and fashion such that the greater portion of the outboard safety rail assembly extends over the top of the elevated parapet wall or the leading edge of a flat roof and at the same time extends over and about the elevated parapet wall a distance which surrounds the elevated work area to offer protection against personnel falls from the elevated work area. In addition to placement of the outboard safety rail assembly as just described, the front vertical posts of the left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies couple to the outboard safety rail assembly via the bases which are in common to support and stabilize the outboard safety rail assembly and one end of each of the left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies where such a relationship is mutually advantageous. The rear vertical posts of the left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies are coupled to and supported by connection to mutual bases. When the bases are coupled to the outboard safety rail assembly and the left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies, the parapet safety rail system provides sufficient weight, mass and strength to provide stability and robust support. Thus, the system provides a safe means of protection should one fall against it, and also meets and exceeds OSHA regulations for permanent safety railings. The protection afforded by the system is due in significant part to the ability to surround part of an area to be protected with an outboard safety rail, part of an outboard safety rail assembly, which can be cantilevered over an edge which is a safety concern and made coincident with an elevated work zone at the edge. The bases holding the outboard safety rail assembly either hold inboard safety rail assemblies, which serve to further stabilize the bases and in turn the outboard safety rail assembly or, alternatively, the bases may be anchored permanently adjacent to the edge. [0005] The bases, of substantial weight, are vital components of the parapet safety rail system and enable the system to be as versatile as described herein. A base according to this invention has four post receivers so as to enable as many as four assemblies or devices including the outboard safety rail assembly and the left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies of the present invention as well as other patented devices by the inventor, such as, but not limited to, rail sections, latching posts, gate posts or related devices, to be engagingly incorporated at any one time. Designed into each of the post receivers are strategically positioned slots, being horizontally aligned and being elongated. These slots align with two vertically spaced holes in the vertical posts of the outboard safety rail assembly and the left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies. This alignment enables the safety rail assemblies to be secured to the base at infinite positions along a 360° rotation with a locking pin. Thus, the parapet safety rail system has the versatility to have up to four quadrants of work areas to be defined by the base placement. The base also incorporates four symmetrically positioned holes to enable a permanent mount to a surface, via some form of anchor bolts, if desired. [0006] Further, the base includes cutouts and recesses which form recessed handles for manual grasping when it is necessary to move or carry the base. All edges of the recesses and the upper edges of the cutouts are rounded to eliminate sharp corners that could prove to be uncomfortable when the recessed handles are gripped. Yet another feature of the base is a stacking feature. Specifically, the base includes stacking recesses on its planar bottom surface in alignment with the post receivers. These stacking recesses receive the upper ends of the post receivers for stacking of bases when not in use. Drain holes coaxial with the post receivers and the stacking recesses extend through the base. [0007] The outboard safety rail assembly and the left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies used in the parapet safety rail system can be of varying lengths and are comprised of iron or other suitable tubing with a sufficient wall thickness to withstand the potential force that could be exerted when a person falls against an outboard safety rail assembly and/or a left or right counterweight safety rail assembly. It is to be understood that aluminum or another appropriate material may be used in the parapet safety rail system. The outboard safety rail assembly and the left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies include a locking system that adds additional strength to the entire system and contributes to the prevention of tipping. The parapet safety rail system can include an optional number of horizontal rail members or vertical posts that can be welded to the outboard safety rail assembly. This feature enables this portable system to be used in a variety of protection schemes where the geometry of the system can be tailored for various heights needed to guard flat roofs as well as parapet walls. [0008] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a parapet safety rail system which includes an outboard safety rail assembly, left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies, and a plurality of bases. A major portion of the outboard safety rail assembly extends over and about a parapet wall and about a site where a fixture is being installed or about a site where a fixture has been previously mounted upon the parapet wall. The accompanying attached left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies and plurality of bases provide for stability of the outboard safety rail assembly, and thus the entire invention, to provide a robust structure which is substantially unmovable when acted upon by any off-balance, falling or misdirected human form. [0009] One significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a parapet safety rail system incorporated to prevent falls from parapet walls. [0010] Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a parapet safety rail system surrounding a work area on or about a parapet. [0011] Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a parapet safety rail system having an outboard safety rail assembly. [0012] Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a parapet safety rail system having opposed left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies. [0013] Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a parapet safety rail system having an outboard safety rail assembly joined with opposed left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies. [0014] Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a parapet safety rail system which is portable. [0015] Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a parapet safety rail system which is portable but which can be permanently mounted. [0016] Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a parapet safety rail system which uses heavy bases to support an outboard safety rail assembly and opposed left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies. [0017] Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a parapet safety rail system which uses mutual heavy bases to connect an outboard safety rail assembly and opposed left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies to mutually provide for overall stability and robustness of the parapet safety rail system. [0018] A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a parapet safety rail system having an outboard safety rail assembly the majority of which extends over a parapet wall. [0019] A still further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a parapet safety rail system which can be permanently secured adjacent to a parapet wall utilizing mounting hardware extending through holes in bases. [0020] A still further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a parapet safety rail system having bases which are user friendly for the purposes of manual handling and which are stackable. [0021] A still further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a parapet safety rail system which by the use of common bases can also accommodate other rail sections, latching posts, gate posts or related devices to be incorporated at any one time. [0022] Having thus briefly described embodiments of the present invention and mentioned some significant aspects and features thereof, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide a parapet safety rail system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0023] Other objects of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein: [0024] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the parapet safety rail system, the present invention; [0025] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a base according to the present invention; [0026] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the base; [0027] FIG. 4 is a side view of the parapet safety rail system secured to a roof in a position extending partially over a parapet wall; and, [0028] FIG. 5 is a top view of the parapet safety rail system secured to a roof extending partially over a parapet wall as well as being adjacent to a side parapet wall. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0029] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the parapet safety rail system 10, the present invention, including an outboard safety rail assembly 12, a left counterweight safety rail assembly 14, a right counterweight safety rail assembly 16 and a plurality of bases 18a-18n of substantial weight and size supporting the outboard safety rail system 12, the left counterweight safety rail assembly 14, and the right counterweight safety rail assembly 16. Each component is now described in detail. [0030] The outboard safety rail assembly 12 is comprised of tubular components being vertically or horizontally oriented where many tubular components are continuous but having straight sections or regions resulting from bending of a single tubular member substantially at a right angle. Such continuous tubular components are referred to and designated as separate components with regard to relative position with respect to the front, the rear, the left, the right, outboard, counterweight, and the like, as are the left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies 14 and 16. The outboard safety rail assembly 12 includes a left vertical post 20 and a right vertical post 28. Extending between the left and right vertical posts 20 and 28 are three horizontal rails: an upper horizontal rail 21 having a first or left rail portion 22 connected to left vertical post 20, a second or right rail portion 26 connected to right vertical post 28, and a center rail portion 24 connected between the first or left rail portion 22 and the second or right rail portion 26; a middle horizontal rail 29 having a first or left rail portion 30 connected to left vertical post 20, a second or right rail portion 34 connected to right vertical post 28, and a center rail portion 32 connected between the first or left rail portion 30 and the second or right rail portion 34; and a lower horizontal rail 35 having a first or left rail portion 36 connected to left vertical post 20, a second or right rail portion 40 connected to right vertical post 28, and a center rail portion 38 connected between the first or left rail portion 36 and the second or right rail portion 40. The upper, middle and lower horizontal rails 21, 29 and 35, respectively, are continuous bent tubular members; and the upper horizontal rail 21 is formed continuous with the left and right vertical posts 20 and 28. Opposed front vertical posts 42 and 44 extend between the center rail portion 24 of the upper horizontal rail 21 and the center rail portion 32 of the middle horizontal rail 29, and opposed front vertical posts 46 and 48 extend between the center rail portion 32 of the middle horizontal rail 29 and the center rail portion 38 of the lower horizontal rail 35. Together, upper horizontal rail 21, middle horizontal rail 29, and lower horizontal rail 35 define and form a front boundary of a protected zone or area 102, which protected zone or area 102 is situated generally in front of a plane 101 defined by left vertical post 20 and right vertical post 28. [0031] The left counterweight safety rail assembly 14 includes a front vertical post 50, a top horizontal rail 52 extending from the front vertical post 50, a rear vertical post 54 extending from the top horizontal rail 52, and a bottom horizontal rail 56 extending between the front vertical post 50 and the rear vertical post 54. [0032] In a similar fashion, the right counterweight safety rail assembly 16 includes a front vertical post 58, a top horizontal rail 60 extending from the front vertical post 58, a rear vertical post 62 extending from the top horizontal rail 60, and a bottom horizontal rail 64 extending between the front vertical post 58 and the rear vertical post 62. A plurality of accessible instruction storage tubes 63 are located on the outboard safety rail assembly 12 and the left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies 14 and 16. The left counterweight safety rail assembly 14 or the right counterweight safety rail assembly 16 or both may be used to supplement the protected zone or area 102 defined by the outboard safety rail assembly 12 by creating a protected approach zone or supplemental protected area 104 bounded in part by the left and/or right counterweight safety rail assemblies 14 and 16, respectively. [0033] A plurality of heavy and substantial bases 18a-18n align to accommodate the left and right vertical posts 20 and 28 of the outboard safety rail system 12, the front and rear vertical posts 50 and 54 of the left counterweight safety rail assembly 14, and the front and rear vertical posts 58 and 62 of the right counterweight safety rail assembly 16, as shown. The base 18a is shown distanced from the rear vertical post 62 to expose one or more holes 68 in the lower region of the rear vertical post 62 suitable for use in securing the rear vertical post 62 to the base 18a. Similar holes are also incorporated into the lower regions of the rear vertical post 54, the front vertical posts 50 and 58, the left vertical post 20 and the right vertical post 28 for attachment to the respective bases 18b, 18c and 18d. [0034] PIG. 2 is an isometric view of a base 18a according to the present invention. The bases 18a-18d can weigh between 100-120 pounds for purposes of example, and can be of cast iron or welded plate and tube to support rail sections or assemblies without tipping. The identically constructed bases 18a-18d include four post receivers 70a-70d which extend perpendicularly upward from planar top portion or surface 72 and which can appropriately accommodate the left or right vertical posts 20 and 28 of the outboard safety rail assembly 12, the front or rear vertical posts 50 and 54 of the left counterweight safety rail assembly 14, and the front or rear vertical posts 58 and 62 of the right counterweight safety rail assembly 16 as well as other suitably fashioned components, such as, but not limited to, unshown latching posts, gate posts, or locking couplers. Each of these post receivers 70a-70d includes a plurality of horizontally aligned pin receivers such as slots 74a-74n, best shown on post receiver 70b. Left and right vertical posts 20 and 28 of the outboard safety rail assembly 12, front and rear vertical posts 50 and 54 of the left counterweight safety rail assembly 14, and front and rear vertical posts 58 and 62 of the right counterweight safety rail assembly 16, as well as other suitably fashioned components, such as, but not limited to, unshown latching posts, gate posts, or locking couplers, all incorporate the plurality of corresponding holes 68 (FIG. 1) for receiving locking pins 106 (shown removed) to hold the left and right vertical posts 20 and 28 of the outboard safety rail assembly 12, the front and rear vertical posts 50 and 54 of the left counterweight safety rail assembly 14, and the front and rear posts 58 and 62 of the right counterweight safety rail assembly 16, as well as other suitably fashioned components such as, but not limited to, unshown latching posts, gate posts, or locking couplers in place in the post receivers 70a-70d of the bases 18a-18d once the desired position is acquired. Once the left or right vertical posts 20 and 28 of the outboard safety rail assembly 12, the front or rear vertical posts 50 and 54 of the left counterweight safety rail assembly 14, the front or rear posts 58 and 62 of the right counterweight safety rail assembly 16, as well as other suitably fashioned components, such as, but not limited to, unshown latching posts, gate posts, or locking couplers are secured to the post receivers 70a-70d of the bases 18a-18d by locking pins 106 extending through the holes 68 and the slots 74a-74n, the slots 74a-74n allow the left or right vertical posts 20 and 28 of the outboard safety rail assembly 12, the front or rear vertical posts 50 and 54 of the left counterweight safety rail assembly 14, the front or rear vertical posts 58 and 62 of the right counterweight safety rail assembly 16, as well as other suitably fashioned components, such as, but not limited to, unshown latching posts, gate posts, or locking couplers, to pivot. Each base 18a-18d may accommodate a maximum of four of the following components in various combinations: left and right vertical posts 20 and 28 of the outboard safety rail assembly 12, front and rear vertical posts 50 and 54 of the left counterweight safety rail assembly 14, front and rear vertical posts 58 and 62 of the right counterweight safety rail assembly 16, and other suitably fashioned components, such as, but not limited to, unshown latching posts, gate posts, or locking couplers. Each can be locked in any position within its range of motion by virtue of the holes 68, the pin receivers in the form of slots 74a-74n, and the locking pins 106, all of which together constitute locking means or means for locking the various posts or other suitably fashioned components to the post receivers. It is to be understood that the slots 74a-74n may be replaced with multiple holes at different heights, but holes will not allow the infinite 360-degree range in which the left or right vertical posts 20 and 28 of the outboard safety rail assembly 12, the front or rear vertical posts 50 and 54 of the left counterweight safety rail assembly 14, or the front or rear vertical posts 58 and 62 of the right counterweight safety rail assembly 16, as well as other suitably fashioned components, such as, but not limited to, unshown latching posts, gate posts, or locking couplers, can be angularly oriented and locked. It is also to be understood that slots, such as slots 74a-74n, can be included at other levels along and about the post receivers 70a-70d, as well as at various locations about the circumferences of the post receivers 70a-70d to maintain 360° positionable capabilities of any member which engages the interior of the post receivers 70a-70d. [0035] The bases 18a-18d include cutouts 76a-76d, whereby handling of the bases 18a-18d is readily facilitated in a manual fashion. Each base 18a-18d is constructed in the same manner having identical parts including the planar top portion or surface 72 with cutouts 76a-76d on four opposing sides creating built-in recessed handles 78a-78d for manual transporting or lifting of the bases 18a-18n. The bases 18a-18n include a continuous curved or radiused upper edge 80 about the planar top portion or surface 72. The recessed handles 78a-78d are fashioned to accommodate manual handling and include features making the gripping of the recessed handles 78a-78d accessible and comfortable. The upper and outer regions of the recessed handles 78a-78d are formed by portions of the curved or radiused upper edge 80, and the remaining edges forming the recessed handles 78a-78d have edges which are curved or radiused to eliminate any edges which could prove to be uncomfortable given the weight of the bases 18a-18n. It is to be appreciated that all of the upper edges of the cutouts 76a-76d are curved or radiused. Downwardly extending recesses 82a-82d beneath the recessed handles 78a-78d provide for manual access under the recessed handles 78a-78d without first lifting the bases 18a-18d. There is also a centrally located lifting bar 84 which allows the user to hook the bases 18a-18d to a pulley or a dolly to more easily move the heavy bases 18a-18d. There are provided holes 86a-86d which can accommodate anchor bolts for securing the bases 18a-18n to a work surface, such as a concrete floor or roof top, if permanent mounting is desired. [0036] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the base 18a. Shown in particular are stacking recesses 88a-88d recessed into a planar bottom surface 90 which align with the upper regions of other post receivers 70a-70d extending from the planar top portion or surface 72 shown in FIG. 2. The stacking recesses 88a-88d are utilized for stacking or storage of bases 18a-18d when not in use. Also shown are drain holes 92a-92d extending through the bases 18a-18d and co-located between the post receivers 70a-70d and the stacking recesses 88a-88d. MODE OF OPERATION [0037] FIG. 4 is a side view of the parapet safety rail system 10 secured to a roof 94 in a position extending partially over a parapet wall 96, and FIG. 5 is a top view of the parapet safety rail system 10 secured to a roof 94 in a position extending partially over a parapet wall 96 as well as being adjacent to a side parapet wall 98. [0038] In use the bases 18a-18d are appropriately positioned on the roof 94, as desired. The bases 18c and 18d can be distanced from the parapet wall 96 for accommodation of the outboard safety rail assembly 12 and subsequently moved using manual means or by using one or more dollies to engage the lifting bars 84 of the bases 18c and 18d to be positioned adjacent to the parapet wall 96, such as shown in FIG. 4. During such accommodation, the left vertical post 20 and the right vertical post 28 of the outboard safety rail assembly 12 are positioned in the post receivers 70b of the respective bases 18c and 18d. Following such accommodation and positioning, the left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies 14 and 16 are maneuvered to place the front vertical post 50 of the left counterweight safety rail assembly 14 into the post receiver 7Od of the base 18c and to place the front vertical post 58 of the right counterweight safety rail assembly 16 into the post receiver 7Od of the base 18d. Following placement, locking pins 106 are installed to secure the left counterweight safety rail assembly 14 and the right counterweight safety rail assembly 16 to the outboard safety rail system 12 by the mutual bases 18c and 18d, respectively. Preferably, the rear vertical posts 54 and 62 of the left counterweight safety rail assembly 14 and the right counterweight safety rail assembly 16, respectively, are accommodated by post receivers, such as 70b of the bases 18b and 18a. Such accommodation can be accomplished at the same time as the connection of the front vertical post 50 of the left counterweight safety rail assembly 14 into the post receiver 7Od of the base 18c and the placement of the front vertical post 58 of the right counterweight safety rail assembly 16 into the post receiver 7Od of the base 18d takes place, if desired. If other attachments, such as additional left or right counterweight safety rail assemblies 14 and 16 or other fixtures produced by the inventor, are to be attached to the parapet safety rail system 10, then vacant post receivers 70a, 70c and 7Od in the bases 18a and 18b and vacant post receivers 70a and 70c in the bases 18c and 18d are available for such accommodation. For example, looking at FIG. 5, another outboard safety rail assembly 12 or even another counterweight safety rail assembly, such as counterweight safety rail assembly 14, could be placed to the left of the base 18c using post receiver 70a of base 18c. Portions of other assemblies could be attached to the vacant post receivers 70a, 70c and 7Od of the bases 18a and 18b in a variety of combinations. It is to be appreciated that the relationship between the bases 18a-18d and the accommodated assemblies, such as the outboard safety rail assembly 12, the left counterweight safety rail assembly 14, and the right counterweight safety rail assembly 16, to each other does not have to be in straight line relationship but can assume angular relationships due to the geometry of the slotted post receivers 70a-70d which allow a 360° range of secured accommodation. For example, intervening extraneous structure could prevent inline alignment of the left counterweight safety rail assembly 14 and as such the left counterweight safety rail assembly 14 could be angularly displaced about the post receiver 7Od of the base 18c to either side of the position shown in FIG. 5. In any case, locking pins 106 are secured through the slots 74a-74n of the post receivers 70a-70d and the holes 68 at the lower regions of the left and right vertical posts 20 and 28, the holes 68 at the lower region of the front vertical posts 50 and 58, and the holes 68 at the lower regions of the rear vertical posts 54 and 62. [0039] A great deal of the structure of the outboard safety rail assembly 12 protectingly extends and overhangs the top of the parapet wall 96 to encompass a mounted device, such as, but not limited to, a camera 100 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, such structure including the greater parts of the upper horizontal rail 21, the middle horizontal rail 29, and the lower horizontal rail 35, and also the front vertical posts 42, 44, 46 and 48. Ideally, the parapet safety rail system 10 is placed to allow sufficient working space about the mounted device and at the same time to prevent personnel from falling from the parapet wall 96. In FIG. 5, the parapet safety rail system 10 also offers protection to the approach to the parapet wall 96. The right counterweight safety rail assembly 16 offers protection from personnel falling from the side parapet wall 98, while transiting the length of the parapet safety rail system 10 to reach the device mounted on the parapet wall 96. The mutual attachment of the outboard safety rail assembly 12 and the counterweight safety rail assemblies 14 and 16 to each other via common bases 18c and 18d, and the attachment of all the bases 18a-18d to the outboard safety rail assembly 12 and the counterweight safety rail assemblies 14 and 16 provides for a substantial and robust parapet safety rail system 10. [0040] The parapet safety rail system 10 protects personnel working at an elevated work area by providing an outboard safety rail assembly 12 which bounds a protected area or zone 102. The outboard safety rail assembly 12 may be cantilevered over the edge of a roof to provide the protected area or zone 102, as shown in PIG. 4. The edge may or may not include a parapet wall 96. If a parapet wall 96 is present, the outboard safety rail assembly 12 normally extends over the parapet wall 96, as shown clearly in PIG. 4. The protected zone or area 102 can be made coincident with the elevated work area. [0041] Although the parapet safety rail system 10 is described as portable, the parapet safety rail system 10 can be permanently secured using mounting hardware extending through the plurality of holes 86a-86d in the bases 18a-18d and into a suitable mounting surface of a roof 94 or other support structure for continual, occasional or permanent use to provide for personnel safety while accessing the device mounting site on or near the parapet wall 96. PTVRTS LIST

parapet safety rail system 34 second or right rail portion outboard safety rail assembly 35 lower horizontal rail left counterweight 36 first or left safety rail rail portion assembly 38 center rail right portion counterweight safety rail 40 second or right assembly rail portion

a-n bases 42 front vertical post left vertical post 44 front vertical post upper horizontal rail 46 front vertical post first or left rail portion 48 front vertical post center rail portion 50 front vertical post second or right rail portion 52 top horizontal rail right vertical post 54 rear vertical post middle horizontal rail 56 bottom horizontal rail first or left rail portion 58 front vertical post center rail portion 60 top horizontal rail rear vertical 100 camera post 101 plane instruction storage tube 102 protected zone or area bottom horizontal rail 104 protected approach zone or hole supplemental protected area a-d post receivers 106 locking pin planar top portion or surface

a-n slots

a-d cutouts

a-d recessed handles

curved or radiused upper edge

a-d recesses

lifting bar

a-d holes

a-d stacking recesses

planar bottom surface

a-d drain holes

roof

parapet wall

side parapet wall [0042] Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the apparent scope thereof. IT IS CLAIMED:

Claims

1. A parapet safety rail system, the parapet safety rail system offering protection against a personnel fall from an elevated work area, the parapet safety rail system comprising: a. an outboard safety rail assembly having a first post, a second post spaced apart from and parallel to the first post, the first and second posts together defining a plane, and a rail connected to the first and second posts and extending about a protected area in front of the plane defined by the first and second posts; b. a first pair of bases, each of the bases of the first pair of bases having at least two vertically directed post receivers, one of the at least two vertically directed post receivers of each base securely holding one of the first and second posts of the outboard safety rail assembly in a vertical orientation; c. a left counterweight safety rail assembly and a right counterweight safety rail assembly, each of the counterweight safety rail assemblies having a front vertical post, a rear vertical post, and a horizontal rail extending directly therebetween; d. a second pair of bases, each of the second pair of bases having at least one vertically directed post receiver; and, e. each base of the first pair of bases being situated adjacent to the elevated work area and securely holding the first and second posts of the outboard safety rail assembly vertically in the respective vertically directed post receivers such that the rail connected to the first and second posts and extending about the protected area coincidently extends about the elevated work area, thereby offering protection against a personnel fall from the elevated work area; the front vertical posts of the left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies each being securely held in another vertically directed post receiver of the first pair of bases, and the rear vertical posts of the left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies each being securely held in the vertically directed post receivers of the second pair of bases, the outboard safety rail assembly thereby being substantially unmoveable when acted upon by any off balance, falling or misdirected personnel. 2. The parapet safety rail system of claim 1, further comprising: a. means for locking the first post in one of the vertically directed post receivers of one base of the first pair of bases; b. means for locking the second post in one of the vertically directed post receivers of the other base of the first pair of bases; c. means for locking the front vertical post of the left counterweight safety rail assembly in another vertically directed post receiver of the base with the first post; and, d. means for locking the front vertical post of the right counterweight safety rail assembly in another vertically directed post receiver of the base with the second post. 3. The parapet safety rail system of claim 2, wherein the means for locking each post in a vertically directed post receiver includes at least one hole in each post, at least one pin receiver in each of the vertically directed post receivers, and a pin. 4. The parapet safety rail system of claim 3, wherein the pin receivers are elongated horizontal slots, the elongated horizontal slots allowing rotation of the posts while locked in the vertically directed post receivers of the bases. 5. The parapet safety rail system of claim 1, wherein the bases of the first pair of bases and the second pair of bases are identical bases, each of the identical bases having at least two identical vertically directed post receivers. 6. The parapet safety rail system of claim 5, wherein each of the identical bases includes four vertically directed post receivers, each vertically directed post receiver having an elongated horizontal slot to allow post rotation while locked with a pin. 7. The parapet safety rail system of claim 5, wherein the identical bases include a radiused edge. 8. The parapet safety rail system of claim 5, wherein the identical bases have four handles. 9. The parapet safety rail system of claim 8, wherein each of the four handles includes downwardly extending recesses providing manual access for lifting each identical base without prior raising of the identical base. 10. The parapet safety rail system of claim 5, wherein the identical bases have a central lifting bar. 11. The parapet safety rail system of claim 5, wherein the identical bases are stackable, with each vertically directed post receiver accommodated in a stacking recess of a higher situated identical base when identical bases are stacked. 12. The parapet safety rail system of claim 5, wherein each of the vertically directed post receivers has a drain hole. 13. The parapet safety rail system of claim 5, wherein the identical bases include anchor bolt holes. 14. The parapet safety rail system of claim 1, wherein the elevated work area includes an elevated approach, and wherein at least one of the left and right counterweight safety rail assemblies is arranged to protect personnel on the elevated approach. 15. The parapet safety rail system of claim 1, wherein the rail of the outboard safety rail assembly includes a first rail portion extending in a first direction from the first post, a second rail portion extending in the first direction from the second post, and a center rail portion extending between the first and second rail portions. 16. The parapet safety rail system of claim 15, wherein the rail is an upper rail, and wherein the outboard safety rail assembly further includes a lower rail, the lower rail having a first rail portion extending in the first direction from the first post, a second rail portion extending in the first direction from the second post, and a center rail portion extending between the first and second rail portions. 17. The parapet safety rail system of claim 16, wherein the outboard safety rail assembly further includes a middle rail, the middle rail having a first rail portion extending in the first direction from the first post, a second rail portion extending in the first direction from the second post, and a center rail portion extending between the first and second rail portions. 18. The parapet safety rail system of claim 16, wherein the elevated work area includes a parapet wall and further wherein the lower rail of the outboard safety rail assembly is cantilevered above the parapet wall. 19. The parapet safety rail system of claim 15, wherein the rail of the outboard safety rail assembly is a continuous bent tubular member, which continuous bent tubular member further includes the first and second posts. 20. The parapet safety rail system of claim 1, wherein the elevated work area extends past a parapet wall and the pair of bases are situated inboard of the parapet wall and a portion of the outboard safety rail assembly extends and cantilevers outboard of the parapet wall, thereby extending the protected area to be coincident with the elevated work area. 21. A kit for protecting personnel at an elevated work area associated with an edge where safety is a concern, the kit including: a. four bases; b. an outboard safety rail assembly, the outboard safety rail assembly including first and second vertically orientable posts and a rail for extending about an area to be protected in front of the first and second posts when vertically oriented; c. a pair of counterweight safety rail assemblies, each of the counterweight safety rail assemblies having a front post and a rear post and a rail extending directly between the front post and the rear post; and, d. instructions for installing the four bases, the outboard safety rail assembly, and the pair of counterweight safety rail assemblies. 22. The kit of claim 21, wherein each of the four bases includes at least two vertical post receivers, and wherein the kit further includes means for locking the posts in the vertical post receivers. 23. A method of protecting personnel at an elevated work area, the elevated work area characterized by a roof and an edge where safety is a concern, the elevated work area extending past the edge, the method comprising the steps of: a. providing an outboard safety rail assembly, the outboard safety rail assembly including a first post, a second post, and a rail extending between the first and second posts and delimiting a protected area in front of the first and second posts; b. providing a pair of bases, each of the bases having at least one vertically oriented post receiver; c. situating the pair of bases on the roof and stabilizing the pair of bases; and, d. accommodating the outboard safety rail assembly by inserting the first post in a vertically oriented post receiver of one base of the pair of bases and by inserting the second post in a vertically oriented post receiver of the other base of the pair of bases, such that a portion of the protected area delimited by the rail extends or cantilevers past the edge and is coincident with the elevated work area. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of situating and stabilizing the pair of bases is performed prior to inserting the posts. 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of situating and stabilizing the pair of bases is performed subsequent to inserting the posts. 26. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of situating and stabilizing the pair of bases includes permanently anchoring the pair of bases to the roof. 27. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of situating and stabilizing the pair of bases includes attaching counterweight safety rail assemblies to the pair of bases. 28. A method of temporarily protecting personnel at an elevated work area, the elevated work area having an edge where safety is a concern, the elevated work area extending past the edge, the method comprising the steps of: a. providing a pair of bases and situating and anchoring the pair of bases adjacent to the edge, each of the bases of the pair having at least one vertically oriented post receiver; b. providing an outboard safety rail assembly, the outboard safety rail assembly including a first post, a second post, and a rail extending between the first and second posts and delimiting a protected area in front of the first and second posts; and, c. accommodating the first and second posts of the outboard safety rail assembly with the vertically oriented post receivers of the anchored bases such that a portion of the protected area delimited by the rail extends or cantilevers past the edge and is coincident with the elevated work area. 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of removing the outboard safety rail assembly after use and leaving the anchored bases adjacent to the edge.