Abstract: A safety railing system for a roof access hatch includes a three-sided rectangular base configured for resting on a roof adjacent to and surrounding a roof access hatch. Four upright frame members are attached to and extend upwardly from the base to define the four corners of the safety railing system. A plurality of cross-members extend between the upright frame members for rigidly holding the upright frame members relative to one another. An opening or entry is defined between two of the upright frame members at one end of the safety railing system. A gate or removable barrier is provided at the opening or entry to allow selective access through the safety railing system and to the roof access hatch. The safety railing system is secured relative to the roof access hatch to prevent movement of the safety railing system relative to the roof access hatch.