Abstract: A safety rail assembly for an access hatch with a hatch frame which defines an opening; extends around at least a part of the hatch frame and includes guard members interconnection members which extend around the hatch frame, and support members for supporting the guard members at a position elevated above the hatch frame, where each interconnection member has a spacer member secured therto between the ends thereof, and each spacer member has a body portion by which the spacer member is secured to an interconnection member and a head portion for bearing firmly against an outwardly facing surface of the hatch frame.