A belt module (10), modular belt assembly and method of configuring a modular belt to provide an edge portion for retaining a headed pivot rod (103). The edge portion has a blocking member (70) disposed in a slot (73) and movable between a first open position and a second closed position. In, the closed position, the blocking member extends into an edge portion pivot rod opening (51) to prevent the headed pivot rod from exiting the edge portion pivot rod opening. The edge portion pivot rod opening is larger than the first and second pivot rod openings in the first and second link ends of the belt module such that the pivot rod can only be removed in one direction.