According to OSHA, the top edge height of top rails (or equivalent guardrail system members) must be 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. 1052(c)(7) Dear Mr. Your Guardrail Compliance Checklist. 451 (b) (4) Each end of a platform, unless cleated or otherwise restrained by hooks or equivalent means, shall extend over the centerline of its support at least 6 inches (15 cm). Be sure you have checked all 10 before work begins on your job-site. If such a railing is not possible then the workers must be protected by a fall protection device such as a personal fall arrest system or a safety net. 503 (a) Training program. Use internal couplings, Type 18-7, to maintain continuity. In addition, if the guardrail has intermediate vertical members (uprights between the top and bottom rails), the gaps should be no more than 19 inches (see 1910. § 214. not specified. 5”. SUMMARY: OSHA is proposing changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify which handrail and stair rail system requirements apply to new stair rail. Top rails capable of withstanding 200 pounds of. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. 10(a)] All subcontractors who agree to perform any part of the labor or material requirements of a contract. 1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. Handrail height, spacing, and incline are all addressed by the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building. 1926. 23(e)(5)(iii), states in part: "The length of brackets shall be such as will give a clearance between handrail and wall or any projection thereon of at least 3 inches. Any vertical intermediate members (EX. The spacing of vertical posts differs between the two sets of code as well. 29 (b) (1): The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system. In these situations, OSHA believes guardrail systems offer the appropriate level of fall protection and the record supports this conclusion. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the general industry standard 29 CFR 1910. 1910. The retaining wall or retaining wall system is located closer than 2 feet to a walk, path, residential yard, public common area, parking lot or driveway. Maximum riser height of 9. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard at 29 CFR 1926. Order safety netting for railings, open-sided floors, roofs and more today!(c) Stair rails and handrails. Specifically, the following sections are the most relevant to handrail and stair rail requirements. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. The following definitions apply in this subpart: Alternating tread-type stair means a type of. The OSHA catwalk handrail requirements are found in OSHA sections 1910. Standard Interpretations are letters or memos written in response to public inquiries or field office inquiries regarding how some aspect of or terminology in an OSHA standard or regulation is to be interpreted and enforced by the Agency. This means you cannot place machinery or other equipment in the space around an electrical panel without making sure that it meets the NEC working clearance requirements. 29(b)(2)(iii) Post navigation. 62 cm). (ii) When the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard to use guardrail, safety net, or personal fall protection systems on residential roofs, the employer must develop and implement a fall protection plan that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926. CDOT’s guardrail standards are defined in: • Standard Plan . A guardrail is shown by the red arrows in our photo at left. So, that height can be anywhere from 39 inches to 45 inches. Details are at GUARDRAIL CODES & STANDARDS - this article. Definitions . 8. 1926. Handrail height, measured above stair tread nosings, or finish surface of ramp slope, shall be uniform, not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm). This threshold differs from 29. When the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard to use guardrail, safety net, or personal fall protection systems on residential roofs, the employer must develop and implement a fall protection plan that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926. Department of Labor, OSHA, Office of Construction Standards and Guidance. See 29 CFR 1926. Without safety barriers like guardrails and handrails, anyone working at a height of six feet or more is defenseless against a fall. 5 inches (24 cm); ( 3) Have a minimum tread depth of 9. 451(g)(4). OSHA Fall Protection Requirements. 1431 (b) (1) When using equipment to hoist employees, the employees must be in a personnel platform that meets the requirements of paragraph (e) of this section. 555 (a) General requirements. S. Top Rail Requirements. The purpose of these guard rails is to prevent falls or unauthorized access to certain areas. W. The manufacturer must approve any alterations to the stilts. 72. So, that height can be anywhere from 39 inches to 45 inches. 451(g)(4). Advanced Notice of Proposed Rules 64:38077-38086, (July 14, 1999). 5". Paragraph (g)(4)(xiv) requires that guardrail systems using manila, plastic or synthetic rope as rails be inspected by a competent person as frequently as necessary to ensure that the guardrails comply with the performance criteria in final rule §1926. A handrail or grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent to it needs to be free of anything sharp or abrasive. GPO Source: e-CFR. The Safety Boot guardrail system is designed for this specific purpose, and when paired with the material listed above and properly fastened to the substrate, this bracket system makes it very easy to meets the OSHA requirements. By strict letter of the law, a 46” dock does not require fall protection under the provisions of OSHA 1910. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. 4. TO: ALL AREA DIRECTORS Paragraph 1926. Provides illustrated safety checklists for specific types of scaffolds. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing updates in the handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard. According to OSHA guardrail requirements, a railing is required when working at 4 feet or more. OSHA standard 1926. 1915. The standard's definition of a guardrail system is: "a vertical barrier, consisting of, but not limited to, Toprails, midrails , and posts, erected to prevent employees from falling off a. If you have an edge that does not pose this risk, you should be OK with standard railing without toeboard. When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height. 502(d) and the requirements of the scaffold standard are met. Keep away from the edge. Guardrail systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions: 1926. A minimum radius of 0. 29 Fall Protection Systems and Falling Object Protection-Criteria and. Federal OSHA: requires a maximum single rail length of 10 feet. OSHA has issued a final rule on Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems to better protect workers in general industry from these hazards by updating and clarifying standards and adding. OSHA 1910 Occupational Safety and Health Standards > D Walking-Working Surfaces > 1910. 24 cm) in height shall be provided at the waterside edges of aprons and bulkheads, except where vehicles are prohibited. 26. (3) For structural steel railings: posts, top rails, and. Maximum riser height of 9. it's vital that your devices meet all the standards set forth by OSHA and that your workers are trained on their proper use. 1431 (b) (1) When using equipment to hoist employees, the employees must be in a personnel platform that meets the requirements of paragraph (e) of this section. A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs have two different meanings. Guardrail systems that are not at least 42 inches high can be cited as a technical. Here are OSHA’s requirements for guardrail height: The top of the rail system must be 42 inches (±3 in. The Ontario Building Code | Handrails 3. Semitrailers, flatbeds and straight trucks all have bed heights that closely align with 48-inch-high platforms, so loading dock platforms most commonly are 44 to 48 inches high. OSHA's guardrail height requirements include a variance of plus or minus 3 inches. Use of personnel platform. Requirements for suspension scaffold fall protection systems are contained in § 1910. Minimum tread depth of 9. Thickness. In addition, Section 5 (a) (1) of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, often referred to as the General Duty Clause, requires employers to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized. 1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. 1431 (b) (2) (i)1915. Maximum 4-1/2 inch handrail projection into stairway width, on either side. Wooden posts must be no more than 8’ apart. 8 m) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems,. S. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. The space between the inside of the handrail and the wall or any other obstruction must be at least 1-1/2”. Per 1926. If the handrail isn’t circular, the perimeter dimension should not be less than 4 inches and mustn’t be greater than 6. Federal OSHA: requires a 200 pound point load. 1910. Cal OSHA has a force requirement of 20 pounds per linear foot along the entire rail system. For example, ANSI standard A1264. Top edge height of top rails must be between 42 +/- 3 inches above the walking/working level, except when conditions. 4 cm) in height. Hexavalent Chromium. 1431 (b) (2) (i)The standard requires guardrail systems and components to be designed and built to meet the requirements of § 1926. Apart from IBC, OSHA also has minimum strength requirements for guardrails. Section 1910. test requirements (such as ANSI/SIA A92. § 214. Stair treads must sustain a weight of at least. 28 of OSHA’s standard on walking-working surfaces (1910. 502(b)(9) states that top rails and mid rails must have a thickness or nominal diameter of at least ¼ of an inch to. 3-1984 entitled American National Standard for Ladders — Fixed — Safety Requirements, as amended from time to time, other than section 7 of that Standard. The employer must ensure: In addition, OSHA requires that fall protection be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance. It covers all walking-working surfaces unless specifically excluded by an individual section of this subpart. 29(b) and its subparts. According to OSHA guardrail requirements, a railing is required when working at 4 feet or more. in any direction per OSHA 1910. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742 Federal Government White House; Benefits. Maximum 7-3/4 inch stair riser height. 1926. 71 (d) (2) All vertical and horizontal members shall be fastened together with a coupler or locking device which will form a positive connection. Reg. 71 (d) (1) Metal scaffold members shall be maintained in good repair and free of corrosion. The newest OSHA revisions include the following criteria for OSHA 1910. 30″ to 38″. Rauchut, This is in response to your letter of July 18, 2017, requesting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to address a specific question of whether any safety factor is required in the design of handrails and top rails. 25 inches thick. Guardrail requirements are covered under OSHA 1910. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 6. 452(x)(9) 1926. Guardrail systems 1910. 502(b), and the other end of your control line is attached to a guardrail system or wall, then your control line would comply with the requirements in. OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal protective equipment in. 1910. With both standards, OSHA deems guardrail compliant under the following conditions: Vertical height of 42 inches. Vertical height of top rail. A guardrail is a safety railing or barrier located along a horizontal surface such as a balcony, deck, or porch. This letter constitutes OSHA’s. Reference definitions in 1910. 502 (b) (1) Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system. 29 (b) (3) requires that g uardrail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200. (ii) When the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard to use guardrail, safety net, or personal fall protection systems on residential roofs, the employer must develop and implement a fall protection plan that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926. Guardrail systems should consist of a top and intermediate rail. 451 (g) (1), each employee on a scaffold more than 10-feet above a lower level must be protected from falling to that lower level (also note American National Safety Institute/American Society of Safety Professionals (ANSI/ASSP) – Scaffolding Safety Requirements A10. OSHA Guardrail Load Requirements. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) ANSI/ASSE A1264. Objects which have fallen into the safety net, such as scrap pieces, equipment, and tools, must be removed as soon as possible from the net and at least before the next work shift. S. Common shapes are flat, rounded edge, and tubular in horizontal railings, whereas tetraform spear-headed or ball. Curbs or bull rails installed after October 3, 1983, shall be at least 10 inches (25. 1910. This ribbon of rail acts to capture impacting vehicles and to. Supervise workers to ensure fall protection equipment is used and maintained correctly. e. Maximum mesh size must not exceed 6 inches by 6 inches. The area shall be of a size to accommodate not less than 5 square feet (0. When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height, provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria. 29(k)(1), the new toeboard requirement needs to be at least 3. OSHA states that guardrail must reach a height of 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the walking-working surface and withstand a force of 200 pounds at any point in a downward or outward direction. The short answer is usually, yes. 451 (b) (3) (ii) The maximum distance from the face for plastering and lathing operations shall be 18 inches (46 cm). The newest OSHA revisions include the following criteria for OSHA 1910. 29(g)(4)), have an acceptable guardrail system (29 CFR § 1910. These scaffolding safety guidelines, which come directly from OSHA standards, are explored in greater depth in the sections below. 23 (e) (3) (v) (b)); Protection between top rail and floor,. 73 (d) When employees are exposed to unguarded edges of decks, platforms, flats, and similar flat surfaces, more than 5 feet above a solid surface, the edges shall be guarded by adequate guardrails meeting the requirements of § 1915. 1910. 5 inches (24 cm); and. " The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: (13) (i) Has a self-closing gate that slides or swings away from the hole, and is equipped with a top rail. According to OSHA 1910. Dear. 28 and 1910. Any vertical intermediate members (EX. OSHA’s fall protection and guardrail requirements along with the International Building Code (IBC) are standards all builders, contractors and construction workers should follow. These include: The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system. Regarding roof protection from falls for work on low-slope roofs, OSHA has general industry (1910) regulations based on various distances: Work done less than 6 feet from the roof edge:For other scaffolding guardrail requirements, see 29 CFR 1926. ) from the surface of the walking area. For guardrail systems around a catwalk, section 1910. This 28-page document covers the basics of fall protection systems, equipment, and regulations, as well as practical tips and examples for different work scenarios. Theatre galleries, balconies, or other such elevated seating locations, where a 42-inch railing would obstruct the sight lines, may be protected by a guardrail or other barrier of not less than 34 inches in height provided that a horizontal concave safety ledge not less than 6 inches in depth and not less than 36 inches in effective width is installed beyond the railing at the balcony floor. The guidelines for these aspects of mezzanine railing include: In-fill mid-rails or panels need to be installed to keep the opening from being more than 19 inches. There are 29 OSHA-approved State Plans operating state-wide occupational safety and health programs. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. Guardrail requirements are covered under OSHA 1910. 1926. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 23. [29 CFR 1926. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal protective equipment in November 2016 that updated requirements for slip, trip, and fall hazards. Thank you for your inquiry. Federal OSHA: requires a maximum single rail length of 10 feet. Previous OSHA regulations fell short of addressing many operations in which. 1910. 450(b) 1926. According to OSHA, the top edge height of top rails (or equivalent guardrail system members) must be 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. Here are some highlights: Do not turn on an incline. GPO Source: e-CFR. The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: ( 1) The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107. 26 (b) (1) Dockboards put into initial service on or after January 17, 2017 are designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent transfer vehicles from running off the dockboard edge; 1910. If the railing dips below 39 inches, due to the force, the railing is not OSHA compliant. Office listed on the back cover of this guide. , an opening in the roof of a building through which persons may fall. BlueWater offers industry-leading, non-penetrating guardrail systems for OSHA-compliant fall protection on flat roof building and elevated platforms. 1926. In some cases and places, however, that is not possible. Mounting guardrail to your existing parapet is a simple and effective way to secure your rooftop. C. These updated standards finally provided clarification for service pits, specifying that guardrails are not required around service pits less than 10 feet in depth. 555 (a) (1) Means for stopping the motor or engine shall be provided at the operator's station. TO: ALL AREA DIRECTORS Paragraph 1926. Our parapet guardrail is designed to exceed OSHA requirements to ensure you and your employees are safe when working on the roof. This regulation states that, “Guardrail systems. This is a summary of the requirements from Oregon OSHA’s general industry, walking-working surfaces rules . 25 (b) (2) Vertical clearance above any stair tread to any overhead obstruction is at least 6 feet, 8 inches (203 cm), as measured from the leading edge of the tread. 451(g). If the guardrail is unable to bear the minimum structural load, it could break due to the applied forces, resulting in a tragic accident. NFPANVIDIA made NeMo Guardrails — the product of several years’ research — open source to contribute to the developer community’s tremendous energy and work on. 112(c)(1) on both sides and that are not less than 30 inches (76. You will still be OSHA compliant without safety harnesses if the guardrail is adequate, but we recommend using them when: The scissor lift work platform is higher than six feet; wearing a harness is part of the scissor lift manufacturer’s instructions; and. Your inquiry concerns the guardrail requirements for suspension scaffolds. Depending on the type of scaffold, each employee more than 10 feet above a lower level must be protected from falling either by a personal fall arrest system, a. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Stair Rails and Handrails. If the top of a tank is not a "platform" under the analysis called for in OSHA's guidance document, the guardrail requirements of that standard would not apply. Refer to Plan Insert Sheets (GR series) and the July 2012 Version of this Manual for Type 5 guardrail design standards. The AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). At this point, we know that you need a handrail if you have. To meet OSHA’s guardrail height requirements, the top rail needs to be 42 inches plus or minus 3 inches above the walking-working surface. In general, any electrical panel. 112(c)(1) on both sides and that are not less than 30 inches (76. Safety net systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions: (c)(1) Safety Railing and Guardrail Systems. Maintenance of rooftop solar panels falls under general industry standards. Some areas require taller guardrail. 501 ), any worker constructing a leading edge 6 feet or more above a lower level “must be protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems. Guardrail Fall Protection Criteria. 450(b), as well as the requirements of §1926. The guardrails provided here are 1-1/4” thick. Learn how to prevent falls and injuries in construction activities with this comprehensive guide from Oregon OSHA. 23(e)(2) A stair railing shall be of construction similar to a standard railing, but the vertical height shall be not more than 34 inches nor less than 30 inches from an upper surface of top rail to the surface of tread in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread. The same width maximum goes for any other posts within the guardrail system. The upper edge of the guardrails shall be no less than 5 inches above the top surface of the mattress. (Fall protection is not required. The opening between a guardrail and the end structure at the head of a bed shall be no more than 15 inches. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. (3) If ramps change direction at landings, the minimum landing size shall be 60 in by 60 in (1525 mm by 1525 mm). 6 - Incorporation by reference. Maximum 4-1/2 inch handrail projection into stairway width, on either side. 5 inches (24 cm); ( 3) Have a minimum tread depth of 9. OSHA Guardrail Load Requirements. A guardrail is a safety railing or barrier located along a horizontal surface such as a balcony, deck, or porch. Plastic ladders: ANSI A14. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), as long as the guardrail system meets all other criteria. (2) The landing length shall be a minimum of 60 in (1525 mm) clear. A stair rail or stair guard is a safety railing or barrier located along the open side(s) of a stairway. The employer must ensure: 1910. A guardrail consists of a top rail 42” + or – 3” no less than 39”, mid rail at 21” and toe board 3. 502(b)(6) requires that guardrail components have smooth surfaces to prevent snagging of clothing and injuries from lacerations and punctures. The IBC code for structural design has some very specific requirements for deck stairs: Stair rails on decks should be between 34 inches and 38 inches high, measured vertically from the nose of the tread to the top of the rail. An opening between 3½ and 9 inches should be avoided because of the danger of entrapment. 500 (f) (1) (vi) provides the specification criteria for a standard railing exception as follows: (vi) Other types, sizes, and arrangements of railing construction are acceptable, provided they meet the following conditions: (a) A smooth-surfaced top rail at a height above floor, platform, runway, or ramp level of approximately 42. Standard Interpretations are letters or memos written in response to public inquiries or field office inquiries regarding how some aspect of or terminology in an OSHA standard or regulation is to be interpreted and enforced by the Agency. [29 CFR 1926. Be sure to check with your code official regarding your area’s guardrail height requirements. The CSA Standard Z797-18 Code of practice for access scaffold also provides minimum load bearing and height requirements for guardrails and toe boards. Answer: No, 29 CFR 1926 451(g)(4)(i) requires that guardrail systems be. Note that our enforcement. 5-1982 - American National Standard for Ladders - Portable Reinforced Plastic -. , guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems) for work 6 feet or more above lower levels, except where employers can demonstrate. Safety Standards for Scaffolds. 34″ and 42″. Will the Guardrail Meet Loading Dock Railing Requirements? OSHA details the requirements for guardrails in more detail since the 2017 update. 502(d) and the requirements of the scaffold standard are met. , Washington, D. OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal protective equipment in November 2016 that updated requirements for slip, trip and fall hazards. As a reference, OSHA's fall protection standards would require a safety net used in this scenario to extend 8 feet from the edge of the walking/working surface. Maximum 7-3/4 inch stair riser height. Finally, remember handrails must be between 30 and 38 inches as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread. 28 includes unprotected sides and edges. The fall protection safety requirements for residential construction should be the same as those for commercial construction. OSHA's guardrail height requirements include a variance of plus or minus 3 inches. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NWHowever, the guardrail must be strong enough to support 200 pounds of force applied horizontally, which may affect the spacing. 25 (b) (1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. OSHA requirements for standard stairs. Handrail height of alternating tread devices and ships ladders, measured above tread nosings, shall be uniform, not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and not more. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 5 of 14 DEFICIENCY 2 – UNIT: HANDRAIL IS NOT SECURE. It covers all walking-working surfaces unless specifically excluded by an individual section of this subpart. When a forklift truck is used for lifting personnel on a secured safety platform with a guardrail to. OSHA standard 1926. [29 CFR 1926. (1) For wood railings: Wood components shall be minimum 1500 lb-ft/in2 fiber (stress grade) construction grade lumber; (2) For pipe railings: posts, top rails, and intermediate. Here’s a quick overview. The space between the inside of the handrail and the wall or any other obstruction must be at least 1-1/2”. The employer must provide safe access to and from all workGuide to cable railings or wire rope guardrails: This article describes and includes illustrations of cable or wire rope railings or guardrails used along decks, balconies, walkways and stairways. Use internal couplings, Type 18-7, to maintain continuity. Toeboards need to be around 3. The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: 1910. 1052 (c) (3) The height of stairrails shall be as follows: 1926. Cal OSHA requires a maximum single rail length of 8 feet. There are 29 OSHA-approved State Plans operating state-wide occupational safety and health programs. handrails (1) A stairway shall have a handrail on at least one side, and if 1 100 mm or more in width, shall have handrails on both sides. Only stand on the work platform; never stand on the guardrails. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. OSHA’s proposal focuses on two sets of situations: Correcting rail requirements for stairways narrower than 44 inches, and with 2 open sides, by inserting words accidentally omitted when the 2017 requirements were published: - from “one stair rail system [on] each open side”. I. 23 (b) General requirements for all ladders. 28; 1910. Safety Requirements for Job-Made Ladders. The agency’s standard on walking-working surfaces for general industry (1910 Subpart D) was developed to help prevent dangerous falls from height or slips and trips on the same level (working surface). 503. Performance requirements for guardrail systems used on scaffolds and performance requirements for falling object protection used on scaffolds are provided in subpart L of this part. NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF REAL ESTATE U. 502 - OSHA's policy regarding the use of scaffolds as fall arrest system anchors. Scope . 1926. Maximum 12′-7″ vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs. 29. The requirements are divided into 3 sections for guardrails, which are. 5 inches for stands with a top height of 4 feet or more, 36 inches for stands with a top. 25 inches thick. 1917. Guard rail, guardrails, or protective guarding, [1] in general, are a boundary feature and may be a means to prevent or deter access to dangerous or off-limits areas while allowing light and visibility in a greater way than a fence. 1. The employer must ensure: 1910. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that employers provide fall protection for employees working at heights over 4 feet. 501(b)(13), which requires fall protection (usually conventional fall protection, i. An opening between 3½ and 9 inches should be avoided because of the danger of entrapment. In some cases and places, however, that is not possible. Drop testing for OSHA requirements. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. 1910. 29 (b) (1) The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. Particular industries require certain specifications on safety railing systems. Such workers when exposed to fall hazards of 4 feet or more must be protected by a standard railing. gov) 202-366-6537. Since that time, OSHA has received many questions and requests for interpretation of the requirements for handrails and stair rail systems. §3214. 1926. 4. This includes the top of retaining walls over 4 feet in height. At this point, we know that you need a handrail if you have. Open-sided dock areas 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level where there is the danger of employee falling shall be guarded by a standard railing or the equivalent. 451(g)(4). If the guardrail is unable to bear the minimum structural load, it could break due to the applied forces, resulting in a tragic accident. By strict letter of the law, a 46” dock does not require fall protection under the provisions of OSHA 1910. In addition, OSHA also issued an interpretation (55 FR 13407; April. Stairways less than 44 inches (1118 mm) in width or stairways serving one individual dwelling unit in Group R, Division 1 or 3 Occupancy or a Group R, Division 3 congregate residence may have one handrail. You’re completely OSHA compliant for inspection at a moments notice. . Railing height from tread surface at the riser face shall be 33±3 inches (83. All guardrail systems must be able to hold at least 200 pounds of pressure pushing out and down on the railing. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the general industry standard 29 CFR 1910. OSHA requirements for standard stairs. A guardrail is typically required for stairs with 4-or-more risers, or for a deck or balcony with 30 inches above grade. Minimum tread depth of 9. , guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems) or alternative fall protection measures allowed under 1926. Our portable guard railing is 42 inches tall. 1926. M-606-1 Midwest Guardrail System (MGS) Type 3 W-Beam 31 Inches (Placement, installation, materials, and specifications).