Understanding OSHA Requirements for Guardrail
Understanding OSHA Requirements for Guardrail
As the leading resource on fall protection, we at Diversified Fall Protection frequently offer guidance on understanding and complying with OSHA requirements for guardrail and safety railing systems.
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Below, we’ll explain OSHA’s official rules on guardrail for general industry applications and show you how your business can remain compliant with these regulations.
For additional assistance, contact the team of experts at Diversified Fall Protection. Our engineers will design and implement a complete, OSHA-compliant guardrail system to protect your team when working on rooftops and other elevated surfaces.
What is a guardrail?
A guardrail, or guard rail, is a stationary, fixed fall protection system designed to prevent workers from stepping over the edge of a walking-working surface. OSHA 1910.29(b) outlines the system requirements employers must follow to ensure guardrail systems protect workers from falling to lower levels.
Three Main Parts of a Guardrail
There are three main parts of a guardrail: the top rails, the midrails, and the vertical posts. Each part must comply with OSHA’s rules regarding material type, size, height, and location. Here’s an in-depth look at each component:
Guard Rail Requirements
Diversified Fall Protection provides turnkey guardrail systems that comply with all of the following OSHA requirements:
Railing Height for Guard Rail
According to OSHA, 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. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), if all other criteria are met.
Guardrail is required for any platform 4 feet or higher above a lower floor or the ground, with a vertical height of 42 inches from the upper surface of the top rail to the floor, platform, runway, or ramp level.
Mid-rails
In situations where there is no wall or parapet at least 21 inches (53 cm) high, midrails must be installed halfway between the top edge of the guardrail and the walking-working surface. Screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, or other equivalents may also serve as midrails.
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If screens and mesh are used, they must extend from the walking-working surface to the top rail and along the entire opening. Intermediate vertical members, such as balusters, must be installed no more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart. Other equivalent intermediate members must be installed with openings not exceeding 19 inches (48 cm) wide.
Guard Rail Strength
OSHA requires that guardrails be strong enough to withstand force both outward and downward along the top rail and midrail sections.
Guardrail systems should be capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in a downward or outward direction within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge. When tested in a downward direction, the top rail must remain at least 39 inches (99 cm) above the walking-working surface.
Intermediate structures must withstand at least 150 pounds (667 N) of force applied in any downward or outward direction at any point.
Smooth Surfaces Required for Guardrail
Guardrails must have smooth surfaces to prevent worker injuries from punctures or lacerations and to avoid clothing snags. Our railings come with a powder-coated finish that meets this requirement.
Additionally, OSHA mandates that the ends of top rails and midrails do not overhang the terminal posts unless the overhang does not pose a projection hazard. The use of steel and plastic banding for top rails or midrails is also prohibited, with a minimum diameter or thickness of 0.25 inches (0.6 cm).
Guardrail Near Hoist Areas and Holes
When guardrail systems are used at hoist areas, a removable guardrail section must be placed across the access opening when employees are not performing hoisting operations. This section must have a top rail and midrail. Chains or gates may be used instead if they offer equivalent protection.
When used around holes, guardrails must be installed on all unprotected sides or edges. If materials are passed through the hole, no more than two sides of the guardrail system can be removed at a time. If no materials are being passed, the hole must be guarded or closed with a cover.
Guardrails at Point-of-Access Holes
Guardrails around access points, such as ladderways, must have a self-closing gate that slides or swings away from the hole. The gate must include a top rail and midrail (or equivalent intermediate member) to meet OSHA standards. Offsetting the opening to prevent falls is another acceptable option.
Guardrail for Ramps and Runways
For ramps and runways, guardrails should be installed along each unprotected side or edge. Manila or synthetic rope may be used for top rails or midrails if they are regularly inspected to meet OSHA strength requirements.
Where to Find OSHA-Compliant Guardrail
Diversified Fall Protection offers a range of OSHA-compliant guardrail and safety railing systems to protect your team, including LORGUARD.
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