This 200 pound load test is designed to stop an employee from a potentially fatal fall, as opposed to the IBC requirement that takes into account the idea that many people may be leaning on the. Understand the requirements of OSHA’s Fall Protection standards at 29 CFR 1926, Subpart M, to protect workers exposed to falls six feet or more above a lower level. OSHA requirements for standard stairs. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm). The OSHA requirements state that guardrails should be able to resist at least 200 pounds of pressure applied directly to the structure. Exception 2: Guardrails serving as handrails on the open side of a stair run shall not be less than 34 inches and not more than 38 inches in height. Load Requirement: It should be to hold a load from a 200-pound weight that is. Wooden posts must be no more than 8’ apart. Supervise workers to ensure fall protection equipment is used and maintained correctly. 7 - Definition and requirements for a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Vertical height of top rail. All mesh crossings must be secured to prevent enlargement of the mesh opening, which must be no longer than 6. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. There is a 3-inch variance that is allowed in either direction. 503 (a) Training program. State Plans are required to have standards and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as OSHA's and may have different or more stringent requirements. Specifically, we will consider the use of certain physical barriers that fail to meet the criteria for a. 1. They must be installed according to manufacturer’s instructions. 23. 1926. 1926. Conveyor systems shall be equipped with an audible warning signal to be sounded immediately before starting up the conveyor. ”. A handrail and a wall or other surface adjacent to the handrail shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 1. A stair rail or stair guard is a safety railing or barrier located along the open side(s) of a stairway. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. It covers all walking-working surfaces unless specifically excluded by an individual section of this subpart. Handrail Standards Guardrail Handrail standards can be manufacured in tubular or solid materials with varying outside diameters, tube wall thickness, ball sizes, ball types in a multiple of material grades in Mild Steel, StainlessOSHA; Standards; Enforcement; Topics; Media Center; Contact Us; U. S. in any direction per OSHA 1910. 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. The employer must ensure: 1910. 1926. 73]. 1926. 1431 (b) (2) Exceptions: A personnel platform is not required for hoisting employees: 1926. The locking device shall be of a type which has no loose parts. The top rail rail must be able to withstand 200 pounds of force in the downward and outward directions. Sets forth safety requirements for areas where danger exists of persons or objects falling through floor or. 24 cm) in height shall be provided at the waterside edges of aprons and bulkheads, except where vehicles are prohibited. § 214. 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. 5 inches for stands with a top height of 4 feet or more, 36 inches for stands with a top. OSHA Fall Protection Requirements. 10. The program shall enable each employee to recognize the hazards of falling and shall train each employee in the procedures to be followed in order to minimize these hazards. (Fall protection is not required. The three major components of a strong post barrier are the rail, posts, and blockouts. Scope and definitions. 5 and A92. 555 (a) General requirements. The AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). Must Withstand 200 Pounds. 6) (1926. test requirements (such as ANSI/SIA A92. Mounting guardrail to your existing parapet is a simple and effective way to secure your rooftop. 29 (b) (1): 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. 29 (b) (3) (4) (5). Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable OSHA requirements. 29(b) and its subparts. Purpose of a Guardrail A guardrail is, first and foremost, a safety barrier intended to shield a motorist who has left the roadway. 1926. A guardrail is shown by the red arrows in our photo at left. 25 inches in diameter or 0. Department of Labor. Definitions. Do the OSHA Construction standards apply to me? The standards apply to: All contractors who enter into contracts which are for construction, alteration, and/or repair, including painting and decorating. 71(j) (1) and (2). , an opening in the roof of a building through which persons may fall. Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable OSHA requirements. 26 (b) (2)See this post for detailed OSHA guardrail height requirements. Wherever guardrail protection is required, the following standards shall be adhered to except that other types and arrangements of guardrail construction will be acceptable where the height, surface and end projection of the top rail complies with the standard specifications and the closure of the vertical area between the top rail and floor, platform,. Employers should train workers to: Check to see that a guardrail system is in place before working on the scissor lift. Construction. Answer: No, 29 CFR 1926 451(g)(4)(i) requires that guardrail systems be. 3 OSHA standards permit fall arrest systems to be anchored to scissor lifts as long as the anchorage requirements in §1926. 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. OSHA stair requirements suggest that: 1910. Definitions . Top rails capable of withstanding 200 pounds of. OSHA noted that cages or wells may allow. Specifically, we will consider the use of certain physical barriers that fail to meet the criteria for a. Addressing OSHA dock safety can be a tricky thing. 1431 (b) (2) (i)The standard requires guardrail systems and components to be designed and built to meet the requirements of § 1926. Minimum width of 22”. Presuming your guardrail system meets the requirements of §1926. The following requirements apply to all stairways as indicated: (1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm), whichever is less, shall be equipped with: (A) At least one handrail; and (B) A stair rail consisting of a top rail and mid-rail along each unprotected side or edge. 25 (b) (1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. OSHA requires that a competent or qualified person inspect each knot in a lanyard or vertical lifeline to ensure it meets the strength requirements in § 1910. If the guardrail is unable to bear the minimum structural load, it could break due to the applied forces, resulting in a tragic accident. A guardrail is, first and foremost, a safety barrier intended to shield a motorist who has left the roadway. Zarletti: Thank you for your letter of June 18, concerning the allowable tolerance for the height of guardrails as specified at 29 CFR 1926. 451(g)(4). 1-2007, Safety Requirements for Workplace Walking/Working Surfaces and Their Access; Workplace, Floor, Wall and Roof Openings; Stairs and Guardrail Systems; ANSI/ASSE Z359. 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. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NWThe AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). e. 1. 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. 651 (c) (2) Means of egress from trench excavations. This is why roof safety rails are so important. 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. Such workers when exposed to fall hazards of 4 feet or more must be protected by a standard railing. Requirements for suspension scaffold fall protection systems are contained in § 1910. 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. 71 (d) (1) Metal scaffold members shall be maintained in good repair and free of corrosion. We will now. Manila, plastic or synthetic rope being used for top rails or midrails shall be inspected as frequently as necessary to ensure that it continues to meet the strength requirements of paragraph (b)(3) of this section (§ 1926. Guardrail Requirements vs. Safety Standards for Scaffolds. 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. 450(b) 1926. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. NFPANVIDIA made NeMo Guardrails — the product of several years’ research — open source to contribute to the developer community’s tremendous energy and work on. 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. 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. Equivalent means. The EDGE 360 mobile safety railing is completely non-penetrating roof guardrail system and has been independently certified and tested to meet all OSHA Fall Protection regulations and standards for guardrail, sections 1910. 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”. - to “one stair rail system with handrail on each open side”. They must be protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems, or They must work in a controlled access zone (CAZ) . Construction Safety and Health Standards, Subpart L, 29 CFR 1926. 760 (c) (1) Each employee working at the leading edge in a CDZ shall be protected from fall hazards of more than two stories or 30 feet (9. A guardrail consists of a top rail 42” + or – 3” no less than 39”, mid rail at 21” and toe board 3. 451(g). To prevent employees from being injured from falls, employers must: Guard every floor hole into which a worker can accidentally walk (using a railing and toe-board or a floor hole cover). 353. 1910. The scaffolding fall protection requirements are located in §1926. If the handrail isn’t circular, the perimeter dimension should not be less than 4 inches and mustn’t be greater than 6. 1917. 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. According to OSHA: When workers installing solar panels are exposed to fall distances of six feet or more, they need to be. The top rail position and maximum single rail length requirements are easier to meet. Maximum 7-3/4 inch stair riser height. [Note: for this section, the criteria and practices requirements for guardrail systems on scaffolds are contained in 29 CFR part 1926, Subpart L or 29 CFR 1915. 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. For guardrail systems around a catwalk, section 1910. The area shall be of a size to accommodate not less than 5 square feet (0. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. 451(g)(4), the employer in the situation you describe has the choice of using either a fall arrest system or a guardrail system to protect employees from fall hazards associated with working from a scaffold more than 10 feet above a lower level. Though the terms guardrails and handrails are often used interchangeably, they are different structures both in use and requirements. Figure D-11-- Guard Rail Systems. 1910. 500 (f) (l) (vi) provides for the utilization of types, sizes and arrangements of railing construction provided they meet the conditions established in sub-paragraph a thru d. "The employer must ensure each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1. Railing height for guard rail. , guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems) or alternative fall protection measures allowed under 1926. Under §1910. Last updated: Tuesday,. That said, even docks coming in under 4 feet should utilize some sort of fall protection. Maximum 7-3/4 inch stair riser height. Top rail and midrail dimensions: Must be at least 0. 28; 1910. OSHA requirements for standard stairs. The requirements are divided into 3 sections for guardrails, which are. 3) the top must not fail and may deflect to a point no lower than 39 inches above the floor when a 200 pound load is imposed on it in a downward or outward. (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. the regulations in T8 CCR only set minimum requirements and they should strive to exceed the standards at all times. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. 3. Apart from IBC, OSHA also has minimum strength requirements for guardrails. Floor covers . Prevent water from pooling and damaging your roof by using a lightweight PVC counterweight to give your team all the protection they. 1- 1995, Safety Requirements for Workplace Floor and Wall Openings, Stairs, and Railing Systems, requires guardrail protection for the exposed sides of ladderway openings in any working/walking surface. The opening between a guardrail and the end structure at the head of a bed shall be no more than 15 inches. Handrails must be placed between 34″ and 38″ in height, measuring from the nosing of the stair. 555 (a) (2) If the operator's station is at a remote point. 451(a)(5) is acceptable provided it meets the following guidelines: OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. The Guardrail height shall not be less than 36 inches above the walking surface. The criteria and practices requirements for guardrail systems on scaffolds are contained in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L. Therefore, it is vital to assist the public in learning about OSHA documents related to agriculture. The short answer is usually, yes. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. That being said, there are no requirements for a fall arrest system or ladder safety system for offset fixed ladders 24 feet and under in height so long as the ladder resting platforms at all transitions are of minimum horizontal dimensions (29 CFR § 1910. BlueWater offers industry-leading, non-penetrating guardrail systems for OSHA-compliant fall protection on flat roof building and elevated platforms. 29(k)(1), the new toeboard requirement needs to be at least 3. 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). Top rail at 42” to 45” and a midrail. OSHA; Standards; Enforcement; Topics; Media Center; Contact Us; U. Office listed on the back cover of this guide. Equivalent means alternative designs, materials, or methods that the employer can demonstrate will provide an equal or greater degree of safety for employees. * The CPSC recommends that. A stair rail or stair guard is a safety railing or barrier located along the open side(s) of a stairway. See the following elevated work platform OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910. For stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017, the top rail and handrail must be separate. Department of Labor, OSHA, Office of Construction Standards and Guidance, Room N3468, 200 Constitution Avenue, N. Spiral stairs must meet the vertical clearance requirements. Your Guardrail Compliance Checklist. OSHA is requesting updates to the handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard, according to a press release. 112 (a) (1) Vehicle curbs, bull rails, or other effective barriers at least six inches (15. This checklist covers regulations issued by the U. 5". OSHA 1910. Railings & Guardrail. Handrail Requirements. 502 (b) (1) Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system. Step Guardrail Height: Unlike ADA guidelines, the guardrails in OSHA steps also act as handrails when the top edge of the guardrail is between 36 and 38 inches above the leading edge of the stair tread. Top Rail Requirements. 1910. For more information on Guardrail Inspection, Maintenance, and Installation Information, please contact the Office of Safety, Aimee Zhang ( Aimee. Minimum width of 22”. The OSHA non-mandatory guidelines do not provide suggested hardware for fastening the guardrails to the ground. 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. Cal-OSHA’s 1. 502 (b) (1) Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm). 1910. Install guardrail systems along all open sides and ends of platforms. Common shapes are flat, rounded edge, and tubular in horizontal railings, whereas tetraform spear-headed or ball. Where the guardrail requirements of subsections (a) and (b) are impracticable due to machinery requirements or work. Compliance requirements for the use of U-bolt-type cable clamps in horizontal lifelines. The top edge of the guardrail should be 42 inches above the walking/working surface. 62 cm). 5” high. The following definitions apply in this subpart: Alternating tread-type stair means a type of. NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF REAL ESTATE U. The guardrail would then have to meet the requirements in §1926. 451(g)(4). Mid rail height of 21 inches. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the general industry standard 29 CFR 1910. 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. 760 (c) (2) Access to a CDZ shall be limited to only those employees engaged in leading edge work. There are separate standards set by OSHA for General Industry and Construction. Implement safe work practices to reduce the possibility of falls. it's vital that your devices meet all the standards set forth by OSHA and that your workers are trained on their proper use. This ribbon of rail acts to capture impacting vehicles and to. 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. Conveyor systems shall be equipped with an audible warning signal to be sounded immediately before starting up the conveyor. OSHA Fall Protection Requirements. 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. 73]. Warehousing hazards are addressed in specific standards for general industry (29 CFR 1910). OSHA regulations are pretty straightforward: “Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. A handrail or grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent to it needs to be free of anything sharp or abrasive. 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. The three major components of a strong post barrier are the rail, posts, and blockouts. 29 (f) (1) (i) - Handrails are not less than 30 inches (76 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm. 451(g). There are 29 OSHA-approved State Plans operating state-wide occupational safety and health programs. 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. Guardrail systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions: 1926. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. The newest OSHA revisions include the following criteria for OSHA 1910. Training and qualification of each roadway worker in on-track safety for operators of roadway maintenance machines. Plastic ladders: ANSI A14. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) ANSI/ASSE A1264. Finally, remember handrails must be between 30 and 38 inches as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread. Handrail safety is just as important as the safety of the staircase itself. 26 (a) Dockboards are capable of supporting the maximum intended load in accordance with § 1910. Here is a summary to make it easy for you: The top rail must be 42 inches in height, give or take 3 inches. 1926. 1 m), whichever is less. The safety ledge shall be designed to carry a live load of 100 pounds per square foot. 1917. Use pedestrian walkways, or stay to one side of the equipment aisle. 1926. 23(e)(1)] The intermediate (middle) rail should be located in the middle of the upright creating equal space between the floor and the top. Minimum 6′-8″ headroom height clearance for stairway. As indicated in Question and Answer #50 of OSHA's compliance directive CPL 2-1. OSHA requirements for guardrails are also quite stringent. OSHA guidelines on guardrail fall protection criteria dictate that a guardrail safety system’s top edge must be 42(±)3 inches above the floor. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This regulation states that, “Guardrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches (5. 1-2007, Safety Requirements for Workplace Walking/Working Surfaces and Their Access; Workplace, Floor, Wall and Roof Openings; Stairs and Guardrail Systems; ANSI/ASSE Z359. Toeboards need to be around 3. Learn how to prevent falls and injuries in construction activities with this comprehensive guide from Oregon OSHA. In some cases and places, however, that is not possible. (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. 501(b)(13), workers engaged in residential construction six (6) feet or more above lower levels must be protected by conventional fall protection (in other words, guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems) or other. Guardrail systems used at hoist areas: A removableAmerica's Safest Companies. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. At this point, we know that you need a handrail if you have. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), as long as the guardrail system meets all other criteria. 1The present Standard, 29 CFR 1910. 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. Falls from heights and on the same level (a working surface) are among the leading causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths. ft. 5”. 29(b) and its subparts. 1052 (c) (2) Winding and spiral stairways shall be equipped with a handrail offset sufficiently to prevent walking on those portions of the stairways where the tread width is less than 6 inches (15 cm). 452(x)(9) 1926. This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal 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. Use a non-penetrating guardrail that doesn’t mount to any structure on your building. gov. 22 m) or more in depth so as to require no more than 25 feet (7. According to OSHA’s construction fall protection standard ( 29 CFR 1926. 1910. This 200 pound load test is designed to stop an employee from. 25 inches in diameter or 0. In the diagram below, you can see the side profile of two different types of guardrails: The first option shows a guardrail. 4 - Amendments to this part. OSHA addressed ten issues, most of which have been raised by interested parties who believe that alternatives to some of the existing fall protection rule's provisions should be permitted. Since that time, OSHA has received many questions and requests for interpretation of the requirements for handrails and stair rail systems. See the following elevated work platform OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910. 62 m) of lateral travel for employees. Railing height from tread surface at the riser face shall be 33±3 inches (83. 23(c)(1) states that “e very open-sided floor or platform 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level shall be guarded by a standard railing (or the equivalent as specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this section) on all open sides. 5 inches (9 cm) as measured from the top edge of the toeboard to the level of the. Note that our enforcement. Guard Height. According to OSHA guardrail requirements, a railing is required when working at 4 feet or more. 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. Have handrails that meet the requirements of § 1917. OSHA requirements for guardrails are also quite stringent. Panels made of materials conforming to the requirements in Table. 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. Scope . Tsotsos: This is in response to your June 10, 2005, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 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. Minimum tread depth of 9. 29. 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. Access. 5” high. According to the IBC code, guard rails are required when there is a difference of 30 inches or greater between two upper and lower surfaces. 29(g)(4)), have an acceptable guardrail system (29 CFR § 1910. The short answer is usually, yes. 25 (b) (1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. 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. In general, any electrical panel. With both standards, OSHA deems guardrail compliant under the following conditions: Vertical height of 42 inches. Passive fall protection protects many vulnerable areas and provides safety for all people, not just active employees on a job site. Their standard states, "A standard guardrail shall consist of top rail, midrail or equivalent protection, and posts, and shall have a vertical height within the range of 42 inches. OSHA also states that the guardrails must be between 39 and 45 inches tall. 1926. 2. Most loading docks are 48-52” tall, but we do see instances of docks a few inches shy of four feet–say 46”. The upper edge of the guardrails shall be no less than 5 inches above the top surface of the mattress. 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. 651 (d) Exposure to vehicular traffic. All top rails and midrails need to be at least 0. S. Thank you for your inquiry. Cal OSHA has a force requirement of 20 pounds per linear foot along the entire rail system. These letters provide guidance to clarify the application of an established OSHA standard, policy, or. ) Floor opening – An opening 12 inches or more in its least dimension in any floor, roof or platform, through which a person, material or tool. 4. 48 (a) (2) An elevated walkway with guardrail or equivalent means of protection shall be provided where employees cross over moving conveyors, and suitable guarding shall be provided when employees pass under moving conveyors. Top rail must withstand 200 lbs load in any direction. While guardrails and handrails sound similar and perform the same general function — fall protection — the actual definition and code requirements for each differ considerably. Stair railing height requirements are derived from handrail code—a model building code that communities can adopt and adapt as needed. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that employers provide fall protection for employees working at heights over 4 feet. e. 1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. 10(a)] All subcontractors who agree to perform any part of the labor or material requirements of a contract.