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Guardrail systems must have a surface to protect workers from punctures or lacerations and to prevent clothing from snagging. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(6). The ends of top rails and midrails must not overhang terminal posts, except where an overhang poses no projection hazard. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(7).
The criteria and practices requirements for guardrail systems on scaffolds are contained in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L. Figure D-11 -- Guard Rail Systems. Depicts two figures showing two types of Guard Rail Systems. The first shows the walking-working surface, posts, and mid rail for guard system.
Where workers on a construction site are exposed to vertical drops of 6 feet or more, OSHA requires that employers provide fall protection in one of three ways before work begins: Placing guardrails around the hazard area. Deploying safety nets.
(b) Guardrail systems. 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 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface.
any type of a guardrail system should be used as an anchor point for a lifeline or lanyard. The guardrails are erected to withstand 200 pounds of pressure, whereas anchorage for lifelines and lanyards must sustain a load of at least 5,000 pounds. Figure 3. Guardrails can be used to protect floor openings. (Courtesy Construction Safety Association
What Are OSHA’s Guardrail Requirements? Fall protection in general—and the use of railings and guardrail systems in particular—is covered under OSHA’s walking and working surfaces rule, 1910 Subpart D, which was updated in 2017.
The employer must ensure: (i) Each employee less than 4 feet (1.2 m) above dangerous equipment is protected from falling into or onto the dangerous equipment by a guardrail system or a travel restraint system, unless the equipment is covered or guarded to eliminate the hazard.
