Guardrail Inspection

1. Is the top rail 42 inches above the walking or working level? (plus or minus 3 inches)

2. Are midrails (or screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members) installed between the top edge and the walking or working surface?

3. If screens or mesh are used, do they extend from the top rail to the walking/working level and along the entire opening?

4. If other structural members (such as additional midrails and architectural panels) are installed, are there NO openings in the guardrail system that are more than 19 inches wide?

5. By using a tool to measure or by checking paperwork that came with the guardrail system, is the top rail capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds and the midrail 150 pounds?

6. Is the surface of the guardrail systems smooth enough to prevent injury to an employee from punctures or lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing?

7. Are the ends of all top rails and midrails NOT overhanging the terminal posts?

8. Are steel banding and plastic banding NOT used as top rails or midrails?

9. Are top rails and midrails at least one-quarter inch (0.6 cm) in diameter to prevent cuts and lacerations?

10. When guardrail systems are used at holes, are they installed on all unprotected sides or edges of the hole?

11. When guardrail systems are used around holes which are used as points of access (such as ladderways), do they have a gate, or some other means to prevent a person from walking directly into the hole?