Guardrail Installation and Use

1. Guardrails are used to protect edges of platforms and floor openings. They consist of a smooth surface and will include a mid-rail and top-rail.

2. Guardrail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in a downward or outward direction on the top edge, at any point along the top rail.

3. The top rail height must be 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface.

4. Top rails and midrails are at least 0.25-inches (0.6 cm) in diameter or in thickness.

5. Midrails are midway between the top rail and the walking-working surface.

6. Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, or equivalent intermediate members are installed between the walking-working surface and the top edge of the guardrail system.

7. Intermediate vertical members are no more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart.

8. Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, and other equivalent intermediate members are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 150 pounds (667 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the intermediate member.

9. Steel banding and plastic banding are not used for top rails or midrails.

10. Toe boards must have a minimum vertical height of 3.5 inches (9 cm) as measured from the top edge of the toeboard to the level of the walking-working surface. They are solid and/or do not have any opening that exceeds 1 inch (3 cm) at its greatest dimension.

Additional Comments