As a worker, you may work on heights and near edges everyday. So, there is always a need to secure yourself on these sites. Basically, OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) recommends guardrail for you but with some requirements.
You can learn about all these requirements in this short article. We have covered rules for construction sites, scaffolds and buildings.
OSHA Standards For Guardrails / Standard Guardrail Dimensions
In general industries, when you work at a height of 4 feet or more you need guardrails that are needed by OSHA.
OSHA Guardrail Height
Well, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration, you place guardrails at a height of 42 inches higher than the floor. But there is a flexibility of 3 inches. So, you can increase or decrease 3 inches according to your specific work needs.
OSHA Mid Rail Height Requirements
When there is no barrier or parapet near a hazard place, mid rail is also required. The mid rail should be installed in the center of the top rail and floor. Therefore, the approximate height of a mid rail is 21 inches. Moreover, you can add vertical bars, solid panels and screens as a mid rail.
Load and Strength Requirements
A guardrail must be strong enough to hold at least 200 pounds of force. They can be pushed down or outward on any spot within 2 inches of the top rail. When you push it down, your top rail must stay at least 39 inches above the walking surface. Furthermore, a rail should be at least 1.5 inches thick.
OSHA Guardrail Post Spacing Requirements
Occupational Safety and Health Administration has standard spacing requirements for the post (vertical bar or support) of guardrails. Actually, you have to install it at a distance of 8 feet apart. But, if there is still risk of falling down you can decrease this distance.
Standard Railing Height in CM
The height of the guardrail can change for internal and external usage at construction sites. If we talk about the indoor dimension in centimeters then it can be 90 cm (900mm). But when it comes to outdoor places this height can vary from 107cm to 110 cm.
When is a Guardrail Required By Code?
Guardrail is also used in your buildings. Because, buildings also have such locations that can be dangerous for you. Therefore, guardrail is needed near open edges like porches, balconies and stairs. As you know, you have to rely on it when the edge is more than 30 inches above the floor.
OSHA Construction Guardrail Requirements
Now let’s talk about OSHA fall protection guardrail requirements. Construction sites are the places where you are at a risk of falling down. Therefore, you must install guardrails at your construction areas. You have to place it when labor is working at higher than 8 feet from ground level.
Basically, the dimensions of the guardrail will remain the same, but a toeboard must be included. A toeboard should be 3.5 inches tall, so it can protect your tools and debris. Plus, it should be strong enough to hold at least 50 pounds of weight or force.
OSHA Scaffold Guardrail Requirements
You may know, a scaffold is a temporary structure or frame that is used to work at heights. When it comes to work at elevations you will obviously need guardrails for safety.
Therefore, OSHA demands that you install them when you work at an altitude of 10 feet or more. As at construction sites, you also place a toeboard (3.5 inches thick) in this frame.
What are Guardrail Systems Used For?
Fall Protection: Guardrails systems are mainly used to protect you when you work at height. Their strong and modern design gives you support in case of slipping down. For example at construction sites, balconies, roof edges, terraces, elevated walkways and on scaffolds.
Road and Highway Safety: When you are on the road, you also need a safe environment. Well, some roads are also built on heights, elevations or over the water bodies. Therefore, you often see guardrails on these roads. Because, they redirect the vehicle that runs off from the road.
Industrial Protection: As you know, factories have multiple vehicles, workers and equipment that work together. So, there is always a need for barriers to protect people. At such a place, guardrails separate labor from machines and vehicles.
Recreational Areas: At some recreational places, safety barriers are required. For instance near water bodies, mountains or dangerous animals. Because all these places are at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are OSHA Roof Guardrail Requirements?
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration, skylights are dangerous places on roofs. Because, workers do not take them as holes or risky places. Therefore, skylights must bear a load of 200 pounds and have strong guardrails on the sides. The dimensions of the guardrail remain 42 to 45 inches.
What are OSHA Temporary Guardrail Requirements?
There are many workplaces where you need to work for a short time. But, still you have to be careful about your safety. So, if you are working at a height of 4 to 6 feet, install guardrails.
What is Guardrail vs Handrail?
If we take guardrails it protects you from falling down, when you work at a height. On the other hand, handrail gives you support to make a balance when you walk on stairs or ramps.
To Sum Up
We hope now you understand why guardrails are important for you. And how they protect you from severe injuries. When you install them, you must follow all the safety standards. Because, these regulations are made according to your work environments. Talk to our team if you want to get customized guardrails for your project.
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