The following is an excerpt from OSHA 1910.28 (b) that covers the responsibility for fall protection on working and walking surfaces. Please review the full code for further information.
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1910.28(b)(1)
Unprotected sides and edges.
1910.28(b)(1)(i)
Except as provided elsewhere in this section, the employer must ensure that each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by one or more of the following:
1910.28(b)(1)(i)(A)
Guardrail systems;
1910.28(b)(1)(i)(B)
Safety net systems; or
1910.28(b)(1)(i)(C)
Personal fall protection systems, such as personal fall arrest, travel restraint, or positioning systems.
1910.28(b)(3)(i)
Each employee is protected from falling through any hole (including skylights) that is 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level
1910.28(b)(5)(i)
The employer must ensure each employee on a runway or similar walkway is protected from falling 4 feet (1.2 m) or more to a lower level by a guardrail system.
1910.28(b)(6)(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.
1910.28(b)(15)
Walking-working surfaces not otherwise addressed. Except as provided elsewhere in this section or by other subparts of this part, the employer must ensure each employee on a walking-working surface 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling...
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OSHA's guardrail height requirements include a variance of plus or minus 3 inches. Guardrail systems that are not at least 42 inches high can be cited as a technical violation.
Must Withstand 200 Pounds
All guardrail systems must be able to hold at least 200 pounds of pressure pushing out and down on the railing. Downward pressure should not bend railing past 39 inches above its walking-working surface. To test this, apply an appropriate force within 2 inches of the railing's top edge.
Must Be Smooth
Guardrail system surfaces must be smooth. Smooth surfaces help protect personnel from injuries and prevent job-site hazards.
Must Be 1/4 Inch
The minimum thickness for guardrails, midrails and vertical members is 1/4 inch in diameter.
No Overhanging Rails
The ends of top rails and midrails of a guardrail system must not extend past the final post. The only exception to this rule is where the overhang does not present a projection hazard.
Midrails, Panels & Equivalents
OSHA regulations permit midrails, screens, meshes and vertical members in guardrail systems. These members must be able to hold at least 150 pounds of outward and downward pressure, and openings between members must not exceed 19 inches.
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