Table of Contents

Hazard Communication Program (Haz-Com) >>

Guardrails

Guardrails must be installed at the open sides of all work surfaces that are 7 1/2 ft. or higher, or workers must be protected by other fall protection or, if justified, by a valid fall protection plan. 1621(a)

A. Guardrailing specifications. 1620

  1. Railing must be made from select lumber (or equivalent material) and must consist of:
    1. A wooden top rail that is 42 in. to 45 in. high and that measures 2” x 4” or larger
    2. A mid-rail that is placed halfway between the top rail and the floor and that measures at least 1” x 6”
    3. A supporting post that measures at least 2” x 4” and is placed every 8 ft. 1620(a), (b), and (c)
  2. Post tops and top railing mid-points shall be capable of withstanding a load of 200 lbs. out and down.
  3. Railing constructed of substitute materials must meet the following requirements:
    1. The top rail must be smooth surfaced and 42 in. to 45 in. high above the floor, platform, etc.
    2. Protection between the top rail and the floor, platform, etc., must be equivalent to that provided by the standard midrail.
  4. The top rail or midrail on scaffolding platforms may be substituted by the X-braces as specified in the scaffolding regulations (see page 134). 1644(a)(6)

B. Guardrailing applications

  1. Floor and roof openings: Floor, roof, and skylights openings in any work surface must be guarded by railings and toeboards or by covers. The cover must be able to support 400 pounds or twice the expected load of workers and material, and be securely fastened. Covers must bear a sign, with minimum 1 inch letters, stating - OPENING - DO NOT REMOVE. 1632(b)(3)

    Note: Finished skylights are considered roof openings unless they meet the requirements of 3212(e).

    Access to surfaces glazed with transparent or translucent materials are not permitted unless an engineer certifies that the surface will sustain all anticipated loads. 3212(f)

  2. Wall openings: Wall openings must be guarded if there is a drop of more than 4 ft. and the bottom of the opening is less than 3 ft. above the working surface. 1632(j)
  3. Elevators: Guardrails are required for elevator shaft openings that are not enclosed or do not have cages. 1633
  4. Falsework: Guardrails are required as soon as falsework-supporting members are in place. 1717(d)(4)
  5. Demolition: Wall openings must be guard-railed during demolition except on the floor being demolished and on the ground floor. 1735(k)
  6. Roofing operations: Provisions must be made during roofing operations to prevent workers from falling off roofs 20 ft. or higher. 1730(b)(1)
  7. Skeleton steel building: A single 3/8-in. wire rope, in lieu of standard railing, may be used to guard openings and exposed edges of temporary floors or planking in skeleton steel buildings. The 3/8-in. wire rope must have a breaking strength of 13,500 lbs. (min.) and be placed at 42 in. to 45 in. above the finished floor. 1710(l)(3)