Additionally, guardrails must be made of smooth, non-snagging. Guardrail systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions: 1926. (e) Employee training considerations. 1910. 1917. 28(b)(3)(iv) includes toeboards with guardrail system: “Each employee is protected from falling into a ladderway floor opening or ladderway platform hole by a guardrail system and toeboards erected on all exposed sides, except at the entrance to the hole, where a self-closing gate or an offset must be used. 29(b)(1) 1910. 1910. 29 tread to the top surface of the handrail (see Figure D–12 of. The rest platforms measure 3 feet by 3 feet in area. Labor Day: A Celebration Of Hard Work. The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: 1910. Table of Contents I. a or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. 178(g)(10)). Guardrail, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system. We will now cover some additional areas. This is why roof safety rails are so important. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742 Federal Government White House; Benefits. 6 m) from the roof edge, the employer must ensure each employee is protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, travel restraint system, or personal fall arrest system. 1928. gov; Notification of EEO Violations. a worker leaves the elevated aerial lift work platform. 48 (a) (2) An elevated walkway with guardrail or equivalent means of protection shall be provided where employees cross over moving conveyors, and suitable guarding shall be provided when employees pass under moving conveyors. 1910. for this section, the criteria and practices requirements for guardrail systems on scaffolds are contained in 29 CFR. 26, Dockboards;. meets the criteria in §1910. 2. 6 - Incorporation by reference. 29 fulfill requirements for guardrail systems. The posts and brackets are not considered as "any other object" as this term is used in 1910. 28(b)(13)(ii): Like working six feet from the edge, you will need standard fall protection, including a fall restraint system, fall arrest system or guardrail. OSHA 1910. 2023. 146 standard for routine entries. 29 (b) Guardrail systems. 1910. The criteria and practices requirements for guardrail systems on scaffolds are contained in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L. 1910. 73]. OSHA 1910. Re: Stair rail and hand rail heights; §1926. ”. Roof Guardrail & Safety Railing rooftop guardrail; Suspended Access & Window Washing Partner with the leader in anchorage products, davits, monorails, and rigging sleeves for window washing and suspended access maintenance. The employer must ensure each safety net system meets the requirements in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart M. An employer may use these guidelines as a starting point for designing guardrail systems. 28 (b) (13) (ii) When work is performed at least 6 feet (1. 23(e)(5)(i). S. 28(b)(9)(iii)(B) requires that ladder sections, which have a cage or a well, have landing platforms at maximum intervals of 50. 72 kg) applied within 2 inches (5. Any working surface 4 feet or higher must be protected with guardrails on all sides at least 42″ tall and have to withstand 200 pounds of force. 1910. 28 (b) (13) which mandates that when work is performed less than 15 feet (4. 1910. Curbs or bull rails installed after October 3, 1983, shall be at least 10 inches (25. The posts and brackets are not considered as "any other object" as this term is used in 1910. [email protected], OSHA suggests that rope be used according to manufacturers' recommendations, especially if polypropylene rope is used. In addition, be aware that ladders are also require on scaffolding. 23, Guarding floor and wall openings and holes. S. 1917. However, the guardrail must be strong enough to support 200 pounds of force applied horizontally, which may affect the spacing. 5 million construction workers then covered by subpart L) to support the 1986 proposal for subpart L, based on a review of accident data prepared by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (Ex. 1910. 29(f)(1)(iii)(A) allows the top rail of a stair. " Safety Rail Source. Becker2 1. 1910. Sets forth safety requirements for areas where danger exists of persons or objects falling through floor or wall openings, platforms, runways, ramps, and fixed stairs, in. was unnecessarily restrictive because a guardrail system around a 3-inch hole would require a 3-foot diagonal guardrail. 23 1 Carol J. 1910. 1910. 67 – Vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms; 1910. These letters provide guidance to clarify the application of an established OSHA standard, policy, or. 23(e)(1)] The intermediate (middle) rail should be located in the middle of the upright creating equal space between the floor and the top rail. (as defined in 29 CFR 1910. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. 29, qualifying as a passive barrier between the worker and the fall hazard. 1, A14. 1910. from Oregon OSHA’s general industry, walking-working surfaces rules . Response: Pursuant to §1910. 140(c)(21)). It also must be able to withstand 50lbs being applied to it. Roof hatch protection is addressed by OSHA standard 26 CFR 1910. 1910. Standard #. 23 (e) (3) (iv), the anchoring of posts and framing of members for railings of all types. Response: 29 CFR 1910. 29 (b) (1) The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3. 23(e)(2) states: A stair railing shall be of construction similar to a standard railing but the vertical height shall be not more than 34 inches nor less than 30 inches from upper surface of top rail to surface of tread in line with face of riser at forward edge of tread. OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION 6A Guide to OSHA Rules This informational booklet provides a general overview of a particular topic related to OSHA standards. 21 (b) Definitions . RIN 1218-AA66 [Docket No. 29 and a fixed guardrail system that leaves only one exposed side", as described in 29 CFR 1910. ” (a) General. Subpart A General. OSHA maintains a listing of the most frequently cited standards for specified 6-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. Here is a list of five current OSHA standards for work platforms that you may not be aware of. 28(b)(3)(iv)“Each employee is protected from falling into a ladderway floor hole or ladderway platform hole by a guardrail system and toeboards erected on all exposed sides, except at the entrance to the hole, where a self-closing gate or an offset must be used. Occupational Safety and Health Admin. 1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. S. 1053 (a) (1) Ladders shall be capable of supporting the following loads without failure: 1926. Scaffolding. Thank you for your January 19, 2017, and February 14, 2017, correspondence to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the final rule revising and updating the general industry Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems) standards (29 CFR part 1910,. 28(c)(2)(iv)], a stair rail may also serve as a handrail if its height is not more than 37 inches nor less than 36 inches. 451(g)(4), the employer in the situation you describe has the choice of using either a fall arrest system or a guardrail system to protect employees from fall hazards associated with working from a scaffold more than 10 feet above a lower level. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of paragraph (b) of this section. 28 (b) (1) (i) Except as provided elsewhere in this section, the employer. 23(e)(5)(iii), states in part: "The length of brackets shall be such as will give a clearance between handrail and wall or any projection thereon of at least 3 inches. Unless stated otherwise, the employer must ensure that all fall protection and falling object protection required by this section meet the criteria in § 1910. 5 inches (24 cm); and. 451(g)(4. The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: 1910. 1910. 24 cm) in height shall be provided at the waterside edges of aprons and bulkheads, except where vehicles are prohibited. 28 – Safety Requirements for Scaffolding • 1910. Below is a partial outline of the standard. (c) Safety net systems. 555 (a) (6) All crossovers, aisles, and passageways shall be conspicuously marked by suitable signs, as required by subpart G of this part. 1910. Section 1910. The authority citation for part 1910, subpart D, continues to read as follows: OSHA also references documents in the following dockets, which the Agency incorporates by reference into this rulemaking: 1990 proposed rule on Walking and Working Surfaces (29 CFR 1910, subpart D)--Docket No. Provides illustrated safety checklists for specific types of scaffolds. 501 (b) (1) Unprotected sides and edges. 1910. Guardrail requirements are outlined in IBC Section 1013 (Guards) and Section 1607. 761. OSHA; Standards; Enforcement; Topics; Media Center; Contact Us; U. 6 m) but less than 15 feet (4. Cal-OSHA’s 1” tolerance only. " Full text of this standard is available online at It states that, "every ladder-way, floor opening, or platform shall be guarded by a standard railing with standard toe. ( 4) Have a minimum width of 22 inches (56 cm) between vertical. 48 (a) (1) Danger zones at or adjacent to conveyors shall be guarded to protect employees. 451 (d) (10) requires guardrails to be. Guardrail system means a barrier erected along an unprotected or exposed side, edge, or other area of a walking-working surface to prevent employees from falling to a lower. 1431 (b) (1) When using equipment to hoist employees, the employees must be in a personnel platform that meets the requirements of paragraph (e) of this section. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, CFR 29, Part 1910, Subpart D) refers to a rail system as a standard railing. For example, in final §§ 1910. Employers should train workers to: • Check to see that a guardrail system is in place before working on the scissor lift. Training & Engagement. 451 (b) (4) Each end of a platform, unless cleated or otherwise restrained by hooks or equivalent means, shall extend over the centerline of its support at least 6 inches (15 cm). Scroll to Top. 6 m) from the roof edge, the employer must ensure each employee is protected from falling by using a guardrail system, safety net system, travel restraint system, or personal fall arrest system. e. 29(f)(1)(ii)(B), the height of stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017, must not be less than 42 inches (107 cm). Any working surface 4 feet or higher must be protected with guardrails on all sides at least 42" tall and have to withstand 200 pounds of force. 1616 P Street, N. 1910. 28(b)(5)(i): The employer must ensure each employee on a runway or similar walkway is protected from falling 4 feet (1. 4 - Amendments to this part. The authorized employees are trained in accordance with §1910. 1910. 844. Nearly all industrial equipment requires human interaction to function, so people need to be protected from dangerous interactions with machines. 132(a) would apply. 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I, Enforcement Guidance for Personal Protective Equipment in General Industry. What makes a guardrail compliant in general industry or not? Here are a few items that OSHA 1910. (3) Guardrail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in a downward or outward direction with-in 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge, at any point along the top rail. 30. 15. 29 (b) that covers the responsibility for fall protection on working and walking surfaces. gov; Coronavirus Resources; Disaster Recovery Assistance; DisasterAssistance. OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Figure D-13 - Combination Handrail and Stair Rail. 29 (b) Guardrail systems. When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height, provided the. 132, before an employee uses a fall protection system, the employer must ensure that he or she is trained in the proper use of the system. The OSHA catwalk handrail requirements are found in OSHA sections 1910. OSHA 1910. Department of Labor, OSHA ensures safe working conditions for men and women through a set of enforced standards that stay at the forefront. Gates that meet OSHA 29 CFR 1910. Figure D-13 - Combination Handrail and Stair Rail. 9, 1979, and corrected at 44 FR 20940, Apr. 1910. 1910. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health evaluated the strength of job-built guardrail structures around an opening. Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems Final Rule Frequently Asked Questions. 08 cm) of the top, all along the rail. 28 (b) (1) Unprotected sides and edges. 29(b)(5) Result(s) Document Type(s) 1 : Regulations: 1 : Standard Interpretations: Display all referenced documents. 502 (b) (1) Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1. ( c) Protection from falling objects. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1. EAST (716) 218-0315. Question 9: What training is required for fall protection and associated rescue under §1910. While a single rail safety guardrail located some 15 inches (38 cm) above floor level may be sufficient to control vehicle traffic, it could present a trip. 59 which refers to 1910. The top rail must be smooth. Nose, nosing: that portion of a tread projecting beyond the face of the riser immediately below. Gates that comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910. 1910. 29 (b) (10) Result (s) Document Type (s) 1. In the US, under OSHA Standard 1910. 503(a) and (c). To review the. 1. Final Regulatory Text For the reasons set forth in the preamble, OSHA amends part 1910 of title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows: PART 1910--OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS Subpart D--Walking-Working. 25 which covers all stairways including standard, spiral, ship, and alternating tread-type stairs. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only. OSHA Fall Protection Standard 1910. OSHA 1910 carefully outlines the rules and requirements regarding fall safety measures, such as guardrail systems and metal swing gates, for indoor and outdoor work on elevated surfaces. 1910. 1910. 502). 1917. Bottom Diagonal Brace, Four Cross Braces, Four End Frames, Guardrail Posts, Guardrail/Midrail, Midside Rail, Toeboard, Top Rail: OSHA Compliant 29 CFR 1926. 1910. 23 (e) (2), you are in compliance with §1910. 6 - Incorporation by reference. OSHA 1910. 2 Handrail means a rail used to provide employees with a handhold for support (as defined in 29 CFR 1910. The method to delineate designated areas are contained in 1910. 23 (a) (2), which states, "every ladderway floor opening or platform shall be guarded by a standard railing with standard toeboard on all exposed sides (except at entrance to opening), with the passage through the railing. ( c) Safety net systems. Body belt (safety belt) means a strap with means both for securing it about the waist and for attaching it to a lanyard, lifeline, or deceleration device. OSHA requires companies to keep an emergency action plan ( 1910. According to the OSHA 1910. For guardrails, the General Industry regulations are now aligned with the Construction rules. 261 (a) (2) Standards incorporated by reference. 1431 (b) (2) (i)When it comes to OSHA’s confined space standards, there are some notable differences between the Construction 29 CFR 1926, Subpart AA standard and General Industry 29 CFR 1910. 1910. Response 1: Under 29 CFR 1910. 1910. In accordance with §1910. Employees that are more than 10 feet off the ground need to be protected by using fall arrest systems or guardrails, except for employees that are on single-point and two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds. They need to be able to withstand a force of at least 200 pounds (90. ”Proposed Rules 69:31927-31929, (June 8, 2004). OSHA Standard for Roof Openings. weight 370 lbs ; 9’ Door, Est. 28 (b) (13) (ii) When work is performed at least 6 feet (1. 1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet. Under its general requirements for machine guarding ( standard number 1910. Each employee in aOSHA says that the guardrail you use should be 42” in height, with a mid-rail at the halfway point. To ensure effective fall protection, OSHA has specific requirements for the height and strength of guardrails. (1926) the agency proposed several requirements for the criteria for guardrail systems. 28. A standard railing is required around the platform, and it falls under OHSA 1910. OSHA Fall Protection Requirements. Warehousing hazards are addressed in specific standards for general industry (29 CFR 1910). Each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet (1. The final rule replaces the outdated general industry scaffold standards with the requirement that employers comply with OSHA's construction scaffold standards; Phase-in of ladder safety systems or personal fall arrest systems on fixed ladders (§1910. 29(b)(1) The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. 140 (c) (22) Personal fall protection systems must be worn with the attachment point of the body harness located in the center of the employee's back near shoulder level. 1926. (see 29 CFR 1926. 8 (Loads on Handrails, Guards, Grab Bars, Seats and Vehicle Barriers). Part 1910. OSHA guidelines for handrails and guardrails (though OSHA refers to both as “guardrails”) are critical in reducing the risk of falls and other injuries. Background II. 2 m) or more above a lower level is protected by a guardrail or stair rail system;. TOTAL VIOLATIONS. The proposed revision would allow use of a personal fall arrest system as an alternative form of protection against a fall through a skylight. 1910. 29 (b) (1): To meet OSHA’s guardrail height requirements, the top rail needs to be 42 inches plus or minus 3 inches above the walking-working surface. To review the complete standard, follow this link- Click Here. 27 – Scaffolds and rope descent systems; 1910. 29(b)(4)[1910. 29 (b) (1): The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. Final Regulatory Text For the reasons set forth in the preamble, OSHA amends part 1910 of title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows: PART 1910--OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS Subpart D--Walking-Working Surfaces 1. Safety Assessment Series for health and safety management systems. Guardrail systems must be capable of withstanding at least 200 pounds of force applied within 2 inches of the top edge, in any direction and at any point along the edge, and without causing the top edge of the guardrail to deflect downward to a height less than 39 inches above the walking/working level. 6 m) but less than 15 feet (4. The employer must ensure: ( i) Each employee on a scaffold is protected from falling in accordance 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L; and. Scroll to Top. 29: 29 CFR 1910. 29(k)(1), the new toeboard requirement needs to be at least 3. 1917. (d) Designated areas. (1910. 28(b)(3)(iv): “Each employee is protected from falling into a ladderway floor hole or ladderway platform hole by a guardrail system and toe boards erected on all exposed sides, except at the entrance to the hole, where a self-closing gate or an offset must be used,” as per 29 CFR 1910. Where system repairs would compromise the design intent, the space would have to be reevaluated per 1910. See 55 Federal Register 13360 (April 10, 1990) and 68 Federal Register 23568 (May 2, 2003 . 1926. 27, Scaffolds and rope descent systems. MACKENZIE Field Coordinator. The rail’s height. Department of Labor. The sections mentioned below are the ones that are most important to guardrails or railings when it comes to fall protection. OSHA Guardrail Code and Requirements. A belt shifter is a device for mechanically shifting a belt from one pulley to another. 72 kg) applied within 2 inches (5. 261 (a) (1) Application. For Landscape and Horticultural Services, use NAICS code 561730 in the NAICS search box. 6 m) from the roof edge, the employer must ensure each employee is protected from falling. The following is an excerpt from OSHA 1910. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1. They need to be able to withstand a force of at least 200 pounds (90. 28(b)(6)). 1910. These letters provide guidance to clarify the application of an established OSHA standard, policy, or procedure, but they may not, in themselves, establish or revise OSHA policy or procedure or interpret the OSH Act. Proposed §1910. 28(b)(15), “the employer must ensure each employee on a walking working surface 4 feet (1. 112 (a) (1) Vehicle curbs, bull rails, or other effective barriers at least six inches (15. 1910. 252, General requirements. An intermediate guardrail shall be provided around the entire platform between the top guardrail and the toeboard. Regarding roof protection from falls for work on low-slope roofs, OSHA has general industry (1910) regulations based on various distances: Work done less than 6 feet from the roof edge: 29 CFR 1910. 501(b)(8), proposed Sec. OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal protective equipment in November 2016 that updated requirements for slip, trip and fall hazards. guardrail system (e. Handrails and OSHA compliant guardrail must support a 200-pound force. (building side). A copy of OSHA Directive Number 75-40 is enclosed for your. The top rail needs to be able to withstand a 200 lb. 28(b)(3)(iv) – Each employee is protected from falling into a ladderway floor hole or ladderway platform hole by a guardrail system and toeboards erected on all exposed sides, except at the entrance to the hole, where a self-closing gate or an offset must be used. Guardrail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in a downward or outward direction withing 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge, at any point along the top rail. 30 and 1910. Handrails and the top rails of stair rail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in any downward or outward direction within 2 inches (5 cm) of any point along the top edge of the rail. The OSHA regulations prohibit workers from standing on. 26 (b) (1) Dockboards put into initial service on or after January 17, 2017 are designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent transfer vehicles from running off the dockboard edge; 1910. 29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). Figure D-12 -- Handrail Measurement. Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. 451 (g) and 29 CFR 1910. If yes, do they have a guardrail or other protective system? They should, according to OSHA. Occupational Safety and Health Admin. In most situations 29 CFR 1910. OSHA's standards contain requirements for NRTL product testing and certification for 39 product types. Each state requirement should be carefully reviewed before implementing fall protection, but give us a call if we can be of service! EDGE Fall Protection, LLC. 29 (b) defines the requirements that all guardrails need to comply with to meet the minimum. Requirements for suspension scaffold fall protection systems are contained in § 1910. Per OSHA 1910. A guardrail consists of a top rail 42” + or – 3” no less than 39”, mid rail at 21” and toe board 3. Department of Labor. 29(b) is the portion of the regulations that contains system requirements that employers must follow to ensure guardrail systems will protect workers from falling to. 23 (a) (1) - Personal Fall Arrest System or Ladder Safety System on Fixed Ladders, and Fixed Ladders Used on Grain Silos for Emergency Escape - 10/18/2019. 333(c)(3) – Work Near Overhead Lines; Construction. KeeGuard ® Rooftop Railing was invented by Kee Safety decades ago and is installed on rooftops around the world. Based on the information that you have provided, a maximum opening of four inches between the two guardrails would ensure compliance with 29 CFR 1910. 1910. 1910. 503 (a) (1) The employer shall provide a training program for each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards. 29 and a fixed guardrail system that leaves only one exposed side. 5 inches tall. 23 (b) (12) - Fall Protection Requirements for Fixed Ladders - 09/10/2021. Midrails are. S. This engineered fall-protection system ranks high in OSHA’s hierarchy of controls when addressing fall. 1. Employer payment for. OSHA considers this scenario a violation of 29 CFR 1926. Each state requirement should be carefully reviewed before implementing fall protection, but give us a call if we can be of service! EDGE Fall Protection, LLC. Stairs and Guardrail Systems. See OSHA 1910. Step Guardrail Height: Unlike ADA guidelines, the guardrails in OSHA steps also act as handrails when the top edge of the guardrail is between 36 and 38 inches above the leading edge of the stair tread. Under OSHA 1926.