(3) Hoist areas. Open riser:. , holes located in aisle spaces), the employer may protect employees from falling into the hole by using a hinged floor hole cover that meets the criteria in §1910. Scroll to Top. Except as provided by paragraph (a)(3) of this section, each employee engaged in a steel erection activity who is on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge more than 15 feet (4. 28; 1910. OSHA 1910. , Labor §1910. OSHA; Standards; Enforcement; Topics; Media Center; Contact Us; U. 1052 (c) (3) (i)1910. 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. 1910. Guardrail systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions: 1926. OSHA-S041-2006-0666 (formerly Docket No. , Labor §1910. 23(e)(2) and 1910. Employers should train workers to: Check to see that a guardrail system is in place before working on the scissor lift. 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. 28(b)(13)(iii)(A), when work is performed 15 feet or more from the roof edge, each employee must be protected from falling by a guardrail system, a safety net system, a travel restraint system, personal fall arrest system, or a designated area. 1926. 21 (b) Ladder safety system means a system designed to eliminate or reduce the possibility of falling from a ladder. See 55 Federal Register 13360 (April 10, 1990) and 68 Federal Register 23568 (May 2, 2003 . 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. [ref. Note: These are NOT OSHA regulations. Additionally, guardrails must be made of smooth, non-snagging. 29(f)(1)(ii)(B) The height of stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017 is not less than 42 inches (107 cm) from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail. 1917. OSHA Compliant 29 CFR 1910. 29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). Exceptions: For exceptions to this rule that specify different requirements, see 29 CFR 1926. [29 CFR 1926. Under the proposal [proposed §1910. Working six feet or more above lower levels. 1423 (b) (1) Equipment manufactured after November 8, 2011 with lattice booms must be equipped with walkways on the boom (s) if the vertical profile of the boom (from cord centerline to cord centerline) is 6 or more feet. Get Trained or Become a Trainer. TO: REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS/OSHA. 2021. 1. OSHA 1910. 23(c)(1). • Mid rails half way between top rail and staging, working. a worker leaves the elevated aerial lift work platform. S. 1910. 4 - Amendments to this part. ( 1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. (e) Employee training considerations. 1910. 29) 7. e. 28 (b) (13) (ii) When work is performed at least 6 feet (1. 2 m) or more above a lower level”, as per OSHA Code 1910. 29 (b) Guardrail systems. 28(b)(3) Holes. 1926. 28(b)(6)). OSHA 1910 Occupational Safety and Health Standards > D Walking-Working Surfaces > 1910. Here is a list of five current OSHA standards for work platforms that you may not be aware of. 28 includes unprotected sides and edges. This product also works with the SkyCage Post (#70812) for pedestrian. 29 fulfill requirements for guardrail systems. 269 and 29 CFR 1926. The construction and proposed general industry Walking-Working Surfaces rule fall protection standards require that employers protect workers from falling into or onto dangerous equipment by use of a guardrail, safety net, travel-restraint or personal fall arrest system (Sec. This appendix serves as a non-mandatory guideline to assist employers in complying with these requirements. 451 (b) (3) (ii) The maximum distance from the face for plastering and lathing operations shall be 18 inches (46 cm). 29 (ii) The height of stair rail systems meets the following: (A) The height of stair rail systems installed before January 17, 2017 is notIn most states, you will find that rooftop units need to adhere to OSHA standards as they are generally considered “exceptions,” and do not need to meet the same requirements. In addition, OSHA requires that fall protection be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance. 140. Provides illustrated safety checklists for specific types of scaffolds. ”. They need to be able to withstand a force of at least 200 pounds (90. 1910. 29(b) has an entire section devoted solely to the guardrail system. 1910. 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. 502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926. 23, Guarding floor and wall openings and holes. 07/23/1990 - 1910. According to OSHA, “Falls are the leading cause of work. 1053, OSHA Compliant 29 CFR. 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. 28(b)(1)(i): Except as provided elsewhere in this section 29 CFR 1910. Under OSHA Directive STD 01-01-010 and subsequent proposed rulemaking, the use of such a guardrail by General Industry employees is only a technical violation of the General Industry standard 29 CFR 1910. Same with roof hatches. 502(b). Please. 1910. Here are some basic pieces of information to bear in mind when constructing a handrail to comply with OSHA Standards. 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. 502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29. The purpose of this exemption was to grandfather in guardrails installed prior to OSHA's adoption of the existing 42-inch requirement for guardrail height (see the. OSHA Instruction STD 3-10. 23 requires that the exposed sides of openings in floors have some form of guardrail protection. Please note that in view of a decision of the Occupational Safety and Health Review. ” (Standard. Each employee in aOSHA says that the guardrail you use should be 42” in height, with a mid-rail at the halfway point. The governing requirement for the guarding of ladderway floor openings and platforms is OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910. 22(c) CASE. S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor. 28 (b) (1) (i) Except as provided elsewhere in this section, the employer. 1910. Please refer to OSHA's Frequently Cited OSHA Standards page for additional information. - 08/30/1999. What are the general OSHA requirements of toe board? According to OSHA 1910. 28, the employer did not ensure that each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1. 04/16/2018 - Regarding guardrail systems and fall protection requirements to scaffold systems, including form scaffolds. We hope you find this information helpful. Guardrail systems: Guardrails should be placed around edges or openings where workers could fall. 62 cm) above the walking surface. However, they do provide guidance from their originating organizations related to worker protection. 501 (b) (1) Unprotected sides and edges. Here are the highlighted rules of OSHA’s scaffolding standard: 1. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the general industry standard 29 CFR 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. When properly installed, they meet OSHA 29 CFR 1910. 1926. 29 CFR 1910. 1052(c)(7) Dear Mr. For guardrails, the General Industry regulations. 29(f)(1) Handrails and stair rail systems; Height criteria, OSHA did not intend for any of the ``grandfathered'' stair rail systems that had a top rail height between 30 and 38 inches to need to be modified if the stair rail system was installed before January 17, 2017, and it complied with the previous rule. 21 Scope and Definitions . 29(b) mentions: "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. (ii) Each employee is protected from tripping. 25(b)(1) states, "Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with 1910. Related Products. 1910. 28(b)(15), for instance, employees working on surfaces 4 feet or more off the ground must be protected by handrails, safety net systems, or personal fall protection. OSHA 1910 Occupational Safety and Health Standards. 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. 1926. 23 (e) (3) (iv), the anchoring of posts and framing of members for railings of all types. 2023. We are here to simplify fall protection for you. shall be guarded by non-rotating caps or safety sleeves, and may not protrude more than one-half the outside diameter of the shaft. A copy of OSHA Directive Number 75-40 is enclosed for your. Walking surfaces shall be of an antislip type. 28(b)(3)(i): “Each employee must be protected from falling through any hole (including skylights) that is 4 feet (1. 28(b)(15), “the employer must ensure each employee on a walking working surface 4 feet (1. 303, OSHA requires NRTL approval for many kinds of electrical equipment when they are used in the workplace. As per standard 1910. 23 is part. 1910. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of paragraph (b) of this section (see Figure D-11 of this. Panels with 151 to 600 volts should have 42. 1910. 72 kg) applied within 2 inches (5. Additional Resources OSHA standard: 29 CFR 1926 Subpart X— Stairways and Ladders American National Standards Institute standard: ANSI A14. 4 - Amendments to this part. Below is a partial outline of the standard. The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: 1910. 28, Fall Protection Systems. 62 cm) above the walking surface. 261 (a) (1) Application. Download the OSHA cheatsheet. They require “employers to provide protection for each employee exposed to fall and falling object hazards. It does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities in OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. 42” top rail meets OSHA 1910. 23 (e) (3) (v). " The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: (13) (i) Has a self-closing gate that slides or swings away from the hole, and is equipped with a top rail. In construction the use of cables or chains to guard door and wall. Prevent falls. Share. Under the proposed rule, OSHA determined that the continued use of existing guardrails as low as 36 inches (91 cm) would not unacceptably reduce employee protection. Students receive an OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour course completion card at. OSHA 1910 – General Industry Standards In addition to ANSI Construction Standards, Peak Fall Protection products and services also comply to ANSI General Industry Standards. Under 1910. 24. This section stipulates, in full detail, how guardrails and other safety barriers should be designed, installed, inspected, tested, and maintained in a manner that will prevent employees from falling. 28(c)(2)(ii) and (iv)], for new installation the height of a handrail shall be not less than 36 inches above the tread. weight 370 lbs ; 9’ Door, Est. 29 (b) Guardrail systems. ( c) Handling and storage of pulpwood and pulp chips —. (i) – The employer must ensure that each employee on a dockboard is protected from falling 4 feet (1. xml ¢ ( ÌšÍn›@ Çï•ú ˆke¯!m’VqrèÇ© ‘’>À Æ6),+vãÚoß Û [$Ø™Aà y ™ùí`þ vöêf•¥Þ “äjê ã‰ï Šò8Qó©ÿûþÛèÒ÷Œ•*–i®`ê¯Áø7×oßݯ5 ÏY+3õ ÖêOB˜h ™4ãƒrWfy‘Ië†Åh ý•s ádr. 73]. 8 m) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems. The purpose of this directive is to clarify 29 CFR 1910. An employer may use these guidelines as a starting point for designing guardrail systems. 1910. 502(b) RailGuard GC is designed to meet the specific needs of the construction industry. Wall and Roof Openings; Stairs and Guardrail Systems. Note: although OSHA 1910 Subpart D also covers slips, trips, and fall, this document focuses on fall from height as this is what health and safety committees were asked to. 269 and 29 CFR 1926. 28 and 1910. ( 4) Have a minimum width of 22 inches (56 cm) between vertical. The OSHA Outreach Training Program provides workers with basic and more advanced training about common safety and health hazards on the job. 1910. (1) When the employer uses a designated area, the employer must ensure: (i) Employees remain within the designated area while work operations are underway; and (ii) The perimeter of the. 272, Grain handling facilities. 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. 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. 28(b)(1)(i), in general workplaces, employers must ensure that any employee working on a surface with an unprotected side or edge that is four feet (1. 28) It is the employer’s responsibility to provide some sort of protection to workers against falls. 1910. 5 - Applicability of standards. Employers should train workers to: • Check to see that a guardrail system is in place before working on the scissor lift. 29(b)(2) requires. 1910. ( c) Protection from falling objects. Related Information: 1910 Subpart R - Special Industries 1910. 23(e)(1) as referenced by 1910. 28(b)(9)(iii)(B) requires that ladder sections, which have a cage or a well, have landing platforms at maximum intervals of 50. 1910. 28 (b) (13) (ii) When work is performed at least 6 feet (1. If questions of concerns beyond the scope of the standard, consult with your safety representative . 1910. 1910. 1910. or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest. 1910. 29(b)(5) Result(s) Document Type(s) 1 : Regulations: 1 : Standard Interpretations: Display all referenced documents. Warehousing hazards are addressed in specific standards for general industry (29 CFR 1910). 176: Materials Handling (U. The top rail needs to be able to withstand a 200 lb. 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). Lehtola, Charles M. 6 - Incorporation by reference. 2 m) or more above a lower level by one or more of the following: (A) Covers; (B) Guardrail systems; (C) Travel restraint systems; or (D) Personal fall arrest systems. The method to delineate designated areas are contained in 1910. 144(a)(3). Accordingly, proposed paragraph 1910. 1910. 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. Where workers on a construction site are exposed to vertical drops of 6 feet or more, OSHA requires that employers provide fall protection in one of three ways before work begins: Placing guardrails around the hazard. According to OSHA, “Falls are the leading cause of work-related injuries and deaths among roofers. To ensure effective fall protection, OSHA has specific requirements for the height and strength of guardrails. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of paragraph (b) of this section. 1910. Roof hatch protection is addressed by OSHA standard 26 CFR 1910. Also, OSHA suggests that rope be used according to manufacturers' recommendations, especially if polypropylene rope is used. C. In addition, OSHA requires that fall protection be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance. 1 comment. 67 – Vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms; 1910. Emergency lighting shall be provided in all plant first aid and medical facilities. (1) This section requires employers to provide protection for each employee exposed to fall and falling object hazards. 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. 1060 10 Hazard Communication 1926. 3-1). 29(b)(3) Additionally, any midrails, screens or solid panels, or other balusters or "intermediate vertical. 1616 P Street, N. To meet OSHA roof fall protection requirements in the construction industry, employers must provide fall protection for roofers whenever they work at heights of six feet or more above a lower level. 6 m) but less than 15 feet (4. 29(f)(1)(iii) The top rail of a stair rail system may serve as a handrail only when: 1910. open-sided stairs. According to OSHA 1910. 800. 1910. Being distracted by technical jargon and confused by the wording of OSHA 1910 can leave you paralyzed from addressing known issues. 1910. Each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet (1. Rail systems on remote trail bridges must be at least 42 inches1926. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1. Stair rail or stair rail system. 29 (b) (3) (4) (5). The standards prescribed by part 1915 (formerly parts 1501-1503) of this title and in effect on April 28, 1971 (as revised), are adopted as occupational safety or health standards under section 6 (a) of the Act and shall apply, according to. S. (ii) When the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard to use guardrail, safety net, or personal fall protection systems on residential roofs, the employer must develop and implement a fall protection plan that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926. ( ii) Stairways shall be equipped with rigid and substantial metal handrails. 1926. RIN 1218-AA66 [Docket No. 23 (b) for loading docks used as such. With respect to Sec. Section 1926. Safety and Health Admin. 503 (a) (1) The employer shall provide a training program for each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards. 2, A14. 23(c)(1), the open sides of platforms more than four feet above an adjacent floor or ground level must be guarded by a standard railing or the equivalent. OSHA's standards contain requirements for NRTL product testing and certification for 39 product types. 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. The top rail must be smooth. 73]. 28(a)(12) and §1910. No other options are provided by OSHA. Pursuant to §1910. According to OSHA article 1910. ”Proposed Rules 69:31927-31929, (June 8, 2004). 28(b)(9)(ii)(B) requires that ladders equipped with a personal fall protection or a ladder safety system shall have rest platforms provided at maximum intervals of 150 feet (45. (2) Hoist areas. 1910. In the same. 23(c)(1) as it relates to guardrails on loading rack platforms. 1910. 0 ft. 28(b)(3)(ii) would allow guardrails installed prior to 60 days from the publication date of the final standard to have a guardrail height of a minimum of 36 inches. 6, 1979, OSHA reprinted without change the entire text of 29 CFR part 1926 together with certain General Industry Occupational Safety and Health Standards contained in 29 CFR part 1910, which have been identified as also applicable to construction work. OSHA eTool. Gates that meet OSHA 29 CFR 1910. (2) Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate structural members shall be installed between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working surface when there is no wall or parapet wall at least 21 inches (53 cm) high. 501(b)(1), which provides that "[e]ach employee on a walking/working surface. 28 and 1910. 1926. The intent of OSHA’s Walking-Working Surfaces standard, 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D & I, is to increase the protection of general industry employees and employers from hazards associated with walking-working surfaces. 1926. These employees should be protected by. 1200 Source: NAICS. With respect to Sec. 1926. The following is an excerpt from OSHA 1910. Watertown, SD 57201-3624. 24(c). (d) Designated areas. 29 (b) (1): The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42. 29(f)(1)(ii)(B) The height of stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017 is not less than 42 inches (107 cm) from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail. 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. 28 (b) (1) (i) (A) Result (s) Document Type (s) 1. Subject: 29 CFR 1910. 2 - Definitions. Gates can be mounted to swing open to the left or right. 502) Subpart X (1926. SO. For technical drawings and 3-D models, click. 29 (b) that covers the responsibility for fall protection on working and walking surfaces. If you need additional information, please contact us by fax at: U. 120(e)(3)] 04/21/2021 - Interim. OSHA has issued other letters of interpretation which may be of interest. 1053 (a) (1) Ladders shall be capable of supporting the following loads without failure: 1926. Under the proposal [proposed §1910. 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. 17. OSHA guidelines for handrails and guardrails (though OSHA refers to both as “guardrails”) are critical in reducing the risk of falls and other injuries. 23 (a) (2): 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 either provided with a. 66 - Existing Installations (Mandatory). The top rail rail must be able to withstand 200 pounds of force in the downward and outward directions. • 1910. Requirements for suspension scaffold fall protection systems are contained in § 1910. W. S. Under its general requirements for machine guarding ( standard number 1910. The manufacturer must approve any alterations to the stilts. Response 1: Under 29 CFR 1910. OSHA Code 1910. Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. safety monitoring systems. Remote and Low-Risk Areas (OSHA–based) The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) refers to rail systems as standard railings. 1910. 3 times the maximum intended load. UNPROTECTED FIXED LADDERS - OSHA 1910. Access ladders are required by §1910. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800. When the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard to use guardrail, safety net, or personal fall protection systems on residential roofs, the employer must develop and implement a fall protection plan that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926. 23 (2) Every chute wall opening from which there is a drop of more than 4 feet shall be guarded by one or more of the barriers specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section or as required by the conditions. 9. 1 (888) 527-2278 When OSHA Requires Guardrail 1910. 28(b)(9)(iii)(B) requires that ladder sections, which have a cage or a well, have landing platforms at maximum intervals of 50. 29(g)(4)), have an acceptable guardrail system (29 CFR § 1910. Based on the relevant OSHA standards 1910. > >. Occupational Safety and Health Admin. 29 CFR Parts 1910 and 1926. 28(b)(13): “When work is performed less than 6 feet (1. Anchorage. 1910. S. 1926. 451(g) or 29 CFR 1910. OSHA patterns many of its guardrail system regulations around construction or general industry applications. OSHA 1910. 28(b)(13)(iii)(A), when work is performed 15 feet or more from the roof edge, each employee must be protected from falling by a guardrail system, a safety net system, a travel restraint system, personal fall arrest system, or a designated area. 29(f)(1)(iii) If your warehouse office or other storage system features stairways, you will also need to install guardrails along the unprotected edges according to OSHA article 1910. 1910. These letters provide guidance to clarify the application of an established OSHA standard, policy, or. The present Standard, 29 CFR 1910. The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: (1) The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107. 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. The standard prohibits using repaired wire. 29(b)(1) Result(s) Document Type(s) 2 : Federal Register: 1 : Regulations: Display all referenced documents. means a barrier erected along the exposed or open side of stairways to prevent employees from falling to a lower level. If a guardrail system is chosen to provide the fall protection, and a controlled access zone has already been established for leading edge work, the control line may be used in lieu of a guardrail along the edge that parallels the leading edge. See the following elevated work platform OSHA requirements in 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 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. OSHA jurisdiction in Georgia You also ask for a statement that Georgia is under the jurisdiction of Federal OSHA; it is. - [1926. Schlekeway: Thank you for your March 17, 2017, letter on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) final rule revising and updating the general industry Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems) standards (29 CFR part 1910, subparts. Top 10 standards cited as “serious,” fiscal year 2022. OSHA 1910. weight 380 lbs; 10’ Door, Est. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 23, OSHA Compliant 29 CFR 1926. Standard Interpretations are letters or memos written in response to public inquiries or field office inquiries regarding how some aspect of or terminology in an OSHA standard or regulation is to be interpreted and enforced by the Agency. OSHA Guardrail Dimensions. 29(b)(1) – Railing must consist of an intermediate rail, top rail, and posts. 1910. Contact OSHA . TO: ALL AREA DIRECTORS Paragraph 1926. Figure D-12 -- Handrail Measurement. OSHA; Standards; Enforcement; Topics; Media Center; Contact Us; U. 21 (b) Definitions . At the rear, and on the sides, the rail shall not be less than 42 inches high. 1910. 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. 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 employer may use a designated area when performing.