At this point, we know that you need a handrail if you have. 1926. While guardrails and handrails sound similar and perform the same general function — fall protection — the actual definition and code requirements for each differ considerably. Stair railing height requirements are derived from handrail code—a model building code that communities can adopt and adapt as needed. Federal OSHA says the height of the top rail can be between 39 and 45 inches, while Cal-OSHA does not permit top rails to be so low. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 502(b), and the other end of your control line is attached to a guardrail system or wall, then your control line would comply with the requirements in. With an extended catch platform preventing employees from falling to the ground, the catch platform would have been the only lower level, and (other than the. Field Information Memorandum #75-40, June 2, 1975, Subject: Guarding Floor and Wall Openings and Holes - General Industry (copy enclosed) covers situations where. The requirements are divided into 3 sections for guardrails, which are. 213/91, the highest being a travel restraint system that meets the requirements of section 26. Use internal couplings, Type 18-7, to maintain continuity. ”. Effective guardrail and safety railing installation to prevent falls must meet the standards set by OSHA. You’re completely OSHA compliant for inspection at a moments notice. 1926. Mid rail height of 21 inches. Construction Safety and Health Standards, Subpart L, 29 CFR 1926. As a reference, OSHA's fall protection standards would require a safety net used in this scenario to extend 8 feet from the edge of the walking/working surface. Cal-OSHA’s 1. 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. OSHA addresses the fall protection to be provided to employees on self-propelled scissor-lifts through the application of the general duty clause (section 5 (a) (1)) of the OSH Act) because the OSHA standards do not cover such equipment. TO: ALL AREA DIRECTORS Paragraph 1926. Handrail Requirements. 501(b)(13), workers engaged in residential construction six (6) feet or more above lower levels must be protected by conventional fall protection (in other words, guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems) or other. Federal OSHA: requires a maximum single rail length of 10 feet. Open-sided dock areas 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level where there is the danger of employee falling shall be guarded by a standard railing or the equivalent. Apart from IBC, OSHA also has minimum strength requirements for guardrails. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 62 m) of lateral travel for employees. This is why roof safety rails are so important. If you need further assistance, please contact [the Office of General Industry Enforcement at (202) 693-1850]. You can also contact us by mail at U. 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. Cal OSHA has a force requirement of 20 pounds per linear foot along the entire rail system. Definitions . 1926. test requirements (such as ANSI/SIA A92. SUBJECT: 1926. 2 Christy Dr. Any vertical intermediate members (EX. Falls from heights and on the same level (a working surface) are among the leading causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths. 8-2019 standard). 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. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that employers provide fall protection for employees working at heights over 4 feet. 25 inches thick. 451 (b) (3) (ii) The maximum distance from the face for plastering and lathing operations shall be 18 inches (46 cm). With both standards, OSHA deems guardrail compliant under the following conditions: Vertical height of 42 inches. DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: There is movement in the anchors of the handrail. It covers all walking-working surfaces unless specifically excluded by an individual section of this subpart. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. In some cases and places, however, that is not possible. Phone: Fax: Buy guardrail netting for mid-rail and toe board fall protection, in addition to overhead protection against debris. The modular system allows for the guardrail to be customized to best fit all the angles and elevations of your rooftop. ----- OSHA also drew many provisions in the final rule from national consensus standards, including ANSI/ASSE A1264. Handrail safety is just as important as the safety of the staircase itself. 451(g)(4). Be sure to check with your code official regarding your area’s guardrail height requirements. 500 (f) (l) (vi) provides for the utilization of types, sizes and arrangements of railing construction provided they meet the conditions established in sub-paragraph a thru d. The retaining wall safety device shall be designed and constructed structurally in accordance with. Note that our enforcement. Guard rail, guardrails, or protective guarding, [1] in general, are a boundary feature and may be a means to prevent or deter access to dangerous or off-limits areas while allowing light and visibility in a greater way than a fence. OSHA 1910. Stairs other than fixed industrial stairs have different requirements for being equipped with standard stair railing or standard handrails when compared to the requirements of fixed industrial stairs. Office listed on the back cover of this guide. 28; 1910. Where the guardrail requirements of subsections (a) and (b) are impracticable due to machinery requirements or work. Guardrail systems 1910. 353. Whenever guardrail systems are used, they must meet the definition of a "guardrail system" in §1926. This ribbon of rail acts to capture impacting vehicles and to. 29 (b): "Fall protection systems and falling object protection -- criteria and practices. The area shall be located on the same lot not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) away from the building requiring egress. More information about the OSHA Standards and agricultural safety is available at the following Web sites:1926. 3. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Any vertical intermediate members (EX. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742 Federal Government White House; Benefits. 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. Thickness requirements: OSHA standard 1926. The guidelines for these aspects of mezzanine railing include: In-fill mid-rails or panels need to be installed to keep the opening from being more than 19 inches. The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: 1910. Cal/OSHA also requires that the top rail of the guardrail must be installed between 42 and 45 inches above the walking surface with a permissible height tolerance. 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:For other scaffolding guardrail requirements, see 29 CFR 1926. Maximum 4-1/2 inch handrail projection into stairway width, on either side. A handrail and a wall or other surface adjacent to the handrail shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements. Mounting guardrail to your existing parapet is a simple and effective way to secure your rooftop. 1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. The area shall be permanently maintained and identified as a safe dispersal area. A guardrail system also provides a safety barrier for other internal and external exposure spots of a building or site. 450, . 6. 1915. 23) do not directly address the spacing of posts in between sections of a freestanding modular guardrail system. This subpart applies to all general industry workplaces. Railing height shall be approximately 42 inches off the floor, platform, or other working surface, with a midrail between the toprail and the working surface. 1052(c)(7) Dear Mr. OSHA is requesting updates to the handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard, according to a press release. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. ) Floor opening – An opening 12 inches or more in its least dimension in any floor, roof or platform, through which a person, material or tool. 1053 (a) (4) (ii) The minimum clear distance between side rails for all portable ladders shall be 11½ inches (29 cm). 1-2007, Safety. A catwalk handrail or guardrail system is required for any catwalks higher than 4′ above a lower level. Answer: No, 29 CFR 1926 451(g)(4)(i) requires that guardrail systems be. "The employer must ensure each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1. 451 (a) (5), states that, "Guardrails shall be 2 x 4 inches or the equivalent, approximately 42 inches. 502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29 CFR. 1910. Top Rail Requirements. The Bulletin is advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended to assist employers in----- OSHA also drew many provisions in the final rule from national consensus standards, including ANSI/ASSE A1264. Re: Stair rail and hand rail heights; §1926. The top rail of the handrail must be a minimum of 42" [ref. A stair rail or stair guard is a safety railing or barrier located along the open side(s) of a stairway. (ANSI A92. Objects which have fallen into the safety net, such as scrap pieces, equipment, and tools, must be removed as soon as possible from the net and at least before the next work shift. OSHA is therefore proposing to clarify that the top rail of stair rail systems installed prior to January 17, 2017, can serve as a handrail if that top rail is 30 to 38 inches in height and meets the other handrail requirements of paragraph (f). OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal protective equipment in. The only exception is when the employer can. Docket S-775 Safety Standards for Steel Erection (proposed January 26, 1988, 53 FR 2048, final rule published January 18, 2001 66 FR 5196). 29 (b): "Fall protection systems and falling object protection -- criteria and practices. 5 inches (24 cm); ( 3) Have a minimum tread depth of 9. 5”. 1052(c)(6) and 1926. This 200 pound load test is designed to stop an employee from a potentially fatal fall, as opposed to the IBC requirement that takes into account the idea that many people may be leaning on the railing at the same time. OSHA Guardrail Requirements for Leading Edges. Handrail height, spacing, and incline are all addressed by the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building. Mr. 1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. IBC 2003 Clear space between a handrail and a wall or other surface shall be a minimum of 1. Some areas require taller guardrail. OSHA addressed ten issues, most of which have been raised by interested parties who believe that alternatives to some of the existing fall protection rule's provisions should be permitted. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. According to OSHA: When workers installing solar panels are exposed to fall distances of six feet or more, they need to be. 453, and . OSHA 1910. 29). not specified. 500-1926. Handrail height, measured above stair tread nosings, or finish surface of ramp slope, shall be uniform, not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm). 112 (a) (1) Vehicle curbs, bull rails, or other effective barriers at least six inches (15. Any part of a scaffold that has been damaged or weakened so that it no longer meets OSHA strength requirements must either be repaired, replaced, braced,. The space between the inside of the handrail and the wall or any other obstruction must be at least 1-1/2”. 29 (f) (1) (ii) (B)) and the handrail must be 30 to 38 inches in height (§1910. Guardrail systems used at hoist areas: A removable guardrail section, consisting of a top rail and midrail, must be placed across the access opening between guardrail sections when the hoist is not being America's Safest Companies. Reg. (3) If ramps change direction at landings, the minimum landing size shall be 60 in by 60 in (1525 mm by 1525 mm). Toeboards need to be around 3. 760 (c) (1) Each employee working at the leading edge in a CDZ shall be protected from fall hazards of more than two stories or 30 feet (9. Be sure you have. 500 (f) (l) (vi) provides for the utilization of types, sizes and arrangements of railing construction provided they meet the conditions established in sub-paragraph a thru d. However, we believe that there are recognized hazards associated with openings in roofs. When a forklift truck is used for lifting personnel on a secured safety platform with a guardrail to. A safety handrail provides stability with a handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway or step. 502 1926. OSHA requires that a competent or qualified person inspect each knot in a lanyard or vertical lifeline to ensure it meets the strength requirements in § 1910. Panels made of materials conforming to the requirements in Table. Safety Standards for Scaffolds. Cal OSHA has a force requirement of 20 pounds per linear foot along the entire rail system. [29 CFR 1926. The standard's definition of a guardrail system is: "a vertical barrier, consisting of, but not limited to, Toprails, midrails , and posts, erected to prevent employees from falling off a. Though the terms guardrails and handrails are. Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable OSHA requirements. The section of the OSHA code that specifies most of the primary guardrail and handrails as it directly relates to safety railing is 1910. 501(b)(13), workers engaged in residential construction six (6) feet or more above lower levels must be protected by conventional fall protection (i. Dear Mr. 2. Top rail must withstand 200 lbs load in any direction. 452(y)] 1910. 29 CFR 1910. There are 29 OSHA-approved State Plans operating state-wide occupational safety and health programs. Safety Standards for Fall Protection in the Construction Industry. 1014. The safety ledge shall be designed to carry a live load of 100 pounds per square foot. Must Withstand 200 Pounds. They must be installed according to manufacturer’s instructions. This 200 pound load test is designed to stop an employee from a potentially fatal fall, as opposed to the IBC requirement that takes into account the idea that many people may be leaning on the. 25 (b) (1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. OSHA 1910. Minimum 6′-8″ headroom height clearance for stairway. For guardrail systems around a catwalk, section 1910. Floor covers . [Docket ID–OSHA–2020–0009] RIN 1218–AD28 Walking-Working Surfaces AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor. 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. Guardrail requirements are covered under OSHA 1910. 502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29 CFR. A guardrail consists of a top rail 42” + or – 3” no less than 39”, mid rail at 21” and toe board 3. 23 (e) (3) (iii), installations, posts and top and intermediate rails are to be of 2-inch by 2-inch by 3/8-inch angles or other metal shapes of equivalent bending strength with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers. The opening between a guardrail and the end structure at the head of a bed shall be no more than 15 inches. 34″ and 42″. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. 6 - Incorporation by reference. The top edge of the guardrail should be 42 inches above the walking/working surface. Top rail and midrail dimensions: Must be at least 0. Use of personnel platform. 5 inches (24 cm); and. This checklist covers regulations issued by the U. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NWThe AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). 30″ to 38″. 503. Maximum 7-3/4 inch stair riser height. We apologize for the long delay in providing this response. Vertical height of top rail. 4, and the lowest, a safety net that meets the requirements of section 26. 5 inches (9 cm) as measured from the top edge of the toeboard to the level of the. OSHA's guardrail height requirements include a variance of plus or minus 3 inches. Spiral stairs must meet the vertical clearance requirements. 502). 28 of OSHA’s standard on walking-working surfaces (1910. Railing height from tread surface at the riser face shall be 33±3 inches (83. The governing requirement for the guarding of ladderway floor openings and platforms is paragraph 1910. OSHA noted that cages or wells may allow. These include: The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system. Supervise workers to ensure fall protection equipment is used and maintained correctly. The roadway may be abutted by steep. 5 inches for stands with a top height of 4 feet or more, 36 inches for stands with a top. The force requirements will depend on the application of the guardrail and the legislative requirements in your jurisdiction. Safety Tips for Pedestrians. 140. OSHA Guardrail Load Requirements. If the railing dips below 39 inches, due to the force, the railing is not OSHA compliant. 1910. 23 (e) (3) (v) (b)); Protection between top rail and floor,. § 214. Per 1926. 23 covers requirements for ladders and includes information on when handrails are required on mobile ladder stands or platforms (when they have a top step height of 4 feet or more) and how high a railing must be (29. Specifically, the following sections are the most relevant to handrail and stair rail requirements. 555 (a) (2) If the operator's station is at a remote point. [Docket ID–OSHA–2020–0009] RIN 1218–AD28 Walking-Working Surfaces AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor. 451(a)(5) is acceptable provided it meets the following guidelines: OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 2. The guidelines for these aspects of mezzanine railing include: In-fill mid-rails or panels need to be installed to keep the opening from being more than 19 inches. If such a railing is not possible then the workers must be protected by a fall protection device such as a personal fall arrest system or a safety net. 2Height. Purpose of a Guardrail A guardrail is, first and foremost, a safety barrier intended to shield a motorist who has left the roadway. 29(g)(4)), have an acceptable guardrail system (29 CFR § 1910. Re: Guardrail requirements for two point suspension scaffolds Dear Mr. I. The employer must ensure: 1910. Cal OSHA requires a maximum single rail length of 8 feet. Semitrailers, flatbeds and straight trucks all have bed heights that closely align with 48-inch-high platforms, so loading dock platforms most commonly are 44 to 48 inches high. These updated standards finally provided clarification for service pits, specifying that guardrails are not required around service pits less than 10 feet in depth. 21(b)(1) and 1910. Guardrail Basics: What You Need to Know | EHS Today America's Safest Companies OSHA’s fall protection and guardrail requirements along with the International Building Code (IBC) are. Theatre galleries, balconies, or other such elevated seating locations, where a 42-inch railing would obstruct the sight lines, may be protected by a guardrail or other barrier of not less than 34 inches in height provided that a horizontal concave safety ledge not less than 6 inches in depth and not less than 36 inches in effective width is installed beyond the railing at the balcony floor. Top rails capable of withstanding 200 pounds of. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742 Federal Government White House; Benefits. C. 1917. 1910. Under 29 CFR 1926. Warehousing hazards are addressed in specific standards for general industry (29 CFR 1910). GPO Source: e-CFR. This elevated work area is still clearly a hazardous area and you. All workers reaching more than 10 inches below the level of the walking or working surface on which they are working must be protected by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personalOn November 18, 2016, OSHA published a final rule on Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems) in the Federal Register ( 81 FR 82494 ). This regulation states that, “Guardrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches (5. and which designates an area in which roofing work may take place without the use of guardrail, body belt, or safety net systems to protect employees in the area. OSHA eTool. 29 (b), ladders and hatches are required to be secured with a self-closing safety gate and safety-compliant railing. Rauchut, This is in response to your letter of July 18, 2017, requesting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to address a specific question of whether any safety factor is required in the design of handrails and top rails. This threshold differs from 29. Not understanding how they are different can lead to being out of compliance and possible heavy fines. • safety knowledge among workers varies, • manual labor is used extensively, • the climate creates year-round heat stress. • General Industry — 29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart D (1910. 451 (a) (5). Will the Guardrail Meet Loading Dock Railing Requirements? OSHA details the requirements for guardrails in more detail since the 2017 update. The Safety Boot guardrail system is designed for this specific purpose, and when paired with the material listed above and properly fastened to the substrate, this bracket system makes it very easy to meets the OSHA requirements. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. (1. 3) the top must not fail and may deflect to a point no lower than 39 inches above the floor when a 200 pound load is imposed on it in a downward or outward. It applies to classrooms with permanent and temporary floor holes and openings greater than 1 inch in its least dimension, floor drains, manholes, hatchways, ladder. The program shall enable each employee to recognize the hazards of falling and shall train each employee in the procedures to be followed in order to minimize these hazards. (a) Stairways shall have handrails or stair railings on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate stair railing for each 88 inches of required. 23 & 1926. We will now cover some additional areas. " 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. OSHA roof guardrail requirements state that the top rails and the mid-rails of the guardrail system must bet at least one-quarter of an inch thick. 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. 3. Curbs or bull rails installed after October 3, 1983, shall be at least 10 inches (25. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Equivalent means alternative designs, materials, or methods that the employer can demonstrate will provide an equal or greater degree of safety for employees. gov ) 202-493-3168. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. According to OSHA 1910. Surface requirements: OSHA standard 1926. The short answer is usually, yes. 0 m) above the walking/working surface, shall be protected from falling by the use of a guardrail system,. 502 (b) (1): Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1. State Plans are required to have standards and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as OSHA's and may have different or more stringent requirements. Thank you for your inquiry. (2) The landing length shall be a minimum of 60 in (1525 mm) clear. Safety Standards for Scaffolds. 1. 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. 34″ and 42″. The top rail rail must be able to withstand 200 pounds of force in the downward and outward directions. 500(d)(1) and 29 CFR 1926. For more information on Guardrail Inspection, Maintenance, and Installation Information, please contact the Office of Safety, Aimee Zhang ( Aimee. Double-cleat ladder means a ladder similar in construction to a single-cleat ladder, but with a center rail to allow simultaneous two-way traffic for employees ascending or descending. 1431 (b) (2) Exceptions: A personnel platform is not required for hoisting employees: 1926. If the employer chooses to use a guardrail system, he must comply with the following provisions: Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, must be between 39 and 45 inches above the. 3) the top must not fail and may deflect to a point no lower than 39 inches above the floor when a 200 pound load is imposed on it in a downward or outward. SUMMARY: OSHA is proposing changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify which handrail and stair rail system requirements apply. It applies to classrooms with permanent and temporary floor holes and openings greater than 1 inch in its least dimension, floor drains, manholes, hatchways, ladder. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Safety chains hold the ramp in place and the same 8-inch steel curbs guard the sides of the ramp. 1926. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Cleat means a ladder crosspiece of rectangular cross section placed on edge upon which a person may step while ascending or descending a ladder. 29(b) and its subparts. 1926. We will now. Further, OSHA standard 1910. 1926. The best case scenario, if a car is careening off the road, would be for that car to come to rest unhindered. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 1910. A handrail or grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent to it needs to be free of anything sharp or abrasive. 26 (a) Dockboards are capable of supporting the maximum intended load in accordance with § 1910. 25 inches thick. This appendix serves as a non-mandatory guideline to assist employers in complying with these requirements. Passive fall protection protects many vulnerable areas and provides safety for all people, not just active employees on a job site. Ref: Scaffold Guardrail height;. OSHA Requirements. 75(g) Catwalks on stiles of marine railways shall be no less than 20 inches wide and shall have on at least one side a guardrail and midrail meeting the requirements of § 1915. 28 includes unprotected sides and edges. 1926. That said, even docks coming in under 4 feet should utilize some sort of fall protection. they satisfy all of the guardrail requirements. Handrail Standards Guardrail Handrail standards can be manufacured in tubular or solid materials with varying outside diameters, tube wall thickness, ball sizes, ball types in a multiple of material grades in Mild Steel, StainlessOSHA; Standards; Enforcement; Topics; Media Center; Contact Us; U. handrails (1) A stairway shall have a handrail on at least one side, and if 1 100 mm or more in width, shall have handrails on both sides. Guardrail requirements are covered under OSHA 1910. 760 (c) (2) Access to a CDZ shall be limited to only those employees engaged in leading edge work. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. Install guardrail systems along all open sides and ends of platforms. 3. ft. Most loading docks are 48-52” tall, but we do see instances of docks a few inches shy of four feet–say 46”. 451(g)(1)(vii)] Employees performing overhand bricklaying operations from a supported scaffold must be protected from falling from all open sides and ends of the scaffold, except at the side next to the wall being laid. However, OSHA 1910. 1-2007, Safety Requirements for Workplace Walking/Working Surfaces and Their Access; Workplace, Floor, Wall and Roof Openings; Stairs and Guardrail Systems; ANSI/ASSE Z359. 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. Scope and definitions. Hazards are identified, as well as the controls that keep these hazards from becoming tragedies. 1910. These standards, including 29 CFR 1910. Your Guardrail Compliance Checklist. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. OSHA eTool. An employer may use these guidelines as a starting point for designing guardrail systems. What are the general OSHA requirements of toe board? According to OSHA 1910. 1926. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Horizontal lifelines, depending on their geometry and angle of sag, may be subjected to greater loads than the impact load imposed by an attached component. 1910. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. In addition, Section 5 (a) (1) of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, often referred to as the General Duty Clause, requires employers to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized.