In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure standard stairs: ( 1) Are installed at angles between 30 to 50 degrees from the horizontal; ( 2) Have a maximum riser height of 9. 29 CFR 1910. 104 may be. 29 (b): "Fall protection systems and falling object protection -- criteria and practices. 1910. 34 (copy attached), OSHA standards are minimum safety requirements; employers may apply more protective requirements. 502(b)(3). The upper edge of the guardrails shall be no less than 5 inches above the top surface of the mattress. Apart from IBC, OSHA also has minimum strength requirements for guardrails. S. 29 (b) (3) (4) (5). Top rail must withstand 200 lbs load in any direction. 71 (j) (1) and (2), unless the nature of the work in progress or the physical conditions prohibit the use. 112 (a) (1) Vehicle curbs, bull rails, or other effective barriers at least six inches (15. 6 series), a worker need only be protected from falling by a properly designed and. 71(j) (1) and (2). Treads must be at least 10 inches deep, measuring from front to back. Guardrail systems 1910. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. 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. Exception 1: Guardrails located at the open side of a stair run shall not be less than 34 inches in height. Be sure you have checked all 10 before work begins on your job-site. 3-1984 entitled American National Standard for Ladders — Fixed — Safety Requirements, as amended from time to time, other than section 7 of that Standard. The fact that residential construction has gone unregulated and unenforced. 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. 451 (a) (5). 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. (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. OSHA 1910. The Bulletin is advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended to assist employers inOSHA requirements dictate that the guard rail be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200-pounds. 451(g)(4). On outside plaza, patio, and garden areas, alternate means of protection are acceptable if the same degree of safety is provided. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. Stilts may be used on a large area scaffold. Railing height from tread surface at the riser face shall be 33±3 inches (83. 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. 1431 (b) (2) (i)1915. Code requires guardrail in residential structures be a minimum of 36 inches. 10(a)] All subcontractors who agree to perform any part of the labor or material requirements of a contract. Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements: Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway. Refrigerated trucks are 50 to 60 inches in bed height, so they always will require a guardrail. Department of Labor. Per 1926. A strength to withstand at least the minimum requirement of 200 pounds top rail pressure (§1910. 1926. 1. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. 503 (a) Training program. 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. Guardrails need to have a minimum breaking strength of 200 lbs. M-606-1 Midwest Guardrail System (MGS) Type 3 W-Beam 31 Inches (Placement, installation, materials, and specifications). S. 2. Retraining Employers must retrain employees when inadequacies are observed, changes in worksite conditions occur or when it is believed that an employee lacks the skill or understanding needed for safe work involving the erection, use or dismantling of the scaffold. Response: Pursuant to §1910. The area shall be permanently maintained and identified as a safe dispersal area. Note that the requirements for top rail height of guardrails on supported scaffolds have been changed from 36 to 45 inches to between 38 to 45 inches. § 214. However, OSHA 1910. Here are OSHA’s requirements for guardrail height: The top of the rail system must be 42 inches (±3 in. Note that our enforcement. 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). 1052(c)(7) Dear Mr. 13(c)] The use of wire ropes as top rails and intermediate rails of guardrail systems used for perimeter protection or for guardrails used on scaffolding meeting the equivalent requirements of 29 CFR 1926. 4. S. 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. 1) safety railing must be ¼-inch in diameter (a plastic coating could be used to bring the diameter up to ¼-inch) 2) the safety railing must be 42 inches high, plus or minus 3 inches. Handrail height of alternating tread devices and ships ladders, measured above tread nosings, shall be uniform, not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and not more. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. If the handrail isn’t circular, the perimeter dimension should not be less than 4 inches and mustn’t be greater than 6. 502 - OSHA's policy regarding the use of scaffolds as fall arrest system anchors. Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements: Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway. Maximum mesh size must not exceed 6 inches by 6 inches. 73]. GUARDRAIL 101. 500 (f) (1) (vi) provides the specification criteria for a standard railing exception as follows: (vi) Other types, sizes, and arrangements of railing construction are acceptable, provided they meet the following conditions: (a) A smooth-surfaced top rail at a height above floor, platform, runway, or ramp level of approximately 42. 502(b)(3) requires railing systems meet a 200 pound concentrated load test. 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. e. In 2017, OSHA updated its requirements, clarifying what employers and construction workers need to do to adhere to safety standards on the construction site. 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. 29 (k) includes standards for “protection from falling objects”. The opening between a guardrail and the end structure at the head of a bed shall be no more than 15 inches. A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress shall be located in trench excavations that are 4 feet (1. Under §1926. With both standards, OSHA deems guardrail compliant under the following conditions: Vertical height of 42 inches. Docket S-775 Safety Standards for Steel Erection (proposed January 26, 1988, 53 FR 2048, final rule published January 18, 2001 66 FR 5196). 5 - Applicability of standards. 23 (e) (3) (v) (b)); Protection between top rail and floor,. Mid rail height of 21 inches. Dear Mr. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. 1926. A minimum radius of 0. gov ) 202-493-3168. balusters) can be a maximum of 19 inches apart. 502). 1910. When properly installed, our guardrail netting meets OSHA toe board requirements, ANSI/ASSE standards and NYC Local Law 61. gov. 451(g)(4). 500, Guardrails, handrails & guards. I. A catwalk handrail or guardrail system is required for any catwalks higher than 4′ above a lower level. A guardrail is a safety railing or barrier located along a horizontal surface such as a balcony, deck, or porch. 25 (b) (1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 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. 1910. There are separate standards set by OSHA for General Industry and Construction. There are 29 OSHA-approved State Plans operating state-wide occupational safety and health programs. Handrail height, spacing, and incline are all addressed by the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building. Your Guardrail Compliance Checklist. 29(f)(1)(ii)(B)) and the handrail must be 30 to. , guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems) or alternative fall protection measures allowed under 1926. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Safety chains hold the ramp in place and the same 8-inch steel curbs guard the sides of the ramp. When assessing an employer's compliance efforts, the Agency considers the requirements of pertinent. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm). Download the free PDF and stay safe on the job. Panels made of materials conforming to the requirements in Table. 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. The guardrails provided here are 1-1/4” thick. W. This ribbon of rail acts to capture impacting vehicles and to. Top Rail Requirements. 5". These scaffolding safety guidelines, which come directly from OSHA standards, are explored in greater depth in the sections below. • safety knowledge among workers varies, • manual labor is used extensively, • the climate creates year-round heat stress. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. The top edge of the guardrail should be 42 inches above the walking/working surface. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard at 29 CFR 1926. See the following elevated work platform OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910. 1926. Zarletti: Thank you for your letter of June 18, concerning the allowable tolerance for the height of guardrails as specified at 29 CFR 1926. Prevent water from pooling and damaging your roof by using a lightweight PVC counterweight to give your team all the protection they. If you choose to use a guardrail system, you must comply with the 10 OSHA provisions listed below. [29 CFR 1926. 2 cm) in height from the tread surface at the riser face. 1052 (c) (2) Winding and spiral stairways shall be equipped with a handrail offset sufficiently to prevent walking on those portions of the stairways where the tread width is less than 6 inches (15 cm). Details1. 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. 1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. NFPANVIDIA made NeMo Guardrails — the product of several years’ research — open source to contribute to the developer community’s tremendous energy and work on. (1) For wood railings: Wood components shall be minimum 1500 lb-ft/in2 fiber (stress grade) construction grade lumber; (2) For pipe railings: posts, top rails, and intermediate. OSHA requirements for standard stairs. 1431 (b) (2) Exceptions: A personnel platform is not required for hoisting employees: 1926. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm). Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. . When a forklift truck is used for lifting personnel on a secured safety platform with a guardrail to. The following definitions apply in this subpart: Alternating tread-type stair means a type of. 1052(c)(6) and 1926. 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). 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. Purpose of a Guardrail . The three major components of a strong post barrier are the rail, posts, and blockouts. They must be protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems, or They must work in a controlled access zone (CAZ) . It covers all walking-working surfaces unless specifically excluded by an individual section of this subpart. 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. 1917. (link is external) Summary Report of 2021 MASH Virtual Roundtables. Lead by example. Based on the relevant OSHA standards 1910. Guardrail systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions: – 1926. 29 (b), ladders and hatches are required to be secured with a self-closing safety gate and safety-compliant railing. 502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29 CFR. When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height, provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria. Further, OSHA standard 1910. 3. 5 inches (24 cm); and. 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. 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. Warehousing hazards are addressed in specific standards for general industry (29 CFR 1910). 1053(a)(11). OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal protective equipment in. Re: Stair rail and hand rail heights; §1926. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard at 29 CFR 1926. Note that our enforcement. Guardrails need to have a minimum breaking strength of 200 lbs. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that employers provide fall protection for employees working at heights over 4 feet. it's vital that your devices meet all the standards set forth by OSHA and that your workers are trained on their proper use. 1917. OSHA 1910 Occupational Safety and Health Standards > D Walking-Working Surfaces > 1910. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), as long as the guardrail system meets all other criteria. These standards, including 29 CFR 1910. The employer must ensure: 1910. Guard Height. ) from the surface of the walking area. All top rails and midrails need to be at least 0. You will still be OSHA compliant without safety harnesses if the guardrail is adequate, but we recommend using them when: The scissor lift work platform is higher than six feet; wearing a harness is part of the scissor lift manufacturer’s instructions; and. 5 inches for stands with a top height of 4 feet or more, 36 inches for stands with a. 502 1926. Federal OSHA: requires a 200 pound point load. OSHA guidelines on guardrail fall protection criteria dictate that a guardrail safety system’s top edge must be 42(±)3 inches above the floor. 29 CFR 1926. Specifically, the following sections are the most relevant to handrail and stair rail requirements. Maximum riser height of 9. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. You also requested clarification on when employees must tie-off when a guardrail system is removed to facilitate hoisting operations. Your Guardrail Compliance Checklist. 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. 1052(c)(6) and 1926. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Thickness. 502(d)(21) OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. The manufacturer must approve any alterations to the stilts. ) 1926. Handrail must be continuous. Federal OSHA: requires a maximum single rail length of 10 feet. [29 CFR 1926. Curbs or bull rails installed after October 3, 1983, shall be at least 10 inches (25. 34″ and 42″. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Suite 301 Chadds Ford, PA 19317. 500, Guardrails, handrails & guards. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3214. gov) 202-366-6537. Guardrail systems that are not at least 42 inches high can be cited as a technical violation. [29 CFR 1926. 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. The Guardrail height shall not be less than 36 inches above the walking surface. 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. 46 m 2) for each person. Definitions . Must Withstand 200 Pounds. NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF REAL ESTATE U. OSHA Fall Protection Requirements. 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. 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. The OSHA requirements state that guardrails should be able to resist at least 200 pounds of pressure applied directly to the structure. 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. 21(b)(1) and 1910. This threshold differs from 29. 5 inches (24 cm); ( 3) Have a minimum tread depth of 9. 1926. 23 (a) (4), therefore, requires that skylights in the roof of buildings through which persons may fall while walking or working shall be guarded by a standard. 29(b) and its subparts. 451(a)(5) is acceptable provided it meets the following guidelines: OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 5 and A92. OSHA Standard. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 10. the regulations in T8 CCR only set minimum requirements and they should strive to exceed the standards at all times. Related Code Sections. 3 - Petitions for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a standard. A guardrail consists of a top rail 42” + or – 3” no less than 39”, mid rail at 21” and toe board 3. See the following elevated work platform OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910. There is a 3-inch variance that is allowed in either direction. Office listed on the back cover of this guide. Use a non-penetrating guardrail that doesn’t mount to any structure on your building. Top edge height of top rails must be between 42 +/- 3 inches above the walking/working level, except when conditions. Here are some basic pieces of information to bear in mind when constructing a handrail to comply with OSHA Standards. 29 (b) (3) (4) (5). The IBC code for structural design has some very specific requirements for deck stairs: Stair rails on decks should be between 34 inches and 38 inches high, measured vertically from the nose of the tread to the top of the rail. Mid rail height of 21 inches. This subpart applies to all general industry workplaces. 23(c)(1) states that “e very open-sided floor or platform 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level shall be guarded by a standard railing (or the equivalent as specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this section) on all open sides. The following definitions apply in this subpart: Alternating tread-type stair means a type of. When a forklift truck is used for lifting personnel on a secured safety platform with a guardrail to. S. in any direction per OSHA 1910. This 200 pound load test is designed to stop an employee from. 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 and mid-rail, or equivalent. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 5 inches high with a gap of less than 1/4 inch. 502 (b) (1) Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1. 1052(c)(7) Dear Mr. 4 cm) in height. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 5 of 14 DEFICIENCY 2 – UNIT: HANDRAIL IS NOT SECURE. Landings shall have the following features: (1) The landing shall be at least as wide as the ramp run leading to it. 651 (c) (2) Means of egress from trench excavations. The width of ramps that are part of a means of egress may further be determined by applicable life safety codes and requirements for minimum exit widths greater than 36″. The roadway may be abutted by steep. Addressing OSHA dock safety can be a tricky thing. "The employer must ensure each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1. Cal-OSHA requires that employers provide fall protection for employees who work at heights of 30 inches or more in general industry workplaces, and at six feet or more in construction. S. 23(e)(2) 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 an upper surface of top rail to the surface of tread in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread. 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. Standards Institute, Standard A1264. The material and style of. See 29 CFR 1926. 62 m) of lateral travel for employees. "The employer must ensure each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1. TO: ALL AREA DIRECTORS Paragraph 1926. (ANSI A92. 22) requires the use of fall protection such as a guardrail system, a safety net or personal fall protection systems if a worker could fall 4 feet or more from an open or exposed dock door or opening. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. 1910. 1 m), whichever is less. Details are at GUARDRAIL CODES & STANDARDS - this article. OSHA Guardrail Load Requirements. Safety Railing and Guardrail Systems. 28 and 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. Where the guardrail requirements of subsections (a) and (b) are impracticable due to machinery requirements or work. In these situations, OSHA believes guardrail systems offer the appropriate level of fall protection and the record supports this conclusion. Employers should train workers to: Check to see that a guardrail system is in place before working on the scissor lift. Falls from heights and on the same level (a working surface) are among the leading causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths. 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. Guardrail is required for any platform 4 feet. Presuming your guardrail system meets the requirements of §1926. 29(b)(2)(iii) Post navigation. 501 ), any worker constructing a leading edge 6 feet or more above a lower level “must be protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems. SUBJECT: 1926. 1910. 3. 502(b), including the top rail height requirement in §1926. There is a 3-inch variance that is allowed in either direction. Details2. 29 and their roof guardrail requirements, we've identified at least 4 areas of major concern for rooftop safety that would require a safety rail for roof system. 451(b) (scaffold platform construction). 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. [Note: for this section, the criteria and practices requirements for guardrail systems on scaffolds are contained in 29 CFR part 1926, Subpart L or 29 CFR 1915. OSHA eTool. Railings and Guardrails – OSHA handrail requirements 390 | IBC handrail 320 Balusters – OSHA 1910. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal-OSHA) has specific requirements for rooftop railing protection under its fall protection standards. A guardrail is typically required for stairs with 4-or-more risers, or for a deck or balcony with 30 inches above grade. Occupational Safety and Health Standards; Subpart: 1910 Subpart D; Subpart Title: Walking-Working Surfaces; Standard Number: 1910 Subpart D Title:. 71 (d) (2) All vertical and horizontal members shall be fastened together with a coupler or locking device which will form a positive connection. Re: Stair rail and hand rail heights; §1926. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. OSHA standard 1926. The only exception is when the employer can. Our parapet guardrail is designed to exceed OSHA requirements to ensure you and your employees are safe when working on the roof. Equivalent means. All mesh crossings must be secured to prevent enlargement of the mesh opening, which must be no longer than 6. 73 (d) When employees are exposed to unguarded edges of decks, platforms, flats, and similar flat surfaces, more than 5 feet above a solid surface, the edges shall be guarded by adequate guardrails meeting the requirements of § 1915. They must be protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems, or They must work in a controlled access zone (CAZ) . 2 Christy Dr. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. [Docket ID–OSHA–2020–0009] RIN 1218–AD28 Walking-Working Surfaces AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor. 0 m) above the walking/working surface, shall be protected from falling by the use of a guardrail system,. Top rail and midrail dimensions: Must be at least 0. 1910. SUMMARY: OSHA is proposing changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify which handrail and stair rail system requirements apply to new stair rail. . Employee Work Areas Common use circulation paths must be accessible in work areas 1,000 sq. Safety Standards for Fall Protection in the Construction Industry. Section 18(b) of The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, P. Fall Protection. These letters provide guidance to clarify the application of an established OSHA standard, policy, or. 29 Fall Protection Systems and Falling Object Protection-Criteria and. 5". 2. 25 (b) (2) Vertical clearance above any. Details are at GUARDRAIL CODES & STANDARDS - this article. 6300 W by NW Blvd #100, Houston, TX 77040 (800) 962-6111. 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. 1053 (a) (4) (i) The minimum clear distance between the sides of individual-rung/step ladders and the minimum clear distance between the side rails of other fixed ladders shall be 16 inches (41 cm). 112 (a) (2) 1) safety railing must be ¼-inch in diameter (a plastic coating could be used to bring the diameter up to ¼-inch) 2) the safety railing must be 42 inches high, plus or minus 3 inches. Maintenance of rooftop solar panels falls under general industry standards. Safety Standards for Scaffolds. 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. The modular system allows for the guardrail to be customized to best fit all the angles and elevations of your rooftop. OSHA’s proposal focuses on two sets of situations: Correcting rail requirements for stairways narrower than 44 inches, and with 2 open sides, by inserting words accidentally omitted when the 2017 requirements were published: - from “one stair rail system [on] each open side”. ft. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 2. - to “one stair rail system with handrail on each open side”. According to OSHA, the top edge height of top rails (or equivalent guardrail system members) must be 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. Safety Standards for Scaffolds. 555 (a) General requirements. 71 (j) (1) and (2), unless the nature of the work in progress or the physical conditions prohibit the use.