1910.29(b) – Guardrail systems. The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements:
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. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of paragraph (b) of this section.
1910.29(b)(2) – Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, or equivalent intermediate members are installed between the walking-working surface and the top edge of the guardrail system as follows when there is not a wall or parapet that is at least 21 inches (53 cm) high:
1910.29(b)(2)(i) – Midrails are installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking-working surface;
1910.29(b)(2)(ii) – Screens and mesh extend from the walking-working surface to the top rail and along the entire opening between top rail supports;
1910.29(b)(2)(iii) – Intermediate vertical members (such as balusters) are installed no more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart; and
1910.29(b)(2)(iv) – Other equivalent intermediate members (such as additional midrails and architectural panels) are installed so that the openings are not more than 19 inches (48 cm) wide.
1910.29(b)(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 within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge, at any point along the top rail.
1910.29(b)(4) – When the 200-pound (890-N) test load is applied in a downward direction, the top rail of the guardrail system must not deflect to a height of less than 39 inches (99 cm) above the walking-working surface.
1910.29(b)(5) – Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, and other equivalent intermediate members are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 150 pounds (667 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the intermediate member.
1910.29(b)(6) – Guardrail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching or snagging of clothing.
1910.29(b)(7) – The ends of top rails and midrails do not overhang the terminal posts, except where the overhang does not pose a projection hazard for employees.
1910.29(b)(8) – Steel banding and plastic banding are not used for top rails or midrails.
1910.29(b)(9) – Top rails and midrails are at least 0.25-inches (0.6 cm) in diameter or in thickness.
1910.29(b)(10) – When guardrail systems are used at hoist areas, a removable guardrail section, consisting of a top rail and midrail, are placed across the access opening between guardrail sections when employees are not performing hoisting operations. The employer may use chains or gates instead of a removable guardrail section at hoist areas if the employer demonstrates the chains or gates provide a level of safety equivalent to guardrails.
1910.29(b)(11) – When guardrail systems are used around holes, they are installed on all unprotected sides or edges of the hole.
1910.29(b)(12) – For guardrail systems used around holes through which materials may be passed:
1910.29(b)(12)(i) – When materials are being passed through the hole, not more than two sides of the guardrail system are removed; and
1910.29(b)(12)(ii) – When materials are not being passed through the hole, the hole must be guarded by a guardrail system along all unprotected sides or edges or closed over with a cover.
1910.29(b)(13) – When guardrail systems are used around holes that serve as points of access (such as ladderways), the guardrail system opening:
1910.29(b)(13)(i) – Has a self-closing gate that slides or swings away from the hole, and is equipped with a top rail and midrail or equivalent intermediate member that meets the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section; or
1910.29(b)(13)(ii) – Is offset to prevent an employee from walking or falling into the hole;
1910.29(b)(14) – Guardrail systems on ramps and runways are installed along each unprotected side or edge.
1910.29(b)(15) – Manila or synthetic rope used for top rails or midrails are inspected as necessary to ensure that the rope continues to meet the strength requirements in paragraphs (b)(3) and (5) of this section.
Note to paragraph (b) of this section:
The criteria and practices requirements for guardrail systems on scaffolds are contained in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L.
1926.502(b) – Guardrail systems. Guardrail systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions:
1926.502(b)(1) – Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1.1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height, provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of this paragraph.
1926.502(b)(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.
1926.502(b)(2)(i) – Midrails, when used, shall be installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working level.
1926.502(b)(2)(ii) – Screens and mesh, when used, shall extend from the top rail to the walking/working level and along the entire opening between top rail supports.
1926.502(b)(2)(iii) – Intermediate members (such as balusters), when used between posts, shall be not more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart.
1926.502(b)(2)(iv) – Other structural members (such as additional midrails and architectural panels) shall be installed such that there are no openings in the guardrail system that are more than 19 inches (.5 m) wide.
1926.502(b)(3) – Guardrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches (5.1 cm) of the top edge, in any outward or downward direction, at any point along the top edge.
1926.502(b)(4) – When the 200 pound (890 N) test load specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section is applied in a downward direction, the top edge of the guardrail shall not deflect to a height less than 39 inches (1.0 m) above the walking/working level. Guardrail system components selected and constructed in accordance with the appendix B to subpart M of this part will be deemed to meet this requirement.
1926.502(b)(5) – Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, and equivalent structural members shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 150 pounds (666 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the midrail or other member.
1926.502(b)(6) – Guardrail systems shall be so surfaced as to prevent injury to an employee from punctures or lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing.
1926.502(b)(7) – The ends of all top rails and midrails shall not overhang the terminal posts, except where such overhang does not constitute a projection hazard.
1926.502(b)(8) – Steel banding and plastic banding shall not be used as top rails or midrails.
1926.502(b)(9) – Top rails and midrails shall be at least one-quarter inch (0.6 cm) nominal diameter or thickness to prevent cuts and lacerations. If wire rope is used for top rails, it shall be flagged at not more than 6-foot (1.8 m) intervals with high-visibility material.
1926.502(b)(10) – When guardrail systems are used at hoisting areas, a chain, gate or removable guardrail section shall be placed across the access opening between guardrail sections when hoisting operations are not taking place.
1926.502(b)(11) – When guardrail systems are used at holes, they shall be erected on all unprotected sides or edges of the hole.
1926.502(b)(12) – When guardrail systems are used around holes used for the passage of materials, the hole shall have not more than two sides provided with removable guardrail sections to allow the passage of materials. When the hole is not in use, it shall be closed over with a cover, or a guardrail system shall be provided along all unprotected sides or edges.
1926.502(b)(13) – When guardrail systems are used around holes which are used as points of access (such as ladderways), they shall be provided with a gate, or be so offset that a person cannot walk directly into the hole.
1926.502(b)(14) – Guardrail systems used on ramps and runways shall be erected along each unprotected side or edge.
2. DEFINITIONS
2.5 Gate. A swinging or portable member, which acts as a safety barrier. It is commonly used at roof openings, floor openings, ladder openings, and hatchways, through which people might fall.
3. PROTECTION OF FLOOR OPENINGS AND FLOOR HOLES, ROOF OPENINGS AND ROOF HOLES
3.2 Ladderway Floor Opening. Every ladderway floor opening or platform shall be guarded by a guardrail system with toeboards on all exposed sides, except at entrance to opening. The entrance way shall be guarded so that a person cannot walk directly into the opening.
E3.2 Methods of guarding may be offsetting the opening through use of a guardrail system or by a self-closing gate swinging in the direction away from the ladder.
6.3 PLATFORMS
6.3.3 – Ladder Access Protective Swing Gates shall be installed at each ladder opening on elevated platforms to provide fall protection on new fixed ladder installations. The ladder access swing gate shall be a hinged gate or equivalent that is self-closing and does not restrict the ladder access width clearances for entry and exit. The ladder access swing gate construction shall be capable of withstanding the guardrail strength test requirements.
2.0 DEFINITIONS
2.1 Access gates – A gate that provides access through the guardrail to allow workers to pass materials, tools, or equipment.
6.0 GUARDS
6.1 Where required – Guards shall be located along the open side of all work platforms that are more than 30 inches (76.2 cm) above the floor or grade below. Guards shall meet the strength and attachment requirements of Section 8.3. Guards shall also be located along sides of stairways and landings that are located more than 30 inches (76.2 cm) above the floor or grade below.
6.2 Height – Guards shall form a protective barrier not less than 42 inches (1.1 m) high measured vertically above the adjacent walking surface.
Exception: Handrails along the open side of a stairway provided in accordance with Section 5.6 may serve as guarding for the stairway provided they conform to the height specified in Section 5.6.1.
6.3 OPENING LIMITATIONS
6.3.1 Open guards shall have balusters, intermediate horizontal rails, or ornamental patterns such that a 21-inch (53.3 cm) diameter sphere cannot pass through any opening.
6.3.2 Guards that are interrupted due to interference for any reason shall be terminated no more than 4 inches (10.2 cm) from the object creating the interference.
Exception: guards that are interrupted by a stairway or other means of egress shall be terminated no less than 1½ inches (3.8 cm) nor more than 4 inches (10.2 cm) from the handrail for the means of egress, unless that stairway handrail extends horizontally a minimum of 12 inches (30.5 cm) into the work platform area.
6.4 ACCESS OPENINGS IN GUARDS
6.4.1 All gates that provide access through guards must meet the strength and attachment requirements of Section 8.4.
6.4.2 All gates that provide access through guards must be at least 42 inches (1.1 m) high and have a kick plate on the open side in accordance with Section 6.5.
6.4.3 Any gate that provides an access opening through the guards for the purpose of loading and unloading material onto a work platform shall be designed such that the elevated surface is protected by guards at all times. Gates that swing open, slide open, or lift out leaving an unprotected opening in the guarding are not acceptable.
6.4.4 Gates that provide access openings through guards for purposes other than Section 6.4.3 above may swing, slide, or lift-out leaving an unprotected opening are permissible provided the worker on the elevated surface is protected by other means than the guarding.
8.3 HANDRAILS AND GUARDS
8.3.1 Handrail assemblies and guards shall be designed to resist a uniformly distributed load of 20 pounds per linear foot (29.8 kg/m) and a concentrated load of 200 pounds (90.7 kg), acting non-concurrently, applied in any direction at the top rail and to transfer this load through the supports to the structure.
8.3.2 Components.
Intermediate rails (all those except the handrail), balusters, and panel-fillers shall be designed to withstand a horizontally-applied load of 50 pounds (22.7 kg) on an area equal to 1 square foot (.093 square meters). Reactions due to this loading are not required to be superimposed with those of Section 8.3.1.
8.3.3 Stress increase.
Where handrails and guards are designed in accordance with the provisions for allowable stress design (working stress design) exclusively for the loads specified in Section 8.3.1, the allowable stress for the members and their attachments are permitted to be increased by one-third.
8.4 Gates that provide access through guards shall be able to resist the same loading as the guard.
Stairways shall be designed for a uniform load of 100 pounds per square foot (487.8 kg per square meter) and a local concentrated load of 300 pounds (136.1 kg), acting non-concurrently, over an area of 4 square inches (26 square centimeters) placed anywhere on the stairway.
1.5 DEFINITIONS
1.5.21 Self-closing gate – A section or part of a guardrail that is intended to be easily opened and, when the section is not held open, it will automatically close under the influence of gravity, a spring or other means.
J2 ACCESS TO A ROOF
J2.2 Access from roof edge – Guardrailing should be provided for a minimum distance of 2000 mm on either side of the entry point where a fall hazard exists.
A self-closing gate, opening inwards towards the roof, should be installed between the guardrails at the point of entry to the roof. There should be a landing of not less than 600 mm x 600 mm at the top of the stair or ladder, to permit the gate to be opened without risk of falling.
APPENDIX H – FALL PROTECTION
Notes 2 – Other appropriate controls for safe access by fixed ladders (as determined by a risk assessment) may include:
(b) a first man up climbing process;
(c) warning signs;
(d) a means of controlling access to the ladder such as a locked room or restricted area;
(e) gates, such as chain gates;
(f) a locked cover over the bottom rungs; and
(g) a combination of these controls.
2.9 (1) A fixed ladder installed after the day of the coming into force of this section shall be designed, constructed and installed in accordance with the requirements of ANSI Standard A14.3-1984 entitled American National Standard for Ladders — Fixed — Safety Requirements, as amended from time to time, other than section 7 of that Standard.
12.01 The following definitions apply in this Part.
fall-protection system means a system that is designed and configured to eliminate or reduce the risk of a person falling, restrain a person who is at risk of falling or arrest a person’s fall. The system may be composed of one or more of the following:
12.06 (1) If there is a risk of injury due to falling in any of the circumstances described in paragraphs 12.07(1)(a), (b) or (c) in a work place, the employer must, before any work activities begin,
(2) The fall-protection plan must specify
(3) The fall-protection plan must include, in annex, a copy of any manufacturer’s instructions with respect to the storage, maintenance, inspection, testing, fitting, installation, use or dismantling of equipment that is used in a fall-protection system and that is provided by an employer.
(4) The fall-protection systems referred to in paragraph (2)(b) are to be chosen in consultation with the work place committee or the health and safety representative, as appropriate for the work area and activity in question, taking into account the following order of priority:
12.07 (1) Subject to subsection (2), an employer must provide or put in place a fall-protection system if work is to be performed
3.2.5 Self-closing gate
Pivoting part of the guard-rail (3.2) which enables access through the guard-rail
4.1 Construction and materials
Opening or closing of moving parts (gates), of adjustable parts (e.g. foldable, slidable) and of movable parts shall not cause further hazards (for example by shearing or by falling) to users and other persons in the vicinity.
7.1.9 Where access through the guard-rail is required, a gate shall be used
7.4.1 Self-closing gate
A self-closing gate shall be used for passage of persons and shall meet the requirements of the adjacent
guard-rails.
Divergent to 7.1.6, a toe-plate is not required. Shear and crushing points shall be avoided. The
dimensions shall be in accordance with Figure 6.
Gates shall be
NOTE Self-closing can be achieved, for example, by spring or gravity force.
5 WORKING ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
5.1.2.0-13 At the top of vertical and inclined ladders, self-closing gates shall be installed.
The above is not comprehensive and does not reference all possible standards regarding these products. If you know of one that is not listed, please feel free to email us so that we can continue to update this accordingly. You may do so at feedback@intrepidindustries.com.
We always recommend doing your own research to decide which standard best fits your situation. If you are unsure, please contact your nearest standard organization for direction.
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