2. 503(a) and (c). The upper edge of the guardrails shall be no less than 5 inches above the top surface of the mattress. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. Here are OSHA’s requirements for guardrail height: The top of the rail system must be 42 inches (±3 in. Such workers when exposed to fall hazards of 4 feet or more must be protected by a standard railing. 1910. Federal OSHA: requires a maximum single rail length of 10 feet. 503 (a) Training program. I. Handrail Requirements. highway safety hardware for all new. 46 m 2) for each person. 01 inches is required for the edges. The job-built guardrail systems were evaluated to determine whether they complied with OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1926. 8-2019 standard). Specifically, we will consider the use of certain physical barriers that fail to meet the criteria for a. Employers should train workers to: Check to see that a guardrail system is in place before working on the scissor lift. Your Guardrail Compliance Checklist. Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate. 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. 29 (k) includes standards for “protection from falling objects”. 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. 50 inches (38mm). . 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. Top rails capable of withstanding 200 pounds of. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm). Guardrail systems 1910. Labor Day: A Celebration Of Hard Work. test requirements (such as ANSI/SIA A92. 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. The upper edge of the guardrails shall be no less than 5 inches above the top surface of the mattress. 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. 1926. As indicated in Question and Answer #50 of OSHA's compliance directive CPL 2-1. 0 m) above the walking/working surface, shall be protected from falling by the use of a guardrail system,. 1431 (b) (2) Exceptions: A personnel platform is not required for hoisting employees: 1926. 502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29 CFR. According to the IBC code, guard rails are required when there is a difference of 30 inches or greater between two upper and lower surfaces. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3214. Re: Guardrail requirements for two point suspension scaffolds Dear Mr. Supervise workers to ensure fall protection equipment is used and maintained correctly. These scaffolding safety guidelines, which come directly from OSHA standards, are explored in greater depth in the sections below. ) from the surface of the walking area. Use pedestrian walkways, or stay to one side of the equipment aisle. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Be sure you have. Further information on the standards and practices that address fall hazards can be found at:Additionally, Cal/OSHA requires that the guardrails must be able to withstand a live load force of at least 20 pounds per linear foot applied in a downward or outward direction along the top rail in addition to Federal OSHA requirements. 1926. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard at 29 CFR 1926. 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. 451 (d) (10) requires guardrails to be constructed as follows: Guardrails made of lumber, not less than 2x4 inches (or other material providing equivalent protection), and approximately 42 inches high, with a. The manufacturer must approve any alterations to the stilts. OSHA eTool. 29 (f) (1) (iii) (A)) Platform Guardrail Height: The top edge of the top guardrail must be 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the. The section of the OSHA code that specifies most of the primary guardrail and handrails as it directly relates to safety railing is 1910. 1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. There are 29 OSHA-approved State Plans operating state-wide occupational safety and health programs. CDOT’s guardrail standards are defined in: • Standard Plan . 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. 29). 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. Re: Stair rail and hand rail heights; §1926. 502(b)(3). Scaffolding. Haydl: This is in response to your letter of June 24, 2004 regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for heights for stair rails and handrails and corresponding building code requirements. 451(a)(1), (a)(6) and (f), if. To prevent employees from being injured from falls, employers must: Guard every floor hole into which a worker can accidentally walk (using a railing and toe-board or a floor hole cover). 23(e)(6) states: "All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or. Guardrail systems. 26. 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. Under 29 CFR 1926. The roadway may be abutted by steep. 2. All guardrail systems must be able to hold at least 200 pounds of pressure pushing out and down on the railing. 1 - Purpose and scope. The use of wire ropes as top rails and intermediate rails of guardrail systems used for perimeter. By Philip Colleran. In addition to their equipment requirements, OSHA has specific instructions for forklift operators. (2) If the required width of a ramp or flight of stairs is more than 2 200 mm, one or more intermediate handrails continuous between landings shall be provided, and located. Refrigerated trucks are 50 to 60 inches in bed height, so they always will require a guardrail. 357. 555 (a) (2) If the operator's station is at a remote point. 1. ) 1926. Kee Gate's spring-loaded self-closing hinge ensures that the gate will automatically close, maintaining a constant safety barrier between the user and the hazard. 22 (b); 1910. 454. In work situations where a standard railing is not practical, safety belts and lanyards attached to a structural member or static line meeting the requirements of 29 CFR 1926. 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. Handrail height, spacing, and incline are all addressed by the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building. SUBJECT: 1926. 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. 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 is requesting updates to the handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard, according to a press release. In some cases and places, however, that is not possible. Railing height from tread surface at the riser face shall be 33±3 inches (83. Understand the requirements of OSHA’s Fall Protection standards at 29 CFR 1926, Subpart M, to protect workers exposed to falls six feet or more above a lower level. OSHA guidelines on guardrail fall protection criteria dictate that a guardrail safety system’s top edge must be 42(±)3 inches above the floor. [Docket ID–OSHA–2020–0009] RIN 1218–AD28 Walking-Working Surfaces AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 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. Here are some basic pieces of information to bear in mind when constructing a handrail to comply with OSHA Standards. (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. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Purpose of a Guardrail . Wooden posts must be no more than 8’ apart. Guardrails need to have a minimum breaking strength of 200 lbs. 1926. "The employer must ensure each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1. 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. OSHA Requirements. Safety Requirements for Job-Made Ladders. Stair railing height requirements are derived from handrail code—a model building code that communities can adopt and adapt as needed. NFPANVIDIA made NeMo Guardrails — the product of several years’ research — open source to contribute to the developer community’s tremendous energy and work on. Our portable guard railing is 42 inches tall. 23 & 1926. 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. 6) (1926. The only exception is when the employer can. Mounting guardrail to your existing parapet is a simple and effective way to secure your rooftop. OSHA's guardrail height requirements include a variance of plus or minus 3 inches. State Plan Standards. Manila, plastic or synthetic rope being used for top rails or midrails shall be inspected as frequently as necessary to ensure that it continues to meet the strength requirements of paragraph (b)(3) of this section (§ 1926. 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. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Only stand on the work platform; never stand on the guardrails. The OSHA requirements state that guardrails should be able to resist at least 200 pounds of pressure applied directly to the structure. 1910. 1915. safety monitoring systems. Different requirements for children show a maximum height of 28″ with a minimum clearance of 9″ between the adult rail and the childrens’ rail, which is only a recommendation and not a requirement. 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. This means you cannot place machinery or other equipment in the space around an electrical panel without making sure that it meets the NEC working clearance requirements. 10. Minimum tread depth of 9. 26 (b) (2)See this post for detailed OSHA guardrail height requirements. The top rail position and maximum single rail length requirements are easier to meet. 1926. Many guardrail systems adjust and fit stairwells, elevator shafts, open floors, and pits. OSHA requirements for guardrails are also quite stringent. Do the OSHA Construction standards apply to me? The standards apply to: All contractors who enter into contracts which are for construction, alteration, and/or repair, including painting and decorating. Federal OSHA: requires a maximum single rail length of 10 feet. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Scaffolding. 1917. Only stand on the work platform; never stand on the guardrails. 1910. The following requirements apply to all stairways as indicated: (1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm), whichever is less, shall be equipped with: (A) At least one handrail; and (B) A stair rail consisting of a top rail and mid-rail along each unprotected side or edge. 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. 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. The final rule covers all construction workers except those erecting structural steel. Contains information that helps workers identify and control the hazards that cause the most serious construction-related injuries. OSHA noted that cages or wells may allow. This is a summary of the requirements from Oregon OSHA’s general industry, walking-working surfaces rules . Passive fall protection protects many vulnerable areas and provides safety for all people, not just active employees on a job site. (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. This letter constitutes OSHA’s. Our parapet guardrail is designed to exceed OSHA requirements to ensure you and your employees are safe when working on the roof. 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. 6 series), a worker need only be protected from falling by a properly designed and. in any direction per OSHA 1910. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. This is the first OSHA requirement to be aware of. 4 - Amendments to this part. 26 (a) Dockboards are capable of supporting the maximum intended load in accordance with § 1910. IBC 2000 1-1/2 inch minimum. 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. Maximum riser height of 9. Under §1926. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 451(g). A stair rail or stair guard is a safety railing or barrier located along the open side(s) of a stairway. Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements: Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway. The spacing of vertical posts differs between the two sets of code as well. When a forklift truck is used for lifting personnel on a secured safety platform with a guardrail to. On outside plaza, patio, and garden areas, alternate means of protection are acceptable if the same degree of safety is provided. 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. For more information on Guardrail Inspection, Maintenance, and Installation Information, please contact the Office of Safety, Aimee Zhang ( Aimee. 355. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only. Compliance requirements for the use of U-bolt-type cable clamps in horizontal lifelines. 29(g)(4)), have an acceptable guardrail system (29 CFR § 1910. 1. 91-596, encourages states to develop and operate, under OSHA guidance, their own job safety and health plans. This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. 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. 5 - Applicability of standards. That being said, there are no requirements for a fall arrest system or ladder safety system for offset fixed ladders 24 feet and under in height so long as the ladder resting platforms at all transitions are of minimum horizontal dimensions (29 CFR § 1910. A guardrail is typically required for stairs with 4-or-more risers, or for a deck or balcony with 30 inches above grade. Cal OSHA requires a maximum single rail length of 8 feet. 5 inches (24 cm); ( 3) Have a minimum tread depth of 9. Refer to Plan Insert Sheets (GR series) and the July 2012 Version of this Manual for Type 5 guardrail design standards. S. This checklist covers regulations issued by the U. Use at least one of the following for scaffolds more than 10 feet above a lower level:. 9. 1926. 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. Reg. 1910. Details2. 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) . 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. Stair Rails and Handrails. (1910. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. 2. they satisfy all of the guardrail requirements. Guardrail Requirements vs. 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. A guardrail is, first and foremost, a safety barrier intended to shield a motorist who has left the roadway. Per 1926. Ref: Scaffold Guardrail height;. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. 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. Handrails must be placed between 34″ and 38″ in height, measuring from the nosing of the stair. IRC 2003 1-1/2 inch (38mm) minimum between wall and the handrail. 5”. However, OSHA 1910. The short answer is usually, yes. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 2Height. 112 (a) (1) Vehicle curbs, bull rails, or other effective barriers at least six inches (15. Have handrails that meet the requirements of § 1917. 503. This regulation ensures that personnel and equipment are protected from a fall if/when the guard rail is struck by a piece of equipment or machinery. 8 m) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems,. Load Requirement: It should be to hold a load from a 200-pound weight that is. 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. 502 (b) (1) Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1. 2. 1431 (b) (2) Exceptions: A personnel platform is not required for hoisting employees: 1926. The area shall be located on the same lot not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) away from the building requiring egress. 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. Often, a loading dock is slightly above, at, or slightly below the 4’ general industry rule requiring fall protection. Most loading docks are 48-52” tall, but we do see instances of docks a few inches shy of four feet–say 46”. Implement safe work practices to reduce the possibility of falls. 555 (a) (1) Means for stopping the motor or engine shall be provided at the operator's station. Now, if your loading dock is at 46”, per OSHA dock safety standards, fall protection is not required. Curbs or bull rails installed after October 3, 1983, shall be at least 10 inches (25. 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. Stilts may be used on a large area scaffold. 29 (b) (1): The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system. Top rail and midrail dimensions: Must be at least 0. 2. 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. Guardrails should be inspected per the manufacturer specifications or a qualified person’s requirements. Install guardrail systems along all open sides and ends of platforms. 1915. Further, OSHA standard 1910. 28 of OSHA’s standard on walking-working surfaces (1910. Advanced Notice of Proposed Rules 64:38077-38086, (July 14, 1999). A safety handrail provides stability with a handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway or step. 29(b) and its subparts. According to the IBC code, guard rails are required when there is a difference of 30 inches or greater between two upper and lower surfaces. Whenever guardrail systems are used, they must meet the definition of a "guardrail system" in §1926. 502(b)(3) requires railing systems meet a 200 pound concentrated load test. A minimum radius of 0. 21 - Scope and definitions. Maximum mesh size must not exceed 6 inches by 6 inches. 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. 71 (d) (2) All vertical and horizontal members shall be fastened together with a coupler or locking device which will form a positive connection. Office listed on the back cover of this guide. 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). 112(c)(1) on both sides and that are not less than 30 inches (76. Answer: No, 29 CFR 1926 451(g)(4)(i) requires that guardrail systems be. 451(g)(4). You’re completely OSHA compliant for inspection at a moments notice. 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. Since that time, OSHA has received many questions and requests for interpretation of the requirements for handrails and stair rail systems. The opening between a guardrail and the end structure at the head of a bed shall be no more than 15 inches. Safety nets . Scope . • safety knowledge among workers varies, • manual labor is used extensively, • the climate creates year-round heat stress. Use of personnel platform. 29(b)(2)(iii) Post navigation. OSHA requirements for standard stairs. 29 (b): "Fall protection systems and falling object protection -- criteria and practices. Training and qualification of flagmen. If a guardrail or physical barrier or engineered solution is not possible, the employer must use the highest ranked method of fall protection as per section 26. Top rail and midrail dimensions: Must be at least 0. need to be provided for(The requirements to have guardrail systems with toeboards for falling object and overhead protection on platforms and landings are set forth in subpart M of this part. This 28-page document covers the basics of fall protection systems, equipment, and regulations, as well as practical tips and examples for different work scenarios. An opening between 3½ and 9 inches should be avoided because of the danger of entrapment. 29(f)(1)(ii)(B)) and the handrail must be 30 to. 502(b)(3). Top rails capable of withstanding 200 pounds of. Keep away from the edge. 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″. Here are OSHA’s requirements for guardrail height: The top of the rail system must be 42 inches (±3 in. TO: ALL AREA DIRECTORS Paragraph 1926. , guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems) for work 6 feet or more above lower levels, except where employers can demonstrate. This appendix serves as a non-mandatory guideline to assist employers in complying with these requirements. The top rail rail must be able to withstand 200 pounds of force in the downward and outward directions. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29 CFR. Cal OSHA requires a maximum single rail length of 8 feet. Maintenance of rooftop solar panels falls under general industry standards. M-606-1 Midwest Guardrail System (MGS) Type 3 W-Beam 31 Inches (Placement, installation, materials, and specifications). The top rail of the handrail must be a minimum of 42" [ref. 1926. Safety net systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions: (c)(1) Safety Railing and Guardrail Systems. Top Rail Requirements. This subpart applies to all general industry workplaces. In some cases and places, however, that is not possible. A guardrail system also provides a safety barrier for other internal and external exposure spots of a building or site. 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. 29 repeats itself a lot and it can be a little confusing to sort through. 29(g)(4)), have an acceptable guardrail system (29 CFR § 1910. Loads are unfactored - please contact our technical department should safety factored loading be required. 1052(c)(6) and 1926. 26 (b) (2)OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: There is movement in the anchors of the handrail. [29 CFR 1926. (j) Horizontal lifelines. A guardrail is a safety railing or barrier located along a horizontal surface such as a balcony, deck, or porch. Wherever guardrail protection is required, the following standards shall be adhered to except that other types and arrangements of guardrail construction will be acceptable where the height, surface and end projection of the top rail complies with the standard specifications and the closure of the vertical area between the top rail and floor, platform,. We will now. What’s more, the guardrail must be capable of withstanding up to 200 pounds of force in a downward or upward direction. Mr. Common shapes are flat, rounded edge, and tubular in horizontal railings, whereas tetraform spear-headed or ball. 1926. 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. OSHA scaffolding standards are at 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1926. 24 cm) in height shall be provided at the waterside edges of aprons and bulkheads, except where vehicles are prohibited. A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs have two different meanings. Spiral stairs must meet the vertical clearance requirements. 2 Christy Dr. 452(x)(9) 1926. Treads must be at least 10 inches deep, measuring from front to back. The only exception is when the employer can. Maximum riser height of 9. 450(b), as well as the requirements of §1926. OSHA Standard. For safety- and health-related assistance, employers and employees may contact the nearest Cal/OSHA Consultation . Requirements for suspension scaffold fall protection systems are contained in § 1910. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard at 29 CFR 1926. 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. Equivalent means alternative designs, materials, or methods that the employer can demonstrate will provide an equal or greater degree of safety for employees. 502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29 CFR. 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. 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. The area shall be permanently maintained and identified as a safe dispersal area. 29 (b) (3) (4) (5). (Fall protection is not required. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal-OSHA) has specific requirements for rooftop railing protection under its fall protection standards. Finally, remember handrails must be between 30 and 38 inches as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing updates in the handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard. Use internal couplings, Type 18-7, to maintain continuity. Where the guardrail requirements of subsections (a) and (b) are impracticable due to machinery requirements or work. Cal OSHA has a force requirement of 20 pounds per linear foot along the entire rail system.