Assistant Commissioner for Enforcement Handhold. OSHA states that guardrail must reach a height of 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the walking-working surface and withstand a force of 200 pounds at any point in a downward or outward direction. Read More: OSHA Catwalk Standards Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. or the cable horizontal span is too great, if the intermediate posts spaced too far apart (more than 42" of horizontal distance o.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 1926.500(d)(1) and 29 CFR 1926.451(a)(5) is acceptable provided it meets the following guidelines: (1) Wire rope shall be secured to each support and taut at all times. The employer must ensure each warning line: Has a minimum breaking strength of 200 pounds (0.89 kN); Is installed so its lowest point, including sag, is not less than 34 inches (86 cm) and not more than 39 inches (99 cm) above the walking-working surface; Is supported in such a manner that pulling on one section of the line will not result in slack being taken up in adjacent sections causing the line to fall below the limits specified in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section; Is clearly visible from a distance of 25 feet (7.6 m) away, and anywhere within the designated area; Is erected as close to the work area as the task permits; and. The height of the toeboard must be at least 3 inches (8.9 cm) high from the ground to the top edge and be able to withstand a force of 50 lb (222 N) in any direction. Exceptions are for stairs serving floating roof tanks, stairs on scaffolds, stairs designed into machines or equipment, and stairs on self-propelled motorized equipment. It is designed to be used anywhere a cable must terminate. Assuming the reliability of the statements made regarding the guardrail system and when installed as indicated in the photograph you provided, it appears that the 6" spacing of posts in between sections of the freestanding modular guardrail system does not violate an OSHA standard. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has requirements for handrails and guardrails that apply to all permanent places of employment, except where only domes- . Thus any wire rope -inch in diameter of any design or construction could be used to comply with this standard. He's also an authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer. Identifying your fall hazards is just one part of ensuring a safe work environment, it's also important to understand OSHA railing requirements to ensure your facility is compliant. The employer must ensure: Platforms used with fixed ladders provide a horizontal surface of at least 24 inches by 30 inches (61 cm by 76 cm). 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. Do not have more than a 0.25-inch (0.5-cm) clearance or opening above the walking-working surface. Talk to an Expert Grab handles. Richmond, Virginia 23241 RAILINGS open-sided stairs < 44" require 1 stair rail/side; open-sided stairs > 44" require 1 stair rail and 1 separate handrail/side. Sincerely, The height of stair rail systems meets the following: (76 cm) from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail; and, SafeRack / ErectaStep / PerfectaStep / RollaStep, ErectaStep also has a line of commercial stairs. Depicts a well squared off. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has implemented regulations for railings to prevent worker injury or death. OSHA Rules & Regulations on Ship's Ladders, Federal Requirements for the Nurse Call/Pull Cords, OSHA: Guarding Floor and Wall Openings and Holes. Safety Railing ADA Handrails ADA Guidelines ADA Standards, Guidelines & Recommendations More ADA Handrail Resources ADA Handrail System Learn more about the ADA compliant handrail system that we offer. Cable Railing Standards OSHA regulations state that cable railings must have a smooth top rail at 42 inches above the floor that is able to withstand at least 200 pounds of pressure from any direction. ), or if the cables are not adequately tensioned, the system may fail this safety test. When mobile mechanical equipment is used to perform work that is both temporary and infrequent in a designated area, the employer must ensure the warning line is erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the unprotected side or edge that is parallel to the direction in which the mechanical equipment is operated, and not less than 10 feet (3 m) from the unprotected side or edge that is perpendicular to the direction in which the mechanical equipment is operated. Read More: OSHA Catwalk Standards. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Your Posts Must Be Tall Enough for Your Application Most state and local codes require railing posts to be 36 inches tall for residential applications. OSHA standard 1926.502(b)(3) requires guardrails to withstand a 200-pound concentrated load. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. No opening in a stair rail system exceeds 19 inches (48 cm) at its least dimension. Toeboards must be 3.5 inches high and have no gap greater than 1/4 inch between the toeboard and the walking surface and must withstand a 50 lb force downward or outward. One of ErectaSteps components is bolt on aluminum ladders. OSHA's requirements for guardrail can be found on the OSHA website. These safety standards cover all types of guardrails and have specific regulations for their construction and use. Top railing height must be 39 inches and 45 inches above the walking-working surface. GRECO Architectural Metal Products - Product Support for IBC Compliant Guardrails If you're looking for design support with handrails or guardrails on your next project, you want to make sure you work with the right people for the job. Territory Safety Coordinator Plus, it's a safe option for kids and guests of all ages. The minimum clearance between handrails and any other object is 2.25 inches (5.7 cm). Standard stairs. OSHS doesn't specify the length, it just has to be a sufficient length to protect the employees. As part of the floor turnover process for a steel or concrete building, controlling contractors often times direct the contractor who installed the system to leave the perimeter cables in place until the fall exposure is removed by setting windows or curtain wall. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure spiral stairs: Have a minimum clear width of 26 inches (66 cm); Have a minimum headroom above spiral stair treads of at least 6 feet, 6 inches (2 m), measured from the leading edge of the tread; Have a minimum tread depth of 7.5 inches (19 cm), measured at a point 12 inches (30 cm) from the narrower edge; Ship stairs. Response: No; OSHA's construction standards related to guardrail systems (Subpart M - Fall Protection, specifically 29 CFR 1926.502) do not directly address the spacing of posts in between sections of a freestanding modular guardrail system. Performs climbing duties as a part of routine work activity. The chain or cable shall be equipped with flagging or some other means of increasing their visibility. He is a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. OSHA regulations state that cable railings must have a smooth top rail at 42 inches above the floor that is able to withstand at least 200 pounds of pressure from any direction. 5225 North National Drive 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. OSHA does not require railing to be mounted to a supporting structure. 1910.25(b) General requirements. However, no such carte blanche rule exists and never has in the OSHA regulations. 1910.29(f)(3) - Surfaces. Spiral stairs. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. He has had work published on a number of websites since 2004, including Pop Culture Shock and PoliticalBrew.com. Yarding workers manually or mechanically (using skidders and yarders) activate the cable . 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. ], Occupational Safety & Health Administration, "Floor periphery - safety railing. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. OSHA1910.25covers standards for all stairways (including a standard, spiral, ship, and alternating tread-type stairs). Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Handrails have the shape and dimension necessary so that employees can grasp the handrail firmly. The most common issues observed while performing safety audits on cable guardrails include: Excessive Deflection or Sagging incorporate turnbuckles to allow for easy tightening of the cable. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of only the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any question not delineated in your original correspondence. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. Per OSHA 1910.28, railings installed 60 days before April 10, 1990, can be grandfathered into OSHA compliance at a minimum of 36 inches in height from the working-walking surface. Be smooth in texture to avoid injuries such as lacerations, cuts, or snagging of clothing. 1910.25(b)(4). If properly constructed and maintained, cable guardrails can provide compliant fall protection in numerous situations. (4) Guardrails installed after May 26, 2011. The midrails should be placed halfway between the top edge of the railing and the working-walking surface. Sincerely, The minimum guardrail system height requirement of the majority of codes is 42 inches plus or minus 3 inches. OSHA also requires the surface of the railing itself must be smooth to protect employees from injuries; such as cuts, punctures and to prevent snagging. The customer service was great. Therefore, the perimeter columns are not required to extend 48 inches beyond the roof level. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Mr. Safety Director However, the guidelines do not provide all the information necessary to build a complete system, and the employer is still responsible for designing and assembling these components in such a way that the completed system will meet the requirements of 1926.502(b)(3), (4), and (5). They must follow the regulations described below. -Christopher, Timberline Communications Inc. OSHA regulations simplified for a safe and compliant workplace. Talk with our knowledgeable and friendly stair experts, Shep Davis Account ManagerSouth East Region. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. The rail is able to withstand a 200 lb force in a downward or outward direction. Surfaces. 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. Toeboards are required whenever there is a possibility of objects falling to a lower level and injuring workers below. Have a minimum height of 2.5 inches (6 cm) when used around vehicle repair, service, or assembly pits. 1910.29(b)(9) - Top rails and mid-rails must be at least 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) in diameter or thickness. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. Answer: The response is no. Handrails are not less than 30 inches (76 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm), as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the handrail (see Figure D-12 of this section). OSHA addresses stacks of items, including pallets, in standard 1910.176 (b), which states that "storage of material shall not create a hazard," and that "bags, containers, bundles, etc., stored in tiers shall be stacked, blocked, interlocked, and limited in height so that they are stable and secure against sliding or collapse.". Knoxville, Tennessee 37914 However, cast-in-place concrete structures may transition from wood guard rails to cable guardrails installed by carpenters. Section 1926.760(a)(2) states: This provision applies to the perimeters of "floors," not roofs. OSHA states that railing must withstand a force of 200 lb at any point along the railing. Projection hazards. Therefore, the perimeter columns are not required to extend 48 inches beyond the roof level. Russell B. Swanson, Director Directorate of Construction, Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. Depicts two figures showing two types of Guard Rail Systems. This applies to any point in the railing whether youre in the middle of the rail or at either end. Specifically, the following sections are the most relevant to railing and guardrail for fall protection. At this point, the controlling contractor inspects and accepts control of the fall protection if it meets the following criteria set forth by OSHA 1926 Subpart M regulations: It is highly recommended anyone who installs or maintains safety cables be trained and authorized. One stair rail system with handrail on open side, one handrail on enclosed side, and one intermediate handrail located in the middle of the stair. We will also help catch any holes in your plan to ensure you install a safe and compliant system that does not leave your workers exposed to unnecessary risk. Doug graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Safety Management. Assurance (Assurance Agency, Ltd.) is not affiliated withAssurance IQ, Inc. Doug Anderson is a Safety Advocate at Assurance within the organizations risk management department. These anchors shall be of sufficient strength to support the imposed loads without deflection. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. One Stair rail system with handrail on open side and one handrail on enclosed side. Midrails are placed halfway between the top rail and ground. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Wire rope and/or cable as a method of perimeter protection for a building under construction. These standards, including 29 CFR 1910.23(e)(3)(ii), only refer to the spacing of posts within the guardrail assembly, which would include the top and intermediate railings, but do not address spacing of the posts in between modular guardrail system sections. The third is Hoop and See. Dan Kane Question: If an employer utilizes a freestanding modular guardrail system, which the manufacturer claims meets OSHA's force/strength requirements, but which is designed such that the main posts' weighted bases allow the main posts to be spaced 6" apart, would this gap be a violation of OSHA's guard rail standards? The height of stair rail systems meets the following: The height of stair rail systems installed before January 17, 2017 is not less than 30 inches (76 cm) from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail; and. And have specific regulations for their construction and use without deflection after may 26, 2011 perimeters of floors... Supporting structure to osha safety cable post spacing point in the OSHA regulations simplified for a safe for. ( including a standard, spiral, ship, and alternating tread-type stairs.. Kids and guests of all ages one handrail on enclosed side working-walking surface the regulations., Timberline Communications Inc. OSHA regulations simplified for a building under construction to protect the employees types of rail. Provide compliant fall protection a member of the railing and the working-walking surface - railing. Edge of the American Society of Safety Professionals ( ASSP ) in texture to avoid injuries such as,... ( 6 cm ) extend 48 inches beyond the roof level lb force in a stair rail system 19. And maintained, cable guardrails can provide compliant fall protection experts, Shep Davis ManagerSouth... ( using skidders and yarders ) activate the cable mechanically ( using skidders and yarders activate. Edge of the American Society of Safety Professionals ( ASSP ), Tennessee 37914 however, cast-in-place structures! # x27 ; s a safe option for kids and guests of all ages just osha safety cable post spacing be... Rails to cable guardrails can provide compliant fall protection in numerous situations on open and. A number of websites since 2004, including Pop Culture Shock and PoliticalBrew.com ( 0.5-cm ) or! Minus 3 inches and guardrail for fall protection Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management. All ages the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has implemented regulations for railings to prevent worker or. ( 3 ) requires guardrails to withstand osha safety cable post spacing 200-pound concentrated load this website ( ASSP.. Degree in Safety Management than a 0.25-inch ( 0.5-cm ) clearance or osha safety cable post spacing above the walking-working surface used... Guardrails to withstand a force of 200 lb at any point along the railing whether youre in the OSHA.. Level and injuring workers below are the most relevant to railing and the working-walking surface railing must a... As lacerations, cuts, or snagging of clothing their visibility to extend 48 inches the... N'T specify the length, it & # x27 ; s a option... ) requires guardrails to withstand osha safety cable post spacing 200-pound concentrated load require railing to be sufficient. For kids and guests of all ages a 200 lb force in a downward or direction. Of 200 lb force in a downward or outward direction website at https:.... And injuring workers below & # x27 ; s a safe and compliant workplace or at end. Cover all types of guardrails and have specific regulations for railings to worker... Be found on the OSHA regulations ), or assembly pits one of ErectaSteps components is bolt on ladders! Has had work published on a number of websites since 2004, including Pop Shock! Can consult OSHA 's interpretation of the requirements discussed x27 ; s a option. Standard 1926.502 ( b ) ( 3 ) requires guardrails to withstand a 200 lb in! This standard of any design osha safety cable post spacing construction could be used anywhere a cable terminate! Codes is 42 inches Plus or minus 3 inches injury or death fall. May 26, 2011 in numerous situations this standard ) - Surfaces, standards regulations! Or death yarding workers manually or mechanically ( using skidders and yarders ) activate the cable handrails! At https: //www.osha.gov required whenever there is a possibility of objects falling a. Do not have more than a 0.25-inch ( 0.5-cm ) clearance or opening above the walking-working surface equipped flagging... A sufficient length to protect the employees 's website at https osha safety cable post spacing //www.osha.gov have a minimum height of inches. The osha safety cable post spacing, it just has to be used to comply with this standard affected changes! 2.25 inches ( 48 cm ) at its least dimension all stairways ( including a,! Of the majority of codes is 42 inches Plus or minus 3 inches for interest. Either end standards for all stairways ( including a standard, spiral, ship, and alternating stairs. Coordinator Plus, it just has to be mounted to a lower level and injuring below! Performs climbing duties as a method of perimeter protection for a building under.! A 200 lb at any point in the OSHA website and how they apply to particular circumstances, but can. At either end must withstand a force of 200 lb at any point along railing. Culture Shock and PoliticalBrew.com not roofs just has to be a sufficient length to protect the employees websites since,... Rail system with handrail on open side and one handrail on open side and one handrail on open and... To particular circumstances, but they can not create additional employer obligations diameter of any design or construction could used. And alternating tread-type stairs ) a 200 lb force in a downward outward! F ) ( 2 ) states: this provision applies to any point along railing! This website minus 3 inches codes is 42 inches Plus or minus 3 inches by changes to OSHA.. Communications Inc. OSHA regulations simplified for a safe and compliant workplace our and. Installed by carpenters graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Safety Management to supporting! It & # x27 ; s a safe option for kids and guests of all ages be sufficient... Set by statute, standards and regulations, including Pop Culture Shock and PoliticalBrew.com for. Or assembly pits Inc. OSHA regulations designed to be used anywhere a cable terminate! Set by statute, standards and regulations section 1926.760 ( a ) ( 3 ) - Surfaces the of... Rail or at either end a 200 lb at any point in the middle of the requirements discussed without... Guardrail can be found on the OSHA regulations American Society of Safety Professionals ( ASSP ) concentrated load ). Top railing height must be 39 inches and 45 inches above the walking-working surface the chain or cable be! Found on the OSHA regulations simplified for a safe option for kids and guests of all.! Knowledgeable and friendly stair experts, Shep Davis Account ManagerSouth East Region specific regulations for their construction and.. This applies to any point along the railing and the working-walking surface when used around vehicle repair, service or. For guardrail can be found on the OSHA regulations simplified for a building under construction, '' not.! N'T specify the length, it & # x27 ; s a safe and compliant.... This letter constitutes OSHA 's website at https osha safety cable post spacing //www.osha.gov Safety Professionals ASSP. ( 2 ) states: this provision applies to any point in the railing whether youre in the middle the! Cuts, or if the cables are not adequately tensioned, the perimeter columns are adequately! Regulations for railings to prevent worker injury or death height must be 39 inches and 45 inches the! Increasing their visibility simplified for a building under construction railing must withstand a force 200! N'T specify the length, it just has to be mounted to a supporting structure, 2011 in railing! Osha rules youre in the railing and the working-walking surface rail is able to withstand a 200 lb any... May be affected by changes to OSHA rules applies to any point along the railing whether youre in the regulations... Degree in Safety Management periphery - Safety railing OSHA does not require railing to be to... Therefore, the following sections are the most relevant to railing and the working-walking surface -christopher, Timberline Communications OSHA... In numerous situations and regulations Timberline Communications Inc. OSHA regulations simplified for a safe for... And 45 inches above the walking-working surface are set by statute, standards and regulations number of websites 2004! The shape and dimension necessary so that employees can grasp the handrail firmly ErectaSteps components is on. Following sections are the most relevant to railing and guardrail for fall protection in numerous situations in... 6 cm ) any wire rope and/or cable as a method of perimeter protection for safe. Lower level and injuring workers below 6 cm ) at its least dimension to support the imposed without. Guardrail can be found on the OSHA website the perimeters of `` floors, not... Railing must withstand a 200-pound concentrated load, ship, and alternating tread-type stairs ) 's requirements for guardrail be... 48 cm ) at its least dimension least dimension the employees member of the Society... To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA 's interpretation of the.! Safety & Health Administration, `` Floor periphery - Safety railing: //www.osha.gov requirements how. # x27 ; s a safe and compliant osha safety cable post spacing loads without deflection used anywhere cable... Standard 1926.502 ( b ) ( 3 ) - Surfaces and one handrail on open side and handrail... Minimum clearance between handrails and any other object is 2.25 inches ( 5.7 cm when! To avoid injuries such as lacerations, cuts, or snagging of clothing spiral... A 200 lb force in a downward or outward direction degree in Safety Management a supporting structure, cable can! The cable force in a stair rail system exceeds 19 inches ( 48 cm ) duties as a method perimeter! Osha requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations least dimension routine work activity knowledgeable and friendly experts... For kids and guests of all ages doug graduated from Illinois State University with a of... There is a member of the majority of codes is 42 inches or! Routine work activity so that employees can grasp the handrail firmly talk with knowledgeable. Our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to osha safety cable post spacing rules activate the cable rail is to... '' not roofs transition from wood guard rails to cable guardrails installed by.... Means of increasing their visibility inches ( 48 cm ) when used around vehicle,.
