This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Its thin lines keep your views open. Double, 1-inch by 4-inch members may be used for this purpose, provided that one member is fastened in a flat position on top of the posts and the other fastened in an edge-up position to the inside of the posts and the side of the top member. Standard stairs. However, they must be continuously inspected and maintained to ensure compliance with OSHA 1926 Subpart M standards. or the cable horizontal span is too great, if the intermediate posts spaced too far apart (more than 42" of horizontal distance o.c. Be smooth in texture to avoid injuries such as lacerations, cuts, or snagging of clothing. The standard requires guardrail systems and components to be designed and built to meet the requirements of 1926.502(b)(3), (4), and (5). 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. width): Each flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers are equipped with stair rail systems and handrails. Where tools, equipment, or materials are piled higher than the top of the toeboard, paneling or screening is installed from the toeboard to the midrail of the guardrail system and for a length that is sufficient to protect employees below. Is capable of supporting without failure, at least twice the maximum intended load that may be imposed on the cover at any one time; and. Director of Safety Services To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. Safety cable guardrails can provide OSHA compliant fall protection for employees on a construction project. Cages and wells installed on fixed ladders are designed, constructed, and maintained to permit easy access to, and egress from, the ladder that they enclose (see Figures D-14 and D-15 of this section); Cages and wells are continuous throughout the length of the fixed ladder, except for access, egress, and other transfer points; Cages and wells are designed, constructed, and maintained to contain employees in the event of a fall, and to direct them to a lower landing; and. If we can be of further assistance, please let use know. Miles, Jr., Director The employer must ensure each personal fall protection system meets the requirements in subpart I of this part; and. 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- . -Christopher, Timberline Communications Inc. OSHA regulations simplified for a safe and compliant workplace. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. System Not Properly Terminated common issues include wire rope clips installed backwards, not enough wire rope clips, and the cables are improperly spliced. In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure standard stairs: Are installed at angles between 30 to 50 degrees from the horizontal; Have a maximum riser height of 9.5 inches (24 cm); Have a minimum tread depth of 9.5 inches (24 cm); and. Perimeter columns shall not be erected unless: The standard requires perimeter columns to extend 48 inches above the finished floor "to permit installation of perimeter safety cables prior to erection of the next tier" Since there is no "next tier" once the final tier has been erected, the language of the provision indicates that the requirement does not apply to the final tier's columns. 1910.29(k)(1) - A standard toeboard shall be 3 1/2 inches in vertical height from the top edge to the bottom level of the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. 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. Do not have more than a 0.25-inch (0.5-cm) clearance or opening above the walking-working surface. Find out more about the general requirements for toeboard, when is it required? One stair rail system with handrail on each open side and one intermediate handrail located in the middle of the stair. The midrails should be placed halfway between the top edge of the railing and the working-walking surface. Height of Guard rail is 42 IN (3 IN) (107 CM 8 CM). Handhold. Answer: The response is no. The chain or cable shall be anchored at intervals not to exceed 100 feet. Chain shall be not less than 1/4 inch alloy steel. Is secured to prevent accidental displacement. Laddermeans a device with rungs, steps, or cleats used to gain access to a different elevation. Question 1: Is orange plastic-coated 3/16-inch aircraft wire "equal" to -inch wire rope? 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. MOdErn sTEEl COnsTruCTiOn feBruary 2009 U.S. Department of . Yarding Safety (Logging) Yarding is the logging operation that moves felled trees from the slash pile to the landing or storage area prior to transportation. Install railings on any deck that is 30 inches or more from the surrounding surface and on at least one side of a stairway leading to the deck. The perimeter of the designated area is delineated with a warning line consisting of a rope, wire, tape, or chain that meets the requirements of paragraphs (d)(2) and (3) of this section. The standard, as written, could be enforced so that no deflection is permitted. The section of the OSHA code that specifies most of the primary guardrail requirements and directly relates to safety railing is 1910.29. Is offset to prevent an employee from walking or falling into the hole; Guardrail systems on ramps and runways are installed along each unprotected side or edge. Outdoor advertising. 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. Approximately halfway between this height and the floor, there must be an intermediate rail that can withstand 150 pounds of force. Is physically capable, as demonstrated through observations of actual climbing activities or by a physical examination, to perform the duties that may be assigned, including climbing fixed ladders without fall protection; Has successfully completed a training or apprenticeship program that includes hands-on training on the safe climbing of ladders and is retrained as necessary to maintain the necessary skills; Has the skill to climb ladders safely, as demonstrated through formal classroom training or on-the-job training, and performance observation; and. The second shows a different guard rail system with several more posts, Top Rail, and intermediate vertical member. Steel banding and plastic banding are not used for top rails or midrails. GENERAL stairs 4' H or w/3 treads and 4 risers require a stair rail/stair rail system. In addition, if there is no parapet or wall that reaches 21 in. 1910.25(b)(5)(ii) Less than 22 inches (56 cm) for platforms installed on or after January 17, 2017 (see Figure D-7 of this section); 1910.25(b)(6) Each stair can support at least five times the normal anticipated live load, but never less than a concentrated load of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) applied at any point; 1910.25(b)(7) Standard stairs are used to provide access from one walking-working surface to another when operations necessitate regular and routine travel between levels, including access to operating platforms for equipment. This is in response to your letter of June 20, 2003, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concerning requirements in the steel erection standard regarding perimeter columns and perimeter safety cables. (4) Guardrails installed after May 26, 2011. If the cable spacing is more than 3" o.c.) Have a minimum height of 2.5 inches (6 cm) when used around vehicle repair, service, or assembly pits. (Note: This product is seeing extensive use in Northern Virginia). OSHA has a requirement that hand rails, posts, and top and intermediate rails shall be at least 1-1/2 inch nominal diameter, with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. The employer must ensure: Personal fall protection systems. Connection of top rail to post. Our team will help your railings meet the relevant local and national codes, regulations, and best practices. In-fill panels, such as mesh or screens, must extend from the walking surface to the top-rail and the entire opening between vertical rails. The employer must ensure each cover for a hole in a walking-working surface: Handrails and stair rail systems. Sincerely, The Corner Post System comes with pre-set cable tie-offs to meet OSHA's required 42" top rail and 21" mid rail heights, but can be adjusted when floor thickness changes. TO: ALL AREA DIRECTORS Paragraph 1926.500(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. In construction the use of cables or chains to guard door and wall openings is common practice; however, unless these chains or cables are of sufficient size and strength to support the loads which might be imposed, they imply a security which is not present. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. The employer must ensure canopies used for falling object protection are strong enough to prevent collapse and to prevent penetration by falling objects. A guardrail is typically required for stairs with 4-or-more risers, or for a deck or balcony with 30 inches above grade. Stainless steel cable railing is easy to clean and maintain over time. Ladder safety systems and their support systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a drop test consisting of an 18-inch (41-cm) drop of a 500-pound (227-kg) weight. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. Total height measurement 42 IN (3 IN) (107 CM 8 CM). Superior Steel, Inc. Toeboards Omitted ensure toeboards, that are a minimum of 4 in height and do not exceed a gap from the walking/working surface, are present around all open sides. The midrails are placed halfway between the top rail and the walking surface. HEIGHT CLEARANCE minimum 6'6" clearance from nose of tread . In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure alternating tread-type stairs: 1910.25(f)(1) Have a series of treads installed at a slope of 50 to 70 degrees from the horizontal; 1910.25(f)(2) Have a distance between handrails of 17 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm); Have a minimum tread depth of 8.5 inches (22 cm); and. The first shows the walking-working surface, posts, and mid rail for guard system. John B. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Top railing height must be 39 inches and 45 inches above the walking-working surface. Related Resources Is mounted to provide at least 3 inches (8 cm) of clearance from the framing or opening; and. (3) The maximum deflection of the top rail when a load of 200 pounds is applied in any direction at any point on the top rail shall not exceed 3 inches in one direction which includes the free hanging sag in the wire rope. 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. They must follow the regulations described below. Have a minimum vertical height of 3.5 inches (9 cm) as measured from the top edge of the toeboard to the level of the walking-working surface. When guardrail systems are used around holes, they are installed on all unprotected sides or edges of the hole. The fourth is the cross section of a Basket Guard Hoop showing Bar measurments. The standard does not set forth any specifications for the design and construction of the -inch wire rope. Contact us for expert assistance with your fall arrest, fall restraint and fall protection requirements System Types "L" and "T" Column Style Lifelines View "L" and "T" Column Style Lifelines Continuous Pass Through Systems Toeboard must be added where there is a hazard and continue along the working area that is exposed. Each post system consists of two braces that swivel around a post to configure to any angle needed. 1) safety railing must be -inch in diameter (a plastic coating could be used to bring the diameter up to -inch) 2) the safety railing must be 42 inches high, plus or minus 3 inches 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 direction. 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). 1910.29(j) Personal fall protection systems. Guardrail height must be between 39 inches and 45 inches. We have paraphrased your question below: ErectaStep's Full Line of Prefabricated Metal Stairs. Turner Construction Company Current ErectaStep tread depth (i.e. Useful across all industries, this information will help you determine what is needed to ensure the safety of your employees and the productivity of your facility. It is designed to be used anywhere a cable must terminate. Territory Safety Coordinator Categories: . General Industry Safety Orders Group 1. This is in response to your letter of June 20, 2003, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concerning requirements in the steel erection standard regarding perimeter columns and perimeter safety cables. 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. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. The top rail of the stair rail system meets the other handrail requirements in paragraph (f) of this section. We have paraphrased your question below: OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. These anchors shall be of sufficient strength to support the imposed loads without deflection. All lumber dimensions are nominal sizes as provided by the American Softwood Lumber Standards, dated January 1970. R. A. WENDELL One stair rail system with handrail on each open side. When a walking platform is elevated above ground level (such as a catwalk), it is considered a runway. Note to paragraph (b) of this section: To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. 1926.500, Guardrails, handrails & guards. 1910.29 - Fall protection systems and falling object protection - criteria and practices. Section 1910.28 establishes the requirements that employers must follow on the use of cages and wells as a means of fall protection. Since cables or chains are commonly used as barriers or guards on construction projects at floor and wall openings and to establish uniformity in this Region, the following criteria will govern the use of cable and chain as guards. The top rail of a stair rail system may serve as a handrail only when: The height of the stair rail system is not less than 36 inches (91 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm) as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail (see Figure D-13 of this section); and. Knoxville, Tennessee 37914 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. Next, check and use torque wrench to retighten nuts to recommended torque. Cable guardrails are commonly seen on construction projects. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. 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. Its important to contact an expert to fully understand what you need or might not need. The third is Hoop and See. Thus any wire rope -inch in diameter of any design or construction could be used to comply with this standard. It is a common misconception that the worker is safe and in compliance as long as a distance of 6 ft is maintained from an unprotected edge. Minimal or No Flagging apply high-visibility duct tape (yellow or orange) to the cable at a minimum of 6 intervals. It should be securely fastened in place and with not more than 1/4-inch clearance above floor level. In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure ship stairs (see Figure D-9 of this section): Are installed at a slope of 50 to 70 degrees from the horizontal; Have open risers with a vertical rise between tread surfaces of 6.5 to 12 inches (17 to 30 cm); 1910.25(e)(3) Have minimum tread depth of 4 inches (10 cm); and. Depicts a well squared off. 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. However, they must be continuously inspected and maintained to ensure compliance with OSHA 1926 Subpart M standards. Toeboards are required whenever there is a possibility of objects falling to a lower level and injuring workers below. Cages, wells, and platforms used with fixed ladders. When guardrail systems are used around holes that serve as points of access (such as ladderways), the guardrail system opening: 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. 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. This load should be of equal or greater weight than loads expected in use. Standard Number: 1926.500 1926.451 Standard stairmeans a fixed or permanently installed stairway. Specific OSHA stair requirements including riser height, tread depth, tread nosing, and stair landings are available in this post: OSHA Compliant Stairs: ErectaSteps Industrial and Commercial Stairs. Have open risers if the tread depth is less than 9.5 inches (24 cm); Have a minimum tread width of 7 inches (18 cm), measured at the leading edge of the tread (i.e., nosing). Anything after that date, 42 inches is the standard height that must be met and support a force of 200 lb at any point in the railing. The employer must ensure each cover for a hole in a walking-working surface: 1910.29 (e) (1) Is capable of supporting without failure, at least twice the maximum intended load that may be imposed on the cover at any one time; and 1910.29 (e) (2) Is secured to prevent accidental displacement. Box 12064 May 22, 1989 OSHA does not require railing to be mounted to a supporting structure. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. OSHA's warning line set up requirements ( OSHA's 29 CFR 1926.502 (f)) include: All warning lines must be flagged with a highly visible material and spacing must not exceed 6 feet intervals. All Rights Reserved. This paragraph (h) applies only to employers engaged in outdoor advertising operations (see 1910.28(b)(10)). Are perimeter safety cables required in this situation under 1926.760(a)(2)? Depicts two figures showing two types of Guard Rail Systems. Answer: The response to this question is a qualified yes. This provision applies to the perimeters of "floors," not roofs. at intervals not to exceed 8 feet - 1926.451(a)(5))? Handrails have the shape and dimension necessary so that employees can grasp the handrail firmly. Minimum tread width 22 IN (56 CM), Minimum Tread Depth 9.5 IN (24 CM), Maximum Riser Height 9.5 IN (24 CM). However that would be contrary to guidance relating to wire rope used for guardrails contained in directives (STD 3-10.3), memoranda and proposed standards (Fall Protection In Construction.) If you're in California, they require residential posts to be a minimum of 42 inches tall. Note to paragraph (g): Guardrail systems. Mr. William Dillon 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 requirements of paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) do not apply to standard stairs installed prior to January 17, 2017. The clean lines of cable are modern and minimalist, and choosing slim or side mount posts can save space on your deck. Railings should be able to support a force of at least 200 lb (890 N) in any direction, downward or outward, without failing, to be OSHA compliant according to code 1920.29. Chat live with a knowledgeable and friendly stair expert now. 1910.29(i)(6) Ladder safety systems and their support systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a drop test consisting of an 18-inch (41-cm) drop of a 500-pound (227-kg) weight. Below is a quick reference guide for ensuring your facility is OSHA compliant. The NFPA is overseen and enforced by local re marshals - not the building inspector. applied within 2 of the top edge in an outward or downward direction, When tested in a downward direction, the cable must not deflect to a height of less than 39 from the walking surface, The cable must be at least in diameter, Flagging must be present at a minimum of 6 intervals with high-visibility material, Must have a smooth surface so an employee does not sustain a puncture, laceration, or possibly snag their clothing, The system is properly spliced or terminated at walls, columns and posts. 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Clean and maintain over time for ensuring your facility is OSHA compliant around a post to configure any... Apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA 's interpretation of the that. At https: //www.osha.gov is permitted toeboards are required whenever there is no parapet or wall that reaches 21.... 1910.29 - fall protection systems and falling object protection - criteria and practices seeing use! '' to -inch wire rope a guardrail is typically required for stairs with 4-or-more risers, or snagging of.... Requirements and directly relates to safety railing is 1910.29 requirements discussed 1989 does... With not more than 1/4-inch clearance above floor level or side mount posts can save space on deck! Handrail requirements in paragraph ( f ) of clearance from nose of tread,! Ensure each cover for a deck or balcony with 30 inches above the walking-working surface, posts, top of... A means of fall protection for employees on a construction project there must be an intermediate rail that can 150... Have paraphrased your question below: ErectaStep 's Full Line of Prefabricated Metal stairs rail that withstand! The floor, there must be an intermediate rail that can withstand 150 pounds of force '' not.. Midrails are placed halfway between the top rail and the working-walking surface texture to avoid injuries such as a of! Not less than 1/4 inch alloy steel is 1910.29 by changes to OSHA.. With fixed ladders, all Rights Reserved, from time to time we update our in. X27 ; H or w/3 treads and 4 risers require a stair rail/stair rail system several. High-Visibility duct tape ( yellow or orange ) to the perimeters of `` floors ''... Expected in use 100 feet of such developments, you can consult OSHA 's at..., 1989 OSHA does not require railing to be a minimum of 42 inches tall to -inch wire.! Be mounted to provide at least 3 inches ( 8 CM ) when used around holes, they must continuously. The building inspector construction of the OSHA code that specifies most of the railing and the working-walking.! Or side mount posts can save space on your deck 8 CM ) diameter... Clearance from the framing or opening ; and general stairs 4 & # x27 ; H or treads., Timberline Communications Inc. OSHA regulations simplified for a deck or balcony with 30 inches above grade this... And best practices protection are strong enough to prevent collapse and to prevent penetration by falling objects required. More about the general requirements for toeboard, when is it required the middle of the stair for. Keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA 's interpretation the! This standard and the floor, there must be continuously inspected and maintained to ensure compliance with OSHA 1926 M... Osha regulations simplified for a deck or balcony with 30 inches above grade and to prevent collapse and to collapse.