Doug graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Safety Management. Guardrail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching or snagging of clothing. Section 1910.28 establishes the requirements that employers must follow on the use of cages and wells as a means of fall protection. 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). Although they can provide adequate protection at perimeter edges, they often have issues with the way they are installed. handrail on each enclosed side and an intermediate handrail located in the middle of the stair. Components for which no specific guidelines are given in this Appendix (e.g., joints, base connections, components made with other materials, and components with other dimensions) must also be designed and constructed in such a way that the completed system meets the requirements of 1926.502. We're here to help! The second is side-step Ladder, Access lateral from Ladder. Question 3: Although it is not stated anywhere, must the wire rope used to comply with 1926.750(b)(1)(iii) (-inch wire rope; or 3/16-inch aircraft wire if you find that to be equivalent) have a maximum permissible deflection of 3-inches in one direction when a load of 200 pounds is applied in any direction at any point? Assurance (Assurance Agency, Ltd.) is not affiliated withAssurance IQ, Inc. Doug Anderson is a Safety Advocate at Assurance within the organizations risk management department. Richmond, Virginia 23241 JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 1910.25(b)(4). Miles, Jr., Director Chicago, Illinois 60603. Intermediate supports shall be installed in such a manner that they will provide the strength and spacing outlined for Posts in 1926.500(f)(l)(i), (ii) & (iii). Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Therefore, it does not require perimeter safety cables on the roof level. Turner Construction Company Typically, cable guardrails are erected by ironworkers at the final interior and exterior perimeters of floors upon completion of installing the deck. Perimeter safety cables. 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. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. 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. 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. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Steel banding and plastic banding are not used for top rails or midrails. If the cable spacing is more than 3" o.c.) Chain shall be not less than 1/4 inch alloy steel. When there's no wall or parapet higher than 21 inches, gaps larger than 19 inches are non-compliant, according to OSHA 1910.29(b)(2). Employers must ensure that each employee who climbs a fixed ladder without fall protection: Ladder safety systems. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. 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. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. However, they must be continuously inspected and maintained to ensure compliance with OSHA 1926 Subpart M standards. Be smooth in texture to avoid injuries such as lacerations, cuts, or snagging of clothing. It is important that the railing should not only protect the employee from a fall, but it cannot pose any other hazards. Copyright 2023 ErectaStep. Depicts a well squared off. NFPA 101: Life Safety Code provides requirements that limit the effects of re and related hazards. 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. IMPORTANT Apply first load to test the assembly. Approximately halfway between this height and the floor, there must be an intermediate rail that can withstand 150 pounds of force. If the railing dips below 39 inches, due to the force, the railing is not OSHA compliant. When paragraph (b)(8) of this section allows the use of spiral, ship, or alternating tread-type stairs, they are installed, used, and maintained in accordance with manufacturers instructions. 6. 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. Riser height 9.5 inches (24cm) 1910.25(d)(2) Stairwidth a minimum of 22 inches (55 cm) 1910.25(c)(4) Tread depth of a minimum of 9.5 inches (24 cm) 1910.25(c)(3) Stair landings at least the width of the stair. Thank you for your September 12, 2012, email to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Directorate of Construction. 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.". Top rails and midrails are at least 0.25-inches (0.6 cm) in diameter or in thickness. Ladderway floor openings are specifically mentioned. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standard Interpretations Wire rope and/or cable as a method of perimeter protection for a building under construction. Ensure each fall protection system and falling object protection, other than personal fall protection systems, that this part requires meets the requirements in this section. Categories: . Read More: OSHA Catwalk Standards These safety standards cover all types of guardrails and have specific regulations for their construction and use. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of paragraph (b) of this section (see Figure D-11 of this section). Code requires guardrail in residential structures be a minimum of 36 inches. 1910.25(b)(3) Stairs have uniform riser heights and tread depths between landings; 1910.25(b)(4) Stairway landings and platforms are at least the width of the stair and at least 30 inches (76 cm) in depth, as measured in the direction of travel; 1910.25(b)(5) When a door or a gate opens directly on a stairway, a platform is provided, and the swing of the door or gate does not reduce the platforms effective usable depth to: 1910.25(b)(5)(i) Less than 20 inches (51 cm) for platforms installed before January 17, 2017; and. 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. (3) For structural steel railings: posts, top rails, and intermediate rails shall be at least 2-inch by 2-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) by 3/8-inch (1.1 cm) angles, with posts spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers. The chain or cable shall be equipped with flagging or some other means of increasing their visibility. One Stair rail system with handrail on open side and one handrail on enclosed side. Thats why weve compiled this guide to OSHA stair requirements. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Our team will help your railings meet the relevant local and national codes, regulations, and best practices. Surfaces. at intervals not to exceed 8 feet - 1926.451(a)(5))? Handrails and stair rail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching or snagging of clothing. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. 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. The criteria and practices requirements for guardrail systems on scaffolds are contained in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L. Figure D-11 -- Guard Rail Systems. Winding stairways may be used on tanks and similar round structures when the diameter of the tank or structure is at least 5 feet (1.5 m). Designing an OSHA compliant railing system is equally important; post-spacing, material choice, finish, toeboard, and gates are all things to consider when designing your guardrail. Are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 50 pounds (222 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the toeboard. If you need additional information, please contact us by fax at: U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA, Directorate of Construction, Office of Construction Standards and Guidance, fax # 202-693-1689. OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.750(b)(1)(iii) does not address the issue of deflection. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. 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. 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. The material must be durable, the top rail and the midrail must be at least 1/4 inch (.6 cm) in diameter. The midrails are placed halfway between the top rail and the walking surface. Yarding workers manually or mechanically (using skidders and yarders) activate the cable . As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure all workers have adequate fall protection and falling object protection including handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems according to OSHA standard 1910.28. Are solid or do not have any opening that exceeds 1 inch (3 cm) at its greatest dimension. We have paraphrased your question below: The employer must ensure: Finger clearance. 1910.29(j) Personal fall protection systems. 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. A safety railing of -inch wire rope. or the cable horizontal span is too great, if the intermediate posts spaced too far apart (more than 42" of horizontal distance o.c. This applies to any point in the railing whether youre in the middle of the rail or at either end. 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. Superior Steel, Inc. You stated that the freestanding guardrail system meets the 200 pound (890 N) force requirements required by 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(3) and 1910.23(e)(3)(iv) and that you have twice had engineering firms conduct calculations and verify compliance. Is mounted to provide at least 3 inches (8 cm) of clearance from the framing or opening; and. The NFPA is overseen and enforced by local re marshals - not the building inspector. 205 North Fourth Street System Not Properly Terminated common issues include wire rope clips installed backwards, not enough wire rope clips, and the cables are improperly spliced. Toeboards may be omitted around vehicle repair, service, or assembly pits when the employer can demonstrate that a toeboard would prevent access to a vehicle that is over the pit. Prefabricated Metal Stairs, Easy to Assemble and Ready to Ship. Emergency stop devices (buttons, pull-cords and foot pedals) are covered by IEC 60947-5-5, Low voltage switchgear and controlgear, Part 5-5: Control circuit devices and switching elements Emergency stop device with mechanical latching function. The chain or cable shall be anchored at intervals not to exceed 100 feet. One stair rail system with handrail on open side. Section 1926.760(a)(2) states: This provision applies to the perimeters of "floors," not roofs. [59 FR 40743, Aug. 9, 1994; 60 FR 5131, Jan. 26, 1995], Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Guardrail Systems - Non-Mandatory Guidelines for Complying with 1926.502(b), Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance, 1926 Subpart M App B - Guardrail Systems - Non-Mandatory Guidelines for Complying with 1926.502(b). 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. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Guardrail systems. Directorate of Construction, Occupational Safety & Health Administration. The employer is responsible for employee safety on fixed stairways such as roof access stairs,crossover stairs,loading dock stairs,in-plant office stairsare all common workplace stairs. 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. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 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. Safety cable guardrails can provide OSHA compliant fall protection for employees on a construction project. Midrails are placed halfway between the top rail and ground. 1910.25(e)(4) Have a minimum tread width of 18 inches (46 cm). 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. Russell B. 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