OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. The minimum clearance between handrails and any other object is 2.25 inches (5.7 cm). Territory Safety Coordinator Runways have the same requirements for guardrails with one exception: If work conditions or specialized use of the runway requires one side remain unguarded, no railing is needed provided the runway is more than 18 inches wide. The ends of handrails and stair rail systems do not present any projection hazards. 2800 Grays Ferry Avenue See OSHA Directive CPL 02-01-034 "Inspection policy and procedures for OSHA's steel erection standards for construction" published on 3/22/2002 for the current policy on OSHA's steel erection standards (1926 Subpart R) for construction. 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. 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 chain or cable shall be equipped with flagging or some other means of increasing their visibility. This load should be of equal or greater weight than loads expected in use. 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. Read More: OSHA Catwalk Standards. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. Directorate of Construction, Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Directorate of Field Operations, 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. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Widener University. 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. Risk Managers should keep the below in mind to share with their workers and safety committees. 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. Protection can range anywhere from company policy and warning signs to railings systems. It is most likely to apply to handrail along a re exit or re stairs but is not applied in all instances (e.g. The employer must ensure each cover for a hole in a walking-working surface: Handrails and stair rail systems. Is capable of withstanding a maximum horizontal pull-out force equal to two times the maximum intended load or 200 pounds (890 N), whichever is greater. Chat live with a knowledgeable and friendly stair expert now. 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). Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. 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. There can be a lot of rules to follow, but knowing and understanding them is crucial to workplace safety.Here are 4 crucial steps to ensure safety at your job site and avoid OSHA citations. Note to paragraph (b) of this section: 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. It is important that the railing should not only protect the employee from a fall, but it cannot pose any other hazards. Answer: Section 1926.756(e) states: 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. Handrails and the top rails of stair rail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in any downward or outward direction within 2 inches (5 cm) of any point along the top edge of the rail. Cable shall be not less than 3/8 inch mild plow steel. RISERS must be uniform between landings, 30-50 deg, 9.5" H. WIDTH 22" between railings. OSHA standard 1926.502(b)(3) requires guardrails to withstand a 200-pound concentrated load. No opening in a stair rail system exceeds 19 inches (48 cm) at its least dimension. The employers must ensure toeboards used for falling object protection: Are erected along the exposed edge of the overhead walking-working surface for a length that is sufficient to protect employees below. However, they must be continuously inspected and maintained to ensure compliance with OSHA 1926 Subpart M standards. 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. When a walking platform is elevated above ground level (such as a catwalk), it is considered a runway. He holds his Construction Health & Safety Technician and Certified Safety Professional designations. In-fill panels or midrails must be installed so that no opening is greater than 19 inches. 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. One stair rail system with handrail on open side. Box 12064 OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. You had a specific question regarding a modular guardrail system. 5 Modular Components, Unlimited Configurations. The first is Access to Landing Platform through Ladder. Parapets or railings that are preexisting are acceptable at a minimum of 36 inches under OSHA code 55 Federal Register 13360, siting that replacing the parapet or railing would introduce unnecessary risk to the workers replacing it. 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. Construction sites with vertical drops of 6 feet or more may use a guardrail system instead of other OSHA-approved safety measures. Here is everything you need to know about the key differences. The midrails are placed halfway between the top rail and the walking surface. 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. Diamond Tool and Fasteners, Inc. 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. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. -Christopher, Timberline Communications Inc. OSHA regulations simplified for a safe and compliant workplace. John B. 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. How to your integrate it into your railing system? 28 abril, 2022. Hispassion is to be a resource his clients can count on when loss control and risk management consulting is needed. 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. [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). Mr. B. J. Newton 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). Safety cable guardrails can provide OSHA compliant fall protection for employees on a construction project. 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. Are solid or do not have any opening that exceeds 1 inch (3 cm) at its greatest dimension. Dear Mr. Russell: If posts are spaced more than 8-feet on center, it will no longer be OSHA compliant. However, they must be continuously inspected and maintained to ensure compliance with OSHA 1926 Subpart M standards. 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. Prefabricated Metal Stairs, Easy to Assemble and Ready to Ship. ErectaSteps line of industrial modular metal stairs and industrial maintenance access platforms feature modular, lightweight metal stair components that are as easy to reconfigure as they are to assemble. Knoxville, Tennessee 37914 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. Warning lines are to be supported so the lowest point of the sag is no less than 34 inches and no more than 39 inches from the walking/working surface. 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. Return to index . OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. (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. (2) For pipe railings: posts, top rails, and intermediate railings shall be at least one and one-half inches nominal diameter (schedule 40 pipe) with posts spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers. Chain shall be not less than 1/4 inch alloy steel. 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. On multi-story structures, perimeter safety cables shall be installed at the final interior and exterior perimeters. 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. Our letters of interpretation do not create new or additional requirements, but rather explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances. Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, and other equivalent intermediate members are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 150 pounds (667 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the intermediate member. 1910.25(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. 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. ], Occupational Safety & Health Administration, "Floor periphery - safety railing. 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. Sincerely, For more ways to minimize risk on the job sitecontact a member of our construction safety team. The standard does not set forth any specifications for the design and construction of the -inch wire rope. Fall protection systems and falling object protection - criteria and practices. Handrails have the shape and dimension necessary so that employees can grasp the handrail firmly. Performs climbing duties as a part of routine work activity. Dear Mr. Dillon: The employer must ensure: Personal fall protection systems. R. A. WENDELL Thus any wire rope -inch in diameter of any design or construction could be used to comply with this standard. IMPORTANT Apply first load to test the assembly. 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. 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. 5225 North National Drive Although they can provide adequate protection at perimeter edges, they often have issues with the way they are installed. Standard Specifications. OSHA will deem those stairs in compliance if they meet the dimension requirements specified in Table D-1 of this section or they use a combination that achieves the angle requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section. (1) For wood railings: Wood components shall be minimum 1500 lb-ft/in (2) fiber (stress grade) construction grade lumber; the posts shall be at least 2-inch by 4-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) lumber spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers; the top rail shall be at least 2-inch by 4-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) lumber, the intermediate rail shall be at This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Get a quote, configure a custom stair or ask a question. 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. Do not have more than a 0.25-inch (0.5-cm) clearance or opening above the walking-working surface. Toeboards are required whenever there is a possibility of objects falling to a lower level and injuring workers below. The material must be durable, the top rail and the midrail must be at least 1/4 inch (.6 cm) in diameter. Caution signs Warn against potential hazards or caution against unsafe practices. Standard Number: 1926.500 1926.451 It is designed to be used anywhere a cable must terminate. Troy Russell Have a minimum width of 22 inches (56 cm) between vertical barriers (see Figure D-8 of this section). Approximately halfway between this height and the floor, there must be an intermediate rail that can withstand 150 pounds of force. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Sincerely, Mid-rails, mesh screens, and other architectural panels must be installed so that the openings are not more than 19 inches (48 cm.) A safety railing of -inch wire rope. Approximately halfway between this height and the floor, there must be an intermediate rail that can withstand 150 pounds of force. Therefore, it does not require perimeter safety cables on the roof level. 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. Its thin lines keep your views open. OSHA's requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Rungs, cleats, and steps of portableladders and fixed ladders should be a minimum of 10 inches (25 cm) apart and no larger than 14 inches (36 cm) apart, as measured between center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps. A guardrail is typically required for stairs with 4-or-more risers, or for a deck or balcony with 30 inches above grade. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Are perimeter safety cables required in this situation under 1926.760(a)(2)? The top rail is between 39 inches and 45 inches above the walking surface. Requirements for perimeter columns and perimeter safety cables in the Steel Erection standard. Projection hazards. Spiral, ship, or alternating tread-type stairs are used only when the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible to provide standard stairs. Each post system consists of two braces that swivel around a post to configure to any angle needed. Stainless steel cable railing is easy to clean and maintain over time. (2) The wire rope shall be free of sharp edges, burrs, or projections which may be a hazard. Connection of top rail to post. Minimal or No Flagging apply high-visibility duct tape (yellow or orange) to the cable at a minimum of 6 intervals. These anchors shall be of sufficient strength to support the imposed loads without deflection. Department of Labor and Industry 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. 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