Common shapes are flat, rounded edge, and tubular in horizontal railings, whereas tetraform spear-headed or ball. When figuring out the tolerances for the OSHA guardrail height, the minimum allowed is 39". OSHA Standards. The requirements are divided into 3 sections for guardrails, which are. Wooden posts must be no more than 8’ apart. Safety Standards for Scaffolds. 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. S. 29(b)), and contain. 502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926. All workers reaching more than 10 inches below the level of the walking or working surface on which they are working must be protected by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personalOn November 18, 2016, OSHA published a final rule on Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems) in the Federal Register ( 81 FR 82494 ). According to OSHA, the top edge height of top rails (or equivalent guardrail system members) must be 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. 29 (b) (3) requires that g uardrail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200. A strength to withstand at least the minimum requirement of 200 pounds top rail pressure (§1910. The OSHA catwalk handrail requirements are found in OSHA sections 1910. 1910. 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. (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. Standard Number: 1926. 71 (j) (1) and (2), unless the nature of the work in progress or the physical conditions prohibit the use. Rauchut, This is in response to your letter of July 18, 2017, requesting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to address a specific question of whether any safety factor is required in the design of handrails and top rails. OSHA standard 1926. S. 21(b)(1) and 1910. 502 - OSHA's new fall protection standards for construction will prohibit use of safety belts with side dee rings as part of a personal fall arrest system - 09/25/1995 1926. Most loading docks are 48-52” tall, but we do see instances of docks a few inches shy of four feet–say 46”. The locking device shall be of a type which has no loose parts. Oct 27 2017. This ribbon of rail acts to capture impacting vehicles and to. Our portable guard railing is 42 inches tall. (1) For wood railings: Wood components shall be minimum 1500 lb-ft/in2 fiber (stress grade) construction grade lumber; (2) For pipe railings: posts, top rails, and intermediate. The OSHA non-mandatory guidelines do not provide suggested hardware for fastening the guardrails to the ground. OSHA has issued a final rule on Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems to better protect workers in general industry from these hazards by updating and clarifying standards and adding. "The employer must ensure each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1. ) from the surface of the walking area. Zhang@dot. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Never walk. Construction. 502 (b) (3), (4), and (5). All guardrail systems must be able to hold at least 200 pounds of pressure pushing out and down on the railing. 1910. 502(b)(3) requires railing systems meet a 200 pound concentrated load test. OSHA Handrail Standards. Minimum width of 22”. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. ”. 1915. Guardrail requirements are covered under OSHA 1910. 2. Hexavalent Chromium. 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. The short answer is usually, yes. The only exception is when the employer can. 451, . 29 (b), ladders and hatches are required to be secured with a self-closing safety gate and safety-compliant railing. Answer. Stairs other than fixed industrial stairs have different requirements for being equipped with standard stair railing or standard handrails when compared to the requirements of fixed industrial stairs. Advanced Notice of Proposed Rules 64:38077-38086, (July 14, 1999). 1926. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. The EDGE 360 mobile safety railing is completely non-penetrating roof guardrail system and has been independently certified and tested to meet all OSHA Fall Protection regulations and standards for guardrail, sections 1910. 9 (1) A fixed ladder installed after the day of the coming into force of this section shall be designed, constructed and installed in accordance with the requirements of ANSI Standard A14. Maximum riser height of 9. The area shall be permanently maintained and identified as a safe dispersal area. 26. It covers all walking-working surfaces unless specifically excluded by an individual section of this subpart. 1910. Stair Rails and Handrails. Maximum 7-3/4 inch stair riser height. 25 inches thick. Here are some basic pieces of information to bear in mind when constructing a handrail to comply with OSHA Standards. 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,. Dear. Top rail at 42” to 45” and a midrail. • safety knowledge among workers varies, • manual labor is used extensively, • the climate creates year-round heat stress. These letters provide guidance to clarify the application of an established OSHA standard, policy, or. With both standards, OSHA deems guardrail compliant under the following conditions: Vertical height of 42 inches. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), provided the guardrail. 1431 (b) (2) Exceptions: A personnel platform is not required for hoisting employees: 1926. 1926. OSHA’s fall protection and guardrail requirements along with the International Building Code (IBC) are standards all builders, contractors and construction workers should follow. Scope and definitions. 1052(c)(6) and 1926. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Details are at GUARDRAIL CODES & STANDARDS - this article. Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable OSHA requirements. If you need additional information, please contact us by fax (202-693-1689) at: U. Though the terms guardrails and handrails are. The three major components of a strong post barrier are the rail, posts, and blockouts. Finally, remember handrails must be between 30 and 38 inches as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread. The employer must ensure: 1910. Fall Protection. See the following elevated work platform OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910. However, guard rail’s role in protecting the loading dock area extends. 91-596, encourages states to develop and operate, under OSHA guidance, their own job safety and health plans. Under §1910. 1052 (c) (3) (i) This responds to your June 1, 1999, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), requesting information on wire rope and Crosby clips used around the perimeter of buildings as a guardrail. Per 1926. Federal OSHA says the height of the top rail can be between 39 and 45 inches, while Cal-OSHA does not permit top rails to be so low. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742 Federal Government White House; Benefits. Equivalent means alternative designs, materials, or methods that the employer can demonstrate will provide an equal or greater degree of safety for employees. 29. 26 (a) Dockboards are capable of supporting the maximum intended load in accordance with § 1910. Stair treads must sustain a weight of at least. 29 (f) (1) (i) - Handrails are not less than 30 inches (76 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm. 29(b) and its subparts. 4 - Amendments to this part. Reference definitions in 1910. These scaffolding safety guidelines, which come directly from OSHA standards, are explored in greater depth in the sections below. Scaffolding. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This appendix serves as a non-mandatory guideline to assist employers in complying with these requirements. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Guardrail requirements are covered under OSHA 1910. If the railing dips below 39 inches, due to the force, the railing is not OSHA compliant. 1910. See the following elevated work platform OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910. Use a non-penetrating guardrail that doesn’t mount to any structure on your building. Handrail safety is just as important as the safety of the staircase itself. 1 - Purpose and scope. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. 29: 29 CFR 1910. However, we believe that there are recognized hazards associated with openings in roofs. 62 cm). Falls from heights and on the same level (a working surface) are among the leading causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths. 1926. 454. The governing requirement for the guarding of ladderway floor openings and platforms is paragraph 1910. 503(a) and (c). The difference in grade level on either side of the wall is in excess of 4 feet; and. 25 (b) (1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. 23(c)(1), the open sides of platforms more than four feet above an adjacent floor or ground level must be guarded by a standard railing or the equivalent. 1910. Thank you for your inquiry. Cal-OSHA’s 1. The spacing of vertical posts differs between the two sets of code as well. 1910. 555 (a) General requirements. 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. Be sure you have. 503. The same width maximum goes for any other posts within the guardrail system. A guardrail is, first and foremost, a safety barrier intended to shield a motorist who has left the roadway. 353. Internal FHWA Pilot ISPE Guardrail End Treatment For information on ISPE pilot, contact Ana Maria Eigen ( ana. State Plan Standards. With both standards, OSHA deems guardrail compliant under the following conditions: Vertical height of 42 inches. 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. OSHA Guardrail Load Requirements. OSHA’s fall protection and guardrail requirements along with the International Building Code (IBC) are standards all builders, contractors and construction workers should. 1. Railing height for guard rail. Guard Height. For stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017, the top rail and handrail must be separate. Under 29 CFR 1926. 29(b). 1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. You’re completely OSHA compliant for inspection at a moments notice. 1926. Under §1926. OSHA 1910 Occupational Safety and Health Standards > D Walking-Working Surfaces > 1910. The stairway is over 88 inches in width. 23). Common shapes are flat, rounded edge, and tubular in horizontal railings, whereas tetraform spear-headed or ball. The guardrails provided here are 1-1/4” thick. The material and style of. 29(b)), and contain. Cal/OSHA also requires that the top rail of the guardrail must be installed between 42 and 45 inches above the walking surface with a permissible height tolerance. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. Our parapet guardrail is designed to exceed OSHA requirements to ensure you and your employees are safe when working on the roof. 5" tall, with no more than a 1/4" gap at the bottom. 5 inches high with a gap of less than 1/4 inch. Since that time, OSHA has received many questions and requests for interpretation of the requirements for handrails and stair rail systems. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. Guardrail systems that are not at least 42 inches high can be cited as a technical. Since that time, OSHA has received many questions and requests for interpretation of the requirements for handrails and stair rail systems. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. Here are OSHA’s requirements for guardrail height: The top of the rail system must be 42 inches (±3 in. 501(b)(13), workers engaged in residential construction six (6) feet or more above lower levels must be protected by conventional fall protection (i. 451 (b) (3) (ii) The maximum distance from the face for plastering and lathing operations shall be 18 inches (46 cm). Only stand on the work platform; never stand on the guardrails. The top rail rail must be able to withstand 200 pounds of force in the downward and outward directions. 1 cm) of the top. Further, OSHA standard 1910. Here is a summary to make it easy for you: The top rail must be 42 inches in height, give or take 3 inches. Have handrails that meet the requirements of § 1917. 1052(c)(7) Dear Mr. A guardrail consists of a top rail 42” + or – 3” no less than 39”, mid rail at 21” and toe board 3. Keep away from the edge. 451(g). OSHA roof guardrail requirements state that the top rails and the mid-rails of the guardrail system must bet at least one-quarter of an inch thick. 25 inches. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm). For employers who have been doing their best to keep. The AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). The purpose of these guard rails is to prevent falls or unauthorized access to certain areas. Safety Standards for Scaffolds. The guardrails need to include a mid rail halfway between the top rail and the ground, at around the 21" mark for a standard height rail. The job-built guardrail systems were evaluated to determine whether they complied with OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1926. NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF REAL ESTATE U. [Docket ID–OSHA–2020–0009] RIN 1218–AD28 Walking-Working Surfaces AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor. OSHA Fall Protection Standard 1910. 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. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only. 502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29 CFR. 1917. Re: Stair rail and hand rail heights; §1926. I. 5 inches (24 cm); and. The OSHA requirements state that guardrails should be able to resist at least 200 pounds of pressure applied directly to the. Safety Tips for Pedestrians. 1910. Top rails capable of withstanding 200 pounds of. 29 CFR 1926. Lead by example. 29 repeats itself a lot and it can be a little confusing to sort through. 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. 555 (a) (1) Means for stopping the motor or engine shall be provided at the operator's station. Response: Pursuant to §1910. Specifically, we will consider the use of certain physical barriers that fail to meet the criteria for a. 28 and 1910. 450(b) 1926. Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to comply with safety and health standards promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan. OSHA standards set minimum safety and health requirements; they do not prohibit employers from adopting more stringent requirements. The newest OSHA revisions include the following criteria for OSHA 1910. 26. S. Refrigerated trucks are 50 to 60 inches in bed height, so they always will require a guardrail. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Note that our enforcement. (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. Vertical height of top rail. The job-built guardrail systems were evaluated to determine whether they complied with OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1926. 26 (b) (2)OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. TO: ALL AREA DIRECTORS Paragraph 1926. 5". Maximum 12′-7″ vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs. Under 29 CFR 1926. 6300 W by NW Blvd #100, Houston, TX 77040 (800) 962-6111. 1910. This regulation states that, “Guardrail systems. 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. (1. The IBC code for structural design has some very specific requirements for deck stairs: Stair rails on decks should be between 34 inches and 38 inches high, measured vertically from the nose of the tread to the top of the rail. 1053 (a) (4) (ii) The minimum clear distance between side rails for all portable ladders shall be 11½ inches (29 cm). 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. handrails (1) A stairway shall have a handrail on at least one side, and if 1 100 mm or more in width, shall have handrails on both sides. OSHA requirements for guardrails are also quite stringent. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. Depending on the type of scaffold, each employee more than 10 feet above a lower level must be protected from falling either by a personal fall arrest system, a. 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. (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. 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. 23. in any direction per OSHA 1910. This checklist covers regulations issued by the U. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 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. A Guide to OSHA Rules This informational booklet provides a general overview of a particular topic related to OSHA standards. 1910. A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs have two different meanings. I. 1926. A guardrail system also provides a safety barrier for other internal and external exposure spots of a building or site. According to OSHA’s construction fall protection standard ( 29 CFR 1926. In particular, toeboards used for falling object protection are as follows: Toe Board Height Requirements: 29 (k) (1) (ii): “have a vertical minimum height of 3. DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: There is movement in the anchors of the handrail. Will the Guardrail Meet Loading Dock Railing Requirements? OSHA details the requirements for guardrails in more detail since the 2017 update. Have handrails that meet the requirements of § 1917. 500-1926. 5”. Ref: Scaffold Guardrail height;. 1(2) of O. 29(b)(2)(iii) Post navigation. 1-2007, Safety Requirements for Workplace Walking/Working Surfaces and Their Access; Workplace Floor, Wall and Roof Openings; Stairs and Guardrail Systems. Implement safe work practices to reduce the possibility of falls. (3) For structural steel railings: posts, top rails, and. • General Industry — 29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart D (1910. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. According to OSHA: When workers installing solar panels are exposed to fall distances of six feet or more, they need to be. 1052 (c) (2) Winding and spiral stairways shall be equipped with a handrail offset sufficiently to prevent walking on those portions of the stairways where the tread width is less than 6 inches (15 cm). By Philip Colleran. Definitions . 29 (f) (1) (i) - Handrails are not less than 30 inches (76 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm. When a guardrail system is used, the guardrail height must be increased in height equal to the height of the stilts. 3 OSHA standards permit fall arrest systems to be anchored to scissor lifts as long as the anchorage requirements in §1926. An employer may use these guidelines as a starting point for designing guardrail systems. 2 cm) in height from the tread surface at the riser face. If you choose to use a guardrail system, you must comply with the 10 OSHA provisions listed below. 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. 10(a)] All subcontractors who agree to perform any part of the labor or material requirements of a contract. Based on the information that you have provided, a maximum opening of four inches between the two guardrails would ensure compliance with 29 CFR 1910. Semitrailers, flatbeds and straight trucks all have bed heights that closely align with 48-inch-high platforms, so loading dock platforms most commonly are 44 to 48 inches high. The same width maximum goes for any other posts within the guardrail system. (1. Surface requirements: OSHA standard 1926. A safety handrail provides stability with a handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway or step. , an opening in the roof of a building through which persons may fall. The retaining wall or retaining wall system is located closer than 2 feet to a walk, path, residential yard, public common area, parking lot or driveway. Scaffolding. 1926. 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. (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. The fact that residential construction has gone unregulated and unenforced. There are separate standards set by OSHA for General Industry and Construction. 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. We will now cover some additional areas. 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. e. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. 4. 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. are good for high entry ways and cathedral ceiling areas of residential homes. The newest OSHA revisions include the following criteria for OSHA 1910. The OSHA requirements state that guardrails should be able to resist at least 200 pounds of pressure applied directly to the structure. 5-1982 - American National Standard for Ladders - Portable Reinforced Plastic -. That said, even docks coming in under 4 feet should utilize some sort of fall protection. 23(e)(6) states: "All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or. Spiral stairs must meet the vertical clearance requirements. The fall protection requirements for residential construction are set out in Subpart M at 29 CFR 1926. The short answer is usually, yes. It is important to keep in mind that if a rooftop is as little as 4 feet above. A catwalk handrail or guardrail system is required for any catwalks higher than 4′ above a lower level. The safety ledge shall be designed to carry a live load of 100 pounds per square foot. Particular industries require certain specifications on safety railing systems. This subpart applies to all general industry workplaces. Exception 1: Guardrails located at the open side of a stair run shall not be less than 34 inches in height. it's vital that your devices meet all the standards set forth by OSHA and that your workers are trained on their proper use. (4) If a doorway is located at a landing, then the. gov ) 202-493-3168. Guardrail systems. 502(b)(3). 1052(c)(7) Dear Mr. This subpart applies to all general industry workplaces. The upper edge of the guardrails shall be no less than 5 inches above the top surface of the mattress. 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. 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). OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. If the guardrail is unable to bear the minimum structural load, it could break due to the applied forces, resulting in a tragic accident. 21 - Scope and definitions. 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. 01 inches is required for the edges. 5”. 2. The manufacturer must approve any alterations to the stilts. 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. 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. 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. 23 (b) General requirements for all ladders. 6) (1926. § 214. 8. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 71 (j) (1) and (2), unless the nature of the work in progress or the physical conditions prohibit the use. 29(g)(4)), have an acceptable guardrail system (29 CFR § 1910. Requirements for suspension scaffold fall protection systems are contained in § 1910. The fence or guardrail should be anchored to the retaining wall using approved anchor systems* that are designed. 28; 1910. 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. . Department of Labor, OSHA, Office of Construction Standards and Guidance. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that employers provide fall protection for employees working at heights over 4 feet. OSHA 1910. 112(c)(1) on both sides and that are not less than 30 inches (76. 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. ) 1926. Whenever guardrail systems are used, they must meet the definition of a "guardrail system" in §1926. 1917. Finally, remember handrails must be between 30 and 38 inches as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread. 502(d) and the requirements of the scaffold standard are met. 451(g)(4). Purpose of a Guardrail . Because interpreta-tions and enforcement policy may change over time, you should. e. OSHA requirements for guardrails are also quite stringent. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. NCHRP Roadside Hardware Replacement Analysis: User Guide. For more information on Guardrail Inspection, Maintenance, and Installation Information, please contact the Office of Safety, Aimee Zhang ( Aimee. 8 m) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems,. However, this new provision applies only to scaffolds manufactured or placed into service. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Tsotsos: This is in response to your June 10, 2005, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA Guardrail Load Requirements. Sets forth safety requirements for areas where danger exists of persons or objects falling through floor or. OSHA requirements for standard stairs. 502(b)(6) requires that guardrail components have smooth surfaces to prevent snagging of clothing and injuries from lacerations and punctures.