One of the more common WISHA citations is for lack of, or improperly erected, guardrails. There are two basic types of guardrails: the perimeter guardrail (found on flat roofs or upper stories before framing walls) and floor opening guardrails. Both are constructed the same way and are designed to provide the same type of protection.
The following items should be reviewed when discussing guardrails:
When are they required?
All open-sided floors or floor openings expose workers to a fall of four feet or greater.
Standard Specifications
–The top rail should be 42” high and constructed of 2”x4” stock wood.
-The intermediate (or mid-rail) should be 21” (also using 2”x4”).
-The bottom rail or toeboard should be at least 4” in vertical height from the floor to the top of the toeboard.
-Uprights will be 2”x 4” at 8-foot centers at a minimum.
-All components must withstand a load test of 200 pounds at any point.
General Rules
Install guardrails properly the first time and reduce the amount of maintenance.
Install as you go—don’t wait and then find you need to catch up.
Regularly inspect all rails.
Additional Recommendations:
Window and Door Openings.
Interior stairwells requiring handrails.
Anyone repairing a guardrail at elevated heights should be wearing their Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) and be tied off to an anchor point.
Enforce replacement by subcontractors when they remove them.
Remember:
Guardrails are designed to protect you from falling from one level to another. If the guardrail is defective or not there at all, then you are exposed to serious injury or even death.
