This section addresses general issues concerning guardrails in the workplace.

Guardrail Guidelines

Guardrails are used in several industries to assist in protecting employees from several workplace hazards i.e., a drop off or pit. The following are minimum requirements. A guardrail(s) ought to be vertical balusters or rails that are no greater than 4 feet apart with the top rail no less than 42” high and handrails between 34” and 38” above landings. All guardrails should be routinely checked to ensure the structure(s) integrity.

If a structure is found to present any unsafe or deficient qualities- attention and repair work should be sought immediately. Following these guidelines will greatly reduce employee exposure to falls.

Fall Protection

All floor openings measuring 12 inches or greater in their smallest (least) dimension in a floor, platform, pavement, or yard through which an individual may fall, must be guarded by fixed or removable railings, screens, or toe boards.

Every ladder way floor opening or platform must be guarded by a standard railing with standard toe board on all exposed sides (except at the entrance to the opening. Every wall, window wall, and chute wall opening from which there is a drop of greater than 4 feet must be guarded by a rail, roller, picket fence, half door, or equivalent barrier.