
Instruction Manual
BUILT TO LAST | MANUFACTURED TO COMPLY | DESIGNED TO PROTECT 1
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1926.502(b)(1) - Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system
members, shall be 42 inches (1.1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the
walking/working level. When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may
exceed the 45-inch height, provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria
of this paragraph.
Note: When employees are using stilts, the top edge height of the top rail, or
equivalent member, shall be increased an amount equal to the height of the stilts.
1926.502(b)(2) - Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or
equivalent intermediate structural members shall be installed between the top
edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working surface when there is no
wall or parapet wall at least 21 inches (53 cm) high.
1926.502(b)(2)(i) - Midrails, when used, shall be installed at a height midway
between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working level.
1926.502(b)(3) - Guardrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without
failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches (5.1 cm)
of the top edge, in any outward or downward direction, at any point along the
top edge.
1926.502(b)(4) - When the 200 pound (890 N) test load specified in paragraph
(b)(3) of this section is applied in a downward direction, the top edge of the
guardrail shall not deflect to a height less than 39 inches (1.0 m) above the
walking/working level. Guardrail system components selected and constructed
in accordance with the appendix B to subpart M of this part will be deemed to
meet this requirement.
1926.502(b)(5) - Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid
panels, and equivalent structural members shall be capable of withstanding,
without failure, a force of at least 150 pounds (666 N) applied in any downward or
outward direction at any point along the midrail or other member.
1926.502(b)(10) - When guardrail systems are used at hoisting areas, a chain,
gate or removable guardrail section shall be placed across the access opening
between guardrail sections when hoisting operations are not taking place.
Additional note and disclaimer: Other regulations may apply as described under
OSHA 1926.502, OSHA 1926.502 Appendix B, OSHA 1910.29 and other relevant
standards under OSHA or State or local specific safety programs. It is the
employer’s responsibility to ensure that their guardrail systems are erected and
built to comply with OSHA or other regulatory agencies’ minimum standards.
RELEVANT STANDARDS