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OSHA REGULATION SUMMARY FOR FALL PROTECTION GUARDRAIL SYSTEMS:

• Top rail must be 42" + or - 3" above walking/working surface.
• Special consideration needs to be taken to accommodate for stilts and similar elevated walkway activities.
• Mid rails and intermediate vertical members shall be installed at 21", halfway between working surface and top rail.
• Guardrail system must withstand force of at least 200 lbs. applied at any point within 2" of top edge, in any outward or downward direction without failure.
• When 200 lbs. is applied in a downward direction, top edge shall not deflect to a height less than 39" from walking or working level.
• Mid rails must withstand a force of at least 150 lbs. in any downward or outward direction without failure.
• Surfaces must be smooth and free of sharp edges and points that can catch tools and clothing.
• Ends of top rails shall not overhang the terminal posts and constitute a hazard.
• Top rails and mid rails must be at least ¼" nominal diameter or thickness to prevent cuts or lacerations.
• Toeboards must be installed where walking/working surfaces are 6' or greater above other walking/working surfaces.
• Hole guarding must be complete around all unprotected edges.
• Removable sections cannot exceed 2 around holes used for material passage.
• Personnel passage holes shall be offset or provided with gate.

See OSHA Regulations – Standards – 29 CFR 1926

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