Question 1

What is the purpose of an OSHA Handrail?

Accepted Answer

A guardrail provides a sturdy base of support for stability, safety, and peace of mind. It’s a solution to be used on walkways and stairs to ensure the user has fall protection with balance and support. Guardrail is meant to prevent injury from an accidental or careless fall.

Question 2

At what height do I need a guardrail?

Accepted Answer

42 inches is the standard height of guardrails to ensure effectiveness and safety. According to OSHA code, parapets less than 42 inches (give or take 3 inches) require a railing. Should a force of 200 lbs in any downward or outward direction cause the railing to dip below 39 inches, the guardrail is not in compliance. If a parapet or a guardrail that has a top rail, an intermediate rail (or midrail), and supporting posts already in place (not being newly added) at 36 inches or higher, the parapet or guardrail is acceptable under OSHA code 55 Federal Register 13360 due to the possible danger to the workers that would replace the system.

In addition, under General Industry's proposed rule on Walking and Working Surfaces (55 Federal Register 13360), guardrail systems with top rails that are 36 inches in height would similarly be 'grandfathered.' In support of that provision, OSHA noted in the preamble: that 'continuing to tolerate the use of guardrails as low as 36 inches (91 cm) would not unacceptably reduce employee protection and that the hazard to which to which employees would be exposed in replacing those guardrails would be greater than that from allowing the existing guardrails to remain in place.' (55 Federal Register 13374)

Question 3

How many pounds of force should a guardrail and handrail withstand at a minimum?

Accepted Answer

Handrails and OSHA compliant guardrail must support a 200-pound force. At any point on the handrail, it must sustain a 200-pound force applied downward or outward in any direction on the top railing. This means that no matter if you’re in the middle of the rail or at the end, 200-pounds of force must be held.

Question 4

How many parts does a guardrail have?

Accepted Answer

The average guardrail has 3 main parts: the top railing, the middle railing, and the posts along the span of the guardrail. The middle railing is typically halfway between the top rail and the surface the guardrail is over. This formation allows for maximum stability and sturdiness with minimal excess of railing used. Toe-boards or kick plates can be added to prevent objects from falling over the edge of the surface if needed.

Question 5

Why is guardrail height 42 inches?

Accepted Answer

Data from 40+ years concludes that guardrail between 39 and 45 inches does not compromise a person’s safety. Should a preexisting guardrail be 36 inches or taller, the guardrail is grandfathered into code compliance due to the danger of replacing it.

Question 6

What is standard railing?

Accepted Answer

Another term for guardrail is standard railing. Guardrail is a railing system compromising of a top rail, intermediate rail, and posts spanning the length of the rail. It must reach a height of 42 inches (give or take 3 inches) as well as sustain a force of 200 lbs in any downward or outward direction in order to be compliant with OSHA code.

Question 7

How much does an average guardrail cost?

Accepted Answer

An average guardrail will range between $30 to $80 per linear foot. The price will depend on the quality of metal used, the type of fabrication required, and the length/mass of the unit itself. Because of the weight of most guardrails, shipping expenses are typically an extra fee as well.

Question 8

How many steps require a handrail OSHA?

Accepted Answer

According to OSHA code 1926.1052(c), four or more risers, or stairways rising more than 30 inches (whichever is less), requires at least one handrail between 30 and 37 inches from the surface of the stair tread.

Question 9

How many steps can you have without a handrail?

Accepted Answer

3 steps or less, or less than 30 inches. According to OSHA code 1926.1052(c), four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches, whichever is less, requires at least one handrail. Unprotected edges of a stairway require a stair rail system.

Question 10

Are handrails required on both sides of the stairs OSHA?

Accepted Answer

A single handrail on one side of a stairway is required for stairs with 4 or more steps. If the stairway has unprotected edges, stair rail systems are required with the top rail at 42 inches from the top of the stair tread.

Question 11

Can a stair rail system also serve as a handrail?

Accepted Answer

Per OSHA code 1926.1052(c)(7), stair rail systems can also serve as a handrail but require the top rail to be not more than 37 inches in height and not less than 36 inches from the top of the stair tread. Per OSHA code 1910.29(f)(1)(iii)(A), stair rail systems can also serve as a handrail but require the top rail to be not more than 38 inches in height and not less than 36 inches from the top of the stair tread.

Question 12

Why use modular railing systems?

Accepted Answer

Prefabricated guardrails from Simplified are designed to exceed OSHA code standards. There is no need to think about whether the solution fits the problem because it's been designed by an OSHA expert. The hight, strength, and upright spacing all meet the OSHA standard. Stop thinking about it, we've got you covered.

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