Directorate of Construction, Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Answer: The response is no. In addition, if there is no parapet or wall that reaches 21 in. When guardrail systems are used around holes that serve as points of access (such as ladderways), the guardrail system opening: Has a self-closing gate that slides or swings away from the hole, and is equipped with a top rail and midrail or equivalent intermediate member that meets the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section; or. The standard requires guardrail systems and components to be designed and built to meet the requirements of 1926.502(b)(3), (4), and (5). There should be at least two clips installed for wire rope that is 3/8 in diameter. It is important to note that you should always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions. The minimum clearance between handrails and any other object is 2.25 inches (5.7 cm). These anchors shall be of sufficient strength to support the imposed loads without deflection. Perimeter safety cables. It is a common misconception that the worker is safe and in compliance as long as a distance of 6 ft is maintained from an unprotected edge. This is what the phrase,Never saddle a dead horse! refers to. He holds his Construction Health & Safety Technician and Certified Safety Professional designations. OSHA's warning line set up requirements ( OSHA's 29 CFR 1926.502 (f)) include: All warning lines must be flagged with a highly visible material and spacing must not exceed 6 feet intervals. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. OSHA specifies that red, black and white colors are to be used for danger signs. The ends of handrails and stair rail systems do not present any projection hazards. Learn the Differences Between IBC and OSHA Stairs? The ends of top rails and midrails do not overhang the terminal posts, except where the overhang does not pose a projection hazard for employees. Are solid or do not have any opening that exceeds 1 inch (3 cm) at its greatest dimension. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. One stair rail system with handrail on open side, one handrail on enclosed side, and one intermediate handrail located in the middle of the stair. Toeboards must be 3.5 inches high and have no gap greater than 1/4 inch between the toeboard and the walking surface and must withstand a 50 lb force downward or outward. Outdoor advertising. 1910.25(b)(3) Stairs have uniform riser heights and tread depths between landings; 1910.25(b)(4) Stairway landings and platforms are at least the width of the stair and at least 30 inches (76 cm) in depth, as measured in the direction of travel; 1910.25(b)(5) When a door or a gate opens directly on a stairway, a platform is provided, and the swing of the door or gate does not reduce the platforms effective usable depth to: 1910.25(b)(5)(i) Less than 20 inches (51 cm) for platforms installed before January 17, 2017; and. Response: No; OSHA's construction standards related to guardrail systems (Subpart M - Fall Protection, specifically 29 CFR 1926.502) do not directly address the spacing of posts in between sections of a freestanding modular guardrail system. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. 1910.29(j) Personal fall protection systems. OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.750(b)(1)(iii) does not address the issue of deflection. Chain shall be not less than 1/4 inch alloy steel. Department of Labor and Industry Measurement 36 IN - 38 IN (91 CM - 97 CM) between stair and top of handrail. OSHA also requires the surface of the railing itself must be smooth to protect employees from injuries; such as cuts, punctures and to prevent snagging. 205 North Fourth Street Director of Safety Services Note to paragraph (g): HEIGHT CLEARANCE minimum 6'6" clearance from nose of tread . Guardrail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in a downward or outward direction within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge, at any point along the top rail. Some areas require taller guardrail. If constructed of structural metal, the top . He is a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). osha safety cable post spacing; osha safety cable post spacing. Another option is to keep a cable puller and wire rope grip attachment handy in order to tighten cable guardrails easily. 1910.25(b)(4). OSHA will deem those stairs in compliance if they meet the dimension requirements specified in Table D-1 of this section or they use a combination that achieves the angle requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section. Install railings on any deck that is 30 inches or more from the surrounding surface and on at least one side of a stairway leading to the deck. This is in response to your letter of June 20, 2003, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concerning requirements in the steel erection standard regarding perimeter columns and perimeter safety cables. However, the guidelines do not provide all the information necessary to build a complete system, and the employer is still responsible for designing and assembling these components in such a way that the completed system will meet the requirements of 1926.502(b)(3), (4), and (5). Copyright 2023 ErectaStep. spacing for intermediate rails. To examine some of the common myths and misconceptions, this article focuses on OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D, Walking-Working . The material must be durable, the top rail and the midrail must be at least 1/4 inch (.6 cm) in diameter. Designing an OSHA compliant railing system is equally important; post-spacing, material choice, finish, toeboard, and gates are all things to consider when designing your guardrail. Chat live with a knowledgeable and friendly stair expert now. Intermediate supports shall be installed in such a manner that they will provide the strength and spacing outlined for Posts in 1926.500(f)(l)(i), (ii) & (iii). All lumber dimensions are nominal sizes as provided by the American Softwood Lumber Standards, dated January 1970. Knoxville, Tennessee 37914 For guardrail systems used around holes through which materials may be passed: When materials are being passed through the hole, not more than two sides of the guardrail system are removed; and. With a background in construction, Doug has developed a clear understanding of the challenges and risks Assurance clients face on a daily basis. OSHA regulations state that cable railings must have a smooth top rail at 42 inches above the floor that is able to withstand at least 200 pounds of pressure from any direction. Top rails and midrails are at least 0.25-inches (0.6 cm) in diameter or in thickness. Specifically, the following sections are the most relevant to railing and guardrail for fall protection. They must follow the regulations described below. Grab handles. Cable shall be not less than 3/8 inch mild plow steel. In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure alternating tread-type stairs: 1910.25(f)(1) Have a series of treads installed at a slope of 50 to 70 degrees from the horizontal; 1910.25(f)(2) Have a distance between handrails of 17 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm); Have a minimum tread depth of 8.5 inches (22 cm); and. Guardrail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching or snagging of clothing. Are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 50 pounds (222 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the toeboard. Its thin lines keep your views open. Box 12064 Safety Tips for Cable Guardrails on Construction Sites, Construction Motor Vehicles: How to Stay DOT Compliant, The top cable is 42 +/- 3 in height from the walking surface, The middle cable is approximately 21 in height from the walking surface, The cable system must be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 lbs. The use of wire ropes as top rails and intermediate rails of guardrail systems used for perimeter protection or for guardrails used on scaffolding meeting the equivalent requirements of 29 CFR 1926.500(d)(1) and 29 CFR 1926.451(a)(5) is acceptable provided it meets the following guidelines: (1) Wire rope shall be secured to each support and taut at all times. Other equivalent intermediate members (such as additional midrails and architectural panels) are installed so that the openings are not more than 19 inches (48 cm) wide. The standard, as written, could be enforced so that no deflection is permitted. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the Directorate of Construction at (202) 693-2020. 1910.29(k)(1) - A standard toeboard shall be 3 1/2 inches in vertical height from the top edge to the bottom level of the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. 2800 Grays Ferry Avenue From time to time, letters are affected when the Agency updates a standard, a legal decision impacts a standard, or changes in technology affect the interpretation. to the felled trees. Figure D-14 -- Clearances for Fixed Ladders in Wells. Section 1926.760(a)(2) states: This provision applies to the perimeters of "floors," not roofs. Superior Steel, Inc. When the 200-pound (890-N) test load is applied in a downward direction, the top rail of the guardrail system must not deflect to a height of less than 39 inches (99 cm) above the walking-working surface. (4) Guardrails installed after May 26, 2011. Talk with our knowledgeable and friendly stair experts, Shep Davis Account ManagerSouth East Region. Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance, OSHA - ARA's Federal/State Operations - Technical Support. Each ladder safety system allows the employee to climb up and down using both hands and does not require that the employee continuously hold, push, or pull any part of the system while climbing; The connection between the carrier or lifeline and the point of attachment to the body harness or belt does not exceed 9 inches (23 cm); Mountings for rigid carriers are attached at each end of the carrier, with intermediate mountings spaced, as necessary, along the entire length of the carrier so the system has the strength to stop employee falls; Mountings for flexible carriers are attached at each end of the carrier and cable guides for flexible carriers are installed at least 25 feet (7.6 m) apart but not more than 40 feet (12.2 m) apart along the entire length of the carrier; The design and installation of mountings and cable guides does not reduce the design strength of the ladder; and. Stainless steel cable railing is easy to clean and maintain over time. Steel banding and plastic banding are not used for top rails or midrails. One of ErectaSteps components is bolt on aluminum ladders. Assistant Commissioner for Enforcement It is designed to be used anywhere a cable must terminate. However, no such carte blanche rule exists and never has in the OSHA regulations. Thank you for your September 12, 2012, email to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Directorate of Construction. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Widener University. Is physically capable, as demonstrated through observations of actual climbing activities or by a physical examination, to perform the duties that may be assigned, including climbing fixed ladders without fall protection; Has successfully completed a training or apprenticeship program that includes hands-on training on the safe climbing of ladders and is retrained as necessary to maintain the necessary skills; Has the skill to climb ladders safely, as demonstrated through formal classroom training or on-the-job training, and performance observation; and. The height of the toeboard must be at least 3 inches (8.9 cm) high from the ground to the top edge and be able to withstand a force of 50 lb (222 N) in any direction. Spacing, installation torque, and other instructions still apply. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has implemented regulations for railings to prevent worker injury or death. Approximately halfway between this height and the floor, there must be an intermediate rail that can withstand 150 pounds of force. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. Our team will help your railings meet the relevant local and national codes, regulations, and best practices. Per OSHA 1910.28, railings installed 60 days before April 10, 1990, can be grandfathered into OSHA compliance at a minimum of 36 inches in height from the working-walking surface. We're committed to providing you with the best customer service in the industry. Handrails have the shape and dimension necessary so that employees can grasp the handrail firmly. If you're in California, they require residential posts to be a minimum of 42 inches tall. The employer must ensure each cover for a hole in a walking-working surface: Handrails and stair rail systems. 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