25 (b) (1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. 23(e)(6) states: "All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or. OSHA Fall Protection Requirements. 21(b)(5). Stairways less than 44 inches (1118 mm) in width or stairways serving one individual dwelling unit in Group R, Division 1 or 3 Occupancy or a Group R, Division 3 congregate residence may have one handrail. 1910. GUARDRAIL 101. 73]. Internal FHWA Pilot ISPE Guardrail End Treatment For information on ISPE pilot, contact Ana Maria Eigen ( ana. Safety chains hold the ramp in place and the same 8-inch steel curbs guard the sides of the ramp. OSHA Guardrail Requirements for Leading Edges. Therefore, it is vital to assist the public in learning about OSHA documents related to agriculture. 1052 (c) (2) Winding and spiral stairways shall be equipped with a handrail offset sufficiently to prevent walking on those portions of the stairways where the tread width is less than 6 inches (15 cm). OSHA requirements for guardrails are also quite stringent. Install guardrail systems along all open sides and ends of platforms. The newest OSHA revisions include the following criteria for OSHA 1910. Double-cleat ladder means a ladder similar in construction to a single-cleat ladder, but with a center rail to allow simultaneous two-way traffic for employees ascending or descending. As indicated in Question and Answer #50 of OSHA's compliance directive CPL 2-1. 29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). The maximum and minimum cross-sectional dimension should be 2. • General Industry — 29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart D (1910. A minimum radius of 0. 29 (b) (1) The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. Specifically, the following sections are the most relevant to handrail and stair rail requirements. Stair Rails and Handrails. You will still be OSHA compliant without safety harnesses if the guardrail is adequate, but we recommend using them when: The scissor lift work platform is higher than six feet; wearing a harness is part of the scissor lift manufacturer’s instructions; and. A strength to withstand at least the minimum requirement of 200 pounds top rail pressure (§1910. TO: ALL AREA DIRECTORS Paragraph 1926. There are 29 OSHA-approved State Plans operating state-wide occupational safety and health programs. 25 inches. OSHA standards set minimum safety and health requirements; they do not prohibit employers from adopting more stringent requirements. 2. 30″ to 38″. Particular industries require certain specifications on safety railing systems. 1910. Mesh or screen in-fill panels need to extend from the surface to the uppermost rail. NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF REAL ESTATE U. Scope . Spiral stairs must meet the vertical clearance requirements. A guardrail consists of a top rail 42” + or – 3” no less than 39”, mid rail at 21” and toe board 3. Answer. 451(g). 502(b)(9) states that top rails and mid rails must have a thickness or nominal diameter of at least ¼ of an inch to. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm). 10. OSHA scaffolding standards are at 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1926. 503(a) and (c). 1(2) of O. Guardrail systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions: – 1926. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. 29 (b) (3) requires that g uardrail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200. Railing height from tread surface at the riser face shall be 33±3 inches (83. 1910. However, OSHA 1910. These letters provide guidance to clarify the application of an established OSHA standard, policy, or. Standard Interpretations are letters or memos written in response to public inquiries or field office inquiries regarding how some aspect of or terminology in an OSHA standard or regulation is to be interpreted and enforced by the Agency. 451 (d) (10) requires guardrails to be constructed as follows: Guardrails made of lumber, not less than 2x4 inches (or other material providing equivalent protection), and approximately 42 inches high, with a. Based on the information that you have provided, a maximum opening of four inches between the two guardrails would ensure compliance with 29 CFR 1910. A guardrail consists of a top rail 42” + or – 3” no less than 39”, mid rail at 21” and toe board 3. 502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29 CFR. Curbs or bull rails installed after October 3, 1983, shall be at least 10 inches (25. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), as long as the guardrail system meets all other criteria. Last updated: Tuesday,. The difference in grade level on either side of the wall is in excess of 4 feet; and. 23. 450(b), as well as the requirements of §1926. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Objects which have fallen into the safety net, such as scrap pieces, equipment, and tools, must be removed as soon as possible from the net and at least before the next work shift. 454. 502(b)(6) requires that guardrail components have smooth surfaces to prevent snagging of clothing and injuries from lacerations and punctures. (1. 26 (b) (1) Dockboards put into initial service on or after January 17, 2017 are designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent transfer vehicles from running off the dockboard edge; 1910. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), as long as the guardrail system meets all other criteria. Using these definitions, therefore, OSHA concludes that a skylight should be regarded as a hatchway, i. The area shall be of a size to accommodate not less than 5 square feet (0. Handrails must be placed between 34″ and 38″ in height, measuring from the nosing of the stair. Here is a summary to make it easy for you: The top rail must be 42 inches in height, give or take 3 inches. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. 5" tall, with no more than a 1/4" gap at the bottom. Minimum 6′-8″ headroom height clearance for stairway. Finally, remember handrails must be between 30 and 38 inches as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread. 1917. Stair railing height requirements are derived from handrail code—a model building code that communities can adopt and adapt as needed. ----- OSHA also drew many provisions in the final rule from national consensus standards, including ANSI/ASSE A1264. The area shall be permanently maintained and identified as a safe dispersal area. 71(j) (1) and (2). 4, and the lowest, a safety net that meets the requirements of section 26. 1053 (a) (4) (i) The minimum clear distance between the sides of individual-rung/step ladders and the minimum clear distance between the side rails of other fixed ladders shall be 16 inches (41 cm). CDOT’s guardrail standards are defined in: • Standard Plan . 5” high. In some cases and places, however, that is not possible. To meet OSHA’s guardrail height requirements, the top rail needs to be 42 inches plus or minus 3 inches above the walking-working surface. The fall protection requirements for residential construction are set out in Subpart M at 29 CFR 1926. the system meets the guardrail. Department of Labor, OSHA, Office of Construction Standards and Guidance. . The criteria and practices requirements for guardrail systems on scaffolds are contained in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L. 3) the top must not fail and may deflect to a point no lower than 39 inches above the floor when a 200 pound load is imposed on it in a downward or outward. 5-1982 - American National Standard for Ladders - Portable Reinforced Plastic -. Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 1926. 502(b), and the other end of your control line is attached to a guardrail system or wall, then your control line would comply with the requirements in. This provides a safe environment and avoids. OSHA’s proposal focuses on two sets of situations: Correcting rail requirements for stairways narrower than 44 inches, and with 2 open sides, by inserting words accidentally omitted when the 2017 requirements were published: - from “one stair rail system [on] each open side”. 13(c)] 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. Further information on the standards and practices that address fall hazards can be found at:Additionally, Cal/OSHA requires that the guardrails must be able to withstand a live load force of at least 20 pounds per linear foot applied in a downward or outward direction along the top rail in addition to Federal OSHA requirements. 91-596, encourages states to develop and operate, under OSHA guidance, their own job safety and health plans. Since that time, OSHA has received many questions and requests for interpretation of the requirements for handrails and stair rail systems. and which designates an area in which roofing work may take place without the use of guardrail, body belt, or safety net systems to protect employees in the area. Occupational Safety and Health Standards; Subpart: 1910 Subpart D; Subpart Title: Walking-Working Surfaces; Standard Number: 1910 Subpart D Title:. The safety ledge shall be designed to carry a live load of 100 pounds per square foot. We will now cover some additional areas. 26 (a) Dockboards are capable of supporting the maximum intended load in accordance with § 1910. 1052(c)(6) and 1926. Apart from IBC, OSHA also has minimum strength requirements for guardrails. 501(b)(13), workers engaged in residential construction six (6) feet or more above lower levels must be protected by conventional fall protection (in other words, guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems) or other. According to OSHA: When workers installing solar panels are exposed to fall distances of six feet or more, they need to be. State Plans are required to have standards and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as OSHA's and may have different or more stringent requirements. (a) Stairways shall have handrails or stair railings on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate stair railing for each 88 inches of required. Be sure you have. This threshold differs from 29. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742 Federal Government White House; Benefits. 1-2007, Safety Requirements for Workplace Walking/Working Surfaces and Their Access; Workplace, Floor, Wall and Roof Openings; Stairs and Guardrail Systems; ANSI/ASSE Z359. 28; 1910. Under 29 CFR 1926. They must be installed according to manufacturer’s instructions. Will the Guardrail Meet Loading Dock Railing Requirements? OSHA details the requirements for guardrails in more detail since the 2017 update. So, that height can be anywhere from 39 inches to 45 inches. 2Height. With an extended catch platform preventing employees from falling to the ground, the catch platform would have been the only lower level, and (other than the. Pursuant to §1910. On outside plaza, patio, and garden areas, alternate means of protection are acceptable if the same degree of safety is provided. Handrail Requirements. 13(c)]OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. OSHA has issued a final rule on Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems to better protect workers in general industry from these hazards by updating and clarifying standards and adding. These letters provide guidance to clarify the application of an established OSHA standard, policy, or. S. 1926. Passive fall protection protects many vulnerable areas and provides safety for all people, not just active employees on a job site. a worker leaves the elevated aerial lift work platform. The agency’s standard on walking-working surfaces for general industry (1910 Subpart D) was developed to help prevent dangerous falls from height or slips and trips on the same level (working surface). Stair Rails and Handrails. So, that height can be anywhere from 39 inches to 45 inches. 1431 (b) (2) Exceptions: A personnel platform is not required for hoisting employees: 1926. Opening Limitations: OSHA requires a 21” midrail such that a 19” or larger spherical object cannot pass through the guardrail. Safety Railing and Guardrail Systems. 1926. e. (note that all lumber dimensions are nominal lumber sizes. 1-2007, Safety Requirements for Workplace Walking/Working Surfaces and Their Access; Workplace, Floor, Wall and Roof Openings; Stairs and Guardrail Systems; ANSI/ASSE Z359. Details1. 2. [29 CFR 1926. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. Here is a summary to make it easy for you: The top rail must be 42 inches in height, give or take 3 inches. Federal OSHA: requires a 200 pound point load. The purpose of these guard rails is to prevent falls or unauthorized access to certain areas. 23. A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress shall be located in trench excavations that are 4 feet (1. Guardrail systems used at hoist areas: A removableAmerica's Safest Companies. 1. IRC 2003 1-1/2 inch (38mm) minimum between wall and the handrail. SUMMARY: OSHA is proposing changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify which handrail and stair rail system requirements apply to new stair rail. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Fall Protection. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. The opening between a guardrail and the end structure at the head of a bed shall be no more than 15 inches. Details2. S. Guardrail requirements are covered under OSHA 1910. 26. Addressing OSHA dock safety can be a tricky thing. The top rail should be 42 inches in heightThis letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. 500(d)(1) and 29 CFR 1926. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. (2) If the required width of a ramp or flight of stairs is more than 2 200 mm, one or more intermediate handrails continuous between landings shall be provided, and located. highway safety hardware for all new. Implement safe work practices to reduce the possibility of falls. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. A handrail or grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent to it needs to be free of anything sharp or abrasive. 451(g). The same width maximum goes for any other posts within the guardrail system. Guardrails should be inspected per the manufacturer specifications or a qualified person’s requirements. Handrail height of alternating tread devices and ships ladders, measured above tread nosings, shall be uniform, not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and not more. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Guardrails need to have a minimum breaking strength of 200 lbs. An OSHA-approved state plan must have safety and health requirements at least as effective as those of Federal OSHA and must adopt comparable state they satisfy all of the guardrail requirements. These updated standards finally provided clarification for service pits, specifying that guardrails are not required around service pits less than 10 feet in depth. 1053(a)(11). test requirements (such as ANSI/SIA A92. 28 includes unprotected sides and edges. Response: Pursuant to §1910. A stair rail or stair guard is a safety railing or barrier located along the open side(s) of a stairway. Guardrail systems. 29(b)), and contain. 1915. Though the terms guardrails and handrails are often used interchangeably, they are different structures both in use and requirements. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. 8 m) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems,. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Falls from heights and on the same level (a working surface) are among the leading causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths. A guardrail is shown by the red arrows in our photo at left. Employee Work Areas Common use circulation paths must be accessible in work areas 1,000 sq. There are separate standards set by OSHA for General Industry and Construction. In addition, if the guardrail has intermediate vertical members (uprights between the top and bottom rails), the gaps should be no more than 19 inches (see 1910. 1 m), whichever is less. (1910. Do the OSHA Construction standards apply to me? The standards apply to: All contractors who enter into contracts which are for construction, alteration, and/or repair, including painting and decorating. All top rails and midrails need to be at least 0. 6 - Incorporation by reference. The guidelines for these aspects of mezzanine railing include: In-fill mid-rails or panels need to be installed to keep the opening from being more than 19 inches. Further, OSHA standard 1910. 1915. IBC 2003 Clear space between a handrail and a wall or other surface shall be a minimum of 1. Prevent water from pooling and damaging your roof by using a lightweight PVC counterweight to give your team all the protection they. Safety nets . Your Guardrail Compliance Checklist. Top rail and midrail dimensions: Must be at least 0. 29 (b) (1): The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, is 107. 5 inches (9 cm) as measured from the top edge of the toeboard to the level of the. According to OSHA’s construction fall protection standard ( 29 CFR 1926. OSHA is requesting updates to the handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard, according to a press release. The guardrail would then have to meet the requirements in §1926. OSHA regulations are pretty straightforward: “Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1. Guard rail, guardrails, or protective guarding, [1] in general, are a boundary feature and may be a means to prevent or deter access to dangerous or off-limits areas while allowing light and visibility in a greater way than a fence. If a guardrail or physical barrier or engineered solution is not possible, the employer must use the highest ranked method of fall protection as per section 26. 3 OSHA standards permit fall arrest systems to be anchored to scissor lifts as long as the anchorage requirements in §1926. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. 29 (b) (1) The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. OSHA Requirements. OSHA Guidance for Operating Lift Trucks on Ramps and Grades. The employer must ensure: 1910. 29(b). Note that the requirements for top rail height of guardrails on supported scaffolds have been changed from 36 to 45 inches to between 38 to 45 inches. Only stand on the work platform; never stand on the guardrails. Where the guardrail requirements of subsections (a) and (b) are impracticable due to machinery requirements or work. Field Information Memorandum #75-40, June 2, 1975, Subject: Guarding Floor and Wall Openings and Holes - General Industry (copy enclosed) covers situations where. Note that our enforcement. 29(k)(1), the new toeboard requirement needs to be at least 3. they satisfy all of the guardrail requirements. 112 (a) (1) Vehicle curbs, bull rails, or other effective barriers at least six inches (15. Must Withstand 200 Pounds. 1926. 29(g)(4)), have an acceptable guardrail system (29 CFR § 1910. C. The OSHA catwalk handrail requirements are found in OSHA sections 1910. A guardrail system also provides a safety barrier for other internal and external exposure spots of a building or site. Requirements for suspension scaffold fall protection systems are contained in § 1910. GPO Source: e-CFR. If you have an edge that does not pose this risk, you should be OK with standard railing without toeboard. However, guard rail’s role in protecting the loading dock area extends. This is the first OSHA requirement to be aware of. 28 and 1910. Sets forth safety requirements for areas where danger exists of persons or objects falling through floor or. According to OSHA, the top edge height of top rails (or equivalent guardrail system members) must be 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. 23 (e) (3) (iii), installations, posts and top and intermediate rails are to be of 2-inch by 2-inch by 3/8-inch angles or other metal shapes of equivalent bending strength with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers. Federal OSHA: requires a maximum single rail length of 10 feet. 23). The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. 46 m 2) for each person. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. 502 1926. Scaffolding. 502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29 CFR. When a forklift truck is used for lifting personnel on a secured safety platform with a guardrail to. 73 (d) When employees are exposed to unguarded edges of decks, platforms, flats, and similar flat surfaces, more than 5 feet above a solid surface, the edges shall be guarded by adequate guardrails meeting the requirements of § 1915. §3214. (4) If a doorway is located at a landing, then the. Guardrail Basics: What You Need to Know | EHS Today America's Safest Companies OSHA’s fall protection and guardrail requirements along with the International Building Code (IBC) are. The following definitions apply in this subpart: Alternating tread-type stair means a type of. S. A guardrail is a safety railing or barrier located along a horizontal surface such as a balcony, deck, or porch. 1052(c)(7) Dear Mr. 25 inches in diameter or 0. State Plan Standards. Any working surface 4 feet or higher must be protected with guardrails on all sides at least 42" tall and have to withstand 200 pounds of force. This is a summary of the requirements from Oregon OSHA’s general industry, walking-working surfaces rules . The top edge of the guardrail should be 42 inches above the walking/working surface. Department of Labor. 500 (f) (l) (vi) provides for the utilization of types, sizes and arrangements of railing construction provided they meet the conditions established in sub-paragraph a thru d. The top rail position and maximum single rail length requirements are easier to meet. Apart from IBC, OSHA also has minimum strength requirements for guardrails. Use of personnel platform. In addition, the Act’s Section 5(a)(1), the General Duty Clause, requires employers to provide their workers with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death Training Requirements and Resources ; Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards) Find a Trainer ; Replace a Card ; Avoid Card Fraud ; OSHA Training Institute Education Centers ; Find a Center ; Search for Classes ; Susan Harwood Training Grants ; NEWS Back For instance, OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910. If the employer chooses to use a guardrail system, he must comply with the following provisions: Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, must be between 39 and 45 inches above the. Minimum 6′-8″ headroom height clearance for stairway. With both standards, OSHA deems guardrail compliant under the following conditions: Vertical height of 42 inches. Panels made of materials conforming to the requirements in Table. 4. The guardrails need to include a mid rail halfway between the top rail and the ground, at around the 21" mark for a standard height rail. Training and qualification of watchmen/[email protected] (a) (1) Danger zones at or adjacent to conveyors shall be guarded to protect employees. Conveyor systems shall be equipped with an audible warning signal to be sounded immediately before starting up the conveyor. 23(e)(2) A stair railing shall be of construction similar to a standard railing, but the vertical height shall be not more than 34 inches nor less than 30 inches from an upper surface of top rail to the surface of tread in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread. Order safety netting for railings, open-sided floors, roofs and more today!(c) Stair rails and handrails. 502(b)(3) requires railing systems meet a 200 pound concentrated load test. 355. 5 and A92. Supervise workers to ensure fall protection equipment is used and maintained correctly. The governing requirement for the guarding of ladderway floor openings and platforms is paragraph 1910. 502(d) and the requirements of the scaffold standard are met. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but. 1926. The stairway is over 88 inches in width. Top Rail Requirements. 25 inches in diameter or 0. Wherever guardrail protection is required, the following standards shall be adhered to except that other types and arrangements of guardrail construction will be acceptable where the height, surface and end projection of the top rail complies with the standard specifications and the closure of the vertical area between the top rail and floor, platform,. Wherever guardrail protection is required, the following standards shall be adhered to except that other types and arrangements of guardrail construction will be acceptable where the height, surface and end projection of the top rail complies with the standard specifications and the closure of the vertical area between the top rail and floor, platform,. However, OSHA 1910. Access. 1910. OSHA publishes a final rule. Note that our enforcement. Drop testing for OSHA requirements. Docket S-775 Safety Standards for Steel Erection (proposed January 26, 1988, 53 FR 2048, final rule published January 18, 2001 66 FR 5196). 9 (1) A fixed ladder installed after the day of the coming into force of this section shall be designed, constructed and installed in accordance with the requirements of ANSI Standard A14. 82 cm ±7. 451(a)(1), (a)(6) and (f), if the personal fall protection system were anchored to the scissor lift, the scissor lift would have to be able to. It applies to classrooms with permanent and temporary floor holes and openings greater than 1 inch in its least dimension, floor drains, manholes, hatchways, ladder. Dear. Guardrail requirements are covered under OSHA 1910. All workers reaching more than 10 inches below the level of the walking or working surface on which they are working must be protected by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personalOn November 18, 2016, OSHA published a final rule on Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems) in the Federal Register ( 81 FR 82494 ). 34″ and 42″. Department of Labor. balusters) can be a maximum of 19 inches apart. . At this point, we know that you need a handrail if you have. 2m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by one or more of the following guardrail systems; safety net systems; or. ”. Section 1910. The best case scenario, if a car is careening off the road, would be for that car to come to rest unhindered. Handrail must be continuous. 500-1926. 451(g)(1)(vii)] Employees performing overhand bricklaying operations from a supported scaffold must be protected from falling from all open sides and ends of the scaffold, except at the side next to the wall being laid. Guardrail systems that are not at least 42 inches high can be cited as a technical. Guardrail systems and toeboards. 502 - OSHA's policy regarding the use of scaffolds as fall arrest system anchors. OSHA requires railings on open sides of stairwells and a handrail on at least on the side, preferably the right side descending at 42″ high. Most loading docks are 48-52” tall, but we do see instances of docks a few inches shy of four feet–say 46”. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. 42″ minimum. This is the first OSHA requirement to be aware of. Equivalent means alternative designs, materials, or methods that the employer can demonstrate will provide an equal or greater degree of safety for employees. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Common shapes are flat, rounded edge, and tubular in horizontal railings, whereas tetraform spear-headed or ball. This includes the top of retaining walls over 4 feet in height. The purpose of these guard rails is to prevent falls or unauthorized access to certain areas. 29. Guardrail Requirements vs. In particular, toeboards used for falling object protection are as follows: Toe Board Height Requirements: 29 (k) (1) (ii): “have a vertical minimum height of 3. Guardrails: Handrails: OSHA: Height: . Handrail height, spacing, and incline are all addressed by the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building. Guardrail systems must be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds applied in a downward or outward direction at any point within two inches of the.