Guardrail Safety

Reprinted from nahb.org

Nearly all construction sites have unprotected sides and edges, wall openings or floor holes at some point, which pose a hazard to the workers moving around the jobsite. These openings and sides MUST be protected with guardrails or covers.

Safe Work Practices:

• Guardrails must always be installed around openings in floors, and across openings of walls and windows greater than 18", when the work area is 6 ft. or more above a lower level.
• For window openings with a 6 ft. fall hazard, guardrails must be installed if the bottom sill height is less than 39".
• A complete guardrail system consists of: 1) a top rail; 2) a midrail; and 3) a toeboard.
• Install top rails at 42" high, with midrails placed halfway between the top of the guardrail top rail and the floor or walking/working surface.
• Install toeboards a minimum of 4" along the edge of the walking or working surface to protect from falling debris and objects, such as tools or materials.
• Any stairway with four or more risers or a height of more than 30" must be protected by a guardrail system, also known as stair rails.
• Any 2" or greater opening in the floor must be protected and covered.