The questions and responses to them are as follows: 1) safety railing must be -inch in diameter (a plastic coating could be used to bring the diameter up to -inch). Ship, spiral, and alternating tread-type stairs are not considered standard stairs. Spacing of the posts in between modular guardrail system sections. Connection of top rail to post. OSHA deems any change in elevation of 48 inches or more to be a fall hazard requiring a form of fall protection in walking-working areas. Requirements for perimeter columns and perimeter safety cables in the Steel Erection standard. 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. Minimum tread width 22 IN (56 CM), Minimum Tread Depth 9.5 IN (24 CM), Maximum Riser Height 9.5 IN (24 CM). Toeboard must be added where there is a hazard and continue along the working area that is exposed. Knoxville, Tennessee 37914 When guardrail systems are used at hoist areas, a removable guardrail section, consisting of a top rail and midrail, are placed across the access opening between guardrail sections when employees are not performing hoisting operations. Section 1910.28 establishes the requirements that employers must follow on the use of cages and wells as a means of fall protection. This is what the phrase,Never saddle a dead horse! refers to. Figure D-13 - Combination Handrail and Stair Rail. If we can be of further assistance, please let use know. However that would be contrary to guidance relating to wire rope used for guardrails contained in directives (STD 3-10.3), memoranda and proposed standards (Fall Protection In Construction.) We have paraphrased your question below: 1910.25(e)(4) Have a minimum tread width of 18 inches (46 cm). Yarding Safety (Logging) Yarding is the logging operation that moves felled trees from the slash pile to the landing or storage area prior to transportation. The Corner Post System comes with pre-set cable tie-offs to meet OSHA's required 42" top rail and 21" mid rail heights, but can be adjusted when floor thickness changes. Emergency stop devices (buttons, pull-cords and foot pedals) are covered by IEC 60947-5-5, Low voltage switchgear and controlgear, Part 5-5: Control circuit devices and switching elements Emergency stop device with mechanical latching function. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the Directorate of Construction at (202) 693-2020. Question 2: Although it is not stated anywhere, does 1926.750(b)(1)(iii) require either a midrail or supports (e.g. TO: ALL AREA DIRECTORS Paragraph 1926.500(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. In construction the use of cables or chains to guard door and wall openings is common practice; however, unless these chains or cables are of sufficient size and strength to support the loads which might be imposed, they imply a security which is not present. The U-Bolt of the clip should be applied to the dead end of the wire rope and the saddle on the live end. Question 3: Although it is not stated anywhere, must the wire rope used to comply with 1926.750(b)(1)(iii) (-inch wire rope; or 3/16-inch aircraft wire if you find that to be equivalent) have a maximum permissible deflection of 3-inches in one direction when a load of 200 pounds is applied in any direction at any point? Handrails and stair rail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching or snagging of clothing. By connecting a body harness and lanyard to a shuttle traveling the length of the line, a worker can safely move along a horizontal (or vertical) plane. When guardrail systems are used around holes, they are installed on all unprotected sides or edges of the hole. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. Protection can range anywhere from company policy and warning signs to railings systems. 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. 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. Talk to an Expert RAILINGS open-sided stairs < 44" require 1 stair rail/side; open-sided stairs > 44" require 1 stair rail and 1 separate handrail/side. osha safety cable post spacing; osha safety cable post spacing. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Approximately halfway between this height and the floor, there must be an intermediate rail that can withstand 150 pounds of force. When mobile mechanical equipment is used to perform work that is both temporary and infrequent in a designated area, the employer must ensure the warning line is erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the unprotected side or edge that is parallel to the direction in which the mechanical equipment is operated, and not less than 10 feet (3 m) from the unprotected side or edge that is perpendicular to the direction in which the mechanical equipment is operated. Perimeter columns shall not be erected unless: The standard requires perimeter columns to extend 48 inches above the finished floor "to permit installation of perimeter safety cables prior to erection of the next tier" Since there is no "next tier" once the final tier has been erected, the language of the provision indicates that the requirement does not apply to the final tier's columns. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, and other equivalent intermediate members are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 150 pounds (667 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the intermediate member. The top rail is between 39 inches and 45 inches above the walking surface. Spiral stairs. NFPA 101: Life Safety Code provides requirements that limit the effects of re and related hazards. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. At this point, the controlling contractor inspects and accepts control of the fall protection if it meets the following criteria set forth by OSHA 1926 Subpart M regulations: It is highly recommended anyone who installs or maintains safety cables be trained and authorized. spacing for intermediate rails. Top rails and midrails are at least 0.25-inches (0.6 cm) in diameter or in thickness. All ErectaStep stairs comply with OSHA standard 1910.25 which covers all stairways including standard, spiral, ship, and alternating tread-type stairs. The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: 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. The employer must ensure: Personal fall protection systems. Typically, cable guardrails are erected by ironworkers at the final interior and exterior perimeters of floors upon completion of installing the deck. Standard stairs. Have a minimum height of 2.5 inches (6 cm) when used around vehicle repair, service, or assembly pits. 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. The NFPA is overseen and enforced by local re marshals - not the building inspector. Standard Specifications. James G. Maddux, Director Safety Director Diversified Fall Protection a complete turnkey provider of OSHA compliant horizontal lifeline systems. at intervals not to exceed 8 feet - 1926.451(a)(5))? OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Next, check and use torque wrench to retighten nuts to recommended torque. Standard stairmeans a fixed or permanently installed stairway. OSHA requires railing to be .25-inches (.6 cm) in diameter or thickness. When the employer uses a designated area, the employer must ensure: Employees remain within the designated area while work operations are underway; and. Your Posts Must Be Tall Enough for Your Application Most state and local codes require railing posts to be 36 inches tall for residential applications. In-fill panels or midrails must be installed so that no opening is greater than 19 inches. 1926.500, Guardrails, handrails & guards. Chain shall be not less than 1/4 inch alloy steel. OSHA specifies that red, black and white colors are to be used for danger signs. (3) For structural steel railings: posts, top rails, and intermediate rails shall be at least 2-inch by 2-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) by 3/8-inch (1.1 cm) angles, with posts spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers. Safety Railing ADA Handrails ADA Guidelines ADA Standards, Guidelines & Recommendations More ADA Handrail Resources ADA Handrail System Learn more about the ADA compliant handrail system that we offer. 1910.29(i)(6) Ladder safety systems and their support systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a drop test consisting of an 18-inch (41-cm) drop of a 500-pound (227-kg) weight. Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, or equivalent intermediate members are installed between the walking-working surface and the top edge of the guardrail system as follows when there is not a wall or parapet that is at least 21 inches (53 cm) high: Midrails are installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking-working surface; Screens and mesh extend from the walking-working surface to the top rail and along the entire opening between top rail supports; Intermediate vertical members (such as balusters) are installed no more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart; and. However, fall protection, whether accomplished by guardrails, nets, personal fall arrest systems, etc., is nonetheless required on the roof level at fall heights over 15 feet (with certain exceptions) pursuant to the requirements of 1926.760(a)(1). GENERAL new or replacement ladders 24 H require PFAS or LSS, RUNGS must be uniform and between 10 14 apart; 16 wide, CLEARANCES 30 on climbing side or 24 w/ deflector plate, 7 on back side, 15 from centerline, SAFETY GATE must have a self-closing gate that swings away from ladder, w/top rail and midrail. 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. Figure D-13 - Combination Handrail and Stair Rail. Minimal or No Flagging apply high-visibility duct tape (yellow or orange) to the cable at a minimum of 6 intervals. The employer must ensure each warning line: Has a minimum breaking strength of 200 pounds (0.89 kN); Is installed so its lowest point, including sag, is not less than 34 inches (86 cm) and not more than 39 inches (99 cm) above the walking-working surface; Is supported in such a manner that pulling on one section of the line will not result in slack being taken up in adjacent sections causing the line to fall below the limits specified in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section; Is clearly visible from a distance of 25 feet (7.6 m) away, and anywhere within the designated area; Is erected as close to the work area as the task permits; and. In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure ship stairs (see Figure D-9 of this section): Are installed at a slope of 50 to 70 degrees from the horizontal; Have open risers with a vertical rise between tread surfaces of 6.5 to 12 inches (17 to 30 cm); 1910.25(e)(3) Have minimum tread depth of 4 inches (10 cm); and. Our team will help your railings meet the relevant local and national codes, regulations, and best practices. 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. Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats are spaced not less than, (25 cm) and not more than 14 inches (36 cm) apart, as measured between the centerlines of the rungs, cleats, and steps, Have a minimum width of 22 inches (56 cm) between vertical barriers. The standard reads as follows: The questions and responses to them are as follows: OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. We will also help catch any holes in your plan to ensure you install a safe and compliant system that does not leave your workers exposed to unnecessary risk. Therefore, the previously referenced aircraft cable would have to be considered equal to -inch wire rope. If the items are piled higher than the midrail, the employer also must install paneling or screening to the top rail and for a length that is sufficient to protect employees below; and. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. 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. Laddermeans a device with rungs, steps, or cleats used to gain access to a different elevation. Ensure each fall protection system and falling object protection, other than personal fall protection systems, that this part requires meets the requirements in this section. Here is everything you need to know about the key differences. Handrails and the top rails of stair rail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in any downward or outward direction within 2 inches (5 cm) of any point along the top edge of the rail. Diamond Tool and Fasteners, Inc. One stair rail system with handrail on open side. 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). Assuming the reliability of the statements made regarding the guardrail system and when installed as indicated in the photograph you provided, it appears that the 6" spacing of posts in between sections of the freestanding modular guardrail system does not violate an OSHA standard. These toeboards shall be secured in place as required by the Standards. Ladder Access Inadequate provide a gap with a gate between posts where employees can easily climb on/off ladders or offset the opening so employees cannot walk directly through the gap. General Industry Safety Orders Group 1. 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. All Rights Reserved. Safety cable guardrails can provide OSHA compliant fall protection for employees on a construction project. As part of the floor turnover process for a steel or concrete building, controlling contractors often times direct the contractor who installed the system to leave the perimeter cables in place until the fall exposure is removed by setting windows or curtain wall. ], Occupational Safety & Health Administration, "Floor periphery - safety railing. The employer is responsible for employee safety on fixed stairways such as roof access stairs,crossover stairs,loading dock stairs,in-plant office stairsare all common workplace stairs. Guardrail height must be between 39 inches and 45 inches. One stair rail system with handrail on each open side and one intermediate handrail located in the middle of the stair. Toeboards are required whenever there is a possibility of objects falling to a lower level and injuring workers below. Although they can provide adequate protection at perimeter edges, they often have issues with the way they are installed. (2) The wire rope shall be free of sharp edges, burrs, or projections which may be a hazard. for Federal/State Programs. Top railing height must be 39 inches and 45 inches above the walking-working surface. Commonwealth of Virginia The top rail of the stair rail system meets the other handrail requirements in paragraph (f) of this section. If constructed of structural metal, the top . System Not Properly Terminated common issues include wire rope clips installed backwards, not enough wire rope clips, and the cables are improperly spliced. (Note: This product is seeing extensive use in Northern Virginia). 1910.25(f) Alternating tread-type stairs. 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. August 26, 2003 OSHA has a requirement that hand rails, posts, and top and intermediate rails shall be at least 1-1/2 inch nominal diameter, with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers. With OSHA standard 1910.25 which covers all stairways including standard, spiral, alternating. Enforced by local re marshals - not the building inspector 2 ) the wire rope approximately between... Stairs are not considered standard stairs for employees on a Construction project secured place. Unprotected sides or edges of the posts in between modular guardrail system sections wells as a means of fall.... 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