![]() OSHA has a similar stipulation in its documentation regarding guardrail minimum strength requirements. This helps certify that the guardrail is strong enough to be a safe barrier between a person and a steep drop that could cause injury or death. In addition, guardrails must be able to withstand at least 200 lbs. ![]() ![]() The IBC indicates that guardrails must be able to handle at least 50 lbs. If the guardrail isn’t up to the standard for structural load capacity, it could fail or break, leaving an individual in a dangerous situation. Structural load refers to the ability of the guardrail to withstand different types of forces and actions that cause stress on its design. The IBC defines a guardrail’s strength by its structural load capacity. The last important component to consider when installing a guardrail system or fall protection setup is the strength of it. Other types of fall protection options that are recommended by OSHA include safety nets, monitoring capabilities or warning systems. If it’s not possible to use guardrails on the building, you can use a personal fall arrest system instead. OSHA doesn’t dictate quality control for guardrails or installation criteria, but it does state that any employee working on the roof of your building must be protected from falling with a quality protection system. For the roof area of your building, the IBC requires a guardrail to be in place, unless there is some other sort of fall protection system installed. Once you are aware of the responsibility you have as either a building owner or a business owner to install guardrails, the next step is to get them properly installed.įor your guardrail to be up to code, it must be at least 42 in. If disaster happens and your lack of oversight causes someone to get hurt, your company potentially could be held liable for a significant amount of money due to lawsuits and medical expenses. This situation also can cause your company to pay more money over time due to fines and more expensive insurance premiums. Then, you’re leaving your company, yourself and the people who work for you vulnerable to dangerous accidents. If your guardrails aren’t installed properly, you may run into trouble meeting either organization’s detailed standards. ![]() Having guardrails in your building for visitors and employees will help you stay in compliance with both the IBC and OSHA, but it’s not enough to simply have a set of guardrails for your building. Problems with Improperly Installed Guardrails difference in a working surface that is lower than the ground level, such as a well or a pit, some sort of railing system is necessary. Additionally, if there is more than 6 ft. higher than the lower level, a guardrail or other fall protection system is required. Whether you’re in the construction industry (1926.501) or your line of work falls more within the “general industry” category (1910.28), it is the employer’s responsibility to provide some sort of protection to workers against falls. OSHA requirements for guardrails are quite stringent. or greater between two upper and lower surfaces. According to the code, guardrails are required when there is a difference of 30 in. Generally, guardrails are required when the building has steps, landings, platforms or accessible roof spaces. The purpose of this equipment is to prevent falls or unauthorized access to certain areas. One of the first things to know about guardrails is when they are required in a building. Here are some things to know about the IBC and OSHA standards for fall protection and guardrails. The primary goal of the standardized code is to help ensure building safety for all occupants and visitors. Standards issued by these organizations are used by each state as well as the federal government when building a new construction or remodeling an existing structure. Likewise, OSHA plays an important role for safety in the United States. By 1997, the International Building Code was published for the first time. The ICC was formed in the 1990s when the building safety community decided to combine several regional groups and standardize building codes for the entire country. That way, any individual – whether it be someone who is visiting or someone who is working inside a business-owned property – will be in a safe environment.ĭeveloped by the International Code Council (ICC), the International Building Code (IBC) is a standard for all builders, contractors, and construction workers to follow for optimal building safety. The key to providing a safe atmosphere within your building is to follow the standards set by both the International Code Council (ICC) and OSHA, whose standards crossover in fall protection and guardrail requirements. Providing safety precautions in both fall protection and guardrails can help workers make sure they’re following all the proper procedures to avoid any potential accidents.
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