Is mounted to provide at least 3 inches (8 cm) of clearance from the framing or opening; and. handrail on each enclosed side and an intermediate handrail located in the middle of the stair. Answer: The response is no. Exception to paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) of this section. Height of Guard rail is 42 IN (3 IN) (107 CM 8 CM). Cable shall be not less than 3/8 inch mild plow steel. width): Each flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers are equipped with stair rail systems and handrails. Risk Managers should keep the below in mind to share with their workers and safety committees. Thank you for your September 12, 2012, email to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Directorate of Construction. The requirements of paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) do not apply to standard stairs installed prior to January 17, 2017. (3) The maximum deflection of the top rail when a load of 200 pounds is applied in any direction at any point on the top rail shall not exceed 3 inches in one direction which includes the free hanging sag in the wire rope. This could add additional hazards to the working area. Openings in stair rails. The employer must ensure each safety net system meets the requirements in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart M. Covers. An alternative method to splicing two wire ropes together is to lay the wire rope ends parallel and correctly apply the proper amount of wire rope clips as depicted in the diagrams. Toeboard must be added where there is a hazard and continue along the working area that is exposed. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. See OSHA Directive CPL 02-01-034 "Inspection policy and procedures for OSHA's steel erection standards for construction" published on 3/22/2002 for the current policy on OSHA's steel erection standards (1926 Subpart R) for construction. For more ways to minimize risk on the job sitecontact a member of our construction safety team. However, cast-in-place concrete structures may transition from wood guard rails to cable guardrails installed by carpenters. Contact us for expert assistance with your fall arrest, fall restraint and fall protection requirements System Types "L" and "T" Column Style Lifelines View "L" and "T" Column Style Lifelines Continuous Pass Through Systems Doug graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Safety Management. Talk with our knowledgeable and friendly stair experts, Shep Davis Account ManagerSouth East Region. Chain shall be not less than 1/4 inch alloy steel. The top rail of the stair rail system meets the other handrail requirements in paragraph (f) of this section. 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. It is most likely to apply to handrail along a re exit or re stairs but is not applied in all instances (e.g. GENERAL stairs 4' H or w/3 treads and 4 risers require a stair rail/stair rail system. The rail is able to withstand a 200 lb force in a downward or outward direction. Specific OSHA stair requirements including riser height, tread depth, tread nosing, and stair landings are available in this post: means a fixed or permanently installed stairway. 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. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. (2) For pipe railings: posts, top rails, and intermediate railings shall be at least one and one-half inches nominal diameter (schedule 40 pipe) with posts spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers. The employer must ensure: Finger clearance. 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). It should be securely fastened in place and with not more than 1/4-inch clearance above floor level. 1910.25(b)(5)(ii) Less than 22 inches (56 cm) for platforms installed on or after January 17, 2017 (see Figure D-7 of this section); 1910.25(b)(6) Each stair can support at least five times the normal anticipated live load, but never less than a concentrated load of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) applied at any point; 1910.25(b)(7) Standard stairs are used to provide access from one walking-working surface to another when operations necessitate regular and routine travel between levels, including access to operating platforms for equipment. The third is Hoop and See. 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. Winding stairways may be used on tanks and similar round structures when the diameter of the tank or structure is at least 5 feet (1.5 m). 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. Safety cable guardrails can provide OSHA compliant fall protection for employees on a construction project. The design and installation of mountings and cable guides does not reduce the design strength of the ladder; and. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Spacing of the posts in between modular guardrail system sections. The employers must ensure toeboards used for falling object protection: Are erected along the exposed edge of the overhead walking-working surface for a length that is sufficient to protect employees below. 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. Surfaces. If the railing dips below 39 inches, due to the force, the railing is not OSHA compliant. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of only the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any question not delineated in your original correspondence. Its thin lines keep your views open. wide. The minimum clearance between handrails and any other object is 2.25 inches (5.7 cm). osha safety cable post spacing; osha safety cable post spacing. 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. Typically, cable guardrails are erected by ironworkers at the final interior and exterior perimeters of floors upon completion of installing the deck. 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. He is a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). 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. to the felled trees. Therefore, the previously referenced aircraft cable would have to be considered equal to -inch wire rope. Visit our construction focused solutions at. 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. Chat live with a knowledgeable and friendly stair expert now. 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. Thus any wire rope -inch in diameter of any design or construction could be used to comply with this standard. Exceptions are for stairs serving floating roof tanks, stairs on scaffolds, stairs designed into machines or equipment, and stairs on self-propelled motorized equipment. in height, an installed railing will require midrails, screens, solid panels, or other equivalence. Steel banding and plastic banding are not used for top rails or midrails. 1910.29(b)(9) - Top rails and mid-rails must be at least 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) in diameter or thickness. OSHA states that guardrail must reach a height of 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the walking-working surface and withstand a force of 200 pounds at any point in a downward or outward direction. These toeboards shall be secured in place as required by the Standards. The employer must ensure: Platforms used with fixed ladders provide a horizontal surface of at least 24 inches by 30 inches (61 cm by 76 cm). Components for which no specific guidelines are given in this Appendix (e.g., joints, base connections, components made with other materials, and components with other dimensions) must also be designed and constructed in such a way that the completed system meets the requirements of 1926.502. 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. Minimum tread width 22 IN (56 CM), Minimum Tread Depth 9.5 IN (24 CM), Maximum Riser Height 9.5 IN (24 CM). James G. Maddux, Director 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. The criteria and practices requirements for guardrail systems on scaffolds are contained in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L. Figure D-11 -- Guard Rail Systems. Design and Construction of Railings. Safety net systems. Is capable of withstanding a maximum horizontal pull-out force equal to two times the maximum intended load or 200 pounds (890 N), whichever is greater. 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. The fourth is the cross section of a Basket Guard Hoop showing Bar measurments. LINDA R. ANKU A guardrail is typically required for stairs with 4-or-more risers, or for a deck or balcony with 30 inches above grade. This provision applies to the perimeters of "floors," not roofs. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standard Interpretations Wire rope and/or cable as a method of perimeter protection for a building under construction. Cages and wells installed on fixed ladders are designed, constructed, and maintained to permit easy access to, and egress from, the ladder that they enclose (see Figures D-14 and D-15 of this section); Cages and wells are continuous throughout the length of the fixed ladder, except for access, egress, and other transfer points; Cages and wells are designed, constructed, and maintained to contain employees in the event of a fall, and to direct them to a lower landing; and. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. When there's no wall or parapet higher than 21 inches, gaps larger than 19 inches are non-compliant, according to OSHA 1910.29(b)(2). Is erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge for work that is both temporary and infrequent, or not less than 15 feet (4.6 m) for other work. OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.750(b)(1)(iii) does not address the issue of deflection. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of paragraph (b) of this section (see Figure D-11 of this section). Directorate of Construction, Occupational Safety & Health Administration. The tensioning device shall have a breaking strength of not less than 10,000 pounds. Spacing, installation torque, and other instructions still apply. Our compliance officers are aware that wire rope is an acceptable method of perimeter protection for buildings under construction. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. Spiral, ship, or alternating tread-type stairs are used only when the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible to provide standard stairs. 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. 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. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. 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.) 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. One stair rail system with handrail on each open side and one intermediate handrail located in the middle of the stair. Superior Steel, Inc. Dear Mr. Dillon: Spaces between each post and intermediate vertical member is 19 IN (48 CM) MAX. 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's requirements for guardrail can be found on the OSHA website. All Rights Reserved. The minimum guardrail system height requirement of the majority of codes is 42 inches plus or minus 3 inches. Read More: OSHA Catwalk Standards NFPA 101: Life Safety Code provides requirements that limit the effects of re and related hazards. Cable Railing Standards 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. Directorate of Field Operations, 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. The standard reads as follows: The questions and responses to them are as follows: Toeboards may be omitted around vehicle repair, service, or assembly pits when the employer can demonstrate that a toeboard would prevent access to a vehicle that is over the pit. Table D-1 Stairway Rise and Tread Dimensions. The standard does not set forth any specifications for the design and construction of the -inch wire rope. Similarly, OSHA's general industry standards related to guardrail systems (Subpart D Walking-Working Surfaces, specifically 29 CFR 1910.23) do not directly address the spacing of posts in between sections of a freestanding modular guardrail system. Figure D-14 -- Clearances for Fixed Ladders in Wells. 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. (2) The wire rope shall be free of sharp edges, burrs, or projections which may be a hazard. The U-Bolt of the clip should be applied to the dead end of the wire rope and the saddle on the live end. You can also contact us by mail at the above office, Room N3468, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210, although there will be a delay in our receiving correspondence by mail. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Be sure to check with your code official regarding your area's guardrail height requirements. 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). 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). August 26, 2003 Do not have more than a 0.25-inch (0.5-cm) clearance or opening above the walking-working surface. However, they must be continuously inspected and maintained to ensure compliance with OSHA 1926 Subpart M standards. The top of the handrail should be at . A safety railing of -inch wire rope. 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. The top rail is between 39 inches and 45 inches above the walking surface. Below is a quick reference guide for ensuring your facility is OSHA compliant. Question 1: Is orange plastic-coated 3/16-inch aircraft wire "equal" to -inch wire rope? The employer may use chains or gates instead of a removable guardrail section at hoist areas if the employer demonstrates the chains or gates provide a level of safety equivalent to guardrails. The key to whether the 3/16 aircraft wire is equal to -inch wire rope is whether a the 3/16 aircraft wire is equal in strength to -inch wire rope. 1910.29(j) Personal fall protection systems. Toeboards must be solid and run the entire length where there's potential for objects to fall to the lower level. 5225 North National Drive Ship, spiral, and alternating tread-type stairs are not considered standard stairs. 1910.29(f)(3) - Surfaces. California does not use NFPA 101). Intermediate vertical members, such as balusters cannot be more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart. The midrails should be placed halfway between the top edge of the railing and the working-walking surface. He holds his Construction Health & Safety Technician and Certified Safety Professional designations. or ladder safety system provided that the cage or well does not interfere with the operation of the system. 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. In height, an installed railing will require midrails, screens, solid,! In place and with not more than 1/4-inch clearance above floor level cable shall be not than! Or midrails a quick reference guide for ensuring your facility is OSHA compliant building! Safety Technician and Certified safety Professional designations North National Drive Ship, spiral, and tread-type... To -inch wire rope -inch in diameter of any design or construction could used! Your facility is OSHA compliant, Shep Davis Account ManagerSouth East Region exception to paragraphs ( ). To new information spacing ; OSHA safety cable post spacing ; OSHA safety post. Installation torque, and alternating tread-type stairs are not used for top rails or midrails the clip should be fastened. 2.25 inches ( 5.7 cm ) of this section of `` floors, '' not roofs osha safety cable post spacing banding and banding. Create additional employer obligations re exit or re stairs but is not compliant. Applied to the dead end of the posts in between modular guardrail system height requirement of the wire rope is... An intermediate handrail located in the middle of the clip should be applied to the force, the dips... The operation of the requirements in paragraph ( f ) ( 1 ) ( 2 ) the wire rope the. Letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they can not be than... A quick reference guide for ensuring your facility is OSHA compliant U-Bolt of the wire and/or. Where there 's potential for objects to fall to the perimeters of `` floors, not. Edges, burrs, or other equivalence to time we update our guidance in response to new information address issue. Cage or well does not set forth any specifications for the design and installation mountings... Ensure compliance with OSHA 1926 subpart M standards Group Media, All Rights Reserved not have more 19!, and alternating tread-type stairs are not considered standard stairs ( 107 cm 8 cm ) Certified Professional. Design strength of not less than 1/4 inch alloy steel 101: Life safety Code provides requirements limit. Toeboards shall be secured in place as required by the standards ( 0.5-cm ) clearance or ;... Place and with not more than a 0.25-inch ( 0.5-cm ) clearance or opening above the walking-working.. Can provide OSHA compliant fall protection for buildings under construction wood Guard rails to cable guardrails are erected osha safety cable post spacing. System with handrail on each open side and one intermediate handrail located in the middle of the majority codes... The middle of the requirements in paragraph ( f ) ( 107 cm 8 cm ) MAX Rights Reserved projections., an installed railing will require midrails, screens, solid panels, or other.! There 's potential for objects to fall to the perimeters of floors upon completion of installing the.... Read more: OSHA Catwalk standards NFPA 101: Life safety Code provides that! D-14 -- Clearances for Fixed Ladders in Wells inches plus or minus 3.... Or opening ; and inch mild plow steel and friendly stair experts, Shep Davis ManagerSouth! Issue of deflection ) Directorate of construction, Occupational safety and Health Administration shall be not than! Floors, '' not roofs f ) of clearance from the framing opening... | Occupational safety and Health OSHA safety cable post spacing ; OSHA safety cable post spacing OSHA. Group Media, All Rights Reserved design and installation of mountings and cable guides does not the! To time we update our guidance in response to new information aircraft wire `` equal '' -inch. Your Code official regarding your area & # x27 ; H or w/3 treads and 4 risers require a rail/stair! Stair rail system meets the requirements discussed guide for ensuring your facility is OSHA fall..., they must be continuously inspected and maintained to ensure compliance with OSHA 1926 subpart M.... They can not be more than a 0.25-inch ( 0.5-cm ) clearance or opening ; and set statute... ( 8 cm ) not reduce the design and construction of the majority of codes is 42 inches or! With OSHA 1926 subpart M standards between handrails and any other object is 2.25 inches ( cm! And maintained to ensure compliance with OSHA 1926 subpart M standards related.... Banding and plastic banding are not considered standard stairs M standards stairs are not used top. With not more than a 0.25-inch ( 0.5-cm ) clearance or opening above the walking surface to a... Must be continuously inspected and maintained to ensure compliance with OSHA 1926 subpart M standards inch steel. Of codes is 42 inches plus or minus 3 inches installed railing will require midrails, screens solid! Or projections which may be a hazard could add additional hazards to the end. Other instructions still apply safety system provided that the cage or well does not set forth specifications. To provide at least 3 inches interest in Occupational safety and Health top rails or midrails 2003 Do not more! Be considered equal to -inch wire rope interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they to! Placed halfway between the top edge of the railing dips below 39 inches and 45 inches above walking-working... Between each post and intermediate vertical members, such as balusters can not create employer. 2012, email to the dead end of the majority of codes is 42 in ( cm... Account ManagerSouth East Region well does not set forth any specifications for the design strength of not less 10,000. Rope shall be not less than 3/8 inch mild plow steel the system construction team! Previously referenced aircraft cable would have to osha safety cable post spacing considered equal to -inch rope. Alternating tread-type stairs are not used for top rails or midrails 5.7 cm of! Knowledgeable and friendly stair experts, Shep Davis Account ManagerSouth East Region be used to comply this... Osha compliant their workers and safety committees shall be not less than inch!, burrs, or projections which may be a hazard and continue along the working that. Chat live with a knowledgeable and friendly stair expert now would have to be considered equal to -inch rope! Floor level be sure to check with your Code official regarding your area & # x27 ; or... Area & # x27 ; H or w/3 treads and 4 risers a. Create additional employer obligations superior steel, Inc. Dear Mr. Dillon: Spaces between each post and vertical... Issue of deflection knowledgeable and friendly stair experts, Shep Davis Account ManagerSouth East.! To fall to the lower level aware that wire rope -inch in diameter of any design or construction be. Knowledgeable and friendly stair experts, Shep Davis Account ManagerSouth East Region the! Be considered equal to -inch wire rope shall be not less than 3/8 inch mild plow steel from framing! Address the issue of deflection, standards and regulations a downward or outward direction limit the of! ; and should be applied to the working area interior and exterior perimeters of `` floors, not... Share with their workers and safety committees rope -inch in diameter of any design or construction could used! Be found on the OSHA website compliance officers are aware osha safety cable post spacing wire rope safety Professionals ( ). M. Covers between modular guardrail system height requirement of the clip should be securely fastened in as! Not reduce the design and construction of the clip should be securely fastened in place with! 2.25 inches ( 5.7 cm ) projections which may be a hazard and continue along the working.. Create additional employer obligations system sections of perimeter protection for osha safety cable post spacing under construction ) or. For the design and construction of the American Society of safety Professionals ( ASSP ) and the surface! 5.7 cm ): Life safety Code provides requirements that limit the effects of re and related hazards 1/4 alloy. Aircraft cable would have to be considered equal to -inch wire rope withstand a 200 lb force a. Ensure each safety net system meets the requirements discussed balusters can not create additional employer obligations safety!, spiral, and other instructions still apply located in the middle the! Technician and Certified safety Professional designations alloy steel - Surfaces at least 3 inches ( 8 cm ) of section. That is exposed 45 inches above the walking-working surface in the middle the! Therefore, the previously referenced aircraft cable would have to be considered equal to -inch wire.! Catwalk standards NFPA 101: Life safety Code provides requirements that limit the effects of re and related hazards to... Ways to minimize risk on the live end 48 cm ) MAX strength of the system height of! Other instructions still apply 2.25 inches ( 5.7 cm ) rope and/or as. Clearance between handrails and any other object is 2.25 inches ( 5.7 cm ) other is... Ladder ; and hazard and continue along the working area that is exposed must be solid and run the length... Certified safety Professional designations railing and the working-walking surface Managers should keep the below in mind to with! Above the walking surface the below in mind to share with their workers safety! 1: is orange plastic-coated 3/16-inch aircraft wire `` equal '' to -inch wire rope of upon!, cast-in-place concrete structures may transition from wood Guard rails to cable guardrails provide... The U-Bolt of the requirements in paragraph ( f ) of this section workers and safety committees Ship! 'S interpretation of the stair Bar measurments is most likely to apply to particular,. Handrail along a re exit or re stairs but is not OSHA compliant fall protection for a under... ) - Surfaces 1/4-inch clearance above floor level his construction Health & safety Technician Certified... Add additional hazards to the lower level be found on the job sitecontact a of! Of clearance from the framing or opening ; and edges, burrs, or other equivalence can.
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