l-l989, Safety Requirements for Floor and Wall Openings and (non-residential) Stair and Railing Systems. 28; 1910. A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress shall be located in trench excavations that are 4 feet (1. 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. If you need additional information, please contact us by fax (202-693-1689) at: U. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) ANSI/ASSE A1264. Purpose of a Guardrail . 2. Requirements for suspension scaffold fall protection systems are contained in § 1910. It is important to keep in mind that if a rooftop is as little as 4 feet above. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. So, that height can be anywhere from 39 inches to 45 inches. These scaffolding safety guidelines, which come directly from OSHA standards, are explored in greater depth in the sections below. 5-1982 - American National Standard for Ladders - Portable Reinforced Plastic -. 1910. Paragraph (g)(4)(xiv) requires that guardrail systems using manila, plastic or synthetic rope as rails be inspected by a competent person as frequently as necessary to ensure that the guardrails comply with the performance criteria in final rule §1926. 2Height. 10. 5". Field Information Memorandum #75-40, June 2, 1975, Subject: Guarding Floor and Wall Openings and Holes - General Industry (copy enclosed) covers situations where. 2. 451 (b) (3) (ii) The maximum distance from the face for plastering and lathing operations shall be 18 inches (46 cm). 29 and their roof guardrail requirements, we've identified at least 4 areas of major concern for rooftop safety that would require a safety rail for roof system. C. 71 (j) (1) and (2), unless the nature of the work in progress or the physical conditions prohibit the use. Be sure to check with your code official regarding your area’s guardrail height requirements. 4 cm) in height. The newest OSHA revisions include the following criteria for OSHA 1910. A minimum radius of 0. , guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems) or alternative fall protection measures allowed under 1926. * The CPSC recommends that. 502(b). 1053(a)(11). 451(g). 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. Railings and Guardrails – OSHA handrail requirements 390 | IBC handrail 320 Balusters – OSHA 1910. 502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29 CFR. 451 (a) (5). Compliance requirements for the use of U-bolt-type cable clamps in horizontal lifelines. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm). All top rails and midrails need to be at least 0. 29 – Fall protection systems and falling object protection-criteria and practices. Commercial buildings generally require handrails when stairs have four or more risers, are over 44 inches in height, or are over 88 inches in width. 1926. 7 - Definition and requirements for a nationally recognized testing laboratory. For instance, OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910. 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. 451–1926. Here is a list of important OSHA standards for work platforms that you may not be aware of. "The employer must ensure each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1. 28 and 1910. That being said, there are no requirements for a fall arrest system or ladder safety system for offset fixed ladders 24 feet and under in height so long as the ladder resting platforms at all transitions are of minimum horizontal dimensions (29 CFR § 1910. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 1917. 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. Previous OSHA regulations fell short of addressing many operations in which. 71(j) (1) and (2). Guard Height. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. (ANSI A92. By Philip Colleran. Safety chains hold the ramp in place and the same 8-inch steel curbs guard the sides of the ramp. The fact that residential construction has gone unregulated and unenforced. 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”. This regulation states that, “Guardrail systems. Some areas require taller guardrail. Vertical height of top rail. 503 (a) (1) The employer shall provide a training program for each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards. A guardrail is typically required for stairs with 4-or-more risers, or for a deck or balcony with 30 inches above grade. 451(g)(4). 1926. [29 CFR 1926. Here are OSHA’s requirements for guardrail height: The top of the rail system must be 42 inches (±3 in. 1431 (b) (1) When using equipment to hoist employees, the employees must be in a personnel platform that meets the requirements of paragraph (e) of this section. 500 (f) (1) (vi) provides the specification criteria for a standard railing exception as follows: (vi) Other types, sizes, and arrangements of railing construction are acceptable, provided they meet the following conditions: (a) A smooth-surfaced top rail at a height above floor, platform, runway, or ramp level of approximately 42. 25 inches in diameter or 0. 555 (a) (1) Means for stopping the motor or engine shall be provided at the operator's station. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) ANSI/ASSE A1264. In sum, when a construction employer protects its employees from falls with a guardrail system, that guardrail system must meet the requirements in §1926. 48 (b). These letters provide guidance to clarify the application of an established OSHA standard, policy, or. S. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. There is a 3-inch variance that is allowed in either direction. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. A handrail or grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent to it needs to be free of anything sharp or abrasive. Training and qualification of flagmen. In construction the use of cables or chains to guard door and wall openings is common. 555 (a) (2) If the operator's station is at a remote point. 8-2019 standard). 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. 451 (b) (4) Each end of a platform, unless cleated or otherwise restrained by hooks or equivalent means, shall extend over the centerline of its support at least 6 inches (15 cm). 23(c)(1) states that “e very open-sided floor or platform 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level shall be guarded by a standard railing (or the equivalent as specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this section) on all open sides. 452, . Top rails capable of withstanding 200 pounds of. 500 (f) (1) (vi) provides the specification criteria for a standard railing exception as follows: (vi) Other types, sizes, and arrangements of railing construction are acceptable, provided they meet the following conditions: (a) A smooth-surfaced top rail at a height above floor, platform, runway, or ramp level of approximately. This appendix serves as a non-mandatory guideline to assist employers in complying with these requirements. Here is a summary to make it easy for you: The top rail must be 42 inches in height, give or take 3 inches. Apart from IBC, OSHA also has minimum strength requirements for guardrails. Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable OSHA requirements. 500-1926. The fall protection requirements for residential construction are set out in Subpart M at 29 CFR 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. The retaining wall or retaining wall system is located closer than 2 feet to a walk, path, residential yard, public common area, parking lot or driveway. This subpart applies to all general industry workplaces. 502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29 CFR. 5 and A92. The same width maximum goes for any other posts within the guardrail system. Guardrail systems that are not at least 42 inches high can be cited as a technical violation. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Fall protection consists of either personal fall arrest systems or guardrail systems meeting OSHA requirements. State Plan Standards. OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal protective equipment in November 2016 that updated requirements for slip, trip, and fall hazards. NCHRP Roadside Hardware Replacement Analysis: User Guide. This is a summary of the requirements from Oregon OSHA’s general industry, walking-working surfaces rules . Further, OSHA standard 1910. in any direction per OSHA 1910. That said, even docks coming in under 4 feet should utilize some sort of fall protection. These include: The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system. 1910. 1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal protective equipment in. 502 - OSHA's new fall protection standards for construction will prohibit use of safety belts with side dee rings as part of a personal fall arrest system - 09/25/1995 1926. By strict letter of the law, a 46” dock does not require fall protection under the provisions of OSHA 1910. 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. 501(b)(1), even where there is a permanent guardrail with a 36-inch top rail that, pursuant to STD 01-01-010, is acceptable for. When a forklift truck is used for lifting personnel on a secured safety platform with a guardrail to. 29 (b) (3) requires that g uardrail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200. 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. RE: New OSHA Handrail Requirements cadred (Structural) 19 Jun 17 20:15 It does say you can go to 38" now from the leading edge of the tread to the top surface of the rail if combining the guardrail with handrail (dual purpose). 1910. The standard's definition of a guardrail system is: "a vertical barrier, consisting of, but not limited to, Toprails, midrails , and posts, erected to prevent employees from falling off a. • safety knowledge among workers varies, • manual labor is used extensively, • the climate creates year-round heat stress. Stair treads must sustain a weight of at least. 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,. Handrail Requirements. The section of the OSHA code that specifies most of the primary guardrail and handrails as it directly relates to safety railing is 1910. 1052(c)(6) and 1926. With both standards, OSHA deems guardrail compliant under the following conditions: Vertical height of 42 inches. The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: ( 1) The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107. In some cases and places, however, that is not possible. GUARDRAIL 101. 4. Handrail Height. Addressing OSHA dock safety can be a tricky thing. . BlueWater offers industry-leading, non-penetrating guardrail systems for OSHA-compliant fall protection on flat roof building and elevated platforms. OSHA standard 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. 1 m), whichever is less. 502 (b) (3), (4), and (5). However, OSHA 1910. Guardrail Fall Protection Criteria. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Have handrails that meet the requirements of § 1917. While guardrails and handrails sound similar and perform the same general function — fall protection — the actual definition and code requirements for each differ considerably. 29(f)(1)(ii)(B)) and the handrail must be 30 to. 1. W. 26 (a) Dockboards are capable of supporting the maximum intended load in accordance with § 1910. 451 (a) (5), states that, "Guardrails shall be 2 x 4 inches or the equivalent, approximately 42. 25 (b) (1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. Based on the relevant OSHA standards 1910. 5" tall, with no more than a 1/4" gap at the bottom. Haydl: This is in response to your letter of June 24, 2004 regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for heights for stair rails and handrails and corresponding building code requirements. Handrail Standards Guardrail Handrail standards can be manufacured in tubular or solid materials with varying outside diameters, tube wall thickness, ball sizes, ball types in a multiple of material grades in Mild Steel, StainlessOSHA; Standards; Enforcement; Topics; Media Center; Contact Us; U. In these situations, OSHA believes guardrail systems offer the appropriate level of fall protection and the record supports this conclusion. These updated standards finally provided clarification for service pits, specifying that guardrails are not required around service pits less than 10 feet in depth. The locking device shall be of a type which has no loose parts. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Conveyor systems shall be equipped with an audible warning signal to be sounded immediately before starting up the conveyor. 36″ minimum. 34″ and 42″. 502 (b) (1) Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system. 555 (a) General requirements. 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,. 1926. Paragraph (g)(4)(xiv) requires that guardrail systems using manila, plastic or synthetic rope as rails be inspected by a competent person as frequently as necessary to ensure that the guardrails comply with the performance criteria in final rule §1926. 1926. Railings & Guardrail. 1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. This is the first OSHA requirement to be aware of. 451(g)(4). (1. Use pedestrian walkways, or stay to one side of the equipment aisle. Guardrail systems used at hoist areas: A removable guardrail section, consisting of a top rail and midrail, must be placed across the access opening between guardrail sections when the hoist is not being America's Safest Companies. Our portable guard railing is 42 inches tall. Guardrails: Handrails: OSHA: Height: . 1917. OSHA 1910. Using these definitions, therefore, OSHA concludes that a skylight should be regarded as a hatchway, i. Maximum riser height of 9. Maximum 7-3/4 inch stair riser height. [Note: for this section, the criteria and practices requirements for guardrail systems on scaffolds are contained in 29 CFR part 1926, Subpart L or 29 CFR 1915. 1. The safety ledge shall be designed to carry a live load of 100 pounds per square foot. Load Requirement: It should be to hold a load from a 200-pound weight that is. ( 4) Have a minimum width of 22 inches (56 cm) between vertical. The use of wire ropes as top rails and intermediate rails of guardrail systems used for perimeter. Response: Pursuant to §1910. Presuming your guardrail system meets the requirements of §1926. The stairway is over 88 inches in width. Be aware of the wide rear swing radius. Stair Rails and Handrails. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NWHowever, the guardrail must be strong enough to support 200 pounds of force applied horizontally, which may affect the spacing. 91-596, encourages states to develop and operate, under OSHA guidance, their own job safety and health plans. 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 ). 6. 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. Stair Rails and Handrails. [Docket ID–OSHA–2020–0009] RIN 1218–AD28 Walking-Working Surfaces AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor. Conveyor systems shall be equipped with an audible warning signal to be sounded immediately before starting up the conveyor. [29 CFR 1926. 502(b)(3) requires railing systems meet a 200 pound concentrated load test. A guardrail is a safety railing or barrier located along a horizontal surface such as a balcony, deck, or porch. OSHA standards set minimum safety and health requirements; they do not prohibit employers from adopting more stringent requirements. Most loading docks are 48-52” tall, but we do see instances of docks a few inches shy of four feet–say 46”. 10. The top rails on guardrails must not be built from steel or plastic banding. On outside plaza, patio, and garden areas, alternate means of protection are acceptable if the same degree of safety is provided. As indicated in Question and Answer #50 of OSHA's compliance directive CPL 2-1. Guardrails need to have a minimum breaking strength of 200 lbs. 502(d) and the requirements of the scaffold standard are met. If you choose to use a guardrail system, you must comply with the 10 OSHA provisions listed below. 213/91, the highest being a travel restraint system that meets the requirements of section 26. gov. Mounting guardrail to your existing parapet is a simple and effective way to secure your rooftop. On outside plaza, patio, and garden areas, alternate means of protection are acceptable if the same degree of safety is provided. OSHA Guidance for Operating Lift Trucks on Ramps and Grades. 1-2007, Safety Requirements for Workplace Walking/Working Surfaces and Their Access; Workplace Floor, Wall and Roof Openings; Stairs and Guardrail Systems. This subpart applies to all general industry workplaces. If the railing dips below 39 inches, due to the force, the railing is not OSHA compliant. OSHA; Standards; Enforcement; Topics; Media Center; Contact Us; U. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. 1910. Ref: Scaffold Guardrail height;. 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. 1910. 1910. 355. The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: 1910. 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. 30″ to 38″. Equivalent means alternative designs, materials, or methods that the employer can demonstrate will provide an equal or greater degree of safety for employees. 75(g) Catwalks on stiles of marine railways shall be no less than 20 inches wide and shall have on at least one side a guardrail and midrail meeting the requirements of § 1915. Details1. The material and style of. Maintenance of rooftop solar panels falls under general industry standards. OSHA addresses the fall protection to be provided to employees on self-propelled scissor-lifts through the application of the general duty clause (section 5 (a) (1)) of the OSH Act) because the OSHA standards do not cover such equipment. Standard Number: 1926. Cal/OSHA also requires that the top rail of the guardrail must be installed between 42 and 45 inches above the walking surface with a permissible height tolerance. The only exception is when the employer can. Here are some basic pieces of information to bear in mind when constructing a handrail to comply with OSHA Standards. Maximum riser height of 9. In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure standard stairs: ( 1) Are installed at angles between 30 to 50 degrees from the horizontal; ( 2) Have a maximum riser height of 9. Railing height from tread surface at the riser face shall be 33±3 inches (83. it's vital that your devices meet all the standards set forth by OSHA and that your workers are trained on their proper use. The upper edge of the guardrails shall be no less than 5 inches above the top surface of the mattress. (j) Horizontal lifelines. Be sure you have checked all 10 before work begins on your job-site. 1. Definitions . " 29 CFR 1910. Answer: No, 29 CFR 1926 451(g)(4)(i) requires that guardrail systems be. Federal OSHA: requires a maximum single rail length of 10 feet. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. they satisfy all of the guardrail requirements. Stair railing height requirements are derived from handrail code—a model building code that communities can adopt and adapt as needed. The purpose of these guard rails is to prevent falls or unauthorized access to certain areas. Without safety barriers like guardrails and handrails, anyone working at a height of six feet or more is defenseless against a fall. IBC 2000 1-1/2 inch minimum. The area shall be located on the same lot not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) away from the building requiring egress. That being said, there are no requirements for a fall arrest system or ladder safety system for offset fixed ladders 24 feet and under in height so long as the ladder resting platforms at all transitions are of minimum horizontal dimensions (29 CFR § 1910. 451 (a) (5). The modular system allows for the guardrail to be customized to best fit all the angles and elevations of your rooftop. 25 (b) (2) Vertical clearance above any. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Section 18(b) of The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, P. The following requirements apply to all stairways as indicated: (1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm), whichever is less, shall be equipped with: (A) At least one handrail; and (B) A stair rail consisting of a top rail and mid-rail along each unprotected side or edge. The IBC code for structural design has some very specific requirements for deck stairs: Stair rails on decks should be between 34 inches and 38 inches high, measured vertically from the nose of the tread to the top of the rail. The employer must ensure: 1910. ft. It covers all walking-working surfaces unless specifically excluded by an individual section of this subpart. 451(g)(4), the employer in the situation you describe has the choice of using either a fall arrest system or a guardrail system to protect employees from fall hazards associated with working from a scaffold more than 10 feet above a lower level. 4. 21 - Scope and definitions. These standards, including 29 CFR 1910. Thank you for your inquiry. The following definitions apply in this subpart: Alternating tread-type stair means a type of. 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. Safety Standards for Scaffolds. Maximum 4-1/2 inch handrail projection into stairway width, on either side. 2. Guardrail systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions: 1926. According to OSHA’s construction fall protection standard ( 29 CFR 1926. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 5 of 14 DEFICIENCY 2 – UNIT: HANDRAIL IS NOT SECURE. 502 - OSHA's policy regarding the use of scaffolds as fall arrest system anchors. Reference definitions in 1910. 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. The top rail should be 42 inches in heightThis letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Advanced Notice of Proposed Rules 64:38077-38086, (July 14, 1999). Provides illustrated safety checklists for specific types of scaffolds. [Note: for this section, the criteria and practices requirements for guardrail systems on scaffolds are contained in 29 CFR part 1926, Subpart L or 29 CFR 1915. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. S. 453, and . 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. Per 1926. Cal-OSHA’s 1. S. 29 repeats itself a lot and it can be a little confusing to sort through. OSHA is therefore proposing to clarify that the top rail of stair rail systems installed prior to January 17, 2017, can serve as a handrail if that top rail is 30 to 38 inches in height and meets the other handrail requirements of paragraph (f). OSHA also states that the guardrails must be between 39 and 45 inches tall. In late 2016, OSHA finally published the long awaited updates to its 1910 Fall Protection in General Industry. Re: Guardrail requirements for two point suspension scaffolds Dear Mr. For stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017, the top rail and handrail must be separate. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. The employer must ensure: In addition, OSHA requires that fall protection be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance. Guardrail systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions: – 1926. All guardrail systems must be able to hold at least 200 pounds of pressure pushing out and down on the railing. 23. This checklist covers regulations issued by the U. 1053(a)(1)] Additional Information: 29 CFR 1926 Subpart X, Ladders. 2 cm) in height from the tread surface at the riser face. 760 (c) (3)OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. 1910. Use of personnel platform. 502(b)(3) requires railing systems meet a 200 pound concentrated load test. NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF REAL ESTATE U. OSHA Guardrail Load Requirements. OSHA roof guardrail requirements state that the top rails and the mid-rails of the guardrail system must bet at least one-quarter of an inch thick. 5 inches (24 cm); and. An employer may use these guidelines as a starting point for designing guardrail systems. 5 inches (24 cm); ( 3) Have a minimum tread depth of 9. 1915. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard at 29 CFR 1926. Vehicle protection . 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. 25 inches in diameter or 0. OSHA’s fall protection and guardrail requirements along with the International Building Code (IBC) are standards all builders, contractors and construction workers should follow. Details are at GUARDRAIL CODES & STANDARDS - this article. 1926. 4, and the lowest, a safety net that meets the requirements of section 26. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the general industry standard 29 CFR 1910. Cal OSHA requires a maximum single rail length of 8 feet. 8. 29 CFR 1926. Surface requirements: OSHA standard 1926. Your inquiry concerns the guardrail requirements for suspension scaffolds. 29 Fall Protection Systems and Falling Object Protection-Criteria and. 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. 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. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. All other guardrail systems and their components shall meet the following. Top Rail Requirements.