21.E Controlled Access Zones.
The use of Controlled Access Zone as a fall protection method is prohibited.
Standard guardrail system in a new construction project.
21.F Fall Protection Systems.
21.F.01 Standard Guardrail Systems.
- For marine and floating plant guardrail systems, see Sections 19.C, D and E.
- A standard guardrail must consist of:
- (1) Toprails, midrails, and posts, and must have a vertical height of 42 +/- 3 in (106.6 cm +/- 7.6 cm) from the upper surface of the toprail to the floor, platform, runway, or ramp level;
- (2) Midrails must be erected halfway between the toprails and the floor, platform, runway, or ramp;
- (3) The ends of the toprails and midrails must not overhang the terminal posts except where such overhang does not create a projection hazard;
- (4) Toe-boards must be provided on all open sides/ends at locations where persons are required or permitted to pass or work under the elevated platform or where needed to prevent persons and material from falling from the elevated platform.
- Strength requirements: toprails and midrails must be designed to meet the following requirements:
- (1) Toprail must be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 lb (0.9 kN) applied within 2 in (5 cm) of the top edge, in any outward or downward direction, at any point along the top edge;
- (2) When the force described above, is applied in a downward direction, the top edge of the top rail must not deflect more than 3 in (7.6 cm) nor to a height less than 39 in (99 cm) above the walking/working level;
- (3) Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, and equivalent structural members must be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 150 lb (666 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the midrail or other member;
- (4) Guardrail systems must be so surfaced as to prevent injury to a worker from punctures or lacerations and to prevent snagging of clothing.
- Minimum construction materials for standard guardrail components. The following are minimum requirements used for constructing guardrail systems. The employer is responsible for designing a complete system and assembling these components in accordance with this Section.
- Note 1: Synthetic or natural fiber ropes must not be used as toprails or midrails.
- Note 2: Wood railing components must be minimum 1,500 lb-ft/in2 fiber (stress grade) construction grade lumber.
- (1) Wood railings:
- (a) Toprails: Constructed of at least 2 in x 4-in (5 cm x 10 cm) lumber;
- (b) Midrails: Constructed of at least 1 in x 6 in (2.5 cm x 15.2 cm) lumber; and,
- (c) Posts: Constructed of at least 2 in x 4 in (5 cm x 10 cm) lumber spaced not to exceed 8 ft (2.4 m) on centers.
- (2) Pipe railings:
- (a) Toprails and midrails: At least 1 1/2 in (3.8 cm) nominal diameter (schedule 40 steel pipe); and
- (b) Posts: At least 1 1/2 in (3.8 cm) nominal diameter (schedule 40 steel pipe) spaced not more than 8 ft (2.4 m) on centers.
- (3) Structural steel railings:
- (a) Toprails and midrails: At least 2 in x 2 in x 3/8 in (5 cm x 5 cm x .9 cm) angles, and,
- (b) Posts: At least 2 in x 2 in x 3/8 in (5 cm x 5 cm x .9 cm) angles spaced not more than 8 ft (2.4 m) on centers.
- (4) Steel Cable (Wire Rope) railings:
- (a) Toprail and midrail: 1/4 in (6.25 mm) steel cable, flagged every 6 ft (1.8 m) with high visibility material, may be used if tension is maintained to provide not more than 3 in (7.5 cm) deflection, in any direction from the center line, under a 200 lb (0.89 kN) load;
- (b) Support posts must be located to ensure proper tension is maintained;
- (c) Perimeter safety cables must meet the criteria and requirements for guardrail systems. If the perimeter safety cables are used by the workers as a method of attaching a lanyard to the cables they must meet the requirements of Horizontal Lifeline System (see Section 21.I.08.d.(2).
- Commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS), engineered guardrail systems may be used instead of constructing a system with the materials above. If so, the portable guardrail system (webbing, straps, etc) must be designed and engineered to meet the same requirements in this section. The employer is still responsible for insuring the system used is approved, completed, installed and used as designed.
- Toe-boards.
- (1) Toe-boards must be 3 1/2 in (8.75 cm) in vertical height and must be constructed from 1-in x 4-in (2.5-cm x 10.1-cm) lumber or the equivalent.
- (2) Toe-boards must be securely fastened in place and have not more than 1/4 in (0.6 cm) clearance above floor level.
- (3) Toe-boards must be made of any substantial material, either solid or with openings between adjacent pieces not greater than 1 in (2.5 cm).
- (4) Where material is piled to such a height that a standard toe-board does not provide protection, paneling or screening from floor to toprail or midrail must be provided.
- (5) Toe-boards must be able to withstand, without failure, a force of 50 lbs (0.22 kN) applied in any outward or downward direction at any point along the toe-board.
21.F.02 Guardrails receiving heavy stresses from workers trucking or handling materials must be provided additional strength by using heavier stock, closer spacing of posts, bracing, or by other means.
21.F.03 When guardrails are used at hoisting areas, a minimum 6 ft (18. m) of guardrail must be erected on each side of the access point through which materials are hoisted.
21.F.04 A gate or removable guardrail section may be used as long as it meets the standard guardrail height 42 +/- 3 in (106.6 +/- 7.6 cm) and is secured across the opening between the guardrail sections when hoisting operations are not taking place.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
21-6. Toprails must have a vertical height of _____ from the upper surface of the toprail to the floor, platform, runway, or ramp level.
You forgot to answer the question!