Load rating for guardrails: the 200-pound rule
Reviewed by Julie Gunn, Head of Services, SALUS Safety
The question, as asked: load rating for guard rails
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Rosie's answer
Published by SALUSGuardrail systems must be capable of withstanding certain forces to ensure they protect workers from falls. Here's a breakdown of the load rating requirements:
- Top Rails: Must withstand a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches of the top edge in any outward or downward direction 1, 2, 8. For guardrail systems installed on single-point or two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds, the top rail must withstand at least 100 pounds (445 N) 3, 4.
- Midrails: Must withstand a force of at least 150 pounds (666 N) applied in any downward or outward direction 2, 8, 11. For guardrail systems with a minimum 100-pound toprail capacity, the midrail must withstand at least 75 pounds (333 N) 3, 4.
- Deflection: When a 200-pound load is applied downward, the top edge of the guardrail must not deflect to a height less than 39 inches (1.0 m) above the walking/working level 1, 2, 8.
It's important to ensure that guardrail systems are constructed and maintained to meet these load requirements to provide adequate fall protection [1].
Sources used for this answer
[1] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (Construction, Division 3, OSHA Oregon)
Page 622
Open source documentSource excerpt
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Oregon Administrative Rules Division 3 ## Appendix B to Subpart M - Guardrail Systems Non-Mandatory Guidelines for Complying with 1926.502(b) The standard requires guardrail systems and components to be designed and built to meet the requirements of 1926.502(b)(3), (4), and (5). This Appendix serves as a non-mandatory guideline to assist employers in complying with these requirements. An employer may use these guidelines as a starting point for designing guardrail systems. 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). 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. - (1) For wood railings: Wood components shall be minimum 1500 lb-ft/in2 fiber (stress grade) construction grade lumber; the posts shall be at least 2-inch by 4-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) lumber spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers; the top rail shall be at least 2 inch by 4-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) lumber, the intermediate rail shall be at least 1-inch by 6 inch (2.5 cm x 15 cm) lumber. All lumber dimensions are nominal sizes as provided by the American Softwood Lumber Standards, dated January 1970. - (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. - (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 s…
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