Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 8, § 1620 - Design and Construction of Railings
Railings required by these Orders, except as otherwise provided, shall conform to the following standards:
(a) Railings shall be constructed of wood or
in an equally substantial manner from other materials, and shall consist of the
following:
(1) A top rail not less than 42
inches or more than 45 inches in height measured from the upper surface of the
top rail to the floor, platform, runway or ramp.
(2) A mid-rail shall be halfway between the
top rail and the floor, platform, runway or ramp when there is no wall or
parapet wall at least 21 inches (53 cm) high.
(A) Screens, mesh, intermediate vertical
members, solid panels or equivalent members, may be used in lieu of a mid-rail
subject to the following:
1. Screens and mesh,
when used, shall extend from the top rail to the floor, platform, runway or
ramp and along the entire opening between top rail supports.
2. Intermediate vertical members (such as
balusters), when used between posts, shall be installed such that there are no
openings greater than 19 inches (48 cm) wide.
3. Other intermediate members (such as solid
panels, or equivalent members) shall be installed such that there are no
openings that are more than 19 inches (.5 m)
wide.
(b) Wood railings.
(1) "Selected lumber" (see definitions), free
from damage that affects its strength, shall be used for railings constructed
of wood.
(2) Wood posts shall be
not less than 2 inches by 4 inches in cross section, spaced at 8-foot or closer
intervals.
(3) Wood top railings
shall be smooth and of 2-inch by 4-inch or larger material. Double, 1-inch by
4-inch members may be used for this purpose, provided that one member is
fastened in a flat position on top of the posts and the other fastened in an
edge-up position to the inside of the posts and the side of the top member.
Mid-rails shall be of at least 1-inch by 6-inch material.
(4) The rails shall be placed on that side of
the post which will afford the greatest support and
protection.
(c) All
railings, including their connections and anchorage, shall be capable of
withstanding without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds applied to the top
rail within 2 inches of the top edge, in any outward or downward direction, at
any point along the top edge.
(1) When the
200 pound test load is applied in a downward direction, the top edge of the
guardrail shall not deflect to a height less than 39 inches above the
walking/working level.
(d) Mid-rails, screens, mesh, intermediate
vertical members, solid panels, and equivalent members shall be capable of
withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 150 pounds (666 N) applied
in any downward or outward direction at any point along the mid-rail, screen,
mesh, or other intermediate member.
(e) Railings exposed to heavy stresses from
employees trucking or handling materials shall be provided additional strength
by the use of heavier stock, closer spacing of posts, bracing, or by other
means.
(f) The ends of the rails
shall not overhang the terminal posts, except where such overhang does not
constitute a projection hazard.
(g)
Railings shall be so surfaced as to prevent injury to an employee from
punctures or lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing.
(h) Steel banding and plastic banding shall
not be used as top rails or mid-rails.
Notes
2. Amendment of subsection (c) filed 1-14-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86, No. 3).
3. New subsection (i) filed 6-1-92; operative 7-1-92 (Register 92, No. 23).
4. Editorial correction reinstating inadvertently omitted subsection (e) (Register 98, No. 25).
5. Amendment of article heading, section heading and section filed 4-20-2007; operative 5-20-2007 (Register 2007, No. 16).
6. Editorial correction of subsection (c)(1) (Register 2007, No. 44).
Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.
2. Amendment of subsection (c) filed 1-14-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86, No. 3).
3. New subsection (i) filed 6-1-92; operative 7-1-92 (Register 92, No. 23).
4. Editorial correction reinstating inadvertently omitted subsection (e) (Register 98, No. 25).
5. Amendment of article heading, section heading and section filed 4-20-2007; operative 5-20-2007 (Register 2007, No. 16).
6. Editorial correction of subsection (c)(1) (Register 2007, No. 44).
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