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, runway, or ramp provides protection at least equivalent to
that afforded by a midrail.
(a) A
standard guardrail shall consist of top rail, midrail or equivalent protection,
and posts, and shall have a vertical height within the range of 42 inches to 45
inches from the upper surface of the top rail to the floor, platform, runway,
or ramp level. (Note: the permissible tolerance on height dimensions is one
inch). The top rail shall be smooth-surfaced throughout the length of the
railing. The midrail shall be approximately halfway between the top rail and
the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. The ends of the rails shall not overhang
the terminal posts, except where such overhang does not constitute a projection
hazard. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-1716(a).)
NOTE: Local building regulations may require 9-inch
spacing of midrails.
(b) All
guardrails and other permissible types, including their connections and
anchorage, shall be designed for a live load of 20 pounds per linear foot
applied either horizontally or vertically downward at the top rail. Dimensional
details of railing members of a few types of construction which comply with
this strength requirement are given hereinafter in subsection (c).
NOTE: It is recognized that the minimum value of
railing strength here specified is inadequate for safety under operating
conditions where railings are liable to receive heavy stresses from crowds,
trucking, handling materials, etc. For such conditions, additional strength
shall be provided by use of heavier stock, closer spacing of posts, bracing, or
otherwise.
Railing members shall be framed in such a position that
they will afford the greatest support and protection, for example, top rails of
structural steel angles shall have the outside face of vertical leg located on
the side adjacent to the side of normal contact by the employee. (Title 24,
Part 2, Section 2-1716(b).)
(c) The following are some acceptable
guardrail specifications: other combinations will be accepted as long as
equivalent strength and protection are maintained.
(1) In wooden construction, the posts to be
of at least 2-inch by 4-inch nominal material spaced not to exceed 6 feet, the
top rails to be smooth with corners rounded and not less than 2-inch by 4-inch
nominal material. The posts may be spaced on 8-foot centers if the top rails
consist of double 1-inch by 4-inch nominal boards, provided that 1 board is
fastened in a flat position on top of the posts and the other is fastened in an
edge-up position to the inside of the posts and the side of the top board.
Single midrails, where permitted, shall be not less than 2-inch by 4-inch
nominal material and installed on the contact side of the guardrail.
(2) If constructed of standard metal pipe,
the top rails and single midrail, where permitted, to be 1 ½ -inch
outside diameter or larger. The posts to be 1 ½ -inch outside diameter
or larger, the spacing not to exceed 8 feet.
(3) Guardrails installed on or before May 26,
2011. If constructed of structural metal, the top rails to be angle iron of at
least 2-inch by 2-inch by ¼ -inch angles or other metal shapes of
equivalent bending strength; and the single midrail, where permitted, to be
iron or steel of at least 2-inch by 2-inch by ¼ -inch angles or other
metal shapes of equivalent strength. The posts to be angle iron of at least
2-inch by 2-inch by ¼ -inch stock, the spacing not to exceed 8
feet.
(4) Guardrails installed
after May 26, 2011. If constructed of structural metal, the top rails to be
angle iron of at least 2-inch by 2-inch by 3/8 -inch angles or other metal
shapes of equivalent bending strength; and the single midrail, where permitted,
to be iron or steel of at least 2-inch by 2-inch by 3/8 -inch angles or other
metal shapes of equivalent strength. The posts to be angle iron of at least
2-inch by 2-inch by 3/8 -inch stock, the spacing not to exceed 8
feet.
(d) Where toeboards
are required, they shall be constructed of wood, concrete, metal, or other
suitable material. Where constructed of metal grille, mesh shall not exceed
1-inch. The top of the toeboard shall be not less than 3 ½ inches above
the platform, walkway, or other working level and the bottom clearance shall
not exceed ¼ -inch.
NOTE: Where materials are piled, higher toeboards, or
paneling from floor to intermediate rails or top rail shall be provided where
necessary for safety. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-1753.)
Notes
Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 8, §
3209
1.
Amendment of subsection (c)(1) filed 1-18-78; effective thirtieth day
thereafter (Register 78, No. 3). For prior history, see Register 77, No.
41.
2. Repealer of NOTE in subsection (c)(4) filed 1-23-81;
effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 81, No. 4).
3.
Amendment filed 5-25-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No.
22). Approved by State Building Standards Commission 1-24-83.
4.
Amendment of subsection (c)(3) and new subsection (c)(4) filed 4-26-2011;
operative 5-26-2011 (Register 2011, No. 17).
Note: Authority cited: Section
142.3, Labor
Code. Reference: Section
142.3, Labor
Code; and Section
18943(c),
Health and Safety Code.
1. Amendment of
subsection (c)(1) filed 1-18-78; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register
78, No. 3). For prior history, see Register 77, No. 41.
2. Repealer
of NOTE in subsection (c)(4) filed 1-23-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter
(Register 81, No. 4).
3. Amendment filed 5-25-83; effective
thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 22). Approved by State Building
Standards Commission 1-24-83.
4. Amendment of subsection (c)(3) and
new subsection (c)(4) filed 4-26-2011; operative 5-26-2011 (Register 2011, No.
17).