Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-880 - Unified safety standards for fall protection › Section 296-880-40005 - Guardrail systems

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Guardrail systems and their use must conform to the following
				provisions:
(1) A standard guardrail
			 system must consist of top rail, intermediate rail, and posts, and must have a
			 vertical height of 39 to 45 inches from upper surface of top rail to floor,
			 platform, runway, or ramp level. When conditions warrant, the height of the top
			 edge may exceed the 45 inch height, provided the guardrail system meets all
			 other criteria of this subsection. The intermediate rail must be halfway
			 between the top rail and the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. The ends of the
			 rails must not overhang the terminal posts except where such overhang does not
			 constitute a projection hazard.
(2)
			 Minimum requirements for standard guardrail systems under various types of
			 construction are specified in the following items:
(a) For wood guardrails, the posts must be of
			 at least two-inch by four-inch stock spaced not to exceed eight feet. The top
			 rail must be of at least two-inch by four-inch stock and each length of lumber
			 must be smooth surfaced throughout the length of the guardrail. The
			 intermediate rail must be of at least one-inch by six-inch stock. Other
			 configurations may be used for the top rail when the configuration meets the
			 requirements of (g) of this subsection.
(b) For pipe guardrails, posts and top and
			 intermediate rails must be at least one and one-half inches nominal OD diameter
			 with posts spaced not more than eight feet on centers. Other configurations may
			 be used for the top rail when the configuration meets the requirements of (g)
			 of this subsection.
(c) For
			 structural steel guardrails, posts and top and intermediate rails must be of
			 two-inch by two-inch by three-eighths inch angles or other metal shapes of
			 equivalent bending strength, with posts spaced not more than eight feet on
			 centers. Other configurations may be used for the top rail when the
			 configuration meets the requirements of (g) of this subsection.
(d) For wire rope guardrails, the top and
			 intermediate rails must meet the strength factor and deflection of (h)(ii) of
			 this subsection. The top rail must be flagged at not more than six foot
			 intervals with high visibility material. Posts must be spaced not more than
			 eight feet on centers. The rope must be stretched taut and must be between 39
			 and 45 inches in height at all points. Other configurations may be used for the
			 top rail when the configuration meets the requirements of (h) of this
			 subsection.
(e) Guardrail systems
			 must be of such construction that the completed structure is capable of
			 withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied within two inches of the top
			 edge, in any outward or downward direction, at any point along the top
			 edge.
(f) When the 200 pound test
			 load specified in (e) of this subsection is applied in a downward direction,
			 the top edge of the guardrail must not deflect to a height less than 39 inches
			 above the walking/working surface.
(g) Guardrails receiving heavy stresses from
			 employees trucking or handling materials must be provided additional strength
			 by the use of heavier stock, closer spacing of posts, bracing, or by other
			 means.
(h) Other types, sizes, and
			 arrangements of guardrail construction are acceptable, provided they meet the
			 following conditions:
(i) A smooth surfaced
			 top rail at a height above floor, platform, runway, or ramp level between 39
			 and 45 inches;
(ii) When the 200
			 pound (890 N) load specified in (e) of this subsection is applied in a downward
			 direction, the top edge of the guardrail must not deflect to a height less than
			 39 inches (1.0 m) above the walking/working surface. Guardrail system
			 components selected and constructed in accordance with this chapter will be
			 deemed to meet this requirement;
(iii) Protection between top rail and floor,
			 platform, runway, ramp, or stair treads, equivalent at least to that afforded
			 by a standard intermediate rail;
(iv) Elimination of overhang of rail ends
			 unless such overhang does not constitute a hazard.