Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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Midrails must be midway between the top edge of the guardrail system
and the walking/working level.
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Screens and mesh must extend from the top rail to the walking/working
level and along the entire opening between rail supports.
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Intermediate members (such as balasters) between posts must be no
more than 19 inches apart.
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Other structural members (such as additional midrails or architectural
panels) must be installed to leave no openings wider than 19 inches.
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Guardrail systems must be capable of withstanding at least 200 pounds of
force applied within 2 inches of the top edge, in any direction and at any point
along the edge, and without causing the top edge of the guardrail to deflect
downward to a height less than 39 inches above the walking/working level.
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Midrails, screens, mesh, and other intermediate members must be capable
of withstanding at least 150 pounds of force applied in any direction at any
point along the midrail or other member.
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Guardrail systems must not have rough or jagged surfaces that would cause
punctures, lacerations, or snagged clothing.
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Top rails and midrails must not cause a projection hazard by overhanging
the terminal posts.
Safety Net Systems
Employers who choose to use a safety net system must comply with the following
provisions:
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Safety nets must be installed as close as practicable under the surface on
which employees are working, but in no case more than 30 feet below.
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When nets are used on bridges, the potential fall area must be unobstructed.
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Safety nets must extend outward from the outermost projection of the work
surface as follows:
Minimum Required Horizontal
Distance of Outer Edge of Net
from Edge of Working Surface
Vertical Distance from Working
Level to Horizontal Plane of Net
Up to 5 feet
8 feet
5 to 10 feet
10 feet
More than 10 feet
13 feet
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Safety nets must be installed with sufficient clearance to prevent contact
with the surface or structures under them when subjected to an impact force
equal to the drop test described below.
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Safety nets and their installations must be capable of absorbing an impact
force equal to the drop test described below.
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Safety nets and safety net installations must be drop-tested at the jobsite
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After initial installation and before being used
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Whenever relocated
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After major repair
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At 6-month intervals if left in one place
