Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent
intermediate structures must be installed between the top edge and the
walking/working surface when there is no wall or other structure at least
21 inches high.
•
Midrails must be midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and
the walking/working level.
•
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.
•
Other structural members (such as additional midrails or architectural pan-
els) 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/work-
ing level.
•
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.
•
Guardrail systems must not have rough or jagged surfaces that would cause
punctures, lacerations, or snagged clothing.
•
Top rails and midrails must not cause a projection hazard by overhanging
the terminal posts.
Safety Net Systems
An employer that chooses to use a safety net system must comply with the following
provisions:
•
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.
•
When nets are used on bridges, the potential fall area must be unobstructed.
•
Safety nets must extend outward from the outermost projection of the work
surface as follows:
Vertical distance from working
level to horizontal plane of net
Minimum required horizontal distance of outer
edge of net from the edge of the working surface
Up to 5 feet
8 feet
5 to 10 feet
10 feet
More than 10 feet
13 feet
•
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.
•
Safety nets and their installations must be capable of absorbing an impact
force equal to the drop test described below.
