osha 1910 guardrail. Pursuant to §1910. osha 1910 guardrail

 
 Pursuant to §1910osha 1910 guardrail 502(g)(l)(iv) requires that the control line be connected on each side to a guardrail system or wall

28 (b) (13) (ii) When work is performed at least 6 feet (1. Employees that are more than 10 feet off the ground need to be protected by using fall arrest systems or guardrails, except for employees that are on single-point and two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds. 1910. In general, any electrical panel that has 0 to 150 volts going through it needs to have at least 36’’ of clearance around it. Department of Labor, OSHA ensures safe working conditions for men and women through a set of enforced standards that stay at the forefront. 451(g)(4. In these applications, the standards apply to locations with limited access to the general public, as they offer fall protection to workers permitted inside a specific area. 503 (a) Training program. 29(f)(1)(ii)(B) The height of stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017 is not less than 42 inches (107 cm) from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail. 29 fulfill requirements for guardrail systems. However, in 1976, OSHA published a proposed revision to Part 1910, Subparts D and I, allowing the use of alternate fall protection, which would include the use of personal fall protection, with the caveat where the use of guardrails is not feasible. 1 comment. Code Compare. 23(e)(1)] The intermediate (middle) rail should be located in the middle of the upright creating equal space between the floor and the top rail. [29 CFR 1910. Fall protection. 1910. 1926. OSHA 1910. 6 m) from the roof edge, the employer must ensure each employee is protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, travel restraint system, or personal fall arrest system. OSHA; Standards; Enforcement; Topics; Media Center; Contact Us; U. 42” top rail meets OSHA 1910. ( 13) Work on low-slope roofs. A secured designated area in lieu of conventional fall protection is acceptable as long as the work is both “infrequent and temporary”OSHA 1910. Except as provided by paragraph (a)(3) of this section, each employee engaged in a steel erection activity who is on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge more than 15 feet (4. 1926. See solutions to OSHA requirements. THRU: DONALD E. 1423 (b) (2) Boom walkway criteria. 5 million construction workers then covered by subpart L) to support the 1986 proposal for subpart L, based on a review of accident data prepared by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (Ex. Personnel baskets should be equipped with a guard rail that encompasses the entire rim of the basket. 23(e)(1), OSHA says that a guardrail must have a vertical height of 42 inches nominal from the upper surface of the top rail to floor, platform, runway, or ramp level. 1910. 48 (b). This section stipulates, in full detail, how guardrails and other safety barriers should be designed, installed, inspected, tested, and maintained in a manner that will prevent employees from falling. 2 m) or more above a lower level is protected by a guardrail or. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1. You will still be OSHA compliant without safety harnesses if the guardrail is adequate, but we recommend using them when: The scissor lift work platform is higher than six feet; wearing a harness is part of the scissor lift manufacturer’s instructions; and. where possible. 535. 28 – Safety Requirements for Scaffolding • 1910. (1) This section requires employers to provide protection for each employee exposed to fall and falling object hazards. Standard Interpretations are letters or memos written in response to public inquiries or field office inquiries regarding how some aspect of or terminology in an OSHA standard or regulation is to be interpreted and enforced by the Agency. The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: 1910. 4 - Amendments to this part. Contact OSHA . 29(b) has an entire section devoted solely to the guardrail system. OSHA 1910. 1910. from Oregon OSHA’s general industry, walking-working surfaces rules . 2 m) or more to a lower level by: ( A) A guardrail system; ( B) A personal fall arrest. 501(b)(1), which provides that "[e]ach employee on a walking/working surface. MACKENZIE Field Coordinator. 1910. 23, Ladders; 1910. Subject: 29 CFR 1910. The top edge height of top rails are 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the walking surface. For safety, the rail accommodates signs, flags or lights, and for convenience, it can be used with a guard rail tent, umbrellas or winch (PN 9401 only). 23(c)(1). This provision allows that employers are not required to provide. Where mechanical handling equipment is used, sufficient safe clearances shall be allowed for. We will now cover some additional areas. That being said, there are no requirements for a fall arrest system or ladder safety system for offset fixed ladders 24 feet and under in height so long as the ladder resting platforms at all transitions are of minimum horizontal dimensions (29 CFR § 1910. 1926. OSHA guardrail system requirements. 146(c)(5)(ii)(B)Below is the new OSHA code reflecting this requirement: 1910. 502) Subpart X (1926. 21 (b) Ladder safety system means a system designed to eliminate or reduce the possibility of falling from a ladder. OSHA; Standards; Enforcement; Topics; Media Center; Contact Us; U. 1910. 22(a)(3): Walking-working surfaces are maintained free of hazards. OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Guardrails: The top edge of the railing shall be 42 +3/-1 inches high and withstands a force of 200 lbs – this applies to both 1910 and 1926. ” (Standard. 28(b)(9)(ii)(B) requires that ladders equipped with a personal fall protection or a ladder safety system shall have rest platforms provided at maximum intervals of 150 feet (45. 2 m) or more above a lower level”, as per OSHA Code 1910. ” (a) General. Some of the ladder sections are less than 24 feet in length. ( 4) Ladders and stairways. 1910. 23(b) relating to Protection for Wall Openings and Holes states that every wall opening from which there is a drop of more than 4 feet shall be guarded by an actual fall protection barrier. NextGen 3000 and KeeGuard freestanding railing. Related Products. Handrails and the top rails of stair rail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in any downward or outward direction within 2 inches (5 cm) of any point along the top edge of the rail. 1. 1910. (2) Hoist areas. 651 (c) (2) Means of egress from trench excavations. One of these requirements is that the toprail be at least 1/4-inch. Handrails and OSHA compliant guardrail must support a 200-pound force. 29 (b) that covers the responsibility for fall protection on working and walking surfaces. 1910 Subpart E - Exit Routes and Emergency Planning. 29 and their roof guardrail requirements, we've identified at least 4 areas of major concern for rooftop safety that would require a safety rail for roof system. Each state requirement should be carefully reviewed before implementing fall protection, but give us a call if we can be of service! EDGE Fall Protection, LLC. Any working surface 4 feet or higher must be protected with guardrails on all sides at least 42" tall and have to withstand 200 pounds of force. If workers are within 6’ of the roof edge they must be protected using a guardrail system, safety net system, travel restraint system, or personal fall arrest system. 05/17/1990 - 1910. 23(e)(6), and the posts and brackets are not required to have a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the top rail or handrail, respectively. As per standard 1910. 28(b)(13)(iii)(A), when work is performed 15 feet or more from the roof edge, each employee must be protected from falling by a guardrail system, a safety net system, a travel restraint system, personal fall arrest system, or a designated area. 28(b)(1)(i):1910. Height Injuries. 17 (e) When employees are working in, on, or under a railcar, positive means shall be taken to protect them from exposure to impact from moving railcars. (ii) – A guardrail system or handrails are not required when:An elevated track system which is located four feet (1. 28(b)(9)(iii)(B) requires that ladder sections, which have a cage or a well, have landing platforms at maximum intervals of 50. 28(b)(3) Holes. 1928. A tie-off system is acceptable as a method of meeting the intent of Section 1910. 1052(c)(6) and 1926. 23 that addresses stair railings is subsection (e) (2) and not (e) (1). ( c) Safety net systems. 28(b)(15), employees who work on surfaces that are 4 feet (1. Watertown, SD 57201-3624. Guardrail systems should consist of a top and intermediate rail. 21 – Safety. PK !Ù_¬à . (ii) Each employee is protected from tripping. 30 and 1910. Purpose and scope. 6 m) from the roof edge, the employer must ensure each employee is protected from falling by using a guardrail system, safety net system, travel restraint system, or personal fall arrest system. 29 (b) (1): The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42. With respect to Sec. 1910. 6 - Incorporation by reference. For example, in final §§ 1910. What are the general OSHA requirements of toe board? According to OSHA 1910. Department of Labor, OSHA, Directorate of Construction, [Office of Construction Standards and Guidance], fax # 202-693-1689. Additionally, guardrails must be made of smooth, non-snagging. 29(b) Guardrail system strength • Guardrail systems must be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds applied in a downward or outward direction at any point within two inches of the top edge of the top rail. 28(b)(3)(i): “Each employee must be protected from falling through any hole (including skylights) that is 4 feet (1. 29(b)(1) – Railing must consist of an intermediate rail, top rail, and posts. 2, A14. Definitions. The employer may use a designated area when performing. In addition, Section 5 (a) (1) of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, often referred to as the General Duty Clause, requires employers to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized. 261 (a) (1) Application. 7 m). In accordance with 29 CFR § 1910. Section 1910. 07 m), with a tolerance of plus or minus 3 inches (7. Applicability of standards. 68 (b) (6) (v) (a) Emergency landings shall be accessible from both the "up" and "down" rungs of the manlift and shall give access to the ladder required in subparagraph (12) of this paragraph. 23. 502 (b) (1) Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1. Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. The employer must ensure each. When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height, provided the. 29 – Manually Propelled Mobile Ladder Stands and Scaffolds (Towers) • 1910. 64 cm) for each additional 2 feet. 29(f)(1)(iii)To maintain the efficacy of the guardrail system, the OSHA has strict standards on the spacing of vertical posts and horizontal rails. 29(b)(13): “When guardrail systems are used around holes that serve as points of access (such as ladderways), the guardrail system. 1. 29 (b) (1): The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42. 1910. To prevent employees from being injured from falls, employers must: Guard every floor hole into which a worker can accidentally walk (using a railing and toe-board or a floor hole cover). For example, in 29 CFR 1910. Amendments to this part. The OSHA regulation that applies to protecting ladders is 1910. 23. In most situations 29 CFR 1910. Here is a list of five current OSHA standards for work platforms that you may not be aware of. If the vertical opening in the rail is more than 19 inches, then a mid-rail or. The standard requires guardrail systems and components to be designed and built to meet the requirements of § 1926. Training & Engagement. 6 m) but less than 15 feet (4. The OSHA regulations prohibit workers from standing on. You can also contact us by. GUARDRAIL SYSTEMS: 1910. 6]Guarding Floor and Wall Openings and Holes — OSHA Standard 1910. OSHA 1910. 23(e)(1) – A standard railing shall consist of a top rail. 1910. Only stand on the work platform; never stand on the guardrails. 1926. Based on the information that you have provided, a maximum opening of four inches between the two guardrails would ensure compliance with 29 CFR 1910. 261 (a) (2) Standards incorporated by reference. OSHA 1910. 28 (b) (1) Unprotected sides and edges. Railings & Guardrail. [ref. Top Rail Requirements. 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. Top 10 standards cited as “serious,” fiscal year 2022. 1917. 132, before an employee uses a fall protection system, the employer must ensure that he or she is trained in the proper use of the system. Department of Labor, OSHA, Directorate of Construction, Office of Construction Standards and Guidance, fax # 202-693-1689. 28(b)(9)(i)(B), employers must ensure that each new fixed ladder. Your Guardrail Compliance Checklist. 1910. Step Guardrail Height: Unlike ADA guidelines, the guardrails in OSHA steps also act as handrails when the top edge of the guardrail is between 36 and 38 inches above the leading edge of the stair tread. 2 m) above dangerous equipment is protected from falling into or onto the dangerous equipment by a guardrail system or a travel restraint system, unless the equipment is covered or guarded to eliminate the hazard. Guardrail system means a barrier erected along an unprotected or exposed side, edge, or other area of a walking-working surface to prevent employees from falling to a lower. 35 - Compliance with alternate exit-route codes. Employers must comply with the following OSHA standards (29 CFR) to protect workers from hazards associated with aerial lifts. 23(e)(1)]1926. Here are some basic pieces of information to bear in mind when constructing a handrail to comply with OSHA Standards. 29(b)(1) The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. If questions of concerns beyond the scope of the standard, consult with your safety representative . EAST (980) 272-1567. 21 Scope and Definitions. 28(b)(15), for instance, employees working on surfaces 4 feet or more off the ground must be protected by handrails, safety net systems, or personal fall protection. The following OSHA letters of interpretation relate directly to the construction industry. Cal OSHA has a force requirement of 20 pounds per linear foot along the entire rail system. 29. 5” high. Top rail: The top rail of a guardrail system. 502(b) and 1910. Under the proposal [proposed §1910. OSHA eTool. 29(k)(1), the new toeboard requirement needs to be at least 3. Display all referenced documents. 23(e)(2) states: A stair railing shall be of construction similar to a standard railing but the vertical height shall be not more than 34 inches nor less than 30 inches from upper surface of top rail to surface of tread in line with face of riser at forward edge of tread. 29(b)(2) requires. Under the proposal [proposed §1910. 1910. Safety Rail Source® offers a wide variety of rooftop fall protection. 28 (b) (3) (iv): Each employee is protected from falling into a ladderway floor hole or ladderway platform hole by a guardrail system and toeboards erected on all exposed sides, except at the entrance to the hole, where a self-closing gate or an offset must be used. 6 m) from the roof edge, the employer must ensure each. , guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system) or that it is technologically. gov; USA. Employer payment for. 28(b)(15), “the employer must ensure each employee on a walking working surface 4 feet (1. 23) • Construction Industry — 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart M (1926. OSHA; Standards; Enforcement; Topics; Media Center; Contact Us; U. 1910. 29(f)(1) Handrails and stair rail systems; Height criteria, OSHA did not intend for any of the “grandfathered” stair rail systems that had a top rail height between 30 and 38 inches to need to be modified if the stair rail system was installed before January 17, 2017, and it complied with the previous rule. Being distracted by technical jargon and confused by the wording of OSHA 1910 can leave you paralyzed from addressing known issues. 7233 Erectastep. A guardrail, or guard rail, is a stationary, fixed fall protection system designed to prevent workers from stepping over the edge of a walking-working surface. 1: What Are OSHA’s General Requirements? Simply put, OSHA requires that, when a machine in the workplace or any part of it or process that it performs may cause injury, it must be made safe for workers through guarding. In addition, OSHA requires that fall protection be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance. 29 (b) (1): To meet OSHA’s guardrail height requirements, the top rail needs to be 42 inches plus or minus 3 inches above the walking-working surface. Darmstadter: This is in response to your letter of February 6, 1976, with attachments, regarding an exception from 29 CFR 1910. 1910. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of paragraph (b) of this section (see Figure D-11 of this. 28) It is the employer’s responsibility to provide some sort of protection to workers against falls. Also, OSHA suggests that rope be used according to manufacturers' recommendations, especially if polypropylene rope is used. Rail systems on remote trail bridges must be at least 42 inches1926. The following definitions apply in this subpart: Alternating tread-type stair means a type of stairway consisting of a series of treads that usually are attached to a center support in an alternating manner such that an employee typically does not have both feet on the same level while using the stairway. 844. 25(b)(2) Vertical clearance above any stair tread to any overhead obstruction is at least 6 feet, 8 inches (203 cm), as measured from the leading edge of the tread. The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: 1910. If a climber safety rail is not installed, use a double lanyard configuration. Anchorage. (4) When the 200-pound (890–N) test load is applied in a downward direc-tion, the top rail of the guardrail sys- Response: Pursuant to §1910. 6 m) but less than 15 feet (4. 29 will go over in detail what. The top rail position and maximum single rail length requirements are easier to meet. Pursuant to §1910. 22 (b); 1910. 29(d) Result(s) Document Type(s) 1 : Federal Register: 1 : Regulations: Display all referenced documents. 1052(c)(7) Dear Mr. 30. or other guards that meets the requirements of 1910. 28; 1910. 28(b)(11)(i) “Each employee exposed to an unprotected side or edge of a stairway landing that is 4 feet (1. 500, Guardrails, handrails & guards. 1910. A copy of OSHA Directive Number 75-40 is enclosed for your. Weighted bases allow you to install these railings without drilling holes. 73]. 29(b)(5) Result(s) Document Type(s) 1 : Regulations: 1 : Standard Interpretations: Display all referenced documents. 29 (b) (1) The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent. 29 (b) (1): The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, is 107. 6, 1979, OSHA reprinted without change the entire text of 29 CFR part 1926 together with certain General Industry Occupational Safety and Health Standards contained in 29 CFR part 1910, which have been identified as also applicable to construction work. For technical drawings and 3-D models, click. (3) Hoist areas. OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal protective equipment in November 2016 that updated requirements for slip, trip and fall hazards. They need to be able to withstand a force of at least 200 pounds (90. OSHA patterns many of its guardrail system regulations around construction or general industry applications. 1910. 1910. Department of Labor. 151, Medical Aid, the. The April 10, 1990 proposed OSHA standard, 29 CFR 1910. Each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet (1. 1910. OSHA 1910. 28(b)(13)(ii): Like working six feet from the edge, you will need standard fall protection, including a fall restraint system, fall arrest system or guardrail. Dear Mr. To ensure effective fall protection, OSHA has specific requirements for the height and strength of guardrails. The following is an excerpt from OSHA 1910. 28 and 1910. To review the. According to OSHA, “Falls are the leading cause of work. According to OSHA, “Falls are the. 20(b) – Accident prevention responsibilities; 1926. 1910. Gates that comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910. 1910. (e) Employee training considerations. The maximum deflection of the top rail when a load of 200 pounds is applied in any direction at any point on the too rail shall not exceed 3 inches in one direction which includes the free hanging sag in the rope or. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, CFR 29, Part 1910, Subpart D) refers to a rail system as a standard railing. 8. 28(b)(3)(i). (b) Guardrail systems and toeboards. 1910. 2 m) or more above a lower level is protected. 23(d)(5): For through ladders, the steps or rungs are omitted from the extensions,. 29(f)(1)(iii)(A), stair rail systems can also serve as a handrail but require the top rail to be not more than 38 inches in. 132(a) would apply. OSHA 1910. 1910. View safetymanuals’s profile on Facebook. , Labor §1910. 6 m) from the roof edge, the employer must ensure each employee is protected from falling. 28” To be OSHA compliant, they must be 42 inches (1. 29 (b): "Fall protection systems and falling object protection -- criteria and practices. What makes a guardrail compliant in general industry or not? Here are a few items that OSHA 1910. 146(c)(6. Building Code (IBC) and/or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 28 (b) (13) (ii) When work is performed at least 6 feet (1. These letters provide guidance to clarify the application of an established OSHA standard, policy, or procedure, but they may not, in themselves, establish or revise OSHA policy or procedure or interpret the OSH Act. The employer must ensure: ( i) Each employee on a scaffold is protected from falling in accordance 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L; and. The SkyCage System by Tie Down Safety serves as perimeter protection or an alternative to a standard guardrail system. 23 - OSHA requires fall protection for elevator work when a fall hazard is present. Therefore, if your stair railings are 30-34" as specified in §1910. 29 (b) (1) The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3. When the hinged cover for an opening is left up, there are sides exposed which must be appropriately protected. 1910. Gates that meet OSHA 29 CFR 1910. 23(e)(6), and the posts and brackets are not required to have a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the top rail or handrail, respectively. Stilts may be used on a large area scaffold. OSHA Code 1910. 1910. When a guardrail system is used, the guardrail height must be increased in height equal to the height of the stilts. 1910. 28(b)(3)(iv): “Each employee is protected from falling into a ladderway floor hole or ladderway platform hole by a guardrail system and toe boards erected on all exposed sides, except at the entrance to the hole, where a self-closing gate or an offset must be used,” as per 29 CFR 1910. 1926. If the work area is more than 6 feet higher than the lower level, a guardrail or other fall protection system is required. 8 (Loads on Handrails, Guards, Grab Bars, Seats and Vehicle Barriers). 25(b)(1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. 29(b)(3) Guardrail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in a downward or outward direction within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge, at any point along the top rail. 27, Scaffolds and rope descent systems. OSHA PROGRAM DIRECTIVE #100-58. A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress shall be located in trench excavations that are 4 feet (1. General requirements —. 2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by a personal fall arrest system. Midrails are. Labor Day: A Celebration Of Hard Work. 6 m) from the roof edge, the employer must ensure each employee is protected from falling by using a guardrail system, safety net system, travel restraint system, or personal fall arrest system. For the reasons set forth in the preamble, OSHA amends part 1910 of title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows: Start Part PART 1910—OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS Subpart D—Walking-Working Surfaces End Part Start Amendment Part. However, the guardrail must be strong enough to support 200 pounds of force applied horizontally, which may affect the spacing. A guardrail, or guard rail, is a stationary, fixed fall protection system designed to prevent workers from stepping over the edge of a walking-working surface. or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest. 29(f)(1)(iii) The top rail of a stair rail system may serve as a handrail only when: 1910. First, several stakeholders contend that guardrail systems, safety net systems, and personal fall protection system are not feasible in those locations. 28(a)(12) and §1910. This appendix serves as a non-mandatory guideline to assist employers in complying with these requirements. Nose, nosing: that portion of a tread projecting beyond the face of the riser immediately below. 1910. Guardrails need to have a minimum breaking strength of 200 lbs. 5 inches tall. 23. The criteria and practices requirements for guardrail systems on scaffolds are contained in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L. 6. See the following elevated work platform OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910. According to OSHA, “Falls are the leading cause of work-related injuries and deaths among roofers. 28(b)(3)(iv) includes toeboards with guardrail system: “Each employee is protected from falling into a ladderway floor opening or ladderway platform hole by a guardrail system and toeboards erected on all exposed sides, except at the entrance to the hole, where a self-closing gate or an offset must be used. OSHA considers this scenario a violation of 29 CFR 1926. 1200 Source: NAICS. S. When the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard to use guardrail, safety net, or personal fall protection systems on residential roofs, the employer must develop and implement a fall protection plan that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926. OSHA 1910. The authority citation for part 1910, subpart D, continues to. Answer: No. 1 cm) or more in its least dimension, in a floor, roof, or other walking/working surface. OSHA 1910. ". for this section, the criteria and practices requirements for guardrail systems on scaffolds are contained in 29 CFR. To review the complete standard, follow this link- Click Here. 29 (b) (1) The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. Here is a list of important OSHA standards for work platforms that you may not be aware of. 1431 (b) (2) Exceptions: A personnel platform is not required for hoisting employees: 1926. Guardrail system means a barrier erected to prevent employees from falling to lower levels. Handrails and the top rails of stair rail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in any downward or outward direction within 2 inches (5 cm) of any point along the top edge of the rail. Guardrail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in a downward or outward direction within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge, at any point along the top rail. NO. Working six feet or more above lower levels. 176: Materials Handling (U.