Final answer:
Guardrails must have a minimum height of 42 inches and should be installed around areas where there is a risk of falling from heights such as construction sites or open edges. OSHA requires these safety measures to prevent falls and ensure workplace safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
Guardrails are an essential safety feature in various environments, such as construction sites, high-rise buildings, and public accessibility areas. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations specify that guardrails must have a minimum height of 42 inches (plus or minus 3 inches) to ensure they provide adequate protection for individuals by preventing accidental falls. Guardrails are also required to withstand, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds applied within 2 inches of the top edge in any outward or downward direction.
Guardrails must be installed around unguarded edges exceeding certain heights where there is a risk of falling, such as:
Furthermore, midrails must be installed at a height of approximately halfway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the working surface. Toeboards should be used where material handling equipment could potentially fall and injure workers below.
Understanding and adhering to these guardrail requirements is crucial for maintaining workplace safety and protecting workers from fall-related injuries and fatalities. Employers must ensure that these standards are met to provide a safe working environment and to comply with OSHA regulations.