Final answer:
Cal/OSHA specifies that a scaffold higher than 7.5ft must have a guardrail to prevent falls, which is a critical safety feature on scaffolding. The correct answer is (D) Guardrail.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cal/OSHA (California Division of Occupational Safety and Health) mandates that a built-up scaffold over 7.5 feet high must have a "guardrail" as a means of stopping falls. Guardrails are a crucial safety feature designed to prevent workers from falling off elevated surfaces such as scaffolds. They consist of a protective barrier, typically constructed of sturdy materials like metal or wood, that runs along the exposed edges of the scaffold platform. This physical barrier provides a protective boundary, reducing the risk of accidental falls.
While other safety measures such as safety nets (Option A), toe boards (Option B), and harnesses (Option C) are also essential components of fall protection systems, Cal/OSHA specifically requires guardrails for built-up scaffolds exceeding the height threshold of 7.5 feet. Safety nets and toe boards may be used in conjunction with guardrails to provide additional layers of protection, and harnesses may be required in certain situations, but the primary emphasis in this scenario is on the use of guardrails as a preventive measure against falls from elevated surfaces. Therefore, the correct answer is (D) Guardrail.