Question

Open-sided floors or platforms ______ or more above adjacent floor or ground level must be guarded by a standard railing (or equivalent) on all open sides, except where there is an entrance to a ramp, stairway, or fixed ladder.

Answer 1

Open-sided floors or platforms 4 feet or more above adjacent floors require guardrails for workplace safety, according to OSHA standards.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question relates to occupational health and safety, specifically concerning the requirement for guardrails around open-sided floors or platforms.

In the context of workplace safety, OSHA standards mandate that open-sided floors or platforms 4 feet or more above the adjacent floor or ground level must be equipped with a standard railing (or equivalent) on all open sides, barring the presence of an entrance ramp, stairway, or fixed ladder.

This is to ensure worker safety by preventing fall-related injuries. Such safety measures align with OSHA's broader mandate to protect workers from hazards on the job, which includes providing various forms of fall protection, like safety harnesses, guardrails, and other safety-related gear and training.