Be sure you have checked all 10 before work begins on your job-site. Occupational Safety and Health Standards; Subpart: 1910 Subpart D; Subpart Title: Walking-Working Surfaces; Standard Number: 1910 Subpart D Title:. According to OSHA guardrail requirements, a railing is required when working at 4 feet or more. 1052(c)(6) and 1926. Maximum mesh size must not exceed 6 inches by 6 inches. 0 m) above the walking/working surface, shall be protected from falling by the use of a guardrail system,. OSHA’s proposal focuses on two sets of situations: Correcting rail requirements for stairways narrower than 44 inches, and with 2 open sides, by inserting words accidentally omitted when the 2017 requirements were published: - from “one stair rail system [on] each open side”. Dear. OSHA’s new Fall Protection Standard, which became effective February 6, 1995, requires fall protection for workers at six feet or more above any lower level. Your Guardrail Compliance Checklist. The fall protection requirements for residential construction are set out in Subpart M at 29 CFR 1926. . IBC 2003 Clear space between a handrail and a wall or other surface shall be a minimum of 1. Ref: Scaffold Guardrail height;. Though the terms guardrails and handrails are. 1431 (b) (2) Exceptions: A personnel platform is not required for hoisting employees: 1926. 26 (a) Dockboards are capable of supporting the maximum intended load in accordance with § 1910. Maximum 7-3/4 inch stair riser height. balusters) can be a maximum of 19 inches apart. Department of Labor. This 200 pound load test is designed to stop an employee from a potentially fatal fall, as opposed to the IBC requirement that takes into account the idea that many people may be leaning on the. [Note: for this section, the criteria and practices requirements for guardrail systems on scaffolds are contained in 29 CFR part 1926, Subpart L or 29 CFR 1915. A strength to withstand at least the minimum requirement of 200 pounds top rail pressure (§1910. Stair Rails and Handrails. This elevated work area is still clearly a hazardous area and you. Scope and definitions. 25 inches thick. So, that height can be anywhere from 39 inches to 45 inches. Presuming your guardrail system meets the requirements of §1926. ----- OSHA also drew many provisions in the final rule from national consensus standards, including ANSI/ASSE A1264. The requirements for a guardrail system are stated in §1926. Pursuant to §1910. 4 - Amendments to this part. Download the free PDF and stay safe on the job. 5 inches (24 cm); ( 3) Have a minimum tread depth of 9. The force requirements will depend on the application of the guardrail and the legislative requirements in your jurisdiction. 1926. 501(b)(13), workers engaged in residential construction six (6) feet or more above lower levels must be protected by conventional fall protection (i. A catwalk handrail or guardrail system is required for any catwalks higher than 4′ above a lower level. In late 2016, OSHA finally published the long awaited updates to its 1910 Fall Protection in General Industry. Scope . Minimum tread depth of 9. Whenever guardrail systems are used, they must meet the definition of a "guardrail system" in §1926. Note that our enforcement. (Fall protection is not required. Guardrail Fall Protection Criteria. Thickness requirements: OSHA standard 1926. This is the first OSHA requirement to be aware of. 502(d) and the requirements of the scaffold standard are met. 1926. 29(g)(4)), have an acceptable guardrail system (29 CFR § 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 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. Thickness. Horizontal lifelines, depending on their geometry and angle of sag, may be subjected to greater loads than the impact load imposed by an attached component. 451 (a) (5). 36″ minimum. 452(w)(6)(ii)). 4, and the lowest, a safety net that meets the requirements of section 26. A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress shall be located in trench excavations that are 4 feet (1. 2. State Plans are required to have standards and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as OSHA's and may have different or more stringent requirements. 23 (e) (3) (v) (b)); Protection between top rail and floor,. Stair Rails and Handrails. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. 5”. 21 - Scope and definitions. This regulation states that, “Guardrail systems. Never walk. The OSHA catwalk handrail requirements are found in OSHA sections 1910. 22 (b); 1910. 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. This subpart applies to all general industry workplaces. Kee Gate's spring-loaded self-closing hinge ensures that the gate will automatically close, maintaining a constant safety barrier between the user and the hazard. 29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). However, guard rail’s role in protecting the loading dock area extends. Different requirements for children show a maximum height of 28″ with a minimum clearance of 9″ between the adult rail and the childrens’ rail, which is only a recommendation and not a requirement. Use a non-penetrating guardrail that doesn’t mount to any structure on your building. safety monitoring systems. 1910. Mesh or screen in-fill panels need to extend from the surface to the uppermost rail. 10. 26 (a) Dockboards are capable of supporting the maximum intended load in accordance with § 1910. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. OSHA Guidance for Operating Lift Trucks on Ramps and Grades. Details are at GUARDRAIL CODES & STANDARDS - this article. 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. Plastic ladders: ANSI A14. Scaffolding. 451 (d) (10) requires guardrails to be constructed as follows: Guardrails made of lumber, not less than 2x4 inches (or other material providing equivalent protection), and approximately 42 inches high, with a. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. The fall protection safety requirements for residential construction should be the same as those for commercial construction. 29(k)(1), the new toeboard requirement needs to be at least 3. The retaining wall safety device shall be designed and constructed structurally in accordance with. 28 of OSHA’s standard on walking-working surfaces (1910. Handrail must be continuous. On outside plaza, patio, and garden areas, alternate means of protection are acceptable if the same degree of safety is provided. External ISPE. By Philip Colleran. There are separate standards set by OSHA for General Industry and Construction. 10. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. These standards, including 29 CFR 1910. 10(a)] All subcontractors who agree to perform any part of the labor or material requirements of a contract. 1926. This subpart applies to all general industry workplaces. 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). 23 (a) (2) Designed into or is an integral part of machines or equipment. Federal OSHA: requires a maximum single rail length of 10 feet. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. OSHA 1910. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 23). 501(b)(1), even where there is a permanent guardrail with a 36-inch top rail that, pursuant to STD 01-01-010, is acceptable for. Since that time, OSHA has received many questions and requests for interpretation of the requirements for handrails and stair rail systems. 29. Mid rail height of 21 inches. 112 (a) (1) Vehicle curbs, bull rails, or other effective barriers at least six inches (15. For safety- and health-related assistance, employers and employees may contact the nearest Cal/OSHA Consultation . These letters provide guidance to clarify the application of an established OSHA standard, policy, or. The guardrails need to include a mid rail halfway between the top rail and the ground, at around the 21" mark for a standard height rail. 5". Loads are unfactored - please contact our technical department should safety factored loading be required. Apart from IBC, OSHA also has minimum strength requirements for guardrails. 140. A guardrail is shown by the red arrows in our photo at left. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. The OSHA requirements state that guardrails should be able to resist at least 200 pounds of pressure applied directly to the. 30″ to 38″. 451(g)(4). Railing height from tread surface at the riser face shall be 33±3 inches (83. Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements: Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. 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. Hexavalent Chromium. 1-2007, Safety Requirements for Workplace Walking/Working Surfaces and Their Access; Workplace Floor, Wall and Roof Openings; Stairs and Guardrail Systems. OSHA; Standards; Enforcement; Topics; Media Center; Contact Us; U. 1910. 1926. The fence or guardrail should be anchored to the retaining wall using approved anchor systems* that are designed. 502 - OSHA's policy regarding the use of scaffolds as fall arrest system anchors. Here is a summary to make it easy for you: The top rail must be 42 inches in height, give or take 3 inches. With an extended catch platform preventing employees from falling to the ground, the catch platform would have been the only lower level, and (other than the. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that employers provide fall protection for employees working at heights over 4 feet. OSHA addressed ten issues, most of which have been raised by interested parties who believe that alternatives to some of the existing fall protection rule's provisions should be permitted. 1 - Purpose and scope. 34 (copy attached), OSHA standards are minimum safety requirements; employers may apply more protective requirements. 451, . 1) safety railing must be ¼-inch in diameter (a plastic coating could be used to bring the diameter up to ¼-inch) 2) the safety railing must be 42 inches high, plus or minus 3 inches. "The employer must ensure each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1. 451 (a) (5), states that, "Guardrails shall be 2 x 4 inches or the equivalent, approximately 42. • General Industry — 29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart D (1910. (1. The top rail position and maximum single rail length requirements are easier to meet. Handrail must be continuous. Answer: No, 29 CFR 1926 451(g)(4)(i) requires that guardrail systems be. 1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. The three major components of a strong post barrier are the rail, posts, and blockouts. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 48 (b). OSHA 1910. Previous OSHA regulations fell short of addressing many operations in which. 1926. 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. A stair rail or stair guard is a safety railing or barrier located along the open side(s) of a stairway. Many guardrail systems adjust and fit stairwells, elevator shafts, open floors, and pits. 502(b)(3). This provides a safe environment and avoids. M-606-1 Midwest Guardrail System (MGS) Type 3 W-Beam 31 Inches (Placement, installation, materials, and specifications). Handrail height of alternating tread devices and ships ladders, measured above tread nosings, shall be uniform, not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and not more. When assessing an employer's compliance efforts, the Agency considers the requirements of pertinent. - to “one stair rail system with handrail on each open side”. 25 (b) (1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. 5" tall, with no more than a 1/4" gap at the bottom. Definitions. Safety Standards for Scaffolds. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Training and qualification of watchmen/[email protected] (a) (1) Danger zones at or adjacent to conveyors shall be guarded to protect employees. The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: (13)(i) Has a self-closing gate that slides or swings away from the hole, and is equipped with a top rail and mid-rail, or equivalent. 454. 22 m) or more in depth so as to require no more than 25 feet (7. Open-sided dock areas 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level where there is the danger of employee falling shall be guarded by a standard railing or the equivalent. Falls from heights and on the same level (a working surface) are among the leading causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths. Specifically, the following sections are the most relevant to handrail and stair rail requirements. It covers all walking-working surfaces unless specifically excluded by an individual section of this subpart. Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable OSHA requirements. You also requested clarification on when employees must tie-off when a guardrail system is removed to facilitate hoisting operations. This regulation states that, “Guardrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches (5. Top Rail Requirements. 73 (d) When employees are exposed to unguarded edges of decks, platforms, flats, and similar flat surfaces, more than 5 feet above a solid surface, the edges shall be guarded by adequate guardrails meeting the requirements of § 1915. test requirements (such as ANSI/SIA A92. 46 m 2) for each person. 3-1984 entitled American National Standard for Ladders — Fixed — Safety Requirements, as amended from time to time, other than section 7 of that Standard. These include: The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system. 1926. Commercial buildings generally require handrails when stairs have four or more risers, are over 44 inches in height, or are over 88 inches in width. 72. GPO Source: e-CFR. OSHA standard 1926. Regarding roof protection from falls for work on low-slope roofs, OSHA has general industry (1910) regulations based on various distances: Work done less than 6 feet from the roof edge:For other scaffolding guardrail requirements, see 29 CFR 1926. If you choose to use a guardrail system, you must comply with the 10 OSHA provisions listed below. Here are OSHA’s requirements for guardrail height: The top of the rail system must be 42 inches (±3 in. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the general industry standard 29 CFR 1910. S. gov. Do the OSHA Construction standards apply to me? The standards apply to: All contractors who enter into contracts which are for construction, alteration, and/or repair, including painting and decorating. Vehicle protection . C. A handrail or grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent to it needs to be free of anything sharp or abrasive. ( 4) Have a minimum width of 22 inches (56 cm) between vertical. . Cal OSHA has a force requirement of 20 pounds per linear foot along the entire rail system. 1917. 62 cm). 1926. Sincerely,Cal-OSHA guardrail requirements differ from federal OSHA. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 450(b), as well as the requirements of §1926. (note that all lumber dimensions are nominal lumber sizes. 23(c)(1) states that “e very open-sided floor or platform 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level shall be guarded by a standard railing (or the equivalent as specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this section) on all open sides. Under 29 CFR 1926. 2 cm) in height from the tread surface at the riser face. Cal-OSHA’s 1. 555 (a) (2) If the operator's station is at a remote point. Maximum 4-1/2 inch handrail projection into stairway width, on either side. More information about the OSHA Standards and agricultural safety is available at the following Web sites:1926. This appendix serves as a non-mandatory guideline to assist employers in complying with these requirements. 1910. Floor covers . 23 & 1926. A stair rail or stair guard is a safety railing or barrier located along the open side(s) of a stairway. 1052 (c) (3) The height of stairrails shall be as follows: 1926. 29 (b) (3) requires that g uardrail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200. 13(c)] The use of wire ropes as top rails and intermediate rails of guardrail systems used for perimeter protection or for guardrails used on scaffolding meeting the equivalent requirements of 29 CFR 1926. 4. What are the general OSHA requirements of toe board? According to OSHA 1910. The newest OSHA revisions include the following criteria for OSHA 1910. 1926. All top rails and midrails need to be at least 0. OSHA addressed ten issues, most of which have been raised by interested parties who believe that alternatives to some of the existing fall protection rule's provisions should be permitted. 1910. 1910. Stair treads must sustain a weight of at least. The guidelines for these aspects of mezzanine railing include: In-fill mid-rails or panels need to be installed to keep the opening from being more than 19 inches. According to OSHA 1910. Training and qualification of each roadway worker in charge. The guardrail would then have to meet the requirements in §1926. The governing requirement for the guarding of ladderway floor openings and platforms is paragraph 1910. Guardrail systems. 8 m) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems,. 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. 1926. OSHA guidelines on guardrail fall protection criteria dictate that a guardrail safety system’s top edge must be 42(±)3 inches above the floor. Cleat means a ladder crosspiece of rectangular cross section placed on edge upon which a person may step while ascending or descending a ladder. Therefore, it is vital to assist the public in learning about OSHA documents related to agriculture. 3. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 1926. The CSA Standard Z797-18 Code of practice for access scaffold also provides minimum load bearing and height requirements for guardrails and toe boards. 112(c)(1) on both sides and that are not less than 30 inches (76. Since that time, OSHA has received many questions and requests for interpretation of the requirements for handrails and stair rail systems. 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 guidelines for these aspects of mezzanine railing include: In-fill mid-rails or panels need to be installed to keep the opening from being more than 19 inches. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. S. [29 CFR 1926. These updated standards finally provided clarification for service pits, specifying that guardrails are not required around service pits less than 10 feet in depth. The locking device shall be of a type which has no loose parts. 5”. "The employer must ensure each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1. 26 (b) (2)See this post for detailed OSHA guardrail height requirements. 1-2007, Safety Requirements for Workplace Walking/Working Surfaces and Their Access; Workplace, Floor, Wall and Roof Openings; Stairs and Guardrail Systems; ANSI/ASSE Z359. At this point, we know that you need a handrail if you have. 555 (a) (1) Means for stopping the motor or engine shall be provided at the operator's station. Performance requirements for guardrail systems used on scaffolds and performance requirements for falling object protection used on scaffolds are provided in subpart L of this part. 01 inches is required for the edges. 29 CFR 1910. 29 (f) (1) (ii) (B)) and the handrail must be 30 to 38 inches in height (§1910. 5 inches for stands with a top height of 4 feet or more, 36 inches for stands with a. OSHA requirements for guardrails are also quite stringent. ) Floor opening – An opening 12 inches or more in its least dimension in any floor, roof or platform, through which a person, material or tool. State Plans are required to have standards and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as OSHA's and may have different or more stringent requirements. 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. Be sure to check with your code official regarding your area’s guardrail height requirements. We include definitions of guardrail, a handrailing or stairway handrail, and other terms that assist in understanding the building code, construction,. 112 (a) (1) Vehicle curbs, bull rails, or other effective barriers at least six inches (15. OSHA standard 1926. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. The best case scenario, if a car is careening off the road, would be for that car to come to rest unhindered. A Guide to OSHA Rules This informational booklet provides a general overview of a particular topic related to OSHA standards. 29(b). Under 29 CFR 1926. S. 23 (a) (2): Every ladderway floor opening or platform shall be guarded by a standard railing with standard toeboard on all exposed sides (except at entrance to opening), with the passage through the railing either provided with a. In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure standard stairs: ( 1) Are installed at angles between 30 to 50 degrees from the horizontal; ( 2) Have a maximum riser height of 9. Supervise workers to ensure fall protection equipment is used and maintained correctly. 1910. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Guardrails should be inspected per the manufacturer specifications or a qualified person’s requirements. 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. Now, if your loading dock is at 46”, per OSHA dock safety standards, fall protection is not required. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. 452, . Field Information Memorandum #75-40, June 2, 1975, Subject: Guarding Floor and Wall Openings and Holes - General Industry (copy enclosed) covers situations where. If you need additional information, please contact us by fax (202-693-1689) at: U. It also must be able to withstand 50lbs being. 48 (a) (2) An elevated walkway with guardrail or equivalent means of protection shall be provided where employees cross over moving conveyors, and suitable guarding shall be provided when employees pass under moving conveyors. 1053 (a) (4) (i) The minimum clear distance between the sides of individual-rung/step ladders and the minimum clear distance between the side rails of other fixed ladders shall be 16 inches (41 cm). Top Rail Requirements. 62 cm). They must be installed according to manufacturer’s instructions. 2m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by one or more of the following guardrail systems; safety net systems; or. 451(g)(1)(vii)] Employees performing overhand bricklaying operations from a supported scaffold must be protected from falling from all open sides and ends of the scaffold, except at the side next to the wall being laid. 1. While guardrails and handrails sound similar and perform the same general function — fall protection — the actual definition and code requirements for each differ considerably. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. 451(g). With both standards, OSHA deems guardrail compliant under the following conditions: Vertical height of 42 inches. (ii) 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. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. § 214. 5 inches (24 cm); and. 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. Guardrail systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions: 1926. 502 (b) (1) Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1. 503(a) and (c). Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Objects which have fallen into the safety net, such as scrap pieces, equipment, and tools, must be removed as soon as possible from the net and at least before the next work shift. Often, a loading dock is slightly above, at, or slightly below the 4’ general industry rule requiring fall protection. The OSHA non-mandatory guidelines do not provide suggested hardware for fastening the guardrails to the ground. Top rail and midrail dimensions: Must be at least 0. 357. OSHA regulations are pretty straightforward: “Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1. Access to wing walls from floors of dry docks shall be by ramps, permanent stairways or ladders meeting the applicable requirements of § 1915. 23. (2) The landing length shall be a minimum of 60 in (1525 mm) clear. Provides illustrated safety checklists for specific types of scaffolds. 29: 29 CFR 1910. 3-1984 entitled American National Standard for Ladders — Fixed — Safety Requirements, as amended from time to time, other than section 7 of that Standard. 23(e)(3)(ii), only refer to the spacing of posts within. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. OSHA standard 1926. Standard Number: 1926. the system meets the guardrail. 451(b) (scaffold platform construction). Here is a summary to make it easy for you: The top rail must be 42 inches in height, give or take 3 inches. in any direction per OSHA 1910. Details1. Re: Stair rail and hand rail heights; §1926. 10. Open-sided dock areas 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level where there is the danger of employee falling shall be guarded by a standard railing or the equivalent. A guardrail is, first and foremost, a safety barrier intended to shield a motorist who has left the roadway. State Plan Standards. Maximum 12′-7″ vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs. Here is a list of important OSHA standards for work platforms that you may not be aware of. Top edge height of top rails must be between 42 +/- 3 inches above the walking/working level, except when conditions. Handrail safety is just as important as the safety of the staircase itself. Zarletti: Thank you for your letter of June 18, concerning the allowable tolerance for the height of guardrails as specified at 29 CFR 1926. 451(a)(1), (a)(6) and (f), if. All workers reaching more than 10 inches below the level of the walking or working surface on which they are working must be protected by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal On November 18, 2016, OSHA published a final rule on Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems) in the Federal Register ( 81 FR 82494 ). Under §1926. When used to support the top rail for the guardrail, cross bracing should reach the required height of between 38 and 45 inches. ) 1926. Minimum tread depth of 9. It is important to keep in mind that if a rooftop is as little as 4 feet above. Some areas require taller guardrail. In sum, when a construction employer protects its employees from falls with a guardrail system, that guardrail system must meet the requirements in §1926. Guardrail Requirements vs. OSHA also states that the guardrails must be between 39 and 45 inches tall. 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. 1910.