1910. * The CPSC recommends that. Toeboards need to be around 3. The short answer is usually, yes. Phone: Fax: Buy guardrail netting for mid-rail and toe board fall protection, in addition to overhead protection against debris. Thickness. 29(k)(1), the new toeboard requirement needs to be at least 3. Top rail and midrail dimensions: Must be at least 0. Haydl: This is in response to your letter of June 24, 2004 regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for heights for stair rails and handrails and corresponding building code requirements. 5 inches (9 cm) as measured from the top edge of the toeboard to the level of the. 3 - Petitions for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a standard. 1926. If you have an edge that does not pose this risk, you should be OK with standard railing without toeboard. 10(a)] All subcontractors who agree to perform any part of the labor or material requirements of a contract. Many guardrail systems adjust and fit stairwells, elevator shafts, open floors, and pits. S. A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress shall be located in trench excavations that are 4 feet (1. e. The use of wire ropes as top rails and intermediate rails of guardrail systems used for perimeter. 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. Details are at GUARDRAIL CODES & STANDARDS - this article. 454. According to OSHA, the top edge height of top rails (or equivalent guardrail system members) must be 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. This elevated work area is still clearly a hazardous area and you. A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs have two different meanings. 502(b)(6) requires that guardrail components have smooth surfaces to prevent snagging of clothing and injuries from lacerations and punctures. The short answer is usually, yes. The fall protection safety requirements for residential construction should be the same as those for commercial construction. Opening Limitations: OSHA requires a 21” midrail such that a 19” or larger spherical object cannot pass through the guardrail. 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. Internal FHWA Pilot ISPE Guardrail End Treatment For information on ISPE pilot, contact Ana Maria Eigen ( ana. A guardrail is shown by the red arrows in our photo at left. 71 (d) (1) Metal scaffold members shall be maintained in good repair and free of corrosion. 1926. (4) If a doorway is located at a landing, then the. Employee Work Areas Common use circulation paths must be accessible in work areas 1,000 sq. OSHA requirements for guardrails are also quite stringent. Handrail Height. Specifically, the following sections are the most relevant to handrail and stair rail requirements. 2 - Definitions. Maximum 7-3/4 inch stair riser height. The final rule requires that employers must provide guardrail, safety net, or personal fall protection systems to protect workers from falling off unprotected sides/edges of residential roofs that are four feet or more above a lower level. Section 18(b) of The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, P. The job-built guardrail systems were evaluated to determine whether they complied with OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1926. 29 (b), ladders and hatches are required to be secured with a self-closing safety gate and safety-compliant railing. Without safety barriers like guardrails and handrails, anyone working at a height of six feet or more is defenseless against a fall. (c) Safety net systems. Understand the requirements of OSHA’s Fall Protection standards at 29 CFR 1926, Subpart M, to protect workers exposed to falls six feet or more above a lower level. It applies to classrooms with permanent and temporary floor holes and openings greater than 1 inch in its least dimension, floor drains, manholes, hatchways, ladder. (3) If ramps change direction at landings, the minimum landing size shall be 60 in by 60 in (1525 mm by 1525 mm). 450(b), as well as the requirements of §1926. 452(x)(9) 1926. OSHA 1910. Railing height for guard rail. 1431 (b) (2) (i)1915. When properly installed, our guardrail netting meets OSHA toe board requirements, ANSI/ASSE standards and NYC Local Law 61. Guardrails should be inspected per the manufacturer specifications or a qualified person’s requirements. 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. When assessing an employer's compliance efforts, the Agency considers the requirements of pertinent. RE: New OSHA Handrail Requirements cadred (Structural) 19 Jun 17 20:15 It does say you can go to 38" now from the leading edge of the tread to the top surface of the rail if combining the guardrail with handrail (dual purpose). In addition, OSHA also issued an interpretation (55 FR 13407; April. If the railing dips below 39 inches, due to the force, the railing is not OSHA compliant. For more information on Guardrail Inspection, Maintenance, and Installation Information, please contact the Office of Safety, Aimee Zhang ( Aimee. Rauchut, This is in response to your letter of July 18, 2017, requesting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to address a specific question of whether any safety factor is required in the design of handrails and top rails. 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. 29 Fall Protection Systems and Falling Object Protection-Criteria and. 451(b) (scaffold platform construction). Guardrail systems. 355. C. 26 (b) (1) Dockboards put into initial service on or after January 17, 2017 are designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent transfer vehicles from running off the dockboard edge; 1910. 29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). ( 4) Have a minimum width of 22 inches (56 cm) between vertical. Guardrail systems used at hoist areas: A removable guardrail section, consisting of a top rail and midrail, must be placed across the access opening between guardrail sections when the hoist is not being America's Safest Companies. OSHA stair requirements suggest that: 1910. According to OSHA guardrail requirements, a railing is required when working at 4 feet or more. 9 (1) A fixed ladder installed after the day of the coming into force of this section shall be designed, constructed and installed in accordance with the requirements of ANSI Standard A14. Cal-OSHA’s 1. Their standard states, "A standard guardrail shall consist of top rail, midrail or equivalent protection, and posts, and shall have a vertical height within the range of 42 inches. 1917. Wooden posts must be no more than 8’ apart. 3) the top must not fail and may deflect to a point no lower than 39 inches above the floor when a 200 pound load is imposed on it in a downward or outward. Advanced Notice of Proposed Rules 64:38077-38086, (July 14, 1999). . Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Mid rail height of 21 inches. However, OSHA 1910. Vehicle protection . 28 and 1910. 25 inches and 1 inch, respectively. 1052(c)(7) Dear Mr. Vertical height of top rail. The difference in grade level on either side of the wall is in excess of 4 feet; and. State Plan Standards. 22 (b); 1910. e. Since that time, OSHA has received many questions and requests for interpretation of the requirements for handrails and stair rail systems. gov ) 202-493-3168. 75(g) Catwalks on stiles of marine railways shall be no less than 20 inches wide and shall have on at least one side a guardrail and midrail meeting the requirements of § 1915. OSHA requirements for standard stairs. 1052(c)(6) and 1926. Advanced Notice of Proposed Rules 64:38077-38086, (July 14, 1999). balusters) can be a maximum of 19 inches apart. The top rail position and maximum single rail length requirements are easier to meet. 1. Further, OSHA standard 1910. Here’s a quick overview. § 214. 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. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 10. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 5 of 14 DEFICIENCY 2 – UNIT: HANDRAIL IS NOT SECURE. Equivalent means alternative designs, materials, or methods that the employer can demonstrate will provide an equal or greater degree of safety for employees. (link is external) Summary Report of 2021 MASH Virtual Roundtables. Guardrail Basics: What You Need to Know | EHS Today America's Safest Companies OSHA’s fall protection and guardrail requirements along with the International Building Code (IBC) are. Handrail must be continuous. Safety Standards for Scaffolds. 1917. Handrail safety is just as important as the safety of the staircase itself. 500(d)(1) and 29 CFR 1926. 1926. Under §1926. I. 1 cm) of the top. SUMMARY: OSHA is proposing changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify which handrail and stair rail system requirements apply to new stair rail. Therefore, it is vital to assist the public in learning about OSHA documents related to agriculture. OSHA standard 1926. Theatre galleries, balconies, or other such elevated seating locations, where a 42-inch railing would obstruct the sight lines, may be protected by a guardrail or other barrier of not less than 34 inches in height provided that a horizontal concave safety ledge not less than 6 inches in depth and not less than 36 inches in effective width is installed beyond the railing at the balcony floor. 1910. Per 1926. Prevent water from pooling and damaging your roof by using a lightweight PVC counterweight to give your team all the protection they. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the general industry standard 29 CFR 1910. OSHA Guardrail Requirements for Leading Edges. 502). Note that the requirements for top rail height of guardrails on supported scaffolds have been changed from 36 to 45 inches to between 38 to 45 inches. 26 (a) Dockboards are capable of supporting the maximum intended load in accordance with § 1910. 29(b) and its subparts. This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. a worker leaves the elevated aerial lift work platform. 500 (f) (l) (vi) provides for the utilization of types, sizes and arrangements of railing construction provided they meet the conditions established in sub-paragraph a thru d. Employers should train workers to: Check to see that a guardrail system is in place before working on the scissor lift. 29(f)(1)(ii)(B)) and the handrail must be 30 to. Install guardrail systems along all open sides and ends of platforms. 454. 450, . 1431 (b) (2) Exceptions: A personnel platform is not required for hoisting employees: 1926. Top rail must withstand 200 lbs load in any direction. Any part of a scaffold that has been damaged or weakened so that it no longer meets OSHA strength requirements must either be repaired, replaced, braced,. OSHA addresses the fall protection to be provided to employees on self-propelled scissor-lifts through the application of the general duty clause (section 5 (a) (1)) of the OSH Act) because the OSHA standards do not cover such equipment. l-l989, Safety Requirements for Floor and Wall Openings and (non-residential) Stair and Railing Systems. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable OSHA requirements. 23 (a) (4), therefore, requires that skylights in the roof of buildings through which persons may fall while walking or working shall be guarded by a standard. 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. Order safety netting for railings, open-sided floors, roofs and more today!(c) Stair rails and handrails. Zarletti: Thank you for your letter of June 18, concerning the allowable tolerance for the height of guardrails as specified at 29 CFR 1926. 29(b) and its subparts. 1926. 23(e)(6) states: "All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or. 2Height. In construction the use of cables or chains to guard door and wall openings is common. Minimum 6′-8″ headroom height clearance for stairway. (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. [29 CFR 1926. A minimum radius of 0. Scope and definitions. Guardrail systems 1910. 500, Guardrails, handrails & guards. Floor covers . 28″ with a minimum of 9″ clearance between the child and adult handrail. 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. the regulations in T8 CCR only set minimum requirements and they should strive to exceed the standards at all times. 28; 1910. 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. (ANSI A92. Thank you for your inquiry. Top rail and midrail dimensions: Must be at least 0. Stairs other than fixed industrial stairs have different requirements for being equipped with standard stair railing or standard handrails when compared to the requirements of fixed industrial stairs. 72. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), as long as the guardrail system meets all other criteria. The guardrails provided here are 1-1/4” thick. 1910. [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. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm). test requirements (such as ANSI/SIA A92. 25 inches thick. § 214. 25 inches in diameter or 0. By strict letter of the law, a 46” dock does not require fall protection under the provisions of OSHA 1910. 5”. 1910. 503 (a) (1) The employer shall provide a training program for each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards. 1053(a)(1)] Additional Information: 29 CFR 1926 Subpart X, Ladders. 1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. 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. 71 (j) (1) and (2), unless the nature of the work in progress or the physical conditions prohibit the use. When used to support the top rail for the guardrail, cross bracing should reach the required height of between 38 and 45 inches. OSHA Guardrail Load Requirements. 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. , guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems) for work 6 feet or more above lower levels, except where employers can demonstrate. 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. 5”. 73]. A guardrail system also provides a safety barrier for other internal and external exposure spots of a building or site. , an opening in the roof of a building through which persons may fall. According to OSHA’s construction fall protection standard ( 29 CFR 1926. 555 (a) (1) Means for stopping the motor or engine shall be provided at the operator's station. Whenever guardrail systems are used, they must meet the definition of a "guardrail system" in §1926. (1910. Mesh or screen in-fill panels need to extend from the surface to the uppermost rail. 3) the top must not fail and may deflect to a point no lower than 39 inches above the floor when a 200 pound load is imposed on it in a downward or outward. A handrail or grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent to it needs to be free of anything sharp or abrasive. need to be provided for(The requirements to have guardrail systems with toeboards for falling object and overhead protection on platforms and landings are set forth in subpart M of this part. Access. The following definitions apply in this subpart: Alternating tread-type stair means a type of. OSHA standards set minimum safety and health requirements; they do not prohibit employers from adopting more stringent requirements. Training and qualification of watchmen/[email protected] (a) (1) Danger zones at or adjacent to conveyors shall be guarded to protect employees. Specifically, we will consider the use of certain physical barriers that fail to meet the criteria for a. [29 CFR 1926. 62 cm). [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. Handrail height, spacing, and incline are all addressed by the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building. Wherever guardrail protection is required, the following standards shall be adhered to except that other types and arrangements of guardrail construction will be acceptable where the height, surface and end projection of the top rail complies with the standard specifications and the closure of the vertical area between the top rail and floor, platform,. 502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29 CFR. What are the general OSHA requirements of toe board? According to OSHA 1910. 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. 2m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by one or more of the following guardrail systems; safety net systems; or. Wherever guardrail protection is required, the following standards shall be adhered to except that other types and arrangements of guardrail construction will be acceptable where the height, surface and end projection of the top rail complies with the standard specifications and the closure of the vertical area between the top rail and floor, platform,. Requirements for suspension scaffold fall protection systems are contained in § 1910. 1. Safety Railing and Guardrail Systems. It covers all walking-working surfaces unless specifically excluded by an individual section of this subpart. When a guardrail system is used, the guardrail height must be increased in height equal to the height of the stilts. Here is a summary to make it easy for you: The top rail must be 42 inches in height, give or take 3 inches. 1926. Definitions . This subpart applies to all general industry workplaces. Reg. A guardrail is, first and foremost, a safety barrier intended to shield a motorist who has left the roadway. 29(b)(2)(iii) Post navigation. The employer must ensure: 1910. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 112 (a) (1) Vehicle curbs, bull rails, or other effective barriers at least six inches (15. The top rail should be 42 inches in heightThis letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Compliance requirements for the use of U-bolt-type cable clamps in horizontal lifelines. As indicated in Question and Answer #50 of OSHA's compliance directive CPL 2-1. Curbs or bull rails installed after October 3, 1983, shall be at least 10 inches (25. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. OSHA 1910. SUBJECT: 1926. If you need further assistance, please contact [the Office of General Industry Enforcement at (202) 693-1850]. Scope . Here is a list of important OSHA standards for work platforms that you may not be aware of. 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. With both standards, OSHA deems guardrail compliant under the following conditions: Vertical height of 42 inches. Suite 301 Chadds Ford, PA 19317. Use internal couplings, Type 18-7, to maintain continuity. On outside plaza, patio, and garden areas, alternate means of protection are acceptable if the same degree of safety is provided. For example, ANSI standard A1264. 29 (b): "Fall protection systems and falling object protection -- criteria and practices. An opening between 3½ and 9 inches should be avoided because of the danger of entrapment. 503(a) and (c). The retaining wall safety device shall be designed and constructed structurally in accordance with. IBC 2000 1-1/2 inch minimum. OSHA guidelines on guardrail fall protection criteria dictate that a guardrail safety system’s top edge must be 42(±)3 inches above the floor. Cal OSHA has a force requirement of 20 pounds per linear foot along the entire rail system. What’s more, the guardrail must be capable of withstanding up to 200 pounds of force in a downward or upward direction. 503 (a) Training program. 82 cm ±7. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742 Federal Government White House; Benefits. Only stand on the work platform; never stand on the guardrails. Guardrail requirements are covered under OSHA 1910. The area shall be permanently maintained and identified as a safe dispersal area. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. They must be installed according to manufacturer’s instructions. (1) For wood railings: Wood components shall be minimum 1500 lb-ft/in2 fiber (stress grade) construction grade lumber; (2) For pipe railings: posts, top rails, and intermediate railings shall be at least one and one-half inches nominal. 22 m) or more in depth so as to require no more than 25 feet (7. The top edge of the guardrail should be 42 inches above the walking/working surface. 29 repeats itself a lot and it can be a little confusing to sort through. Sets forth safety requirements for areas where danger exists of persons or objects falling through floor or. Guardrail systems. 1910. OSHA also states that the guardrails must be between 39 and 45 inches tall. [29 CFR 1926. The three major components of a strong post barrier are the rail, posts, and blockouts. This appendix serves as a non-mandatory guideline to assist employers in complying with these requirements. 1910. 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. Only stand on the work platform; never stand on the guardrails. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. 353. In the diagram below, you can see the side profile of two different types of guardrails: The first option shows a guardrail. 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. 501(b)(13), workers engaged in residential construction six (6) feet or more above lower levels must be protected by conventional fall protection (i. 502 - OSHA's policy regarding the use of scaffolds as fall arrest system anchors. Top Rail Requirements. Reference definitions in 1910. 1910. 5. If the top of a tank is not a "platform" under the analysis called for in OSHA's guidance document, the guardrail requirements of that standard would not apply. 71 (d) (2) All vertical and horizontal members shall be fastened together with a coupler or locking device which will form a positive connection. 1(2) of O. This regulation states that, “Guardrail systems. Guardrails: Handrails: OSHA: Height: . 760 (c) (2) Access to a CDZ shall be limited to only those employees engaged in leading edge work. 8-2019 standard). • safety knowledge among workers varies, • manual labor is used extensively, • the climate creates year-round heat stress. Guard rail, guardrails, or protective guarding, [1] in general, are a boundary feature and may be a means to prevent or deter access to dangerous or off-limits areas while allowing light and visibility in a greater way than a fence. 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. 4 cm) in height. 502(b)(9) states that top rails and mid rails must have a thickness or nominal diameter of at least ¼ of an inch to. 36″ to 38″ — may also serve as guard. The agency’s standard on walking-working surfaces for general industry (1910 Subpart D) was developed to help prevent dangerous falls from height or slips and trips on the same level (working surface). 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. 21(b)(1) and 1910. Guardrails should be inspected per the manufacturer specifications or a qualified person’s requirements. A Guide to OSHA Rules This informational booklet provides a general overview of a particular topic related to OSHA standards. 1The present Standard, 29 CFR 1910. 502(b)(3) requires railing systems meet a 200 pound concentrated load test. CDOT’s guardrail standards are defined in: • Standard Plan . Be sure you have. or more in size. 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”. Plastic ladders: ANSI A14. 502(c)(2). 2. Hazards are identified, as well as the controls that keep these hazards from becoming tragedies. Related Code Sections. 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. Most loading docks are 48-52” tall, but we do see instances of docks a few inches shy of four feet–say 46”. Answer. According to OSHA, the top edge height of top rails (or equivalent guardrail system members) must be 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. Common shapes are flat, rounded edge, and tubular in horizontal railings, whereas tetraform spear-headed or ball. This is the first OSHA requirement to be aware of. 451 (a) (5), states that, "Guardrails shall be 2 x 4 inches or the equivalent, approximately 42 inches. OSHA Guardrail Load Requirements. So, that height can be anywhere from 39 inches to 45 inches. 29 (b): "Fall protection systems and falling object protection -- criteria and practices. Wherever guardrail protection is required, the following standards shall be adhered to except that other types and arrangements of guardrail construction will be acceptable where the height, surface and end projection of the top rail complies with the standard specifications and the closure of the vertical area between the top rail and floor, platform,. Load Requirement: It should be to hold a load from a 200-pound weight that is. 28 of OSHA’s standard on walking-working surfaces (1910. Note that our enforcement. Labor Day: A Celebration Of Hard Work. gov. Scope . 29 (b) (1): The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system. The newest OSHA revisions include the following criteria for OSHA 1910. The standard's definition of a guardrail system is: "a vertical barrier, consisting of, but not limited to, Toprails, midrails , and posts, erected to prevent employees from falling off a. For stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017, the top rail and handrail must be separate. Stair railing height requirements are derived from handrail code—a model building code that communities can adopt and adapt as needed. 5 inches (24 cm); and. 25 (b) (1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. Contains information that helps workers identify and control the hazards that cause the most serious construction-related injuries. Though the terms guardrails and handrails are. 5”. They must be protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems, or They must work in a controlled access zone (CAZ) . 2. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. It covers all walking-working surfaces unless specifically excluded by an individual section of this subpart. 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. Guardrail requirements are covered under OSHA 1910.