Scaffolding Components Specifications as per OSHA Standards

In this article you will know about scaffolding components specifications or standards as per OSHA, such as height of Top rail, height of mid rail, height of toe board, width of working platform and many more.

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What is Guardrails?

As per OSHA guardrail means a fixed fall protection system installed on a working platform to prevent fall of person (stepping over the edge of working platform) due to slip or trip on working platform while performing any activity on a platform, OSHA 1910.29(b) is a part of OSHA standard related to guardrail system of a platform which need to followed by an employer.

Components of Guardrails?

There are three main components of guardrails top rails, mid rail and toe board.

Height of Top Rail as per OSHA?

Height of top rail as per OSHA "1910.29(b)(1)" must be 42 inches (107 cm), height of top rail may be 3 inches (8 cm) less or more.

Height of Mid Rail as per OSHA?

Height of mid rail as per OSHA "1910.29(b)(2)" must be 21 inches (53 cm), also as per OSHA "1910.29(b)(2)(i)" says mid rail can be installed half height of the top rails on a working platform.

Height of Toe Board as per OSHA?

Toe board must be installed where there is chance of fall of material from working platform, as per OSHA "1917.112(d)" height of top rail must be 3½ inches (8.9 cm).

Withstanding capacity of Guardrails as per OSHA?

As per OSHA "1910.29(b)(3)" guardrails must be capable to withstand force of 200 pounds (90 kg).

Thickness of Top Rail or Mid Rail as per OSHA?

As per OSHA "1910.29(b)(9)" thickness of top rail or mid rail should be at least 0.25 inches (0.6 cm).

FAQ's Scaffolding OSHA Standards 

After what height safety net to be used as per OSHA?

Safety net must be used where workplaces situated more than 25 feet above the ground or water, or on surfaces where the use of ladders, scaffolds, catch platforms, temporary floors, safety lines, or safety belts is not practiceable

At what height safety net should be installed from working platform as per OSHA?

As per OSHA safety net should be installed at 8 feet from the working platform

Thickness of Life Line as per OSHA?

As per 29 CFR 1926 104c thickness of life line should be 19.5 mm of manila or equivalent material

Strength of Life Line as per OSHA?

As per 29 CFR 1926 104c strength of life line should be minimum breaking Strength of 5400 pounds or 2,449 kg

Minimum width of scaffolding platform as per OSHA?

As per OSHA 1926 451 b2 all scaffolding platform should be minimum of 18 inches or 46 cm wide, note as per HSE UK width of scaffolding platform should be 600 mm