osha safety cable post spacing
The employer must ensure: 1910.25(b)(1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with 1910.28; 1910.25(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. Where tools, equipment, or materials are piled higher than the top of the toeboard, paneling or screening is installed from the toeboard to the midrail of the guardrail system and for a length that is sufficient to protect employees below. The ends of handrails and stair rail systems do not present any projection hazards. Rigging crews hook cable systems (simple, high-lead, shotgun, skyline, etc.) Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. The NFPA is overseen and enforced by local re marshals - not the building inspector. OSHA's requirements for guardrail can be found on the OSHA website. In their simplest form, cable fall protection systems consist of wire rope secured by a series of terminal and intermediate anchor points. RAILINGS open-sided stairs < 44" require 1 stair rail/side; open-sided stairs > 44" require 1 stair rail and 1 separate handrail/side. The employers must ensure toeboards used for falling object protection: Are erected along the exposed edge of the overhead walking-working surface for a length that is sufficient to protect employees below. Ensure each fall protection system and falling object protection, other than personal fall protection systems, that this part requires meets the requirements in this section. To assure that you are using the correct information and guidance, please consult OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov. LINDA R. ANKU This could add additional hazards to the working area. The employer must ensure canopies used for falling object protection are strong enough to prevent collapse and to prevent penetration by falling objects. If posts are spaced more than 8-feet on center, it will no longer be OSHA compliant. Other equivalent intermediate members (such as additional midrails and architectural panels) are installed so that the openings are not more than 19 inches (48 cm) wide. OSHA specifies that red, black and white colors are to be used for danger signs. Director of Safety Services Current ErectaStep tread depth (i.e. Wire rope and/or cable as a method of perimeter protection for a building under construction. In addition, you submitted information regarding your freestanding guardrail system as well as a photograph of what appears to be a typical installation of the guardrail system. OSHA1910.25covers standards for all stairways (including a standard, spiral, ship, and alternating tread-type stairs). Therefore, it does not require perimeter safety cables on the roof level. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the Directorate of Construction at (202) 693-2020. California does not use NFPA 101). Its thin lines keep your views open. You stated that the freestanding guardrail system meets the 200 pound (890 N) force requirements required by 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(3) and 1910.23(e)(3)(iv) and that you have twice had engineering firms conduct calculations and verify compliance. Return to index . The most common issues observed while performing safety audits on cable guardrails include: Excessive Deflection or Sagging incorporate turnbuckles to allow for easy tightening of the cable. Typically, cable guardrails are erected by ironworkers at the final interior and exterior perimeters of floors upon completion of installing the deck. Designing an OSHA compliant railing system is equally important; post-spacing, material choice, finish, toeboard, and gates are all things to consider when designing your guardrail. The customer service was great. Mr. William Dillon The top rail of a stair rail system may serve as a handrail only when: The height of the stair rail system is not less than 36 inches (91 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm) as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail (see Figure D-13 of this section); and. Toeboards must be solid and not have a gap of more than 1/4 inch at the bottom. Question: If an employer utilizes a freestanding modular guardrail system, which the manufacturer claims meets OSHA's force/strength requirements, but which is designed such that the main posts' weighted bases allow the main posts to be spaced 6" apart, would this gap be a violation of OSHA's guard rail standards? The employer must ensure each personal fall protection system meets the requirements in subpart I of this part; and. If you're in California, they require residential posts to be a minimum of 42 inches tall. Directorate of Construction, Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. Handrails are not less than 30 inches (76 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm), as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the handrail (see Figure D-12 of this section). (1) For wood railings: Wood components shall be minimum 1500 lb-ft/in (2) fiber (stress grade) construction grade lumber; the posts shall be at least 2-inch by 4-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) lumber spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers; the top rail shall be at least 2-inch by 4-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) lumber, the intermediate rail shall be at (4) Guardrails installed after May 26, 2011. Mr. B. J. Newton Yarding Safety (Logging) Yarding is the logging operation that moves felled trees from the slash pile to the landing or storage area prior to transportation. Depicts a well squared off. Answer: The response to this question is a qualified yes. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. Components for which no specific guidelines are given in this Appendix (e.g., joints, base connections, components made with other materials, and components with other dimensions) must also be designed and constructed in such a way that the completed system meets the requirements of 1926.502. These anchors shall be of sufficient strength to support the imposed loads without deflection. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. This is in response to the questions posed in the letter from Jay Withrow regarding safety railing(s) required by OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.750(b)(1)(iii). We're here to help! OSHA will deem those stairs in compliance if they meet the dimension requirements specified in Table D-1 of this section or they use a combination that achieves the angle requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section. Perimeter columns shall not be erected unless: The standard requires perimeter columns to extend 48 inches above the finished floor "to permit installation of perimeter safety cables prior to erection of the next tier" Since there is no "next tier" once the final tier has been erected, the language of the provision indicates that the requirement does not apply to the final tier's columns. System Not Properly Terminated common issues include wire rope clips installed backwards, not enough wire rope clips, and the cables are improperly spliced. Projection hazards. Therefore, it does not require perimeter safety cables on the roof level. Next, check and use torque wrench to retighten nuts to recommended torque. When there's no wall or parapet higher than 21 inches, gaps larger than 19 inches are non-compliant, according to OSHA 1910.29(b)(2). However that would be contrary to guidance relating to wire rope used for guardrails contained in directives (STD 3-10.3), memoranda and proposed standards (Fall Protection In Construction.) As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure all workers have adequate fall protection and falling object protection including handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems according to OSHA standard 1910.28. Is capable of supporting without failure, at least twice the maximum intended load that may be imposed on the cover at any one time; and. Handrails. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. All openings in guardrail systems are small enough to prevent objects from falling through the opening. (2) For pipe railings: posts, top rails, and intermediate railings shall be at least one and one-half inches nominal diameter (schedule 40 pipe) with posts spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers. Each ladder safety system allows the employee to climb up and down using both hands and does not require that the employee continuously hold, push, or pull any part of the system while climbing; The connection between the carrier or lifeline and the point of attachment to the body harness or belt does not exceed 9 inches (23 cm); Mountings for rigid carriers are attached at each end of the carrier, with intermediate mountings spaced, as necessary, along the entire length of the carrier so the system has the strength to stop employee falls; Mountings for flexible carriers are attached at each end of the carrier and cable guides for flexible carriers are installed at least 25 feet (7.6 m) apart but not more than 40 feet (12.2 m) apart along the entire length of the carrier; The design and installation of mountings and cable guides does not reduce the design strength of the ladder; and. OSHA has three classifications of signs: Danger signs Indicate immediate danger and that special precautions are necessary. There can be a lot of rules to follow, but knowing and understanding them is crucial to workplace safety.Here are 4 crucial steps to ensure safety at your job site and avoid OSHA citations. The top of the handrail should be at . Code requires guardrail in residential structures be a minimum of 36 inches. ErectaSteps line of industrial modular metal stairs and industrial maintenance access platforms feature modular, lightweight metal stair components that are as easy to reconfigure as they are to assemble. Designing an OSHA compliant railing system is equally important; post-spacing, material choice, finish, toeboard, and gates are all things to consider when designing your guardrail. The rail is able to withstand a 200 lb force in a downward or outward direction. Here is everything you need to know about the key differences. Although they can provide adequate protection at perimeter edges, they often have issues with the way they are installed. NFPA 101: Life Safety Code provides requirements that limit the effects of re and related hazards. 1910.29(b)(9) - Top rails and mid-rails must be at least 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) in diameter or thickness. The tensioning device shall have a breaking strength of not less than 10,000 pounds. The first is Access to Landing Platform through Ladder. Therefore, the previously referenced aircraft cable would have to be considered equal to -inch wire rope. 5 Modular Components, Unlimited Configurations. Another option is to keep a cable puller and wire rope grip attachment handy in order to tighten cable guardrails easily. The standard reads as follows: The questions and responses to them are as follows: The employer must ensure each grab handle: [81 FR 82994-82998, Nov. 18, 2016; 84 FR 68796, Dec. 17, 2019], Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Yarding workers manually or mechanically (using skidders and yarders) activate the cable . Cages, wells, and platforms used with fixed ladders. If we can be of further assistance, please let use know. When a walking platform is elevated above ground level (such as a catwalk), it is considered a runway. Handrails have the shape and dimension necessary so that employees can grasp the handrail firmly. OSHA does not require railing to be mounted to a supporting structure. Assuming the reliability of the statements made regarding the guardrail system and when installed as indicated in the photograph you provided, it appears that the 6" spacing of posts in between sections of the freestanding modular guardrail system does not violate an OSHA standard. Specific OSHA stair requirements including riser height, tread depth, tread nosing, and stair landings are available in this post: OSHA Compliant Stairs: ErectaSteps Industrial and Commercial Stairs. Ladderway floor openings are specifically mentioned. When it comes to keeping your workplace productive theres nothing more important than safety. Figure D-13 - Combination Handrail and Stair Rail. Sincerely, Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats are spaced not less than, (25 cm) and not more than 14 inches (36 cm) apart, as measured between the centerlines of the rungs, cleats, and steps, Have a minimum width of 22 inches (56 cm) between vertical barriers.