Fall Protection Question
I've recently started a new position with a rebar placing company and was out in the field last week and an issue was brought up regarding the height of the guardrail. The situation is that we are placing rebar on the deck and then there is another structural layer on the rebar and then we are placing more rebar on top of the bringing us close to the top of the form. There is a guardrail system set up around the perimeter of this level, but at certain points the forms get rather close roughly 32" from the guardrail. As we work near the edge on the top portion we would not be protected by the guardrails, but we are looking for something specific to take back to our customers.
Additionally, we have had some customers state that you can measure diagonally from the top rail to your waling/working surface, has anyone ever seen anything that aligns with this statement?
I think I have a good answer to take back to the team from a Letter of Interpretation of 1926.502(b)(1), but just wanting to see what others think.
Comments (2)
1926.502(b)(1)
Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1.1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height, provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of this paragraph.
If the working surface is elevated the guardrail must be at least 42 inches above the working surface.
I have never seen any thing that says you can measure diagonally.
Depending on your jurisdiction the height requirements could change. In Alberta Canada, our requirements for fall protection are 10 feet (3 meters) for a temporary or permanent location and 4 feet (1.2 Meters) for a permanent location at the leading edge. So if you are building a structure up the further you build up the higher you are it is always measured from the leading edge.
However, if your height is close to the leading edge the legislation is always open to interpretation by the authorities as it does not state the leading edge in any legislation I have read. As well, I have never seen anywhere in any jurisdiction where you can measure diagonally, as you don't fall diagonally.
In conclusion, always work on the side of an abundance of caution and exceed the legislation and you will never get into a crisis with the prime contractor or authorities.