What Is the OSHA Guard Rails Height Requirement?

There might be some confusion about OSHA guard rails height requirements. Depending upon the age of your plant you may have some guard rails which were grandfathered in at the time OSHA increased the height requirement to 42 inches. Existing railings that had a vertical height of at least 36 inches have been accepted to provide suitable safety in work areas. It should be pointed out the railings had to be permanently installed in their locations in order to be grandfathered in when the height was increased.

Removing Existing Railings Requires Replacing Them with Approved OSHA Guard Rails

 

Companies which remodel or update their facilities have to make sure they meet the current safety guidelines and requirements. You might be expanding your loading dock or installing a new roof where your existing rails has to be removed. If you were to remove any permanently installed guard rails that were grandfathered in by OSHA you must replace them with the new OSHA guard rails height requirement. It is your responsibility to check the current guidelines and make sure your facility remains compliant.