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3314.8 Guardrail System and Toeboards
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Except for scaffold platforms 6 feet (3048 mm) or less above the ground, the open sides and ends of every scaffold platform shall be provided with a guardrail system and toeboard, unless otherwise specified for the particular type of scaffold. The guardrail system shall be installed before the scaffold is released for use by workers other than the workers who are erecting or dismantling the scaffold.
3314.8.1 Mesh Installation
Where it is possible for the public to pass under, or next to a scaffold, the space between the top rail and toeboard shall be enclosed with a wire screen composed of not less than no. 18 steel wire gage with a maximum 1/2 inch (13 mm) mesh or equivalent synthetic safety netting. For the purpose of this provision the term "where it is possible for the public to pass under, or next to a scaffold" shall mean when the setback from the scaffold to the area used by the public is a distance equal to or less than half the height of the scaffold.
3314.8.2 Top Edge Height
The top edge height of the toprails or equivalent member shall be installed between 38 inches and 45 inches (965 and 1143 mm) above the platform surface.
3314.8.3 Midrail Installation
3314.8.4 Midrail Height
When mid-rails are used, they shall be installed at a height approximately midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the scaffold platform.
3314.8.5 Screen or Mesh Height
When screens or mesh are used, they shall extend from the top edge of the guardrail system to the scaffold platform and along the entire opening between supports.
3314.8.6 Intermediate Support Spacing
When intermediate supports such as ballisters or additional rails are used, they shall not be more than 19 inches (483 mm) apart.
3314.8.7 Top Rail Design
Each top rail or equivalent member of a guardrail system shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force applied in any downward or horizontal direction at any point along its top edge of at least:
- 100 pounds (45.4 kg) for any guardrail systems installed on a single-point adjustable suspension scaffold or a two-point adjustable suspension scaffold; or
- 200 pounds (90.7 kg) for guardrail systems installed on all other scaffolds.
3314.8.8 Top Rail Deflection
When loads specified in Section 3314.8.7 are applied in the downward direction, the top edge shall not drop below the heights above the scaffold platform as prescribed in Section 3314.8.2.
3314.8.9 Midrail Design
Midrails, screens, mesh intermediate vertical members, solid panels, and equivalent structural members of a guardrail system shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force applied in any downward or horizontal direction at any point along the midrail or other member of at least:
- 75 pounds (34 kg) for any guardrail systems installed on a single-point adjustable suspension scaffold or a two-point adjustable suspension scaffold; or
- 150 pounds (68 kg) for guardrail systems installed on all other scaffolds.
3314.8.10 Toeboards
3314.8.10.1 Toeboard Design
Toeboards shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 50 pounds (22.7 kg) applied in any downward or horizontal direction at any point along the toeboard.
3314.8.10.2 Toeboard Height
The top edge of the toeboard shall be at least 3 1/2 inches (89 mm) high from the level of the walking/working surface and there shall be not more than a 1/4 inch (6 mm) clearance above the walking/working surface.
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Related Code Sections
3314.8 Safeguards During Construction or Demolition, Guardrail System and Toeboards
with a guardrail system and toeboard, unless otherwise specified for the particular type of scaffold. The guardrail system shall be installed before ...
3314.8.1 Safeguards During Construction or Demolition, Mesh Installation
Where it is possible for the public to pass under, or next to a scaffold, the space between the top rail and toeboard shall be enclosed with a wire ...
3314.8.2 Safeguards During Construction or Demolition, Top Edge Height
The top edge height of the toprails or equivalent member shall be installed between 38 inches and 45 inches (965 and 1143 mm) above the platform ...
3314.8.3 Safeguards During Construction or Demolition, Midrail Installation
the top edge of the guardrail system and the scaffold platform ...
3314.8.4 Safeguards During Construction or Demolition, Midrail Height
When mid-rails are used, they shall be installed at a height approximately midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the scaffold ...