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Your industrial facility is extremely busy, with people and equipment constantly on the move. Keeping your employees safe under these circumstances isn't the easiest thing in the world, but it's your duty. OSHA regulations require you to provide fall protection to workers anytime they're working 4' or more above the level below. Protective guardrails are one of the most common types of fall protection for industrial facilities. Modular railing systems are increasingly popular due to their strength, durability, and versatility.
As the name implies, modular railing systems are metal guard rails that are assembled on site to spec, using premade parts that can be put together in a range of combinations.
A modular handrail system generally has four main components:
Posts: The vertical structures that are attached to the walking/working surface. They form the base for the other parts.
Rails: These components run horizontal and parallel to each of the posts. They are support for the final part of the system.
Rod Fittings: These parts of the system come in a variety of types to accommodate railing pipes from any direction as well as corner to corner.
Infill: This is the material that's inserted between the rails. These balusters or spindles are generally made of closely spaced rods, dowels, or metal tubing.
The individual guard rail parts are joined together with an adhesive or by welding.
Anywhere that you need to provide fall protection is a good place for a modular guard rail system. In fact, they're highly versatile fall protection systems that can be installed in just about any setting. Some of the most common places modular railings are effective include:
Rooftops — To protect against falls from the leading edge, roof openings like hatches and skylights, uneven rooftop surfaces, and to protect rooftop equipment like HVAC units.
Elevated Surfaces — Mezzanines, catwalks, stairways, and other elevated areas are prime candidates for a modular railing to keep workers from falling to the level below.
Loading Docks — With constant foot traffic, forklifts, and trucks coming and going, loading docks are dangerous places. A modular railing helps keep workers safe and on-task.
Around Floor Holes — Hatches and other floor openings are essential to your business, but they also present a serious fall hazard unless they're protected with a guardrail on all open sides.
Traffic Control — Keeping people safe in your facility can be accomplished by simply directing traffic. A modular guardrail system will help you guide people away from dangerous or sensitive areas.
While falls are a concern when working at height, there are other areas of your facility that can benefit from the protection of a modular railing system. They can be used to keep unauthorized workers out of the area and to keep authorized workers a safe distance away from dangerous machinery. They're also a great way to protect your trade secrets by maintaining a secure area that's not accessible to visitors.
Whether you're installing fall protection on an elevated work surface like a mezzanine, around dangerous equipment and machinery, or on the rooftop, modular systems are appropriate. In fact, they can be used as permanent fall protection for up to 20 years with regular inspections and maintenance. Therefore, if you're looking for an economical, effective fall protection system, modular is the way to go.
The safety and well-being of your employees is your top priority, and you can't skimp on fall protection. In fact, you need to be diligent in making sure that every known fall hazard in, on, and around your building is protected. You need a fall safety system that will protect workers and keep you in compliance. Modular metal guard rails and railing systems from BlueWater meet or exceed OSHA standards.
Modular guard railings must be capable of keeping workers from falling to a lower level, but what exactly does that mean? According to OSHA guidelines, your safety railings need to meet the following criteria in order to be compliant. If your railings don't meet these expectations, you could face steep fines and penalties, plus you'll be putting your employees at risk. Guardrails need to:
Have a height of 42" (plus or minus 3") from the walking/working surface that it's installed on.
Be capable of withstanding 200 lbs of downward force upon the top rail without deflecting to less than 39" above the walking surface.
Handle 150 lbs of downward force exerted on the mid-rail without failure.
Be constructed in a way that leaves a smooth surface that can't snag worker's skin, clothing, or equipment.
Like any other type of guard rails, modular handrail systems provide adequate fall protection for industrial facilities. That will ease your mind when it comes to compliance. A few other benefits you will reap include:
Fast, Easy Installation — In most cases, the installation of a modular guard railings system is a straightforward process that requires nothing more than a hex key. However, it's always wise to have a qualified safety expert oversee the installation process to avoid costly, dangerous errors.
Customized Finish & Color — One of the great things about modular guardrails is that they come in a huge variety of colors from high-contrast yellow to shiny stainless steel. Customize your railings to complement your company's colors or brand for a cohesive, yet safe facility.
Resistant to Corrosion — Standard metal guardrails are generally welded together, which creates a strong bond. However, welds aren't always solid and moisture can build up, causing rust to form. Modular guardrails don't have welds and are much more resistant to rust and corrosion.
You've got a tough job to do when it comes to keeping your employees safe and your company in compliance with OSHA. It's definitely not easy to decide on the right fall protection systems and devices for your facility, and you shouldn’t make this decision alone. BlueWater is a leading maker of safety railings and other safety equipment designed to keep workers from falling. Contact us and one of our safety experts will work with you to determine what the best railing choice is for your facility.