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Technology has changed the way manufacturers and other businesses operate over the years, and many aspects of construction, equipment, and materials are constantly evolving and improving. Some things, however, don't change much at all — they work so well in so many situations that they’ve stood the test of time. Such is the case with a steel guardrail system. This simple-yet-effective form of fall protection is used across industries including manufacturing, medical and dental facilities, industrial processing plants, food processing facilities, and more. Not only will a steel guardrail meet OSHA regulations for industrial fall protection, it is actually the ideal material for a guardrail for several other reasons.
Working at heights can be extremely dangerous and that's why OSHA 1910.28 specifically states that it's your duty to protect your employees when they’re in these situations. In fact, any time an employee is working 4' above a lower level, you need to provide them with appropriate, OSHA compliant fall protection devices. This pertains to every inch of your facility, both inside and out. Some of the areas that need to be protected from falls include:
Elevated walkways and work surfaces.
Stairways and ladders.
Floor and wall openings.
Roof hatches and other openings.
Rooftop leading edges.
Skylights and roof vents.
Loading docks.
And anywhere else a potential fall hazard exists.
You should understand that OSHA doesn't specifically say what type of fall protection devices you need to use for a specific application. They also don't tell you what material your devices should be made of. You have to make those choices based on your facility's needs. If you choose a rail system, it must meet the following OSHA requirements:
The height of a safety guardrail must be 42" above the working/walking surface (+ or - 3").
The top rail must be able to withstand 200 pounds of force in a downward or outward force.
When 200 pounds of pressure is applied, the railing cannot deflect to less than 39".
Intermediate members, midrails, and other parts have to handle 150 pounds of force.
Fall protection guardrail systems need to be made of smooth material to avoid snags and scratches.
If you've determined that a fall protection guardrail is the right choice for you, the next step will be to choose the material. Time and again, steel is the material of choice for an industrial guardrail system. In fact, it's the most popular material across industries for a huge number of both internal and external applications. Just a few reasons to consider steel guardrails include:
Aesthetics — Steel guardrails can be an attractive addition to your building. Whether you prefer a shiny surface or a painted finish, steel is the most versatile and attractive material for guardrails.
Functionality — Whether you operate an oil and gas refinery, a manufacturing facility, a storage warehouse, or countless other applicable businesses, steel railings are a versatile way to protect your workers and your company.
Durability — With minimal maintenance, steel guardrails can last for years without failure, especially when protected by a durable powder-coat finish.
Strength — Steel is incredibly strong, which is why it's used in so many heavy-construction projects. Because of its strength, a steel fall protection guardrail can easily meet OSHA standards.
Corrosion Resistance — Stainless steel safety guardrails are highly resistant to corrosion, making them the ideal fall safety solution for high humidity areas as well as for outdoor use.
Recyclable— One of the biggest benefits of steel for everyone is that it's infinitely recyclable. Your guardrails can be converted to other products and back again without the steel losing integrity.
As a facility manager or owner, one of the things you want from a guardrail fall protection system is durability. Steel safety railings are incredibly easy to maintain. In fact, the only thing you really ever have to do with a steel guardrail is to inspect it regularly, wipe it with a damp cloth on occasion, and maybe repaint it every few years. With this minimal effort, a steel railing will provide adequate fall protection for years to come.
The truth is, aluminum, fiberglass, and other materials are often less expensive than steel, which makes them a practical financial choice. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, steel prices have increased and demand has gone up as well. Steel industry and construction industry experts predict that trend will continue well into 2023. Even so, steel guardrails are still an exceptional value for fall protection in an industrial facility. Despite the cost, there are several good reasons for investing in steel railings including:
Compliance with OSHA requirements for fall protection.
Improve workplace safety by providing fall safety for workers.
Protect valuable equipment and machines from falling objects.
Keep workers away from dangerous machinery.
Restrict access to sensitive areas of your facility.
Minimal maintenance and long useful life.
Furthermore, even with higher steel costs, an investment in safety is always a smart financial decision. Protecting workers from fall hazards can protect your company from OSHA fines, workman’s comp fillings, lawsuits and slow/shut downs in production in the event of accidents.
There's no one-size-fits-all (or one-material-fits-all) solution when it comes to guardrail fall protection. For example, if there is a high risk of electrocution in your building, a steel guardrail may not be appropriate. The best way to determine if you should install a guardrail made of steel is to seek the advice of a competent safety expert. After a thorough inspection of the facility, observation of workers, and gathering information, this person can help you make the right choice.
BlueWater is a leading industry expert on all aspects of guardrail use, manufacturing, and OSHA compliance. If you're concerned with your industrial facility's safety or you're worried that you might have issues with fall protection compliance, contact us and we'll be happy to assist you. One of our highly qualified safety experts will walk you through the process of determining whether a guardrail fall protection system is right for you.
Whether you choose a steel guardrail or another material, you can rest assured that every safety railing you purchase from BlueWater meets or exceeds OSHA standards. Your employees will be safe, and you can be sure that your company remains in compliance so avoid workplace accidents that lead to costly fines and penalties.