|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
The job of a safety manager is to keep everyone on your jobsite safe, whether they are workers or visitors. And one of the biggest safety hazards in any industrial or construction setting is the risk of falling. OSHA requires employers to provide fall protection that meets stringent requirements, but it is up to you to determine what type of fall protection systems and devices are right for your particular situation. You can use permanent guardrail systems and personal fall protection devices and systems where appropriate. You might also opt for a portable guardrail system in some circumstances, which offers some important benefits and can provide effective, OSHA-compliant protection in many situations.
Your Duty to Provide Fall Protection
You're well aware that the safety and well-being of your employees and visitors to your facility or job site is your responsibility. Specifically, you need to protect everyone from falls by either eliminating the hazard or by providing OSHA-compliant fall protection devices to minimize risks.
Fall Protection in General Industry
According to OSHA 1910.28, employers have a duty to provide fall protection and falling object protection. When a worker must perform their duties 4 feet above a lower level, fall protection devices such as a portable guardrail system, metal guardrails, or other fall protection system is necessary. In addition, fall protection may be needed to protect workers from encountering slippery, wet, or otherwise treacherous surfaces. Some of the areas that require fall protection include:
Elevated Work Surfaces
Catwalks and Walkways
Rooftop Leading Edge
Rooftop Openings and Hatches
Loading Docks
Around Machinery
Anywhere a Fall Hazard Is Present
Fall Protection in Construction
OSHA 1926.501 sets forth the mandate that construction workers must be provided with fall protection devices whenever working at a height of 6 feet above a lower level. Appropriate OSHA-compliant fall protection systems, metal guardrails, portable railings, and personal fall protection equipment must be used by all construction workers as well as any visitors to the construction site. A few examples of areas that need to be protected during construction include:
Exposed Sides and Leading Edges
Wall or Floor Openings
Ramps and Runways
Excavated Areas
Dangerous Machinery and Equipment
Steep Roofs
Choosing the Right Guardrail System for Your Application
Although OSHA requires you to provide fall protection for your employees, it doesn't specify which safety devices and systems you should use. That's up to you to decide. You should always consult with a qualified individual who has experience with OSHA fall protection compliance when making decisions about fall protection equipment. It also helps to familiarize yourself with some commonly implemented solutions.
Portable Guardrails
When you see the word “portable” associated with a guardrail system, you might wonder if it's going to be sturdy, reliable, and safe. The reality is that non-penetrating, portable safety railings are made to meet or exceed OSHA standards for strength and quality. They're stable and secure, making them the ideal solution for fall protection in many circumstances. In fact, portable guardrails can be used anywhere from ground level at a construction site to the rooftop of an industrial facility. And some provide quick OSHA-compliance when working on rooftops with clamp on systems for a roof’s parapet.
Permanent Guardrail Systems
In some situations, you may choose to opt for a permanent guardrail system to keep workers from being exposed to a fall hazard in your facility or on the rooftop. Keep in mind, though, that traditional permanent guardrails need to be anchored to the surface of your building. That may mean compromising your roof and its membrane, which may lead to further damage to your facility.
Access Control Safety Gates
Protecting workers from falls through openings, over the leading edge, or around machinery with a railing is great, but workers need access to these areas. In some cases, creating an offset entry that keeps workers from walking directly into the hole is sufficient. In others, an automatic swing gate or metal safety gate may also be used in conjunction with either permanent or portable railing systems to provide even greater protection for workers.
OSHA Regulations for Guardrail Systems
One of the most common forms of fall protection used in both industrial and construction settings are guardrail systems. Whether you choose to install permanent metal guardrails or a portable guardrail system, both your guardrail system and the safety gates you install will need to meet the standards and best practices set down by OSHA and ANSI including:
The top of your guardrails must be 42" (+or- 3") above the walking/working surface.
Top rails must be able to withstand a force of 200 lbs without failing.
Mid rails must be able to withstand a force of 150 lbs without failing.
Railings have to be made of smooth material that won't snag or scratch.
OSHA 1910.29 also dictates the size of each component of safety railings. Make sure you completely understand these guidelines when choosing portable railings or permanent guardrails. You do, however, have a huge number of choices when it comes to the color and finish of your safety system.
When is a Portable Guardrail System the Right Choice?
Only you and your fall safety specialist can determine whether you should be using a portable or permanent guardrail system to protect against falls. The decision should be based upon the specifics of your facility or workplace. However, there are endless applications for portable railings in both general industry and construction, including any application that requires the railings to be repositioned such as around a construction zone:
Unprotected Edges
Ramps, Runways, and Walkways
Around Roof Openings and Hatches
Truck or Rail Loading Docks
Rooftop Leading Edge
Perimeter Machine and Equipment Guarding
Around Skylights
Floor and Wall Openings
Floor Hatches or Chutes
Fixed Ladders
Wells, Pits, Shafts and Manholes
Excavation Sites
Perimeter Protection for Construction Sites
And more…
OSHA-Compliant Guardrails for Exceptional Fall Protection
It's not easy to be in charge of a large-scale construction project or a busy industrial facility. You're constantly aware that you're responsible for the safety of every individual that sets foot near your work site. You take your job seriously and you will do whatever it takes to keep people safe.
You also know that OSHA penalties and fines are no joke, and that you simply can't afford to be out of compliance. Rely on the experience and professionalism of BlueWater to create a safe environment for your employees, no matter what industry you work in. When you partner with BlueWater, you can rest easy knowing that your facility is protected. Our complete line of fall protection systems including non-penetrating portable guardrails and safety gates that meet current OSHA standards. Contact us today for a consultation.