Industrial facilities of all types require substantial fall protection equipment to keep workers safe while working at height, near holes, and around dangerous machinery and chemicals. Since the interiors of these facilities are apt to change as production scales up, modular guardrail systems are a smart choice for providing the necessary level of OSHA-compliant fall protection. Versatile, durable modular guardrail systems can accommodate customized installation requirements for nearly every type of industrial environment.
Whether your facility is adding new work areas, expanding the equipment line with new installations, or introducing elevated storage systems, utilizing a modular guardrail system enables you to meet OSHA fall protection standards throughout the facility’s layout. Even as your company grows, a modular railing system can extend along with your progress.
Let’s take a closer look at how modular guardrail systems can effectively adapt to any facility to provide essential fall protection.
OSHA Regulations
OSHA requires that fall protection be provided when working near or over dangerous machinery regardless of the potential fall distance. Industrial facilities are also required by OSHA fall protection standards to guard every floor hole, wall hole, stairway, and elevated platform or work station. By using railings, guardrails, toe-boards, and a swing gate, you can equip your facility in order to prevent workers from falls and meet OSHA criteria throughout the facility.
Standard guardrails can be less flexible for your changing needs, however. Fortunately, modular guardrail systems meet the criteria for OSHA standard 1910.29 and possess the flexibility to work with unique set ups. In fact, modular systems like the BlueWater Kwikrail feature the same safety standard, like a top rail height of 42″ above the working/walking surface, and a mid-rail is installed at 21″ partway between the walking/working surface and the top rail.
Additionally, modular guardrail systems can be constructed with a smooth finish, without any ragged edges. Smooth edges prevent worker injury due to puncture and prevent damage to clothing or gear due to snags. Per OSHA standards, there should be no overhanging top rails or projections on modular railing systems. All railing segments should be fitted into pre-assembled uprights to ensure a proper fit for any length railing.
Advantages of Modular Guardrail Systems
Modular guardrail systems are a customizable, affordable method toward meeting your facility’s fall protection needs. You can install a modular system anyplace in your facility without the need for extensive engineering, simply by using basic components. Furthermore, OSHA-Compliant modular guardrail systems can be delivered directly to your facility, ready for installation with minimal assembly required. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits:
![Modular Safety Rail Corner]()
Versatile
Modular guardrail systems are easily adaptable to your facilities layout. They can be configured as straight railings or fitted around tight corners. You can even build upwards, making them a smart choice for machinery. Easily extend already installed systems as you add new equipment to a growing facility simply by adding compatible pieces.
Need to gain access? Install a metal safety gate. Adding a swing gate to your modular guardrail system is simple and can be mounted to your modular rail on the left or right side. Your metal safety gate can be changed at any time along with your modular guardrail set up.
Durable
Don’t think you have to trade strength for versatility. Modular guardrails are constructed using strong materials. After installation, these systems are capable to withstand a force of 200-pounds applied in an upward or outward direction at any point along the topmost railing.
Affordable
Because of their versatility, these guardrail systems are an affordable choice. Post and railing configurations can be affixed in any industrial environment without welds, bends, or threading. Utilizing minimal man-power and light hardware, modular guardrail systems can be installed for a fraction of the cost of engineered systems.
Easy Installation
Modular guardrails often have simple installations. The FabRail, for example, ships directly to your facility with pre-assembled fittings and uprights for post and rail assembly. Installing the lightweight, modular guardrail system requires only the use of a hex key and drill (for base flange fitting holes). The end, mid, and corner uprights allow you to assemble your customized railing configuration within minutes—no need to weld or handle bulky materials.
Likewise, base fittings can be affixed to any type floor surface. Using only a drill to pre-align the holes, a secure base is installed by using a concrete anchor, lag bolt, or hex head cap screw through fittings.
Modifying Your Guardrail with Safety Gates
Equip any modular railing configuration with a metal safety gate or swing gate for OSHA fall protection standards around guarded fall hazards. Make sure your gates meet OSHA’s latest regulations for standard 1910.29 by ensuring they have the following features:
- Self-closing slide or swing away from holes and ladders.
- A 42″ top rail height and mid-rail.
- Able to withstand 200-pound load on top rail and 150-pound load on mid-rail.
A self-closing safety gate is an excellent addition to any, customizable modular guardrail system. Gates allow safe entry and egress yet guard fall hazards such as holes, ladders, stairways, and raised platforms. Gates eliminate the risk of climbing over railings as well.
Our experienced team has been providing the industry with American-made safety gear for over four decades. We’d be happy to guide you through the creation of a customized, modular guardrail solution. Efficiently and affordably protect your workers and keep your facility OSHA compliant with Fabenco’s “one-stop-shop” for quality, fall protection equipment.
Contact Fabenco today and our fall protection experts will assist you in order to get your industrial facility properly equipped for compliance with OSHA’s fall protection standards. Don’t be caught off guard! Modular guardrail systems keep workers safe and keep you compliant.
