OSHA Guardrail Standards for Your Warehouse

Understanding OSHA Requirements for Warehouse Guardrails

When it comes to installing warehouse guardrails, it's helpful to know that these safety features consist of three parts: top rails, mid-rails, and vertical posts. This foundational information will help you understand and comply with the rules OSHA has established for installing safety rails in any warehouse.

Understand the Required Top Rail Height

OSHA regulations recognize that warehouse guardrails won't provide much safety if they're too short. The organization has rules for the height of safety rails in every warehouse. You must ensure the top rail is at least 42 inches above the walking or working surface, with three inches of leeway in either direction.

Know Where You Need Guardrails

You won't install guardrails everywhere in your warehouse. Although you might decide to install additional rails for uniformity, you'll only have the rails on platforms that are four feet or higher from the ground or floor. The rails must surround the exposed edge on all sides of the platform.

Find Out When to Install Mid-Rails

You won't always need mid-rails with your warehouse guardrails. If there's a short wall or parapet running along the edge of a platform, your guardrails won't require mid-rails. However, it's necessary to install mid-rails if the safety rail is the only barrier along an edge. To meet this requirement, use screens, mesh, solid panels, or vertical bars.

When using screens or mesh, the material must meet the walking surface on the bottom and the top rail at the top. For vertical bars, keep the space between mid-rails under 19 inches.

Get the Right Strength

In addition to getting the proper height, your warehouse guardrails must be able to resist a specific amount of weight without bending or breaking. Fortunately, guardrail manufacturers test their products to confirm that their rails meet OSHA's standards for strength and resilience.

The top rail must withstand 200 pounds of pressure at any point. Whether applying the pressure in a downward or outward direction, the top rail should remain stable at least 39 inches from the walking surface.

There are strength requirements for mid-rails as well. Whether you use screens, panels, or vertical bars, the mid-rails must be able to withstand 150 pounds of pressure.

Check for Smooth Surfaces

In protecting workers from falls, your warehouse guardrails shouldn't pose other safety hazards. Uneven rails or those with protrusions can lead to injuries, such as lacerations and bruises. OSHA requires that all safety rails have smooth, even surfaces to address this concern.

Additionally, you'll want to avoid designing a guardrail system that overhangs the platforms in your warehouse. You can allow a small amount of overhang as long as the overhang doesn't create a projection hazard.

Address Safety Near Holes and Hoists

You'll also need warehouse guardrails surrounding holes or hoists. Follow the same rules for the height, strength, and design of the rails in these areas. The key exception is that you must install a removable guardrail section across the access point. The guardrails must have a top rail and mid-rails.

Depending on the use of the hoist or hole, a full, removable guardrail might be impractical. OSHA's regulations allow you to use chains or gates at these access points. To employ these substitutions, make sure the chain or gate provides the same protection as a removable guardrail.

Making Ramps and Runways Safer With Guardrails

It's crucial to provide protection around any ramps or runways in your warehouse.

Each side of the ramp must have guardrails running along the edge. In addition, you'll need a guardrail running along the top of the ramp or runway. When using a rope or chain at the top of the ramp, ensure it meets OSHA's strength standards for resisting 200 pounds of pressure.

Another option is to install a self-closing gate at the tops of inclines. Such gates must have top rails and mid-rails. Similar to chains, self-closing gates must meet certain strength requirements — 200 pounds of pressure for the top rail and 150 pounds of pressure for the mid-rails.

Use the top of the incline when determining the guardrail's proper height. Measure from the surface to find the 42-inch minimum for the top rail's accurate height. Make sure the guardrail, chain, or gate extends across the entire width of the ramp or runway.

Guardrails Should Offer Long-Lasting Protection

Installing guardrails in your warehouse isn't a project you can afford to rush.

In addition to complying with these OSHA rules, investing in quality parts and experienced installation is vital for the success of the project. Proper installation will help you meet the warranty conditions for the rails and leave you with a safer, more efficient warehouse.