Subpart F
Vehicle curbs, bull rails, or other effective barriers must be at least six inches high at waterside edges, but curbs or bull rails installed after October 3, 1983 must be at least 10 inches high. Per 1917.112(a)(1), provide the required height and ensure the barrier is effective; if vehicles are prohibited at the edge, this requirement does not apply.
Yes — the curb/bull rail requirement also applies at the edge of any fixed level above the common floor area from which vehicles may fall, except at loading docks, platforms and skids where cargo is moved by vehicles. See 1917.112(a)(2) for this extension of the vehicle protection rule.
Guardrails must be provided where employees are exposed to floor or wall openings or waterside edges that present a hazard of falling more than 4 feet or falling into the water. This is stated in 1917.112(b)(1).
Guardrails are not required at loading platforms and docks, at waterside edges used for cargo handling, on the working sides of work platforms/skids, or on railroad rolling stock, highway vehicles, intermodal containers or similar equipment. See the exceptions listed in 1917.112(b)(2) and its subparts (i–iv).
If guardrails are impracticable because of machinery requirements or work processes, employers must use an alternate means of fall protection such as nets. This requirement is in 1917.112(b)(3).
Guardrails must be capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction at mid-span of the top rail (or at the uppermost point if there is no top rail). This performance requirement is specified in 1917.112(c)(1).
Guardrails that are not solid baluster, grillwork, slatted or similar must consist of a top rail and midrail; the midrail should be positioned approximately halfway between the top rail and the walking surface. See 1917.112(c)(2).
Guardrails installed before October 3, 1983 must have a top surface at least 36 inches high; guardrails installed after that date must have a top surface 42 inches high, plus or minus 2 inches. These height requirements are in 1917.112(c)(3).
Non-rigid railings such as chain or wire rope must not sag more than 6 inches at the midpoint between posts. This limit is specified in 1917.112(c)(4).
Top rails must be free of puncture and laceration hazards, and rail ends must not overhang in a way that constitutes a hazard (scrollwork and non-hazardous boxed ends are allowed). These condition requirements are set out in 1917.112(c)(5) and 1917.112(c)(6).
Toeboards are required when employees below could be exposed to falling objects; they must be at least 3½ inches high from top edge to floor and able to withstand a 50-pound force applied in any direction — drainage clearance under toeboards is permitted. See 1917.112(d).
Stair railings must withstand at least a 200-pound force applied in any direction and be between 32 and 36 inches in height measured from the upper top rail surface to the tread surface. For stairways: less than 44 inches wide needs at least one railing; 44–88 inches wide needs railings or handrails on each side; 88 inches or wider requires an additional intermediate handrail. These requirements are in 1917.112(e) and its subsections 1917.112(e)(1) and 1917.112(e)(2).
Railings must be maintained free of sharp edges and kept in good repair. See 1917.112(f).
Yes — 1917.112(b)(2)(i) and (ii) expressly state that guardrails are not required at loading platforms and docks or at waterside edges used for cargo handling. However, where omitting guardrails creates a fall hazard for workers, employers should provide other protections consistent with the standard and good practice.
No — Part 1917 does not apply to a designated waterfront facility used solely for bulk storage, handling, and transfer of liquids or gases; OSHA clarified this in a Letter of Interpretation. See the Letter of Interpretation on Applicability to waterfront facilities and consult 1917.112 for the standard’s scope.
Yes — where guardrails are impracticable due to machinery requirements or work processes, employers must use alternate means of protecting employees from falling, such as nets. This alternate means requirement is in 1917.112(b)(3).
Measure the sag at the midpoint between posts — it must not exceed 6 inches. 1917.112(c)(4) requires this maximum sag for non-rigid railings such as chains or wire rope; routinely check tension and post spacing to maintain compliance.
Yes — top rails shall be free of puncture and laceration hazards. If a top rail has sharp edges, it must be repaired or replaced so it meets that condition. See 1917.112(c)(5) and the general maintenance requirement in 1917.112(f).
Yes — drainage clearance under toeboards is permitted, provided the toeboards still meet the height (at least 3½ inches) and strength (withstand 50 pounds) requirements. See 1917.112(d).
A stairway with four or more risers requires railings or midrails; since the stairway is less than 44 inches wide, at least one railing is required. The railing height must be between 32 and 36 inches measured from the upper top rail surface to the tread surface in line with the leading edge of the tread. See 1917.112(e) and 1917.112(e)(1).
Yes — both guardrails and stair railings must be capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction. This is specified in 1917.112(c)(1) for guardrails and in 1917.112(e) for stair railings.
No — 1917.112(e) requires railings and midrails for stairways having four or more risers; stairways with fewer than four risers are not covered by that specific railing requirement, though other safety measures may still be appropriate.