Guardrail systems guidelines

No — the Guardrail Systems Appendix B guidelines are non-mandatory and serve as a recommended starting point for employers. Appendix B states these are "Non-Mandatory Guidelines for Complying with 1926.502(b)" and that employers remain responsible for designing and assembling guardrail systems so the completed system meets the requirements of 1926.502(b) and Appendix B itself (Appendix B to Subpart M of Part 1926 - Guardrail Systems).

Appendix B recommends using construction-grade lumber with a minimum fiber stress grade of 1500 lb-ft/in² and specific nominal dimensions for wood guardrails. It specifies that posts should be at least 2-inch by 4-inch lumber, top rails at least 2-inch by 4-inch lumber, and intermediate rails at least 1-inch by 6-inch lumber, with posts spaced no more than 8 feet on centers (Appendix B to Subpart M of Part 1926 - Guardrail Systems).

Appendix B recommends using at least one and one-half inch nominal diameter schedule 40 pipe for posts, top rails, and intermediate rails, with posts spaced no more than 8 feet on centers. These are suggested dimensions to help meet the strength and spacing requirements of 1926.502(b)(3) as described in Appendix B to Subpart M of Part 1926 - Guardrail Systems.

Appendix B recommends structural steel guardrail components be made of at least 2-inch by 2-inch by 3/8-inch angles for posts, top rails, and intermediate rails, with post spacing not exceeding 8 feet on centers. These are non-mandatory guidelines intended to assist employers in meeting 1926.502(b)(4) and are published in Appendix B to Subpart M of Part 1926 - Guardrail Systems.

Yes — Appendix B recommends posts be spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers for the wood, pipe, and structural steel guardrail examples it provides. That consistent 8-foot spacing is part of the non-mandatory guidance to help meet the requirements of 1926.502(b) (Appendix B to Subpart M of Part 1926 - Guardrail Systems).

The lumber dimensions in Appendix B are nominal sizes as provided by the American Softwood Lumber Standards (January 1970). Appendix B explicitly states that the listed wood dimensions are "nominal sizes," so employers should consider that when selecting and fitting lumber into guardrail assemblies that must meet 1926.502(b) (Appendix B to Subpart M of Part 1926 - Guardrail Systems).

No — Appendix B does not provide all the information necessary to build a complete guardrail system and specifically excludes detailed guidance for some components like joints and base connections. The appendix notes that components for which no specific guidelines are given must still be designed and constructed so the completed system meets the requirements of 1926.502(b) (Appendix B to Subpart M of Part 1926 - Guardrail Systems). Employers remain responsible for ensuring the full assembled system complies with the standard.

Yes — employers may use Appendix B dimensions as a starting point, but any alternative materials or custom components must be designed and constructed to ensure the completed system meets the requirements of 1926.502(b)(3), (4), and (5) and the non-mandatory guidance in Appendix B to Subpart M of Part 1926 - Guardrail Systems. The appendix warns that components not specifically covered must still result in a compliant completed system, so employers should verify strength, spacing, and construction meet the standard.

No — Appendix B provides dimensional and material guidance but does not itself set the mandatory load or performance tests; employers must design guardrail systems to satisfy the load and performance requirements of 1926.502(b). Appendix B is described as a non-mandatory guideline and employers are responsible for ensuring the completed system meets the standard's performance requirements (Appendix B to Subpart M of Part 1926 - Guardrail Systems).

Yes — because Appendix B is non-mandatory, an employer may use different component sizes or spacing if engineering analysis demonstrates the completed system meets the requirements of 1926.502(b)(3), (4), and (5). Appendix B explicitly states employers are responsible for designing and assembling components so the completed system complies with the standard (Appendix B to Subpart M of Part 1926 - Guardrail Systems).

Appendix B does not provide guidelines for ropes, chains, or many other non-listed materials, so it does not endorse their use as-is. If an employer elects to use ropes, chains, or other materials not specifically covered, those components must be designed and constructed so the completed guardrail system meets the performance requirements of 1926.502(b) and the intent of Appendix B to Subpart M of Part 1926 - Guardrail Systems.

The employer is responsible for ensuring that any guardrail system — whether built using Appendix B guidance or other designs — is assembled and constructed so the completed system meets the requirements of 1926.502(b). Appendix B explicitly states the employer remains responsible for designing and assembling components to achieve compliance (Appendix B to Subpart M of Part 1926 - Guardrail Systems).

Yes — employers may use the Appendix B recommendation of 1½ inch nominal diameter schedule 40 pipe for top, intermediate, and post rails with posts no more than 8 feet apart as a practical guideline for temporary railings, but they must still ensure the assembled system meets the performance requirements of 1926.502(b)(3) and 1926.502(b). Appendix B provides these dimensions as non-mandatory guidance and employers must confirm the system's strength and stability in practice (Appendix B to Subpart M of Part 1926 - Guardrail Systems).

Appendix B provides metric equivalents in parentheses for the recommended dimensions (for example, 8 feet = 2.4 m and 2-inch by 4-inch = 5 cm × 10 cm), but it presents the primary lumber dimensions as nominal U.S. sizes. The appendix clarifies that lumber dimensions are nominal as provided by the American Softwood Lumber Standards, and it is published as guidance to assist compliance with 1926.502(b) (Appendix B to Subpart M of Part 1926 - Guardrail Systems).

The employer must demonstrate that the guardrail system complies with the requirements of 1926.502(b). Because Appendix B is non-mandatory, following its guidelines helps show a good-faith effort, but the employer should be prepared to provide design details, engineering calculations, or test results showing the completed system meets the standard's performance requirements if an inspector requests proof (Appendix B to Subpart M of Part 1926 - Guardrail Systems).

No — Appendix B gives example guidelines only for wood, pipe, and structural steel railings. It notes that components made with other materials or with other dimensions (for example, joints and base connections) are not specifically covered and must be designed and constructed so the completed system meets 1926.502(b) (Appendix B to Subpart M of Part 1926 - Guardrail Systems).