Guardrails Safe Work Procedure

Ensure the safe installation and inspection of guardrails at your workplace.

Policy

Falls from heights or into openings are a leading cause of deaths and serious injuries at construction and other worksites. OHS laws require the use of fall protection where there’s a risk of falling 3 meters/10 feet or more or a lesser distance where there’s a reasonable chance of death or serious injury because of what the worker might fall on top of or into. Where such fall hazards exist, a competent person representing ABC Company will perform an assessment to determine the appropriate fall protection measures to take.

Use of Guardrails

If reasonably practicable, the above fall protections will include the use of a guardrail system consisting of a top rail, intermediate rail and toeboard installed around or in front of an opening to prevent somebody from falling into it.

Guardrails Installation

If guardrails are used, they must be installed at a location no more than 30 cm (11.8 inches) from an open edge by workers using travel restraint protection and who are tied off to prevent falls.

Guardrail Specifications

No work may begin unless and until they are inspected by a competent person who verifies that the:

• Materials the system is made of are appropriate and free of damage and defects;
• Support posts are securely anchored and no more than 2.4 meters/8 feet apart;
• Posts and rails are capable of withstanding a force of at least 900 Newtons (200 pounds) applied at any point;
• Top rail is 1 meter/3.3 feet above the platform;
• Mid-rail is halfway between the top rail and toeboard; and
• Toeboard is at least 10 mm (0.393 inches) in height and secured to the inner sides of the post.