When Are Guardrails Required on Scaffolding?

If an employee is working on a scaffold, the height requirement for fall protection is 10 feet, and this protection usually is provided by a guardrail. The OSHA standard requires employers to protect each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above a lower level from falling to that lower level.

At what height of scaffold platform are guardrails required?

Therefore, guardrails are recommended during normal use for all scaffold platforms over 1.5 m (5 ft) high. Guardrails for all working platforms should consist of a top rail, a mid-rail, and a toeboard.

What is OSHA guardrail requirements for scaffolding?

The minimum guardrail height for scaffolds manufactured or first placed in service after January 1, 2000 is 38 inches. For all scaffolds, the maximum height is 45 inches.