Osha railing height. 95. Osha railing height

 
95Osha railing height Any porch or deck 30 inches above grade should have a railing guard at least 36 inches high from the platform surface

OSHA is requesting updates to the handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard, according to a press release. (Guarding floor and wall openings and holes sec. OSHA 1910. 95. Box 369. 2275. The average height of a person is 5½ feet, which is. OSHA Standards OSHA stair requirements suggest that: 1910. It is possible to have a railing that is higher than 45 inches if you follow the rest of the OSHA requirements. A guardrail safety system’s top edge must be 42(±)3 inches above the walking level. Abrading & Polishing; Building & Grounds;. Vertical height of top rail. OSHA Requirements for standard stairs 1910. 75 inches (1. 25 (c) Slope between 30° and 50°. 5". 1. OSHA fall protection regulations require you to provide fall protection for employees anytime they’re working at a height of 4′ or more above a lower level. 23(c) Protection of open-sided floors, platforms, and runways (1) Every open-sided floor or platform 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level shall be guarded by a standard railing (or the equivalent as specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this section) on all open sides except where there is entrance to a ramp, stairway, or fixed l. . 25 (c) Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal . However, these railings need to have a minimum height of 36 inches. 25 (c) Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal . Guardian G-Rail Safety Railing System. Under existing paragraph 1910. When the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard to use guardrail, safety net, or personal fall protection systems on residential roofs, the employer must develop and implement a fall protection plan that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926. 28 (b) (1) (i) (A) Guardrail systems; 1910. OSHA is the part of the Department of Labor responsible for setting and ensuring compliance to standards to have a safe and healthy work environment. Make sure your sweep space and all infill openings will not allow a 4" sphere to pass through. The top rail is smooth surfaced and is 42-inches nominal height and the railing system has the strength to withstand at least 200 pounds of applied top rail pressure. Any porch or deck 30 inches above grade should have a railing guard at least 36 inches high from the platform surface. – 1910. 1052 (c) (3) (i) Stairrails installed after March 15, 1991, shall be not less than 36 inches (91. 23(e) because the height of the standard railing on the stair landing is less than 42 inches nominal. So, that height can be anywhere from 39 inches to 45 inches. Return to index New query §1626. Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Shipyard Employment; Subpart: 1915 Subpart E; Subpart Title: Scaffolds, Ladders and Other Working Surfaces. In our article we published online in June Understanding Rooftop Safety Requirements in Canada - Part 1, we briefly explained the health and safety jurisdictions in Canada. Canadian Stair & Railing Code & Occupational Safety Regulations Stairways & Fall Prevention. Outdoor railings for roofs and raised terraces are regulated differently to indoor ones at a minimum height of 1. 29 Fall Protection Systems and Falling Object Protection –2. The regulations state that parapets, guard rails, and roof safety railings have to be 42 inches tall, plus or minus 3 inches, to provide adequate fall protection. Example: OSHA says that employees working at height must be protected. Adjusts from 6/12 to. 0 inches and maximum bottom edge height of 1. For more information, call 888-842-9492 or visit AGSstainless. In the U. Since many employers installed new railings at that height, OSHA is proposing to expand the height range by allowing a railing of 30 to 38 inches. OSHA Fact Sheet, (2011). Fixed stairs having four or more risers shall have stair railings or handrails complying with § 1917. 3. When this force is applied in the downward direction, the top edge must not deflect below 39 inches. The triangular openings at the open sides of a stair, formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail shall not allow passage of a sphere 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter. OSHA Fall Protection Requirements. surfacing should be applied to a depth that is suitable for the equipment height in accordance with ASTM F1292. Stair railings. The decision to require safety railing shall be based on specific site conditions, potential pedestrian and public access to the retaining wall, and applicable building codes. Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. The height of a handrail above the floor or the nosing of a stair tread, shall be between 900mm and 1100mm. 103, is set aside for the height threshold and exceptions to the fall protection requirements. Contains fall prevention materials in English and Spanish. * * * [Emphasis added. 5" one-side-rail, or => 27" with rails on two sides) (Note: this is a "grandfathered" or historic height that local officials may still permit for historic or old buildings)The railing shall have a vertical height of 42 inches nominal from the upper surface of the top rail to the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. OSHA 29 CFR 1910. Vestil Dock Safety Railing Sleeve — 4in. Safety railings may be required for any retaining wall two and one-half (2. 23 (d) (1)states: “Every flight of stairs having four or more risers shall be equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified. --But the rule for stairs and along exit ways is more restrictive, and there is not minimum height before they are required: 1910. (+/- 3 in. 29 (b) (1): The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. Guardrails, mid-rails and floor surfaces must be free of components that cause punctures, scratches, or snag clothing. This code states that anytime a unit is within 10 feet of an edge that a guardrail must be provided at a minimum of 30 inches beyond the end of that unit. Rod Sapyta P. Outdoor Railings. • Vertical height of 42 inches + 3 inches. 5” H. The guard shall extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) beyond each end of components that require service. Measure from the deck floor to the top of the rail between posts. 4. Keep your workers safe at height with roof parapet railing systems. 8. Railing height for Face and Flush Mount brackets is 48” (1219 mm). After reviewing your correspondence with enclosures, the following are suggested guidelines: A handrail and a stair railing have two different meanings. The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. 5 inches above adjacent surface. Where children may be present, a guard between the deck and the lower rail is recommended. The height of a handrail should be measured vertically from the sloped plane adjoining the tread nosing. . OSHA General stair requirements 1910. Dear Mr. 5 and 18 cm*. " As you are aware, the standard does not identify the acceptable tolerance for the height of the top rail. 26. 502(b)(1) (guardrail height) as it applies to cast-in-place concrete structures. OSHA Requirements for standard stairs 1910. E* - Tread depth: 23. Price $138. S. 7. Railing and Toe Boards. OSHA Railing Local Regulations OSHA Regulation E-Book Hazardous Attitudes E-Book Horizontal Lifeline Guide. Railings & Guardrail. It’s important to note that OSHA covers only federal baseline requirements; states may have their own, stricter requirements. However, the top rail of a stair rail system can be the handrail as long as the height is between 36 and 38. , when employees are using stilts, the top edge height of the top rail must be increased by an amount equal the height of the stilts). B - Handrail height: between 86. Activating this checkbox will add this item to the product comparison tool. OSHA Height Requirements. 28, all railings that were installed in the 60 days prior to April 10, 1990 will be grandfathered into OSHA compliance. All rooftops are unique, just like how you access and work, which is why we have an array of rooftop safety railing solutions available to mitigate rooftop hazards. This terminology encourages railroads and their contractors to revise or improve these standards and employee safety as new technology and9. The intermediate rail shall be about halfway between the top rail and the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. We also include references to stair codes and stair and. Shipping: Factory shipped See Shipping Options. , Model# VDKR-P107. (b) A stair railing shall be of construction similar to a guardrail (see Section 3209) but the vertical height shall be in compliance with Section 3214(c). , the I-Codes require handrail placed between 34 and 38 inches. Stair Rail System: Residential: Commercial: Handrail Height: 34″ to 38″ 34″ to 38″ 28″ with a minimum of 9″ clearance between the child and adult handrail 30″ to 38″ 36″ to 38″ — may also serve as guard 34″ and 42″ 34″ and 42″ Guard Height: 36″ minimum 42″ minimum: not specified 42″ — plus or minus 3″ 36. Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements: Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway. In order for a roof parapet to provide adequate fall protection, a roof parapet railing should be at least 42" in height. OSHA Requirements for standard stairs 1910. 502(k)] and their use shall comply with the following provisions:. Also referred to as safety railing, handrails’ must have a smooth surface to prevent worker injuries — from potential injuries such as lacerations and punctures — and also eliminates the risk of hair or clothing catching on. OSHA. 121 (b) (3) Minimum loading capability shall be 100 pounds per square foot (4. O. Washington, DC 20210. ACRO, #12070 Residential Guardrail System. A handrail must be between 865mm and 1070mm (34 and 42 inches) above the nosing. 5 inches should be serviced by stairway. In the Construction industry, your rail is compliant if the top railing falls between 39” from the walking surface and 45” from the walking surface. The minimum width of new stairs is 36 in. OSHA 1910. They include: • A top rail, mid-rail, and toeboard. An example of an alternative fall protection measure allowed under 1926. The opening in a stair rail should be no larger than 19 inches. Deck rails must include a top rail with the minimum height required by this section, and lower courses or equivalent protection as required by this section. OSHA standard 1926. Essentially handrails are designed to provide guidance, support and safety for stairs and ADA ramps with a rise of 6 inches. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (1. Compare Save to List. OSHA handrail standards state that the height of handrails should not be more than 37 inches or less than 30 inches from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread. Any working surface 4 feet or higher must be protected with guardrails on all sides at least 42" tall and. Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1. Federal Register :: Walking-Working Surfaces Proposed Rule Walking-Working Surfaces the Occupational Safety and Health Administration 05/20/2021 Enhanced Content Published Document AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor. Handrails must be placed between 34″ and 38″ in height, measuring from the nosing of the stair. From the number of questions and requests, OSHA believes there is confusion in the stakeholder community regarding when handrails are required on stairs as well as what the height requirements. Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) Office. The height of the scaffolds’ toprail that was manufactured and used in service after January 1, 2000 should fall between 38 inches and 45 meters. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. P. OSHA Compliant Guardrail and Railing Solutions. 5 to 26. The first drawing would not be compliant with the height requirements in §1910. OSHA General stair requirements 1910. Handrails will be a 42″ high, two-rail design and maintain a uniform clearance between rails and floor. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. The EdgeSafe Safety Railing is easy to assemble and simple to install. 1-2017, and Canadian COHS SOR-86-304 Section 2. *** Railing height is the minimum if railing is required. Standard Railings. S. See figure D-13 Combination Handrail and Stair Rail. The height of the posts will depend. Federal Government. Our Parapet Mounted Guardrail meets OSHA requirements. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm) OSHA Standards. 800-321-6742 (OSHA) TTY . Guardian 15170 Parapet Wall Guardrail System. 1910. Place stanchions at a maximum distance of 8-foot intervals on the roof. A 20×20-foot roof terrace, or five small residential balconies, could easily cost $40,000 to replace or install railings. Anytime someone says railing is tested to OSHA. OSHA stipulates that employers are responsible for reviewing safety regulations before basket lifting starts as well as notifying/training new workers on safety regulations whenever they join a job location. A finger clearance of 2-1/4” is required. OSHA stair requirements suggest that: 1910. Handrail Height. 5 Clearance. If this is correct, it seems to me that for a stair rail system I would need a top rail, mid rail, toe board, and now an additional hand rail. 8. Vertically - every 20 feet (6. Last updated: Friday,. 1917. 25 (b) (2) Vertical clearance above any stair tread to any overhead obstruction is at least 6 feet, 8 inches (203 cm), as measured from the leading edge of the tread. 25 inches (3. The height of a guardrail, according to OSHA, should be 42 inches. 2 for handrail. "Top rail of stair rail system can serve as handrail only when: (A) height is 36-38 inches. When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height, provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria. (1) A standard railing shall consist of top rail, intermediate rail, and posts, and shall have a vertical height of 42 inches nominal from upper surface of top rail to floor, platform, runway, or ramp level. OSHA uses the terms ship stair and ship ladder interchangeably while IBC uses the term ships ladder. (See 1926. Where new stairs serve a total cumulative occupant load (assigned to that. E - Tread run: between 25. Maximum Projection of Railing From Wall: 4-1/2 inches: This rule is designed to provide enough walking space up and down the staircase. When figuring out the tolerances for the OSHA guardrail height, the minimum allowed is 39". " "The top rail of the stair rail system may serve as a handrail only when: The height of the stair rail system is not less the 36" and not more than 38" as measured from the. Top rail to walking-working surface should be around 42 inches – allows flexibility for +/-3 inches. 120(b)(4) Railing height from tread surface at the riser face shall be 33±3 inches (83. The final rule could appear in late 2021 or early. There is a 3-inch variance that is allowed in either direction. Handrail ends must be returned and terminated at rail posts. Constructing Safety Rail Construction of a safety rail can be a chainlink fence or pedestrian railing (examples are available from -Deck railing height is a minimum of 36”. The structure must have the strength to withstand at least the minimum requirement of 200 pounds, applied in a downward or outward direction within 2 inches of the top edge. 605 (c) (2) Decks and other working surfaces shall be maintained in a safe condition. 23 includes requirements for ladders, where OSHA defines handrail requirements on platforms and how high safety railings must be. 800-321-6742 (OSHA). But most of the time, it is easier to break. OSHA 1910. IBC Stairs require guardrails of 42″ high and handrails. If your parapet is shorter than 39. Stair railings shall be capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in any direction, and shall not be more than 36 inches (0. Or, Give Us a Call: 1. Contact Information. So, that height can be anywhere from 39. Any opening must not allow a 125mm sphere (ie childs head) to pass through. In commercial applications, the NBC permits the top or a guard (42″ minimum height) to also serve as handrail. ATTN OF: OSHA - ARA's Federal/State Operations - Technical Support. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm). Additional handrails that are lower or higher than the main handrail shall be permitted. 67 cm) in height; 1917. The minimum height of the railing varies based on the height of the deck. Reference definitions in 1910. However, these railings need to have a minimum height of 36 inches. Handrails shall conform to O. . For all scaffolds, the maximum height is 45 inches. ” Top of gripping surfaces of handrails shall be 34 inches (865 mm) minimum and 38 inches (965 mm) maximum vertically above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. All guardrails must be 42 inches high, nominal. Best Sellers. OSHA generally applies to areas not open to the public and requirements are different from what you would expect to see in the residential and commercial building codes. 501(b)(10)). Other common OSHA violations involving overhead storage areas or walkways are caused by missing, insufficient or incomplete railing and toe boards. Therefore, the Fire Protection Research Foundation initiated a study to review incidents in public assembly venues or facilities where individuals have fallen as well as the current railing height requirements and technical basis to provide this information to the NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, Assembly Occupancy Technical Committee for consideration. 28 includes unprotected sides and edges. It’s important to remember this if your guardrail height starts at 39 inches. • Intermediate rail approximately half way between top rail and floor. 9 m) or less for scaffolds more than 3 feet (0. When the top edge of a stair rail also serves as a handrail, the height of the top edge shall be not less than 34 inches nor more than 38 inches from the upper surface of the stair rail to the surface of. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm) OSHA handrail standards state that the height of handrails should not be more than 37 inches or less than 30 inches from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread. It’s important to remember this if your guardrail height starts at 39 inches. Decks 24" to 5-10" (180. 502 (b) (1): Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1. Jun 2, 2017 10:11:07 AM. 1423 (e) (2) While at a work station on any part of the equipment (including the boom, of any type), except when the employee is at or near draw-works (when the equipment is running), in the cab, or on the deck. In general industry, fall protection is required by OSHA for any height change of 4 feet or more. (1) Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches. This states that the top edge of the rail or system height are at least 42 inches +/- 3 inches, above the working surface. Systems mounted before 01/17/2017 must be 30 inches or higher. 29 CFR 1910. In the U. For stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017, the top rail and handrail must be separate. 23(e)(2) states: A stair railing shall be of construction similar to a standard railing but the vertical height shall be not more than 34 inches nor less than 30 inches from upper surface of top rail to surface of tread in line with face of riser at forward edge of tread. 23(e), Railing Specifications. (4 in 12 pitch or less). A vehicular bridge with a speed of 45 mph or below is considered a low-speed facility, and it does not require a separator railing if pedestrians use it and a raised sidewalk is used. It focuses entirely on clarifying and allowing flexibility in the transition to OSHA’s stricter rules for handrails and stair rail systems, which were completed in 2016. However, understanding the differences between the safety railing requirements set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (CAL-OSHA) can be challenging. Overall Height: 42; Application: Safety railing; $8211. 5-35. SUBJECT: 1926. 79 - $253. Minimum Hand Clearance From Wall: 1-1/2 inches: This rule is designed to provide clearance for the. It also must be able to withstand 50lbs being. The employer must ensure: 1910. Railing has the option to adjust height @ landing so it can be one continuous rail for runs and landing. Railing height for guard rail. 82494). 29 (f) (1) (i) - Handrails are not less than 30 inches (76 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm. Minimum tread depth of 9. 5 to 1 cm*. Guardrails are visible and physical barriers used for preventing falls from heights. General requirements. 23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes. 29(k)(1), the new toeboard requirement needs to be at least 3. 8-2019 standard). According to OSHA, the top edge height of top rails (or equivalent guardrail system members) must be 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. Maximum riser height of 9. • Pipe rails should be 1. 1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. 91 m) wide; every 26 feet (7. 1917. in accordance with OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1926. 1926. The IBC defines the various design requirements for handrails, providing clear and concise specifications. The IBC code for structural design has some very specific requirements for deck stairs: Stair rails on decks should be between 34 inches and 38 inches high, measured vertically from the nose of the tread to the top of the rail. 91 m) wide. Although subsection (e) (1) addresses standard railings, it is subsection (e) (2) that addresses stair railings as follows: §1910. Theatre galleries, balconies, or other such elevated seating locations, where a 42-inch railing would obstruct the sight lines, may be protected by a guardrail or other barrier of not less than 34 inches in height provided that a horizontal concave safety ledge not less than 6 inches in depth and not less than 36 inches in effective width is installed beyond the. 1926. The rail system that you have described meets the criteria under §1910. The OSHA standards specify that the top rail and handrail should handle a weight of a minimum of 200 pounds in any direction. 29 (b) (1): The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. November 2, 1995. guys, ties, or braces at the closest horizontal member to the 4:1 height and repeat vertically with the top restraint no further than the 4:1 height from the top. Cal-OSHA’s 1” tolerance only allows for a minimum height of 41”. Roof and balcony railings have been subject to changing regulations with successive iterations of the codes. 0 ft to a maximum of 3. and the turn table if used, shall have a railing with a minimum height of approximately 33 inches measured perpendicularly from rail to walking surface at the stanchion, with a midrail. Find out dock railing safety information according to OSHA and ANSI. gov) 202-366-6537. A: According to OSHA 1910. So the vertical components must not be more than 125mm apart. OSHA publishes a final rule. The handgrips must allow a minimum of 1-1/2” space between the handrail and the guardrail or wall. 14 m), provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of paragraph (b) of this section. Top Rail Height; 11 3/8 " 17 7/8 " 40" 41 5/8 " 41 7/8 " 42" 42 3/8 " 42 3/4 " Rail Attachment Type. The Fire Protection Research Foundation initiated this study to review incidents in public assembly venues or facilities where individuals have fallen as well as the current railing height requirements and technical basis to provide this information to the NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, Assembly Occupancy. According to OSHA, the top edge height of top rails (or equivalent guardrail system members) must be 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking. From a height of 36 inches (914 mm) to 42 inches (1067 mm), guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 3 / 8 inches (111 mm) in diameter. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. 751. It meets OSHA 1910. 3 (4) of the Construction Projects regulation (Figure 18-1). So, that height can be anywhere from 39 inches to 45 inches. Top Rail Requirements. These types include standard stairs, alternating tread stairs, ship stairs, or spiral stairs. In work situations where a standard railing is not practical, safety belts and lanyards attached to a structural member or static line meeting the requirements of 29 CFR 1926. Guardrails: Handrails: OSHA: Height: . 23(e)(2) A stair railing shall be of construction similar to a standard railing, but the vertical height shall be not more than 34 inches nor less than 30 inches from an upper surface of top rail to the surface of tread in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread. Note: When employees are using stilts, the top edge height of the top rail, or equivalent member, shall be increased an amount equal to the height of the stilts. The system includes a body harness, carabiner, carrier rail, and safety sleeve. Federal OSHA says the height of the top rail can be between 39 and 45 inches, while Cal-OSHA does not permit top rails to be so low. When you can, use railing. As of 2009, the top edge of guardrails must be 42 inches above the floor, balusters and mid-rails must not be more than 19 inches apart, the floor must support 200 pounds, and guardrails must support 150 pounds. 5 ft. Handrails shall be at a consistent height above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. 29: 29 CFR 1910. OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal protective equipment in November 2016 that updated requirements for slip, trip and fall hazards. 500, Guardrails, handrails & guards. O. This is measured from the top surface of the handrail. P. 9 meters) and 45 inches (1. Guardrail systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions. Fall Prevention/Protection. 3 Type D and H (42ʺ and 32ʺ single sloped railing) The 42-inch single sloped Type D barrier shall be used for railing on all new or replacement bridge projects except where sight distance is a concern. Like guardrails, OSHA regulations provide specific handrail and stair railings requirements. OSHA 1910. 62 cm). REsidential Rail Height and Dimensions. 1910. 2 ISO 9001:2008 F 414 214 0450 • P 414 214 0444 • T 888 243 6914 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) OSHA is part of the United States Department of Labor Pertinent section relating to handrails and guards is 1910. A railing is only necessary if the deck is 30” or more off the ground, and 24” in certain jurisdictions. When this force is applied in the downward direction,. 2. This revised. 56b (U. Response within 2 Business Hours. [29 CFR 1926. 3. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. 23 (d) (1)states: “Every flight of stairs having four or more risers shall be equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified. Handrail Height and Clearance. Simple! But in the Construction Industry OSHA states the proper response is 42” plus or minus 3”. com . 28; 1910. OSHA requires at least a 21” mid rail so that a 19” sphere shouldn’t be allowed to pass through. The height of required handrails that form part o f a guard shall be permitted to exceed 38 in. Headroom: Headroom is the height measured from the top of a tread to the ceiling above. The top edge of the handrail must be placed between 34” and 38” above the nosing of the stair treads. 5 inches. Loading dock safety is one of our primary concerns. When this force is applied in the downward direction, the top edge must not deflect below 39 inches. As of January 17, 2017, per OSHA, it appears as if the top rail of a stair rail must be >= 42” from leading edge of a stair, while the height of a handrail must be 30” <= x <=38”. 501 (b) (8) (i) Each employee less than 6 feet (1. OSHA handrail standards state that the height of handrails should not be more than 37 inches or less than 30 inches from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread. Stair rails before the date are not less than 30 inches. A 6-inch sphere must not pass through the lower 27 inches of the rail system and an 8-inch sphere must not pass through the upper part of the rail system, higher than 27 inches. 23 (e)3 (v) (a)] The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (1. Box 4067 Albany, New York. ), to the guardrail so.