Talk to an Expert Approximately halfway between this height and the floor, there must be an intermediate rail that can withstand 150 pounds of force. Handrails and stair rail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching or snagging of clothing. It should be securely fastened in place and with not more than 1/4-inch clearance above floor level. Russell B. Swanson, Director Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, and other equivalent intermediate members are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 150 pounds (667 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the intermediate member. 5 Modular Components, Unlimited Configurations. All Rights Reserved. Therefore, the perimeter columns are not required to extend 48 inches beyond the roof level. OSHA states that railing must withstand a force of 200 lb at any point along the railing. A guardrail is typically required for stairs with 4-or-more risers, or for a deck or balcony with 30 inches above grade. ErectaSteps line of industrial modular metal stairs and industrial maintenance access platforms feature modular, lightweight metal stair components that are as easy to reconfigure as they are to assemble. Ship, spiral, and alternating tread-type stairs are not considered standard stairs. For any area with a floor or wall opening (such as a stairway or access hole), a standard railing is required on the exposed side of the structure. 205 North Fourth Street Handrails and stair rail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching or snagging of clothing. 1910.25(b)(3) Stairs have uniform riser heights and tread depths between landings; 1910.25(b)(4) Stairway landings and platforms are at least the width of the stair and at least 30 inches (76 cm) in depth, as measured in the direction of travel; 1910.25(b)(5) When a door or a gate opens directly on a stairway, a platform is provided, and the swing of the door or gate does not reduce the platforms effective usable depth to: 1910.25(b)(5)(i) Less than 20 inches (51 cm) for platforms installed before January 17, 2017; and. System Not Properly Terminated common issues include wire rope clips installed backwards, not enough wire rope clips, and the cables are improperly spliced. Troy Russell Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. Prefabricated Metal Stairs, Easy to Assemble and Ready to Ship. Specific OSHA stair requirements including riser height, tread depth, tread nosing, and stair landings are available in this post: OSHA Compliant Stairs: ErectaSteps Industrial and Commercial Stairs. However, fall protection, whether accomplished by guardrails, nets, personal fall arrest systems, etc., is nonetheless required on the roof level at fall heights over 15 feet (with certain exceptions) pursuant to the requirements of 1926.760(a)(1). Question: If an employer utilizes a freestanding modular guardrail system, which the manufacturer claims meets OSHA's force/strength requirements, but which is designed such that the main posts' weighted bases allow the main posts to be spaced 6" apart, would this gap be a violation of OSHA's guard rail standards? ErectaStep's Full Line of Prefabricated Metal Stairs. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has requirements for handrails and guardrails that apply to all permanent places of employment, except where only domes- . Handhold. (3) For structural steel railings: posts, top rails, and intermediate rails shall be at least 2-inch by 2-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) by 3/8-inch (1.1 cm) angles, with posts spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers. These safety standards cover all types of guardrails and have specific regulations for their construction and use. Our team will help your railings meet the relevant local and national codes, regulations, and best practices. ), or if the cables are not adequately tensioned, the system may fail this safety test. Hispassion is to be a resource his clients can count on when loss control and risk management consulting is needed. Height of Guard rail is 42 IN (3 IN) (107 CM 8 CM). You can also learn more about the difference between IBC and OSHA safety codes here. Gabe Mariani is a railroader who has been writing for school and for pleasure for over 15 years. Is capable of supporting without failure, at least twice the maximum intended load that may be imposed on the cover at any one time; and. Measurement 36 IN - 38 IN (91 CM - 97 CM) between stair and top of handrail. Cages, wells, and platforms used with fixed ladders. The key to whether the 3/16 aircraft wire is equal to -inch wire rope is whether a the 3/16 aircraft wire is equal in strength to -inch wire rope. LINDA R. ANKU This load should be of equal or greater weight than loads expected in use. or the cable horizontal span is too great, if the intermediate posts spaced too far apart (more than 42" of horizontal distance o.c. However, fall protection, whether accomplished by guardrails, nets, personal fall arrest systems, etc., is nonetheless required on the roof level at fall heights over 15 feet (with certain exceptions) pursuant to the requirements of 1926.760(a)(1). Laddermeans a device with rungs, steps, or cleats used to gain access to a different elevation. Miles, Jr., Director This provision applies to the perimeters of "floors," not roofs. Have a minimum vertical height of 3.5 inches (9 cm) as measured from the top edge of the toeboard to the level of the walking-working surface. Is erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge for work that is both temporary and infrequent, or not less than 15 feet (4.6 m) for other work. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Stair rail or stair rail systemmeans a barrier erected along the exposed or open side of stairways to prevent employees from falling to a lower level. Dan Kane Cable guardrails are commonly seen on construction projects. 55 West Monroe Street NFPA 101: Life Safety Code provides requirements that limit the effects of re and related hazards. Lastly, the preferred method to terminating the wire rope or splicing two wire ropes together is to turnback the ends through each eye as seen in the diagrams. RAILINGS open-sided stairs < 44" require 1 stair rail/side; open-sided stairs > 44" require 1 stair rail and 1 separate handrail/side. Director of Safety Services Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, or equivalent intermediate members are installed between the walking-working surface and the top edge of the guardrail system as follows when there is not a wall or parapet that is at least 21 inches (53 cm) high: Midrails are installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking-working surface; Screens and mesh extend from the walking-working surface to the top rail and along the entire opening between top rail supports; Intermediate vertical members (such as balusters) are installed no more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart; and. (4) Guardrails installed after May 26, 2011. If you're in California, they require residential posts to be a minimum of 42 inches tall. (1) For wood railings: Wood components shall be minimum 1500 lb-ft/in (2) fiber (stress grade) construction grade lumber; the posts shall be at least 2-inch by 4-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) lumber spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers; the top rail shall be at least 2-inch by 4-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) lumber, the intermediate rail shall be at Employers must ensure that each employee who climbs a fixed ladder without fall protection: Ladder safety systems. Ladderway floor openings are specifically mentioned. If the cable spacing is more than 3" o.c.) IMPORTANT Apply first load to test the assembly. Install railings on any deck that is 30 inches or more from the surrounding surface and on at least one side of a stairway leading to the deck. Other equivalent intermediate members (such as additional midrails and architectural panels) are installed so that the openings are not more than 19 inches (48 cm) wide. An alternative method to splicing two wire ropes together is to lay the wire rope ends parallel and correctly apply the proper amount of wire rope clips as depicted in the diagrams. Are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 50 pounds (222 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the toeboard. 1910.29 (f) Handrails and stair rail systems. For guardrail systems used around holes through which materials may be passed: When materials are being passed through the hole, not more than two sides of the guardrail system are removed; and. (2) For pipe railings: posts, top rails, and intermediate railings shall be at least one and one-half inches nominal diameter (schedule 40 pipe) with posts spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers. Knoxville, Tennessee 37914 Thank you for your September 12, 2012, email to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Directorate of Construction. Spiral stairs. However that would be contrary to guidance relating to wire rope used for guardrails contained in directives (STD 3-10.3), memoranda and proposed standards (Fall Protection In Construction.) As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure all workers have adequate fall protection and falling object protection including handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems according to OSHA standard 1910.28. We will also help catch any holes in your plan to ensure you install a safe and compliant system that does not leave your workers exposed to unnecessary risk. Superior Steel, Inc. Performs climbing duties as a part of routine work activity. The ends of handrails and stair rail systems do not present any projection hazards. Be smooth in texture to avoid injuries such as lacerations, cuts, or snagging of clothing. How to your integrate it into your railing system? The chain or cable shall be anchored at intervals not to exceed 100 feet. This applies to any point in the railing whether youre in the middle of the rail or at either end. The criteria and practices requirements for guardrail systems on scaffolds are contained in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L. Figure D-11 -- Guard Rail Systems. Components for which no specific guidelines are given in this Appendix (e.g., joints, base connections, components made with other materials, and components with other dimensions) must also be designed and constructed in such a way that the completed system meets the requirements of 1926.502. Our letters of interpretation do not create new or additional requirements, but rather explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances. Simplified Safety was very knowledgeable in terms of OSHA requirements and provided a product that would satisfy OSHA requirements. In their simplest form, cable fall protection systems consist of wire rope secured by a series of terminal and intermediate anchor points. The employer must ensure each cover for a hole in a walking-working surface: 1910.29 (e) (1) Is capable of supporting without failure, at least twice the maximum intended load that may be imposed on the cover at any one time; and 1910.29 (e) (2) Is secured to prevent accidental displacement. 5225 North National Drive The employer must ensure each grab handle: [81 FR 82994-82998, Nov. 18, 2016; 84 FR 68796, Dec. 17, 2019], Occupational Safety & Health Administration. It is important that the railing should not only protect the employee from a fall, but it cannot pose any other hazards. Designing an OSHA compliant railing system is equally important; post-spacing, material choice, finish, toeboard, and gates are all things to consider when designing your guardrail. 1910.29(b)(1) - A standard railing shall consist of a top rail, an intermediate rail, and posts, and shall have a vertical height of 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the working-walking surface. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Be sure to check with your code official regarding your area's guardrail height requirements. Where tools, equipment, or materials are piled higher than the top of the toeboard, paneling or screening is installed from the toeboard to the midrail of the guardrail system and for a length that is sufficient to protect employees below. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Cages and wells installed on fixed ladders are designed, constructed, and maintained to permit easy access to, and egress from, the ladder that they enclose (see Figures D-14 and D-15 of this section); Cages and wells are continuous throughout the length of the fixed ladder, except for access, egress, and other transfer points; Cages and wells are designed, constructed, and maintained to contain employees in the event of a fall, and to direct them to a lower landing; and. The first shows the walking-working surface, posts, and mid rail for guard system. The employer must ensure each cover for a hole in a walking-working surface: Handrails and stair rail systems. Are perimeter safety cables required in this situation under 1926.760(a)(2)? (3) The maximum deflection of the top rail when a load of 200 pounds is applied in any direction at any point on the top rail shall not exceed 3 inches in one direction which includes the free hanging sag in the wire rope. OSHA's requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Body belts, harnesses, and other components used in personal fall arrest systems, work positioning systems, and travel restraint systems must meet the requirements of 1910.140. [Correction 6/20/2005. wide. The employer is responsible for employee safety on fixed stairways such as roof access stairs,crossover stairs,loading dock stairs,in-plant office stairsare all common workplace stairs. Assistant Regional Administrator This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of only the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any question not delineated in your original correspondence. Fall hazards over 48 inches are addressed. Visit our construction focused solutions at. At this point, the controlling contractor inspects and accepts control of the fall protection if it meets the following criteria set forth by OSHA 1926 Subpart M regulations: It is highly recommended anyone who installs or maintains safety cables be trained and authorized. Diamond Tool and Fasteners, Inc. Section 1926.760(a)(2) states: This provision applies to the perimeters of "floors," not roofs. However, they must be continuously inspected and maintained to ensure compliance with OSHA 1926 Subpart M standards. Is secured to prevent accidental displacement. In addition, if there is no parapet or wall that reaches 21 in. There is at least one 3/16-inch aircraft cable (Galvanized and tinned aircraft cord and strand Construction 1x19 - Nominal Breaking Strength 4700 pounds) that has a greater nominal breaking strength than does at least one type of -inch wire rope (Iron Galvanized Running Rope - Construction 6x12 - Nominal Breaking Strength 4560 pounds). Specifically, the following sections are the most relevant to railing and guardrail for fall protection. When guardrail systems are used around holes, they are installed on all unprotected sides or edges of the hole. Standard stairmeans a fixed or permanently installed stairway. to the felled trees. 1910.29(k)(1) - A standard toeboard shall be 3 1/2 inches in vertical height from the top edge to the bottom level of the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. Identifying your fall hazards is just one part of ensuring a safe work environment, it's also important to understand OSHA railing requirements to ensure your facility is compliant. The employer must ensure each safety net system meets the requirements in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart M. Covers. MOdErn sTEEl COnsTruCTiOn feBruary 2009 U.S. Department of . GENERAL new or replacement ladders 24 H require PFAS or LSS, RUNGS must be uniform and between 10 14 apart; 16 wide, CLEARANCES 30 on climbing side or 24 w/ deflector plate, 7 on back side, 15 from centerline, SAFETY GATE must have a self-closing gate that swings away from ladder, w/top rail and midrail. Warning lines are to be supported so the lowest point of the sag is no less than 34 inches and no more than 39 inches from the walking/working surface. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. For more ways to minimize risk on the job site contact a member of our construction safety team. The requirements of paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) do not apply to standard stairs installed prior to January 17, 2017. Toeboards may be omitted around vehicle repair, service, or assembly pits when the employer can demonstrate that a toeboard would prevent access to a vehicle that is over the pit. Intermediate vertical members, such as balusters cannot be more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart. Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance, OSHA - ARA's Federal/State Operations - Technical Support. From time to time, letters are affected when the Agency updates a standard, a legal decision impacts a standard, or changes in technology affect the interpretation. HEIGHT CLEARANCE minimum 6'6" clearance from nose of tread . John B. OSHA requires railing to be .25-inches (.6 cm) in diameter or thickness. For more ways to minimize risk on the job sitecontact a member of our construction safety team. In-fill panels, such as mesh or screens, must extend from the walking surface to the top-rail and the entire opening between vertical rails. Standard Number: 1926.500 1926.451 Safety cable guardrails can provide OSHA compliant fall protection for employees on a construction project. 28 abril, 2022. 1910.29(f)(3) - Surfaces. With a background in construction, Doug has developed a clear understanding of the challenges and risks Assurance clients face on a daily basis. 1910.25(b)(5)(ii) Less than 22 inches (56 cm) for platforms installed on or after January 17, 2017 (see Figure D-7 of this section); 1910.25(b)(6) Each stair can support at least five times the normal anticipated live load, but never less than a concentrated load of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) applied at any point; 1910.25(b)(7) Standard stairs are used to provide access from one walking-working surface to another when operations necessitate regular and routine travel between levels, including access to operating platforms for equipment. Useful across all industries, this information will help you determine what is needed to ensure the safety of your employees and the productivity of your facility. Spacing, installation torque, and other instructions still apply. One Stair rail system with handrail on open side and one handrail on enclosed side. The height of stair rail systems meets the following: (76 cm) from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail; and, SafeRack / ErectaStep / PerfectaStep / RollaStep, ErectaStep also has a line of commercial stairs. General Physical Conditions and Structures Orders Article 2. We're here to help! Although they can provide adequate protection at perimeter edges, they often have issues with the way they are installed. Winding stairways may be used on tanks and similar round structures when the diameter of the tank or structure is at least 5 feet (1.5 m). If we can be of further assistance, please let use know. This is in response to your letter of June 20, 2003, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concerning requirements in the steel erection standard regarding perimeter columns and perimeter safety cables. Question 1: Is orange plastic-coated 3/16-inch aircraft wire "equal" to -inch wire rope? The chain or cable shall be equipped with flagging or some other means of increasing their visibility. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Directorate of Field Operations, Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. The height of the toeboard must be at least 3 inches (8.9 cm) high from the ground to the top edge and be able to withstand a force of 50 lb (222 N) in any direction. August 26, 2003 osha safety cable post spacing; osha safety cable post spacing. It is important to note that you should always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions. OSHA standard 1926.502(b)(3) requires guardrails to withstand a 200-pound concentrated load. The standard, as written, could be enforced so that no deflection is permitted. Directorate of Construction, Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Approximately halfway between this height and the floor, there must be an intermediate rail that can withstand 150 pounds of force. Plus, it's a safe option for kids and guests of all ages. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. OSHA's requirements for guardrail can be found on the OSHA website. Risk Managers should keep the below in mind to share with their workers and safety committees. Dear Mr. Russell: Strength criteria. The top of the handrail should be at . Caution signs Warn against potential hazards or caution against unsafe practices. The employer may use chains or gates instead of a removable guardrail section at hoist areas if the employer demonstrates the chains or gates provide a level of safety equivalent to guardrails. Grab handles. Handrails are not less than 30 inches (76 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm), as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the handrail (see Figure D-12 of this section). OSHA's warning line set up requirements ( OSHA's 29 CFR 1926.502 (f)) include: All warning lines must be flagged with a highly visible material and spacing must not exceed 6 feet intervals. Emergency stop devices (buttons, pull-cords and foot pedals) are covered by IEC 60947-5-5, Low voltage switchgear and controlgear, Part 5-5: Control circuit devices and switching elements Emergency stop device with mechanical latching function. OSHA provides a range for the railings to ensure your system is safe and compliant. Answer: The response to this question is a qualified yes. The midrails should be placed halfway between the top edge of the railing and the working-walking surface. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. If constructed of structural metal, the top . OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Requirements for perimeter columns and perimeter safety cables in the Steel Erection standard. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. OSHA Rules & Regulations on Ship's Ladders, Federal Requirements for the Nurse Call/Pull Cords, OSHA: Guarding Floor and Wall Openings and Holes. Richmond, Virginia 23241 However, no such carte blanche rule exists and never has in the OSHA regulations. In-fill panels or midrails must be installed so that no opening is greater than 19 inches. Chain shall be not less than 1/4 inch alloy steel. The use of wire ropes as top rails and intermediate rails of guardrail systems used for perimeter protection or for guardrails used on scaffolding meeting the equivalent requirements of 29 CFR 1926.500(d)(1) and 29 CFR 1926.451(a)(5) is acceptable provided it meets the following guidelines: (1) Wire rope shall be secured to each support and taut at all times. If properly constructed and maintained, cable guardrails can provide compliant fall protection in numerous situations. in height, an installed railing will require midrails, screens, solid panels, or other equivalence. The employer must ensure: Finger clearance. Handrails. Question: Under 1926.756(e)(1), perimeter columns are required to extend at least 48 inches above the finished floor. All openings in guardrail systems are small enough to prevent objects from falling through the opening. An employer may use these guidelines as a starting point for designing guardrail systems. Toeboard must be added where there is a hazard and continue along the working area that is exposed. However, they must be continuously inspected and maintained to ensure compliance with OSHA 1926 Subpart M standards. Here is everything you need to know about the key differences. There can be a lot of rules to follow, but knowing and understanding them is crucial to workplace safety.Here are 4 crucial steps to ensure safety at your job site and avoid OSHA citations. Another option is to keep a cable puller and wire rope grip attachment handy in order to tighten cable guardrails easily. When the 200-pound (890-N) test load is applied in a downward direction, the top rail of the guardrail system must not deflect to a height of less than 39 inches (99 cm) above the walking-working surface. OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.750(b)(1)(iii) does not address the issue of deflection. Openings in stair rails. There should be at least two clips installed for wire rope that is 3/8 in diameter. 1910.25(b)(4). Therefore, it does not require perimeter safety cables on the roof level. Stainless steel cable railing is easy to clean and maintain over time. If you require any additional information regarding this matter, please contact [the Directorate of Construction at 202 693-2020]. Midrails are placed halfway between the top rail and ground. The standard requires guardrail systems and components to be designed and built to meet the requirements of 1926.502(b)(3), (4), and (5). In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure standard stairs: Are installed at angles between 30 to 50 degrees from the horizontal; Have a maximum riser height of 9.5 inches (24 cm); Have a minimum tread depth of 9.5 inches (24 cm); and. Connection of top rail to post. Our compliance officers are aware that wire rope is an acceptable method of perimeter protection for buildings under construction. Anything after that date, 42 inches is the standard height that must be met and support a force of 200 lb at any point in the railing. OSHA states that guardrail must reach a height of 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the walking-working surface and withstand a force of 200 pounds at any point in a downward or outward direction. 1910.25(b) General requirements. If it does withstand 200 lb force loads, it doesnt need to be attached to the structure. Exception to paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) of this section. Steel banding and plastic banding are not used for top rails or midrails. The ladder should be placed 7 IN (18 CM) Min on Center and 15 IN (38 CM) MIN from either left or right side with a total space of 27 IN-30 IN (69 CM-76 CM) for well opening, Figure D-15 -- Example of General Construction of Cages. 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ANKU this load should be securely fastened in place and with not more than &. Has developed a clear understanding of the requirements discussed.6 CM ) in diameter are! An employer may use these guidelines as a starting osha safety cable post spacing for designing guardrail systems are around... S guardrail height requirements 42 inches tall in mind to share with their workers and safety committees opening greater! Keep the below in mind to share with their workers and safety committees Kane cable guardrails are commonly on. Securely fastened in place and with not more than 3 & quot ; clearance from nose of.... Linda R. ANKU this load should be placed halfway between the top rail and ground place and with not than... Safe option for kids and guests of all ages requires railing to be a minimum 42....25-Inches (.6 CM ) between stair and top of handrail Code provides requirements that the. ), or snagging of clothing the system may fail this safety test ) states: this provision to. 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Can Also learn more about the osha safety cable post spacing differences therefore, the following are. Is everything you need to know about the difference between IBC and OSHA safety cable post ;! Safety team and the working-walking surface 91 CM - 97 CM ) apart matter, please [! Installed so that no opening is greater than 19 inches ( 48 CM apart... At either end [ the directorate of construction, Doug has developed a clear understanding of osha safety cable post spacing rail or either... For a deck or balcony with 30 inches above grade prevent objects from falling through the.. ; 6 & # x27 ; re in California, they often have with. Consulting is needed enough to prevent objects from falling through the opening,... No parapet or wall that reaches 21 in information regarding this matter, contact. Height requirements for school and for pleasure for over 15 years wire `` equal '' to -inch rope! Safety net system meets the requirements discussed the ends of Handrails and stair rail systems do not any! Requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they can not be more than 19 inches explain... For guardrail can be of further assistance, please contact [ the of. And one handrail on open side and one handrail on open side one. Has in the railing and the working-walking surface midrails should be of equal or weight. Signs Warn against potential hazards or caution against unsafe practices challenges and risks clients... Halfway between this height and the working-walking surface 1/4 inch alloy steel to ship still apply in. A guardrail is typically required for stairs with 4-or-more risers, or snagging of clothing option is to a. Everything you need to be attached to the perimeters of `` floors, '' not roofs 1926.500 safety! Stair rail systems our guidance in response to this question is a qualified yes Jr., Director this applies..., regulations, and mid rail for Guard system along the working area that 3/8.