Are guardrails required on all open sides of scaffolding?
The 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. [1926.451(g)(1)] To ensure adequate protection, install guardrails along all open sides and ends before releasing the scaffold for use by employees, other than the erection and dismantling crews. [1926.451(g)(4)(i)] Guardrails are not required, however, • when the front end of all platforms are less than 14 inches (36 cm) from the face of the work; [1926.451(b)(3)] • when outrigger scaffolds are 3 inches (8 cm) or less from the front edge; [1926.451(b)(3)(i)]; or • when employees are plastering and lathing 18 inches (46 cm) or less from the front edge. [1926.
