Minimum tread depth of 9. The agency’s standard on walking-working surfaces for general industry (1910 Subpart D) was developed to help prevent dangerous falls from height or slips and trips on the same level (working surface). A handrail and a wall or other surface adjacent to the handrail shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements. As a reference, OSHA's fall protection standards would require a safety net used in this scenario to extend 8 feet from the edge of the walking/working surface. 1910. [29 CFR 1926. If a guardrail or physical barrier or engineered solution is not possible, the employer must use the highest ranked method of fall protection as per section 26. 22 (b); 1910. Under §1910. 555 (a) (1) Means for stopping the motor or engine shall be provided at the operator's station. Wherever guardrail protection is required, the following standards shall be adhered to except that other types and arrangements of guardrail construction will be acceptable where the height, surface and end projection of the top rail complies with the standard specifications and the closure of the vertical area between the top rail and floor, platform,. Related Code Sections. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. 3. 23 (e) (3) (iv), the anchoring of posts and framing of members for railings of all types. Employee Work Areas Common use circulation paths must be accessible in work areas 1,000 sq. Docket S-775 Safety Standards for Steel Erection (proposed January 26, 1988, 53 FR 2048, final rule published January 18, 2001 66 FR 5196). Details are at GUARDRAIL CODES & STANDARDS - this article. Cal OSHA has a force requirement of 20 pounds per linear foot along the entire rail system. This regulation states that, “Guardrail systems. (3) If ramps change direction at landings, the minimum landing size shall be 60 in by 60 in (1525 mm by 1525 mm). Only stand on the work platform; never stand on the guardrails. Reg. 21 - Scope and definitions. 26 (a) Dockboards are capable of supporting the maximum intended load in accordance with § 1910. OSHA 1910. Thickness. Cal-OSHA requires that employers provide fall protection for employees who work at heights of 30 inches or more in general industry workplaces, and at six feet or more in construction. 5 inches (24 cm); and. Scaffolding. S. 9. The following definitions apply in this subpart: Alternating tread-type stair means a type of. Here are some highlights: Do not turn on an incline. OSHA standards set minimum safety and health requirements; they do not prohibit employers from adopting more stringent requirements. 1926. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. 8. Download the free PDF and stay safe on the job. The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: (13)(i) Has a self-closing gate that slides or swings away from the hole, and is equipped with a top rail and mid-rail, or equivalent. 451(a)(5) is acceptable provided it meets the following guidelines: OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. The fall protection safety requirements for residential construction should be the same as those for commercial construction. § 214. The short answer is usually, yes. The guidelines for these aspects of mezzanine railing include: In-fill mid-rails or panels need to be installed to keep the opening from being more than 19 inches. Be sure you have checked all 10 before work begins on your job-site. On outside plaza, patio, and garden areas, alternate means of protection are acceptable if the same degree of safety is provided. Minimum tread depth of 9. Handrails must be placed between 34″ and 38″ in height, measuring from the nosing of the stair. 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. Mesh or screen in-fill panels need to extend from the surface to the uppermost rail. This checklist covers regulations issued by the U. On outside plaza, patio, and garden areas, alternate means of protection are acceptable if the same degree of safety is provided. 30. Further, OSHA standard 1910. Scope . Apart from IBC, OSHA also has minimum strength requirements for guardrails. 29(g)(4)), have an acceptable guardrail system (29 CFR § 1910. 29(b)), and contain. 500, Guardrails, handrails & guards. Equivalent means. Now, if your loading dock is at 46”, per OSHA dock safety standards, fall protection is not required. The top rails on guardrails must not be built from steel or plastic banding. 502 (b) (3), (4), and (5). OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 454. The purpose of these guard rails is to prevent falls or unauthorized access to certain areas. S. 451(g). [29 CFR 1926. OSHA; Standards; Enforcement; Topics; Media Center; Contact Us; U. Cal/OSHA also requires that the top rail of the guardrail must be installed between 42 and 45 inches above the walking surface with a permissible height tolerance. OSHA requires railings on open sides of stairwells and a handrail on at least on the side, preferably the right side descending at 42″ high. "The employer must ensure each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 73]. 71 (d) (2) All vertical and horizontal members shall be fastened together with a coupler or locking device which will form a positive connection. 503. Open-sided dock areas 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level where there is the danger of employee falling shall be guarded by a standard railing or the equivalent. OSHA's guardrail height requirements include a variance of plus or minus 3 inches. Be sure you have. They must be protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems, or They must work in a controlled access zone (CAZ) . Be aware of the wide rear swing radius. 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. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) ANSI/ASSE A1264. Maximum 7-3/4 inch stair riser height. Understand the requirements of OSHA’s Fall Protection standards at 29 CFR 1926, Subpart M, to protect workers exposed to falls six feet or more above a lower level. S. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Here is a summary to make it easy for you: The top rail must be 42 inches in height, give or take 3 inches. Refrigerated trucks are 50 to 60 inches in bed height, so they always will require a guardrail. OSHA requirements for standard stairs. 501(b)(13), workers engaged in residential construction six (6) feet or more above lower levels must be protected by conventional fall protection (i. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 5 inches high with a gap of less than 1/4 inch. Handrail Requirements. This 28-page document covers the basics of fall protection systems, equipment, and regulations, as well as practical tips and examples for different work scenarios. 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. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. Landings shall have the following features: (1) The landing shall be at least as wide as the ramp run leading to it. highway safety hardware for all new. According to OSHA’s construction fall protection standard ( 29 CFR 1926. 1-2007, Safety Requirements for Workplace Walking/Working Surfaces and Their Access; Workplace Floor, Wall and Roof Openings; Stairs and Guardrail Systems. The employer must provide safe access to and from all workGuide to cable railings or wire rope guardrails: This article describes and includes illustrations of cable or wire rope railings or guardrails used along decks, balconies, walkways and stairways. OSHA eTool. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm). Avoid the hassle and be educated on the key roof railing differences. On outside plaza, patio, and garden areas, alternate means of protection are acceptable if the same degree of safety is provided. 29(b) and its subparts. 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. A guardrail is a safety railing or barrier located along a horizontal surface such as a balcony, deck, or porch. 29 (b): "Fall protection systems and falling object protection -- criteria and practices. 1-2007, Safety. Without safety barriers like guardrails and handrails, anyone working at a height of six feet or more is defenseless against a fall. For example, ANSI standard A1264. OSHA standard 1926. 451(g). Install guardrail systems along all open sides and ends of platforms. By strict letter of the law, a 46” dock does not require fall protection under the provisions of OSHA 1910. 4 cm) in height. 29 CFR 1926. § 214. [29 CFR 1926. Occupational Safety and Health Standards; Subpart: 1910 Subpart D; Subpart Title: Walking-Working Surfaces; Standard Number: 1910 Subpart D Title:. More information about the OSHA Standards and agricultural safety is available at the following Web sites:1926. 1910. C. Have handrails that meet the requirements of § 1917. 451 (d) (10) requires guardrails to be constructed as follows: Guardrails made of lumber, not less than 2x4 inches (or other material providing equivalent protection), and approximately 42 inches high, with a. 23(e)(3)(ii), only refer to the spacing of posts within. If the handrail isn’t circular, the perimeter dimension should not be less than 4 inches and mustn’t be greater than 6. Panels made of materials conforming to the requirements in Table. in any direction per OSHA 1910. At this point, we know that you need a handrail if you have. Guard rail, guardrails, or protective guarding, [1] in general, are a boundary feature and may be a means to prevent or deter access to dangerous or off-limits areas while allowing light and visibility in a greater way than a fence. Figure D-11-- Guard Rail Systems. There are 29 OSHA-approved State Plans operating state-wide occupational safety and health programs. 1. 1910. 1910. We include definitions of guardrail, a handrailing or stairway handrail, and other terms that assist in understanding the building code, construction,. 23 (b) General requirements for all ladders. This subpart applies to all general industry workplaces. An employer may use these guidelines as a starting point for designing guardrail systems. 5”. A guardrail is, first and foremost, a safety barrier intended to shield a motorist who has left the roadway. Mr. 1-2007, Safety Requirements for Workplace Walking/Working Surfaces and Their Access; Workplace Floor, Wall and Roof Openings; Stairs and Guardrail Systems. 34″ and 42″. Using these definitions, therefore, OSHA concludes that a skylight should be regarded as a hatchway, i. Guardrail systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions: 1926. Surface requirements: OSHA standard 1926. Haydl: This is in response to your letter of June 24, 2004 regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for heights for stair rails and handrails and corresponding building code requirements. (1. 1. Conveyor systems shall be equipped with an audible warning signal to be sounded immediately before starting up the conveyor. An opening between 3½ and 9 inches should be avoided because of the danger of entrapment. Training and qualification of each roadway worker in on-track safety for operators of roadway maintenance machines. 1431 (b) (2) Exceptions: A personnel platform is not required for hoisting employees: 1926. 1926. Code requires guardrail in residential structures be a minimum of 36 inches. Handrail height, spacing, and incline are all addressed by the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building. If you choose to use a guardrail system, you must comply with the 10 OSHA provisions listed below. 36″ to 38″ — may also serve as guard. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742 Federal Government White House; Benefits. 1. 29 (b), ladders and hatches are required to be secured with a self-closing safety gate and safety-compliant railing. 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. 5 and A92. The top rail should be 42 inches in heightThis letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. IRC 2003 1-1/2 inch (38mm) minimum between wall and the handrail. Hexavalent Chromium. A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs have two different meanings. W. Maximum riser height of 9. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but. " 29 CFR 1910. 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. We will now. 1052 (c) (3) (i) This responds to your June 1, 1999, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), requesting information on wire rope and Crosby clips used around the perimeter of buildings as a guardrail. Do the OSHA Construction standards apply to me? The standards apply to: All contractors who enter into contracts which are for construction, alteration, and/or repair, including painting and decorating. 23) do not directly address the spacing of posts in between sections of a freestanding modular guardrail system. 1926. Under 29 CFR 1926. Guardrail systems. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. State Plans are required to have standards and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as OSHA's and may have different or more stringent requirements. Vertical height of top rail. If the guardrail is unable to bear the minimum structural load, it could break due to the applied forces, resulting in a tragic accident. This regulation ensures that personnel and equipment are protected from a fall if/when the guard rail is struck by a piece of equipment or machinery. Minimum width of 22”. 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. 1926. 28; 1910. 29 CFR 1910. OSHA scaffolding standards are at 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1926. 5 inches (9 cm) as measured from the top edge of the toeboard to the level of the. Guardrail Requirements vs. Scope . The OSHA non-mandatory guidelines do not provide suggested hardware for fastening the guardrails to the ground. 25 (b) (1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. OSHA Requirements. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. The guardrails provided here are 1-1/4” thick. A guardrail is typically required for stairs with 4-or-more risers, or for a deck or balcony with 30 inches above grade. With both standards, OSHA deems guardrail compliant under the following conditions: Vertical height of 42 inches. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. OSHA 1910. Advanced Notice of Proposed Rules 64:38077-38086, (July 14, 1999). OSHA Guardrail Load Requirements. This ribbon of rail acts to capture impacting vehicles and to. Re: Stair rail and hand rail heights; §1926. * The CPSC recommends that. 1910. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 5 of 14 DEFICIENCY 2 – UNIT: HANDRAIL IS NOT SECURE. A stair rail or stair guard is a safety railing or barrier located along the open side(s) of a stairway. Hazards are identified, as well as the controls that keep these hazards from becoming tragedies. This ribbon of rail acts to capture impacting vehicles and to. (note that all lumber dimensions are nominal lumber sizes. 7 - Definition and requirements for a nationally recognized testing laboratory. 21(b)(5). Scaffolding. 1926. Handrail Height. GUARDRAIL 101. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. 29). According to the IBC code, guard rails are required when there is a difference of 30 inches or greater between two upper and lower surfaces. 26. OSHA stair requirements suggest that: 1910. The only exception is when the employer can. Exception 1: Guardrails located at the open side of a stair run shall not be less than 34 inches in height. Department of Labor, OSHA, Office of Construction Standards and Guidance, Room N3468, 200 Constitution Avenue, N. The criteria and practices requirements for guardrail systems on scaffolds are contained in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L. A strength to withstand at least the minimum requirement of 200 pounds top rail pressure (§1910. 4 - Amendments to this part. they satisfy all of the guardrail requirements. You can also contact us by mail at U. 502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29 CFR. 454. 26 (b) (2)See this post for detailed OSHA guardrail height requirements. 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. 29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). Here is a list of important OSHA standards for work platforms that you may not be aware of. Standard Interpretations are letters or memos written in response to public inquiries or field office inquiries regarding how some aspect of or terminology in an OSHA standard or regulation is to be interpreted and enforced by the Agency. 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. 6. 112(c)(1) on both sides and that are not less than 30 inches (76. The fact that residential construction has gone unregulated and unenforced. 451(g)(4). The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: 1910. (ii) 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. The newest OSHA revisions include the following criteria for OSHA 1910. 1917. 8-2019 standard). This is a summary of the requirements from Oregon OSHA’s general industry, walking-working surfaces rules . Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate. §3214. So, that height can be anywhere from 39 inches to 45 inches. The requirements for a guardrail system are stated in §1926. Maintenance of rooftop solar panels falls under general industry standards. . OSHA guidelines on guardrail fall protection criteria dictate that a guardrail safety system’s top edge must be 42(±)3 inches above the floor. 48 (a) (2) An elevated walkway with guardrail or equivalent means of protection shall be provided where employees cross over moving conveyors, and suitable guarding shall be provided when employees pass under moving conveyors. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. If the top of a tank is not a "platform" under the analysis called for in OSHA's guidance document, the guardrail requirements of that standard would not apply. 23. Guardrail systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions: 1926. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal-OSHA) has specific requirements for rooftop railing protection under its fall protection standards. Maximum 7-3/4 inch stair riser height. balusters) can be a maximum of 19 inches apart. See the following elevated work platform OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910. The employer must ensure: 1910. 1926. 453, and . According to OSHA 1910. OSHA 1910. 29(g)(4)), have an acceptable guardrail system (29 CFR § 1910. 451 (a) (5), states that, "Guardrails shall be 2 x 4 inches or the equivalent, approximately 42 inches. Do the OSHA Construction standards apply to me? The standards apply to: All contractors who enter into contracts which are for construction, alteration, and/or repair, including painting and decorating. 23. A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress shall be located in trench excavations that are 4 feet (1. OSHA addresses the fall protection to be provided to employees on self-propelled scissor-lifts through the application of the general duty clause (section 5 (a) (1)) of the OSH Act) because the OSHA standards do not cover such equipment. 451(g)(4), the employer in the situation you describe has the choice of using either a fall arrest system or a guardrail system to protect employees from fall hazards associated with working from a scaffold more than 10 feet above a lower level. There are 29 OSHA-approved State Plans operating state-wide occupational safety and health programs. If the employer chooses to use a guardrail system, he must comply with the following provisions: Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, must be between 39 and 45 inches above the. The fence or guardrail should be anchored to the retaining wall using approved anchor systems* that are designed. Similarly, OSHA's general industry standards related to guardrail systems (Subpart D Walking-Working Surfaces, specifically 29 CFR 1910. Be sure to check with your code official regarding your area’s guardrail height requirements. 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. Your Guardrail Compliance Checklist. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 10(a)] All subcontractors who agree to perform any part of the labor or material requirements of a contract. 502 - OSHA's new fall protection standards for construction will prohibit use of safety belts with side dee rings as part of a personal fall arrest system - 09/25/1995 1926. A handrail or grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent to it needs to be free of anything sharp or abrasive. So, that height can be anywhere from 39 inches to 45 inches. 1926. 29 – Fall protection systems and falling object protection-criteria and practices. 25 inches thick. Use internal couplings, Type 18-7, to maintain continuity. Addressing OSHA dock safety can be a tricky thing. 112 (a) (1) Vehicle curbs, bull rails, or other effective barriers at least six inches (15. Standards Institute, Standard A1264. Guard rail, guardrails, or protective guarding, [1] in general, are a boundary feature and may be a means to prevent or deter access to dangerous or off-limits areas while allowing light and visibility in a greater way than a fence. 451 (a) (5). See the following elevated work platform OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Railing height shall be approximately 42 inches off the floor, platform, or other working surface, with a midrail between the toprail and the working surface. 502(b)(6) requires that guardrail components have smooth surfaces to prevent snagging of clothing and injuries from lacerations and punctures. The top rail position and maximum single rail length requirements are easier to meet. ) from the surface of the walking area. You’re completely OSHA compliant for inspection at a moments notice. Retraining Employers must retrain employees when inadequacies are observed, changes in worksite conditions occur or when it is believed that an employee lacks the skill or understanding needed for safe work involving the erection, use or dismantling of the scaffold. Though the terms guardrails and handrails are often used interchangeably, they are different structures both in use and requirements. There are 29 OSHA-approved State Plans operating state-wide occupational safety and health programs. In addition, OSHA also issued an interpretation (55 FR 13407; April. 29 (b) (3) requires that g uardrail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200. S. 5”. 3) the top must not fail and may deflect to a point no lower than 39 inches above the floor when a 200 pound load is imposed on it in a downward or outward. 500(d)(1) and 29 CFR 1926. The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: 1910. 502 (b) (1): Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1. Guardrail requirements are covered under OSHA 1910. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. 1910. HEALTH AND SAFETY DETERMINATION: Moderate The. Erie, PA 16501, USA. Details1. 1) safety railing must be ¼-inch in diameter (a plastic coating could be used to bring the diameter up to ¼-inch) 2) the safety railing must be 42 inches high, plus or minus 3 inches. 502 (b) (1) Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1. Employers should train workers to: Check to see that a guardrail system is in place before working on the scissor lift. Any vertical intermediate members (EX. An opening between 3½ and 9 inches should be avoided because of the danger of entrapment. This 200 pound load test is designed to stop an employee from a potentially fatal fall, as opposed to the IBC requirement that takes into account the idea that many people may be leaning on the. Here’s a quick overview. 5". Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742 Federal Government White House; Benefits. OSHA’s fall protection and guardrail requirements along with the International Building Code (IBC) are standards all builders, contractors and construction workers should follow. The following requirements apply to all stairways as indicated: (1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm), whichever is less, shall be equipped with: (A) At least one handrail; and (B) A stair rail consisting of a top rail and mid-rail along each unprotected side or edge. Maximum riser height of 9. Haydl: This is in response to your letter of June 24, 2004 regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for heights for stair rails and handrails and corresponding building code requirements. The top rail rail must be able to withstand 200 pounds of force in the downward and outward directions. Provides illustrated safety checklists for specific types of scaffolds. Since that time, OSHA has received many questions and requests for interpretation of the requirements for handrails and stair rail systems. OSHA also states that the guardrails must be between 39 and 45 inches tall. 5 inches (24 cm); ( 3) Have a minimum tread depth of 9. TO: ALL AREA DIRECTORS Paragraph 1926. An OSHA-approved state plan must have safety and health requirements at least as effective as those of Federal OSHA and must adopt comparable state they satisfy all of the guardrail requirements. Handrail must be continuous. 1-2007, Safety Requirements for Workplace Walking/Working Surfaces and Their Access; Workplace, Floor, Wall and Roof Openings; Stairs and Guardrail Systems; ANSI/ASSE Z359. The guardrail would then have to meet the requirements in §1926. . 1. 501(b)(13), workers engaged in residential construction six (6) feet or more above lower levels must be protected by conventional fall protection (in other words, guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems) or other. Department of Labor. 3 - Petitions for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a standard. 42″ minimum. 351. 1926. Order safety netting for railings, open-sided floors, roofs and more today!(c) Stair rails and handrails. Mid rail height of 21 inches. The stairway is over 88 inches in width. In construction the use of cables or chains to guard door and wall. 5" tall, with no more than a 1/4" gap at the bottom. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. 451 (b) (3) (ii) The maximum distance from the face for plastering and lathing operations shall be 18 inches (46 cm). ( 4) Have a minimum width of 22 inches (56 cm) between vertical. (link is external) Summary Report of 2021 MASH Virtual Roundtables. Safety Standards for Fall Protection in the Construction Industry. 2m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by one or more of the following guardrail systems; safety net systems; or.