Posted: 15 Mar '19

Do You Know the Standards and Variances for Guardrail and Handrail Installation and Rentals?

Guardrails and handrails are the two primary fall protection solutions where there is risk of falling. Question is – do you know how to properly install the two?

In a bid to minimize and eliminate the risk of falling, the government, through the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), has established clear and very strict guardrail and handrail installation and rental guidelines. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in adverse consequences.

Below, we summarize guardrail and handrail installation and rental standards and variances to help you stay in compliance in all your projects.

Guardrail and Handrail Installation Rental Standards – Guardrails

Also known as standard railings, guardrails are the main means of preventing employees from falling to lower levels. The following are the most important guardrail installation standards for our rentals:

• Standard guardrails must be installed on all open sides of working platforms that are four or more feet above ground or the adjacent floor.
• Toe boards are required to keep workers’ feet from slipping over an edge and prevent falling of materials to a lower level.
• The guardrail must comprise a top rail, an intermediate rail, and posts. The standard distance between the top rail to the ground or working platform is set at 42 inches.
• Variances are allowed for the height up to a minimum of 36 inches and a maximum of 44 inches. Additional mid-rails are required for guardrails higher than 44 inches.

Guardrail and Handrail Installation Rental Standards – Handrails

A handrail is defined as a single bar or pipe supported on brackets from a wall or partition. The rails provide a handhold support for employees going up or down a stairway, ramp or other surfaces. The following are handrail installation standards for our rentals:

• Handrails must be installed on each side of an open stairway or stair platform, and at least one side of a closed stairway.
• The rails must be at least 30 inches high and at most 34 inches from the working surface. They should be round for easy grasping.
• Handrails should be no less than 1 ½ inches in diameter when made from metal pipe and 2 inches when made from hardwoods.
• There should be brackets that provide a clearance of no less than 3 inches between the rails and the wall or any other projection.

Order Professional Guardrail and Handrail Installation Rentals Today

Don’t expose your employees to unnecessary risk. Contact us today to acquire professional guardrail and handrail installation rentals.