Guardrail Systems: 5 Factors to Consider for Your Jobsite

Before 2010, almost one construction worker per day fell to their death.

While the amount of fatal falls has decreased since then, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census, falls are still one of the leading killers of workers.

Unguarded roof edges, stairwells, floor holes, and skylights are still significant workplace hazards, but these are all situations which can be made much safer by installing custom or pre-built temporary guardrail systems.

Guardrail fall protection is especially important for temporary hazards, such as when quickly pouring stairs. Even a simple railing system allows workers to go up and down more safely.

There are a few types of guardrails to choose from – the right guardrail set up varies based on the job site. Here are some things to consider when making your choice:

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Guardrail Fall Protection

1. OSHA Compliance and Regulations

A few different regulations apply to worksite fall-protection. OSHA requires employers to provide guardrail systems which will protect workers from falling to lower levels.

All platforms that measure four feet or more above the adjacent floor or ground must be protected by a standard guardrail on all open sides. So, if you have a mezzanine, loading dock, roof, or other open space, you’ll need a way to reliably prevent falls of people and materials to lower levels.

When selecting a guardrail, it’s important to keep these guidelines in mind, or risk being non-compliant with safety regulations, which can carry a hefty fine.

In addition to size and location, you’ll also need to make sure the railings are secure and up to strength standards. For example, the StringerShield Stair Rail Clamping System is certified by third-party tests to exceed United States Federal OSHA temporary stair rail strength regulations.

2. Removable vs. Permanent Guardrails

Another factor to consider when choosing guardrail systems is how permanently you’ll need to use them.

Temporary guardrails don’t drill directly into structural elements – many, like StringerShield’s, clamp on.

Permanent guardrails can be more stable, secure, and durable. However, they’re also more expensive and take longer to install, and you’ll lose the ability to reuse the equipment without serious alterations.

So, if you’ll need the railing for less than a few months, a temporary solution is likely best. Even if the project is longer, if the finished product won’t require a guardrail set up, you are still likely better off with a temporary option.

3. Ease of Installation

Rail systems like StringerShield’s don’t require drilling into flooring or rooftop materials to install. This provides a considerable savings in time and installation costs. Instead, the clamp swivels into place to lock onto the edge of the structure.

Even if you want a more permanent solution, it can be helpful to have the flexibility of fall protection when and where you want it. Many guardrail systems are portable and can be dismantled and re-assembled as the need arises, providing greater mobility.

4. Flexibility & Versatility

A temporary guardrail system is also more versatile, and easier to configure to your jobsite’s specific dimensions and needs.

This also makes it easier to meet OSHA regulations – for example, in elevated situations where there is a danger of something rolling or being kicked and hitting someone below, OSHA requires a 2 × 4 sized toe board between the bases. StringerShield guardrails can be retrofitted with custom-sized boards to match this requirement.

5. Durability

Even the most short-term construction safety equipment needs to stand up to the wear-and-tear of heavy daily use and resist weather-related degradation.

It is also often worthwhile to look for slip-resistant/weatherproofing options that can fit base plates with non-slip pads which prevent slipping and help cushion the base if you need to install it on a relatively sensitive material like rubber roofing.

The StringerShield Stair Rail Clamping System uses pins with positive locks instead of setscrews which makes it easier to visually see the whole locking system and be confident that it is secure and ready to use.

StringerShield’s Stair Rail Clamping System helps quickly install guardrails on stringer stairs for construction sites.

Pro Tool and Supply carries an extensive line of fall protection equipment, including top-of-the-line guardrail systems like StringerShield’s Stair Rail Clamping System.

If you’re looking to find out whether you’ll need railing systems for your site, or want to know more about the options and solutions available, Pro Tool is happy to help: contact us here for more information or request a quote.