139-541 Special Design Standards for Guardrails

139-541 Special Design Standards for Guardrails

In addition to the provisions of paragraph (a) of Section 62-651 (Guardrails, gates and other protective barriers), guardrails shall comply with the illustrations provided in either paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, or shall be of a comparable design which is the minimum modification needed. Where modification is sought, it shall be deemed suitable by the Chairperson of the City Planning Commission in consultation with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR).

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Understanding Guardrail Design and Compliance

Importance of Guardrails

Guardrails are critical safety features in various environments including highways, parks, and industrial sites. Understanding the design standards for guardrails is essential for ensuring the safety and protection of people and property.

Modification Guidelines

Modifications to standard guardrail designs are sometimes necessary to meet specific site requirements. Such modifications are subject to approval by the Chairperson of the City Planning Commission in consultation with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Any modification must provide an equivalent level of safety and protection.

3209. Standard Guardrails

This information is provided free of charge by the Department of Industrial Relations from its web site at www.dir.ca.gov. These regulations are for the convenience of the user and no representation or warranty is made that the information is current or accurate. See full disclaimer at https://www.dir.ca.gov/od_pub/disclaimer.html

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, runway, or ramp provides protection at least equivalent to that afforded by a mid-rail.

Components of a Standard Guardrail

A standard guardrail shall consist of top rail, midrail or equivalent protection, and posts, and shall have a vertical height within the range of 42 inches to 45 inches from the upper surface of the top rail to the floor, platform, runway, or ramp level. (Note: the permissible tolerance on height dimensions is one inch). The top rail shall be smooth-surfaced throughout the length of the railing. The midrail shall be approximately halfway between the top rail and the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. The ends of the rails shall not overhang the terminal posts, except where such overhang does not constitute a projection hazard. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-1716(a)).

Note: Local building regulations may require 9-inch spacing of midrails.

Design Strength Requirements

All guardrails and other permissible types, including their connections and anchorage, shall be designed for a live load of 20 pounds per linear foot applied either horizontally or vertically downward at the top rail. Dimensional details of railing members of a few types of construction which comply with this strength requirement are given hereinafter in subsection (c).

Note: It is recognized that the minimum value of railing strength here specified is inadequate for safety under operating conditions where railings are liable to receive heavy stresses from crowds, trucking, handling materials, etc. For such conditions, additional strength shall be provided by use of heavier stock, closer spacing of posts, bracing, or otherwise.

Acceptable Guardrail Specifications

The following are some acceptable guardrail specifications: other combinations will be accepted as long as equivalent strength and protection are maintained.

• In wooden construction, the posts to be of at least 2-inch by 4-inch nominal material spaced not to exceed 6 feet, the top rails to be smooth with corners rounded and not less than 2-inch by 4-inch nominal material. The posts may be spaced on 8-foot centers if the top rails consist of double 1-inch by 4-inch nominal boards, provided that 1 board is fastened in a flat position on top of the posts and the other is fastened in an edge-up position to the inside of the posts and the side of the top board. Single midrails, where permitted, shall be not less than 2-inch by 4-inch nominal material and installed on the contact side of the guardrail.
• If constructed of standard metal pipe, the top rails and single midrail, where permitted, to be 1 1/2-inch outside diameter or larger. The posts to be 1 1/2-inch outside diameter or larger, the spacing not to exceed 8 feet.
• Guardrails installed on or before May 26, 2011. If constructed of structural metal, the top rails to be angle iron of at least 2-inch by 2-inch by 1/4-inch angles or other metal shapes of equivalent bending strength; and the single midrail, where permitted, to be iron or steel of at least 2-inch by 2-inch by 1/4-inch angles or other metal shapes of equivalent strength. The posts to be angle iron of at least 2-inch by 2-inch by 1/4-inch stock, the spacing not to exceed 8 feet.
• Guardrails installed after May 26, 2011. If constructed of structural metal, the top rails to be angle iron of at least 2-inch by 2-inch by 3/8-inch angles or other metal shapes of equivalent bending strength; and the single midrail, where permitted, to be iron or steel of at least 2-inch by 2-inch by 3/8-inch angles or other metal shapes of equivalent strength. The posts to be angle iron of at least 2-inch by 2-inch by 3/8-inch stock, the spacing not to exceed 8 feet.

Where toeboards are required, they shall be constructed of wood, concrete, metal, or other suitable material. Where constructed of metal grille, mesh shall not exceed 1-inch. The top of the toeboard shall be not less than 3 1/2 inches above the platform, walkway, or other working level and the bottom clearance shall not exceed 1/4-inch.

Historical Amendments

The standards for guardrails have undergone several amendments over the years to enhance safety measures. The most recent amendments were made on 4-26-2011.

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