Book traversal links for Guardrails ‹ Fall Protection Up Personal Fall Arresting Systems › Standard guardrails consist of a top rail, located 42 inches above the floor, and a mid-rail. Screens and mesh may be used to replace the mid-rail, so long as they extend from the top rail to the floor. Top-rail must be at a height of 39 to 45 inches for construction and 42 inches for all other applications. Mid-rails must be at a height of 21 inches. Top-rails must be able to withstand 200 lbs. of outward or downward force. Mid-rails must withstand a force of 150 lbs. No steel or plastic banding is allowed to be used for a top-rail. Wire rope top-rail must be flagged every 6 feet. All wire rope used for perimeter protection must be at least 3/8 inch nominal diameter. Manila, plastic, or synthetic rope rails must be inspected frequently. Book traversal links for Guardrails ‹ Fall Protection Up Personal Fall Arresting Systems › Resources OSHA Fall Protection Standards Staff James McQuaid Program Manager 609-258-5106 Kelly States Assistant Director 609-258-2648