What Is Industrial Guardrail?

Industrial Guardrail is a physical barrier that surrounds dangerous areas to keep employees safe. These railings are typically made of a thick, high-strength steel to prevent accidents and equipment damage. They are often powder coated for corrosion resistance and come in a variety of lengths to suit any space. They are also available in a safety yellow color to ensure they stand out against other warehouse materials and equipment for easy identification.

There are many types of guardrail systems, ranging from the weakest and least expensive to the strongest and most costly. Most types of guardrail are designed for specific applications, such as the size and type of vehicles used in a facility or the value or risk associated with the area being guarded. Generally, the lowest cost options are cable rails and wooden or metal posts, while the most expensive are steel box-beams that can withstand a direct hit from a vehicle.

OSHA standards require guardrails to be capable of withstanding a force equal to or greater than 200 pounds within 2 inches of the top edge, in any direction and at any point along the edge, without deflecting downward less than 39 inches above walking/working level. They must also have midrails, screens, mesh, or solid panels that extend from the top rail and into the area to be protected. They must also be able to withstand a force equal to or greater than 150 pounds applied at any point along the midrail, screen, or panel. These barriers must have a smooth surface to prevent punctures or lacerations and to prevent catching or snagging on clothing.

The ends of the top and midrails Industrial Guardrail must not overhang the terminal posts, or the posts at each end. If an overhang is present, it must not cause a projection hazard or interfere with the operation of any machinery. The system must be inspected at least once per year to make sure it meets these requirements.

If the guardrail system is located around a hole, it must include a gate that slides or swings closed to prevent people from falling into the hole. When the gate is open, it must be properly secured to avoid falling objects from striking employees or equipment.

While the OSHA guidelines for industrial guardrails are only applicable in areas that aren’t accessible to the general public, it is still important that businesses abide by these regulations. Otherwise, they could face penalties for noncompliance. One way to make it easier to meet OSHA standards is by using EHS software to track hazard assessments and guardrail compliance. This allows companies to compile all the reports and assessments in one place, making it simpler to identify and resolve issues.

The team at A&A Coatings can help businesses to install and maintain the proper safety measures to ensure employees’ safety. We can provide custom lengths of industrial guardrail and help ensure they are installed in a way that meets OSHA standards. We can also apply protective coatings to all parts of a guardrail system, including the base and midrails. This helps to reduce corrosion and increase the lifespan of the guardrails. To learn more about our services, contact us today.