Concentrated load for guardrail design

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

March 20, 1986

Mr. Thomas P. Brantley
Project Engineers
Bradenton Wastewater Treatment
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Brantley:

This is in response to your letter of March 5, requesting a clarification of our design criteria for a standard railing as required in 29 CFR 1926.500(f)(1)(iii) through (vi). Your letter addressed to Mr. Allan E. Martin was forwarded to this office of response. This also confirms your telephone conversation with a member of my staff on March 13.

29 CFR 1926.500(f)(1)(iv) requires that the anchoring of parts and framing of members for railings of all types shall be of such construction that the completed structure shall be capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction at any point on the top rail, with a minimum of deflection. The 200 pound force is considered as a single concentrated load acting at any point on the top rail, with a minimum of deflection. This usually allows a load reduction at the posts due to the transmission of the load through the top railing.

29 CFR 1910.23(e) includes the same design criteria for guardrail systems to be used in general industry.

If we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Sincerely,
John B. Miles, Jr., Director
Directorate of Field Operations