Wire rope and steel banding as construction guardrails

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.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 31, 1988

MEMORANDUM FOR: LINDA R. ANKU
Regional Administrator

THRU: LEO CAREY, Director
Office of Field Programs

FROM: THOMAS J. SHEPICH, Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs

SUBJECT: Failure of Wire Rope and Banding Steel Guardrails to provide Protection as per 29 CFR 1926.500(f)(1)(iv)

The studies performed by your safety engineer indicate that 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch wire rope, which are commonly used in lieu of standard railings, will not provide protection equivalent to that provided by a standard railing that conforms to the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.500(f)(1)(iv) at specific spans. It is also stated that similar conclusions may be reached with the regard to the strength of steel banding. The subject standard is a performance standard which does not specify the span between posts. Employers may decrease the span between posts to comply with our deflection requirements provided in STD 3-10.3. This practice may not be practical solution but employers have the option of placing the posts as close as necessary to comply with our deflection requirements or of being cited. In regard to metal banding the strength varies according to the width and thickness of the banding used by the employer for top and intermediate rails. When the subpart M final rule is promulgated in the Federal Register the prohibition will become enforceable and additional enforcement criteria will be included to support the prohibition of steel banding. Employers not in compliance with 29 CFR 1926.500(f)(1)(iv) shall be cited as indicated in this memorandum and previous correspondence covering this matter. If you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact Bill Simms on 523-8124.