SafetyQuestion 644 of 700
A standard guardrail system is used as the primary fall protection along an open edge. In any outward or downward direction, the top rail must be able to withstand a MINIMUM applied load of about how much without failing?
a.200 pounds
b.50 pounds
c.500 pounds
d.1,000 pounds
Explanation
Correct: a guardrail top rail must resist roughly a 200-pound force applied in any outward or downward direction. 50 pounds is closer to the midrail/toeboard test load, not the top rail. 500 and 1,000 pounds overstate the requirement; that magnitude is associated with anchorage points for personal fall arrest, not guardrails.
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