The top edge of a standard guardrail top rail must be approximately what height above the walking/working surface?
Explanation
The federal standard sets the top edge at 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the walking or working level; California's section 1620(a)(1) states the same band from the other direction, as not less than 42 nor more than 45 inches. The other three are heights from rules that sit right beside this one. A midrail goes halfway down, and section 1620(a)(2) drops it only where a wall or parapet is at least 21 inches high. Thirty-six inches is how far a ladder's side rails must extend above the landing under section 1675. And 30 inches is the elevation at which section 3210(a) starts requiring a guardrail at all in general industry - a trigger height, not a rail height.
Law Reference: 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(1); 8 CCR §1620(a)(1)-(2); §3210(a); §1675This topic, taught in full in the CSLB Law & Business guide. CSLB Law & Business — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 · 14-day refund →
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