Q&A: Protective Guarding for Workplace Safety

1. What are the best materials to use for structures that guard platforms, stairs and other potentially risky structures? Why are they the best?

Fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) is the best option for guarding access platforms. FRP solves safety concerns and is also a safer option than metal, wood and aluminum materials in a variety of ways. FRP is corrosion resistant so it’s able to withstand harsh environments and is safe around chemicals. Other materials, like steel and wood, can rust or corrode and eventually have issues structurally. FRP doesn’t conduct electricity and has low thermal conductivity. If your workplace experiences excessive heat or cold, FRP doesn’t transfer the heat or cold along railings, stairs or other safety structures.

2. What kinds of features enhance the safety of people using those structures?

A non-skid surface is one feature that enhances safety when using platforms and other walkway structures. Non-skid surface grit is actually part of our manufacturing process and gives an additional layer of resistance against slips, trips and falls that can happen in the workplace.

An added safety enhancement that comes from using FRP compared to other standard building materials is the differentiating color nosing of stair treads. Stamped metal or other products often have a singular color. On our FRP stairs, there’s a differentiating color between the actual treads to nosing, so it signals that there’s another step, helping to avoid a potential tripping hazard for people.

3. Why might a company choose modular safety products?

A company would choose modular safety products for a variety of reasons, but one primary reason is the ability to address safety concerns quickly. Modular FRP products are often packaged and shipped in easy-to-assemble kits. FRP structures are lightweight, so the need for heavy machinery, cranes, overhead lifts and power equipment is eliminated. FRP platforms can be assembled and installed by one or two individuals.

4. What OSHA & IBC standard/guidelines should be considered when choosing protective guarding?

The OSHA standards that industry professionals should be aware of, particularly in walking and working surfaces, would be 1910.29, sub-part B and the requirements that follow that sub-part. It’s also important to become familiar with the IBC standard as a whole, and then as it applies to local building codes.

5. Should handrails on stair sections be a standard size, or are there reasons to customize the sizing?

Handrails on stair systems should be a standard size to meet OSHA guidelines. Any stair handrails must be, at minimum, 36 inches above the walking surface. 

6. What should facility managers know about handrails for walkways and mezzanines?

The term “handrail” has changed over the years. Handrail refers to the section of a rail that is grabbed to hold on to a stair system. Previously, the term was used to describe what are now called guardrails. Facility managers should know that guardrails are required as a form of passive fall protection for any elevated walking surfaces four feet or greater from the ground.

7. What are crossover stairs and where and how are they used?

Crossover stairs are used when access needs to be provided, and there’s an obstacle to overcome. For example, if there’s an obstruction in an area that workers need to access, crossover stairs are installed to “cross over” the obstacle, rather than traveling around it.

8. What are the height regulations for crossover stairs?

The height regulations for crossover stairs are project-specific and depend on whether it’s an indoor or an outdoor application. The main height regulation for indoor crossover stairs would be six foot five inches minimum clearance from walking surface to overhead obstruction. Height requirements for an outdoor application are dictated by the project, and the assumption that standard fall protection requirements for walking and working surfaces are being met.

9. Can crossover stairs be moved as needed?

Generally, crossover stairs are a permanent structure that is meant to be anchored to a stable foundation. In some scenarios, crossover stairs may be moved if the project requirements change. However, in order to keep workplace safety first and foremost, crossover stairs should be permanent structures or at least anchored during the time of use.

For more information on our FRP protective guarding, reach out to the OSCO team at 304-949-1381 or request a quote today.

This article was originally created for Workplace Material Handling & Safety.