This standard specifies safety requirements for protecting floor openings, wall openings, open-sided floors, platforms, and stairways to prevent accidental falls of personnel and objects. It defines the minimum dimensions, material specifications, and strength requirements for guardrails, toe boards, and hole covers.
Safety Requirements for Floor and Wall Openings, Railings and Toe Boards
Quick Reference Values
standard railing height1000 mm from floor to upper surface of top rail
toe board minimum height100 mm from top edge to floor level
max clearance under toe board6 mm
stair railing height750 mm to 850 mm from tread surface
railing minimum load capacity90 kg (approx 900 N) applied in any direction on top rail
Practical Notes
Toe boards are critical on open-sided platforms to prevent tools and materials from falling and injuring workers below.
Do not just place a temporary cover over a floor hole; covers must be securely fastened and clearly marked to avoid accidental displacement.
Guardrails must not merely act as visual warnings; they must be structurally sound enough to withstand a worker falling against them (minimum 90 kg point load).