Guardrails are a preferred method of fall protection, alongside personal fall arrest systems and safety nets. While Federal OSHA regulations are applicable across the US, California’s Cal/OSHA has its own guardrail regulations, with additional safety requirements. Both require guardrails for open-sided elevated work areas, but Cal/OSHA mandates guardrails for elevation differences over 30 inches. Cal/OSHA also specifies different post spacing, post height, and additional requirements for specific industries.
