OSHA Handrail Height 2

[NE12345]

Per OSHA 1910.23(e)(1)
A standard railing shall consist of top rail, intermediate rail, and posts, and shall have a vertical height of 42 inches nominal from upper surface of top rail to floor, platform, runway, or ramp level.

My question is has OSHA ever defined "nominal" for a range when dealing with the top handrail. I am currently working on a job to make some hand rail meet OSHA. The current hand rails vary from approx. 41 1/2" to 42". The customer needs something stated nominal means it can be slightly lower so I am looking of something from OSHA already released while I pose the question on the OSHA website. Any help is appreciated.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Top of top rail at 42" + 3" above the walking/working surface:

Link to OSHA Website

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net

 

[SAIL3]

SRE...is this a recent amendment by OSHA?

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

No, that +/- 3 inches has been around for at least 5 years.

Professional Engineer (ME, NH, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries

http://www.americanconcrete.com

 

[SAIL3]

OSHA 1926....is for fall protection/construction......I usually refer to 1910.23(e)(1) when designing permanent handrail....

 

[SlideRuleEra]

SAIL3 - The 3" tolerance appears to have been published in the "Federal Register" in 2004. That step would make it legal.

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net

 

[SAIL3]

I have always insisted on the 42" in design.....from a practical and engineering perspective a 1/2" variance in this case makes no differnce at all...but that is not the issue here...I have always tried to eliminate the possibility of encountering an inspector down the road who would insist on the 42"...if it is in the design stage, I would go with the 42"..if already fabricated, then check with the local code enforcement for a pass/waiver....
SRE...you may be correct in it being legal...but how would one go about confirming that?

 

[SlideRuleEra]

SAIL3 - The link I provide is to the OSHA website (.gov)... isn't that satisfactory?

However, another way is to download the 2004 "Code of Federal Regulations" published by the National Archives of the U.S. and look on page 432.

2004 Code of Federal Regulations

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net

 

[topsisu]

It seems like OSHA may considers this a de minimis violation (one of their favorite terms).

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=25335

 

[Compositepro]

SAIL3, every physical measurement must have a tolerance.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Note that the top rail height being discussed in the "de minimis" violation is 36" high. The link goes on to confirm that the requirement is 42" + 3".

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net

 

[ACtrafficengr]

I wonder whether 42" was derived from some calculations or empirical study of the C_g heights of the majority of Americans, or if it's somewhat arbitrary.

 

[BUGGAR]

As an aside, you can't rely on AISC tolerances on handrails because they are specifically excluded under the definition of "Structural Steel".

 

[Rajesh V]

I am also got clear idea about that 42 inch clarification on this discussion