In British Columbia, guardrails are essential for preventing falls and ensuring worker safety in various scenarios. Here's a breakdown of the regulations and standards for guardrail installation and maintenance:

Guardrail Locations:

• Guardrails are required where a raised floor, open-sided floor, mezzanine, gallery, balcony, work platform, ramp, walkway, or runway is 122 cm (4 ft.) or more above the adjacent floor or grade level. LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet='An area accessible to workers must have guards or guardrails installed in any of the following circumstances:

(a) if a raised floor, open-sided floor, mezzanine, gallery, balcony, work platform, ramp, walkway, or runway is 122 cm (4 ft.) or more above the adjacent floor or grade level;', source_document_reference_number=6)

• They are also needed on both sides of walkways over hazardous substances or machinery, around open containers or containment areas 122 cm (4 ft.) or more in depth, and where stairways end near dangerous traffic areas. LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet='(b) on both sides of any walkway over or adjacent to any substance which is a hazard if a worker fell in, or on it, or which is over machinery or work areas;

(c) around the perimeter of any open container or containment area such as an open vat, bin, tank or pit which is 122 cm (4 ft.) or more in depth and which has sides that do not extend at least as high as required for a guardrail above the adjacent grade or work surface;

(d) if a stairway ends in direct proximity to dangerous traffic or other hazard to prevent inadvertent entry into the dangerous area.', source_document_reference_number=3)

Specifications:

• Guardrails must have a top rail between 102 cm and 112 cm (40-44 inches) above the work surface and a midrail located approximately midway between the top rail and the toeboard or work surface. LLMCitation(cited_text_snippet=' [1]