When are guardrails required in BC

In British Columbia, WorkSafeBC regulations mandate the installation of guards or guardrails in areas accessible to workers under specific circumstances to prevent falls and ensure worker safety. These requirements are detailed in Part 4 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. [4]

Guardrails are required 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. [4]

They are also needed 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, and 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. [2]

Additionally, guardrails are necessary if a stairway ends in direct proximity to dangerous traffic or other hazard to prevent inadvertent entry into the dangerous area. [2]

A guardrail consists of a top rail 102 cm to 112 cm (40 in. to 44 in.) above the work surface, and a midrail located approximately midway between the underside of the top rail and the top of the toeboard, if one is provided, or the work surface if no toeboard is provided. [4]

Temporary guardrails installed during construction, demolition, maintenance, or renovation must withstand a load of 550 N (125 lb.) applied horizontally or vertically downward at any point on the top rail. [1]

If a guardrail is temporarily removed to accommodate work, it must be replaced when the unguarded area is left unattended and after the work is completed if guardrails are still required and workers exposed to a fall hazard must be protected by another fall protection system when the guardrail is absent. [1]

Where practicable, guardrails meeting the requirements of Part 4 (General Conditions) must be installed at dangerous breaks in the continuity of a wharf, dock or pier, and dangerous corners, edges and other parts of a wharf, dock or pier. [3]