Installation of Guardrails
| Purpose |
To protect Workers from injuries due to falls from elevated work surfaces by ensuring temporary or permanent guardrails are properly installed, inspected and maintained during all construction phases. |
| Definition |
Guardrails are a type of fall protection system required to minimize the fall risk at a Work Site when working from elevated surfaces such as mezzanines, balconies, platforms, roofs or floor openings. |
| Hazards
This list of potential hazards is not comprehensive. Workers are required to complete a Hazard Assessment prior to starting this task to ensure all hazards are identified and controlled.
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Physical:
- Fall from Heights
- Falling Objects
- Cuts/Lacerations
- Slips/Trips
- Improper use of fall protection
- Weather Conditions
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| Controls |
Administrative:
- Hazard Assessment
- Fall Protection Plan
- End-User Fall Protection Training
- Knowledge of Applicable Legislation Guardrail Requirements
- Reliable weather-monitoring tools (Environment Canada, AccuWeather, etc.)
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Basic PPE: Safety Footwear, Hard Hat (for overhead hazards)
- Task Specific PPE: Gloves, Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)
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| Work Site Supervisory Responsibility |
Do
- Ensure that all guardrails are installed and properly secured as per Applicable Legislation:
- Guardrails consist of uprights, a mid-rail and a top rail.
- Guardrail height should be in accordance with Applicable Legislation and include uprights spanning no more than 2.4 metres/8 feet constructed with 2×4’s as a minimum and must withstand a force of 91 kilograms/200 pounds in any direction.
- Check for missing or damaged guardrails at installation and throughout work activities.
- Barricade the area and post warning signage when guardrails are temporarily removed by the Contractor.
- Ensure that guardrails are replaced before the Contractor leaves the Work Site.
- Ensure workers have valid End-user Fall Protection Training.
- Ensure areas are barricaded with signage when guardrails are removed.
Do not
- Remove guardrails unless required for the scope of work.
- Allow Workers to conduct work from an unprotected work area without appropriate fall protection equipment and training.
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| Worker Responsibility |
Do
- Install guardrails as per Applicable Legislation.
- Report damaged or missing guardrails to the Work Site Supervisor/Superintendent immediately.
- Replace guardrails that were removed to complete any scope of work before leaving the area.
- Wear fall protection equipment when working on elevated surfaces where guardrails cannot be installed or have been removed.
- Ensure you are properly trained and competent to work at heights.
- Inspect fall protection equipment before each use.
- Follow the fall protection plan and use equipment as directed.
- Ensure fall protection equipment is used properly at all times, in accordance with the End-User Fall Protection Training.
Do not
- Remove guardrails unless required for scope of work and authorized by the Work Site Supervisor/Superintendent.
- Use fall protection systems without training.
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