Guardrails and Railings

Guardrails and railings are used as fall protection systems or to establish controlled access zones. Falls occur when workers move from their center of gravity beyond a point of recovery, and may result in serious physical injury or bodily harm. In the United States, businesses and government agencies install guardrails and railings both to protect workers and ensure compliance the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Suppliers of ADA-compliant handrails provide products that are designed to allow people with physical handicaps to maintain their balance, transfer their weight, and avoid falls. For construction workers and other employees who work on elevated platforms, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides standards for various fall protection systems.