Safety Considerations for Metal Railings
Railings should be designed to prevent falls. Here are safety considerations to note.
When constructing a property, there will likely be areas where you must install railings for safety. Many areas, such as balconies, stairways, and decks, require safety barriers to meet local building codes. When installing a metal railing on a property, the top priority is how effectively it keeps people safe. Here are safety tips to consider for homes and workplaces.
Home Safety
A safe home is necessary for everyone, and installing metal railings is an excellent step toward achieving an essential goal. However, there are safety standards all railings must abide by.
According to the International Residential Code (IRC), guardrails must be installed on any walking surface above 30 inches (i.e., decks, patios, balconies, etc.). Guardrails must be at least 36 inches in height from the top of the rail to the walking surface. Further, required barriers cannot have any openings large enough for a 4-inch diameter sphere to pass through.
Another safety component to consider is handrails. The IRC requires handrails for each side of a continuous run of treads of a flight of stairs with at least four steps. Handrails must be 34-38 inches high; exceptions include fittings and bendings. Finally, all hand railings must be easy to grip and have safety terminals or newel posts at the ends for maximum security. We can incorporate these requirements into your project to comply with IRC requirements, making your home more accessible and safe for all guests.
Workplace Safety
Maintaining employee safety is crucial for all employers, and metal railings are the perfect solution to help create a safe workplace. Metal railings ensure workplace safety in raised areas such as platforms and walkways. Before starting your project, we verify that safety barriers abide by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
The first requirement is that the top rail or handrail be 42 inches plus or minus three inches above the walking surface. Any rails with a vertical opening over 19 inches must have a mid-rail installed halfway between the top rail and the walking surface. Finally, the railing must withstand at least 200 pounds of force applied in a downward or outward direction within 2 inches of the top edge. Mid rails must be able to withstand 150 pounds of force.
Safety is crucial when installing protective barriers, and metal railings are one of the most durable varieties available, making them a top choice for reinforcing security on your property. At High Country Metal Works, we use versatile welding techniques to create high-quality, long-lasting metal railings customized to fit your needs.
