3314.8.1 Guardrail system.
BC § 3314.8.1
Where required by Section 3314.8, the guardrail system for a scaffold shall meet the requirements of Section 3308.7.1 through 3308.7.7. Exceptions: For the purposes of this section: 1. The term "floor" in Section 3308.7.1 through 3308.7.7 shall mean "platform." 2. The height of the toprail, as prescribed in Section 3308.7.2, may be as low as 38 inches (965 mm) in a guardrail system utilized in connection with a scaffold, and such toprail may deflect to a height of not less than 38 inches (965 mm) when designed in accordance with exception number 1 to Section 3308.7.3.
3.Alternate guardrail systems under exception number 1 to Section 3308.7.3 may be designed by the designer of the scaffold or the manufacturer of the scaffold to be capable of withstanding, without failure a force of at least: 3.1. For toprails or equivalent members, a force applied in any downward or horizontal direction at any point along its top edge of at least 100 pounds (445 N) for guardrail systems installed on single-point adjustable suspended scaffolds or two-point adjustable suspended scaffolds, and at least 200 pounds (890 N) for guardrail systems installed on all other scaffolds. 3.2. For midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, or equivalent members, a force applied in any downward or horizontal direction at any point along the midrail or other member of at least 75 pounds (333 N) for guardrail systems with a minimum 100 pound (445 N) toprail capacity, and at least 150 pounds (666 N) for guardrail systems with a minimum 200 pound (890 N) toprail capacity. 3.3. For toeboards, a force of at least 50 pounds (222 N) applied in any downward or horizontal direction at any point along the toeboard.
4.Where intermediate supports, such as ballisters or additional rails are used, they shall not be more than 19 inches (483 mm) apart.
