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How much force must a construction guardrail top rail withstand at any point along the top edge?

200 pounds is the minimum guardrail strength test.

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  1. 200 pounds ✔
  2. 50 pounds
  3. 500 pounds

Why: 1926.502(b)(3) says the top rail must withstand at least 200 pounds applied within 2 inches of the top edge in any outward or downward direction.

Huh, didn't know that: Midrails and other lower members must hold at least 150 pounds, less than the 200 pound top rail.

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Why did the guardrail lift weights? To pass the 200 pound test.
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References

Answer: 200 pounds. 1926.502(b)(3) says the top rail must withstand at least 200 pounds applied within 2 inches of the top edge in any outward or downward direction.

  1. 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(3) www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/29/1926.502
    Guardrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches (5.1 cm) of the top edge
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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