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What is the standard height for guardrails in general industry?

42 inches nominal.

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  1. 36 inches nominal
  2. 42 inches nominal ✔
  3. 48 inches nominal

Why: In general industry, top rails must be 42 inches high, plus or minus 3 inches. Guardrails also need midrails or similar members between the top rail and the walking surface.

Huh, didn't know that: A guardrail must hold at least 200 pounds pushed down or out near its top edge.

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Why did the guardrail win the race? It held its ground.
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References

Answer: 42 inches nominal. In general industry, top rails must be 42 inches high, plus or minus 3 inches. Guardrails also need midrails or similar members between the top rail and the walking surface.

  1. 29 CFR 1910.29 Fall protection systems and falling object protection criteria www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1910/subpart-D/section-1910.29
    The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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