A job site has a 40-foot high building under construction. What is the required guardrail height for roof edge protection?
Correct Answer
B) 42 inches minimum
OSHA requires guardrails to be 42 inches in height (plus or minus 3 inches) regardless of the building height. This standard height provides effective fall protection for workers of various heights.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(10) requires guardrails to be 42 inches in height (with a tolerance of plus or minus 3 inches, making the acceptable range 39-45 inches). This 42-inch standard is universal for all fall protection guardrails regardless of the height of the building or structure. The height is specifically designed to provide effective protection for workers of varying heights and is not dependent on the building's elevation.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 45 inches minimum
48 inches significantly exceeds OSHA requirements and would be unnecessarily high, potentially creating ergonomic issues for workers.
Option C: 39 inches minimum
39 inches is the minimum acceptable height within OSHA's tolerance range, but the standard specifically requires 42 inches as the target height, not 39 inches minimum.
Memory Technique
Remember '42' - the answer to life, the universe, and everything (Hitchhiker's Guide reference) is also the answer to guardrail height in inches.
Reference Hint
OSHA Construction Standards 29 CFR 1926.501 - Fall Protection requirements, specifically subsection (b)(10) for guardrail specifications
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