1926.502(b)(4): Top Rail Deflection Limit
Under the 200-pound downward test load, the top edge must not drop below 39 inches above the walking/working level. Systems built to Appendix B of Subpart M are deemed to meet this.
Official text: 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(4)
(4) When the 200 pound (890 N) test load specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section is applied in a downward direction, the top edge of the guardrail shall not deflect to a height less than 39 inches (1.0 m) above the walking/working level. Guardrail system components selected and constructed in accordance with the appendix B to subpart M of this part will be deemed to meet this requirement.
6 citationsSource: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.502.
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Related parts of this rule
- 1926.502(b) Guardrail systems 362 citations
- 1926.502(b)(2) 124 citations
- 1926.502(b)(1) 112 citations
- 1926.502(b)(3) 58 citations
- 1926.502(b)(2)(i) 24 citations
- 1926.502(b)(13) 18 citations
- 1926.502(b)(9) 14 citations
- 1926.502(b)(6) 12 citations
- 1926.502(b)(10) 3 citations
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Official text from the eCFR. Citation and injury numbers from public U.S. Department of Labor enforcement and accident records, copied nightly; 3-year window; data as of 2026-10-18. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.