The importance of being safe at home, at work, and at school cannot be overstated. As a result, as an individual, a parent, or a business owner, you should think about installing a guardrail. This is important if you have an open space where people could fall over, get injured, or die.
This article discusses all you need to know about guardrails and their benefits.
What exactly are guard rails?
Guardrails are iron frames used to mark the end or boundary of a place or road. They keep people from falling over or from walking over a path. Also, they are used to mark the boundary between two locations or structures.
They are found in stairways, pedestrian paths, and on boats. Guardrails are also used in construction sites to keep workers from falling over. In the event of an accident, the guardrail also breaks or reduces the severity of a worker’s injuries.
Homeowners use guardrails for different purposes, such as protecting a boat’s open space and staircases. There is also a guardrail system for the roof.
Guardrail Styles
Guardrails are made of either wood or iron. They also come in four different styles:
Bolted guardrails
A bolted guardrail is screwed and bolted together into place. They are cost-effective and last longer.
Guard rails that snap into place
Because they are more accessible, these are the most commonly used guardrails. Drop-in rails also include brackets that allow post sections to slide into the structure while they are installed.
Guard rails that curve
A curved guard rail covers bends in the road or a roundabout. They are typically concave and convex in shape.
W-beam railings
These guardrails are used to protect major roads and highways. They are made of zinc and have a material coating on them.
Benefits of Installing a Guardrail
Guardrails offer many advantages. These three are the most important reasons you should have one installed.
Security
The primary reason for installing a guardrail is to provide protection; as such, they aid in keeping people safe within their confines. Guardrails reduce the likelihood of a major accident by acting as a barricade to keep a spinning vehicle from skidding off the road.
Long-lasting and easy-to-maintain
Guardrails are made of durable materials like iron. Hence you don’t need to replace them every few months. Their parts are also easy to find because they mostly require nuts and screws.
Human- and animal-friendly
Guardrails protect both humans and animals without making them feel trapped. They are large enough to keep animals and allow them to see their surroundings. This is important because animals become agitated when they can’t see their surroundings.
What to look out for when installing a guardrail
To ensure safety and compliance, you must consider certain factors. They include
Type of guardrail
There are two types of guardrails, namely temporary and permanent. Temporary guardrails, as their name implies, are only temporary and do not require drilling into the structure.
On the other hand, permanent guardrails are drilled into the structure’s wall for security, stability, and durability. This makes it critical to understand how long you will require a guardrail to make the best decision. Longevity
Several companies claim to provide long-lasting guardrails. However, only a few companies provide high-quality, long-lasting guardrails. This is why it is critical to research product type, product reviews, and how long they last.
OSHA’s requirements
The Department of Occupational Safety and Health Compliance has established guidelines and regulations to follow when installing a guardrail.
It demands that all platforms be protected four feet or higher off the ground or floor. They must do this by using a typical guardrail on all open sides. So if you have a roof or any open area, you’ll need a way to prevent people and objects from falling to the ground.
Finally, you should consider these suggestions when selecting a guardrail or risk failing to follow safety regulations. This is important because you would incur a significant fine due to not complying with safety regulations.
