CHST Practice Test – Complete Exam Preparation

The minimum height that a guardrail must maintain when a 200-pound load is applied, according to OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1926.502, is 42 inches. This specific height is established to provide adequate protection for workers at elevated surfaces to prevent falls. The 42-inch height standard considers the dynamics of potential forces exerted by a load, ensuring that the guardrail is sufficiently robust to withstand such stresses while also being at a height that is effective for preventing inadvertent falls.

The regulation has been designed with the understanding that falls from heights can lead to serious injuries or fatalities, thus necessitating stringent safety protocols such as guardrail requirements. Hence, a guardrail of 42 inches is not only a regulatory standard but also a critical aspect of maintaining a safe working environment.