EDGE Fall Protection’s Cal OSHA Guardrail is a system specifically designed for compliance with California OSHA Title 9, 1620 and 3209 regulations. Unlike most other systems on the market that meet the federal OSHA 200 pound concentrated load test, our system meets federal OSHA AND the more stringent Cal OSHA 20 pound per linear foot test. Third party verification can be provided upon request! Your choice of stanchions includes our traditional (straight) stanchion or our architectural (curved) stanchion style of the railing system. Railings are easily trimmed around obstructions or corners to fit your project needs and are installed by securing into our weighted, low profile galvanized base plates which require no rooftop penetration.
EDGE’s CAL OSHA 3209 Railing System
Make sure your California facility has guardrail fall protection systems which meets Cal OSHA fall protection construction and Cal OSHA general industry fall protection requirements. There’s no need to risk installing a freestanding, non-penetrating compliant federal OSHA guardrail system, only to discover that Cal OSHA requires the removal of the system because it doesn’t comply with Cal OSHA fall protection regulations. EDGE’s Cal OSHA 3209 Railing System is designed specifically for California compliance.
Cal OSHA Guardrail: What is the difference?
OSHA California code for guardrail protection and roof fall protection systems are more stringent than federal OSHA regulations. In general, Cal OSHA differs from federal OSHA in three main areas: top rail position, maximum single rail length, and force requirements of the rail system.
- Cal OSHA requires the top rail position to be 41” to 46” above the walking surface. Federal OSHA: requires 39” to 45” above the walking surface.
- Cal OSHA requires a maximum single rail length of 8 feet. Federal OSHA: requires a maximum single rail length of 10 feet.
- Cal OSHA has a force requirement of 20 pounds per linear foot along the entire rail system. Federal OSHA: requires a 200 pound point load.
The top rail position and maximum single rail length requirements are easier to meet than Cal OSHA’s force requirement. A compliant California guardrail system needs to withstand significantly more pressure than a federal OSHA compliant system. Calculations for a live load of 20 pounds per linear foot is not as easily calculated as the concentrated loads of 200 pounds by federal OSHA. To satisfy Cal OSHA’s force requirement, a free standing railing system needs a robust guardrail, with more ballast or weight, and sufficient independent third party testing for assured compliance.
EDGE’s Cal OSHA guardrail system has been third-party independently tested to meet and exceed the minimums set by federal OSHA and Cal OSHA.
Comparing Systems: 200 lbs Vs. 20lbs/ft
It’s important when comparing systems that the customer looks at the appropriate details for their facility’s location. The Cal OSHA requirement of 20 lbs/ft is significantly different from the OSHA 200 pound load test. Most other systems, including ones offered by EDGE, are designed for the federal 200 pound requirement. This 200 pound consideration is to prevent one-time falls where the 20lbs/ft consideration is intended to ensure if multiple fall on the railing simultaneously, those people will be prevented from going over the edge.
While choosing the less expensive federal OSHA system sounds appealing, installing the wrong or non compliant system at your facility could be a costly mistake resulting in the dismantling of the federal compliant system and re-installation of the cal OSHA compliant system. If you have questions about which system to choose, or alternatives, reach out to one of our specialists and they can steer you in the right direction! 844-314-1374 or info@edgefallprotection.com
EDGE’s Cal OSHA Guardrail: Components
EDGE’s Cal OSHA 3209 Railing System is used for fall protection on flat roof perimeters and around rooftop equipment. This heavy-duty rail system consists of three components which satisfy Cal OSHA regulations: base plates, stanchions, and railing pipes.
Bases are compliant under both federal OSHA and more stringent Cal OSHA guidelines. Our low-profile galvanized base plates provide a non-penetrating guardrail foundation. With EDGE’s Cal OSHA guardrail system, there’s no return rails or outriggers because each base’s 190-pound weight and 6’ 11” length provide foundational support. And each base arrives in two distinct pieces for ease of handling.
Choose from our standard stanchion, the straight traditional stanchion, or our curved architectural series stanchion.
Galvanized railing pipes are inserted into stanchions and are spliced end to end to form a continuous railing. Railing pipes are easily trimmed at the field to navigate corners or obstructions.
When installing, ensure Cal OSHA fall protection height by installing the top rail 42” above walking level and place a mid-rail halfway up at 21”. Place stanchions at a maximum distance of 8-foot intervals on the roof. Use the provided safety pin and set screw to secure the stanchion into the base plate, and trim railing pipes at corners or terminations as needed.
Cal OSHA and Federal OSHA Compliance
EDGE’s Cal OSHA 3209 Railing System complies with Cal OSHA Title 8, 1620 and 3209 standards and is compliant with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.29 and 29 CFR 1926.502 standards. This system is independently tested by a nationally accredited engineering lab (documentation available upon request).
Turnkey Installation by EDGE FP
While we are always happy to provide detailed installation instructions so you can get the job done in house, EDGE FP also offers turnkey installations on all of our safety systems. If you want to leave the details and concerns of proper setup, we’d be happy to send our team of professional installers directly to your job site or facility. We can help you understand the latest OSHA requirements, and are ready to work anywhere in the USA!
