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How high must a construction guardrail top edge be above the walking/working level?

42 inches is the standard guardrail top edge height.

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  1. 36 inches plus or minus 3 inches
  2. 48 inches plus or minus 3 inches
  3. 42 inches plus or minus 3 inches ✔

Why: 1926.502(b)(1) sets the top edge at 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches. Midrails and toeboards go below the top rail.

Huh, didn't know that: The 42 inch guardrail height is measured from the walking/working surface to the top edge.

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Why did the guardrail get promoted? It was always upstanding.
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References

Answer: 42 inches plus or minus 3 inches. 1926.502(b)(1) sets the top edge at 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches. Midrails and toeboards go below the top rail.

  1. 29 CFR 1926.502 Fall protection systems criteria and practices (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.502
    Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1.1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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