Chains Or Rails?

OSHA has specific guidelines that dictate how and when guard rails may be used. Did you know that in some instances, a guard chain is not enough? In fall prevention systems, a middle rail is required to prevent people from falling into skylights, roof hatches, and other “open hole” hazards. There are chain systems now available that proved a chain guard as well as a middle rail setup, and these do comply with recent interpretations of OSHA regulations. You may have additional local compliance codes that complicate the use of safety chains in this fashion, so check with your state building codes to learn whether safety chains with the middle rail may replace an actual guard rail in open-hole situations.