Pennsylvania Code
Title 34 - LABOR AND INDUSTRY
Part I - Department of Labor and Industry
Chapter 47 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Subchapter G - RAILINGS, TOEBOARDS, OPEN-SIDED FLOORS,PLATFORMS AND RUNWAYS
RAILINGS FOR ALL INSTALLATIONS
Section 47.232 - Construction

(a) Railings shall be not less than 42 inches in height from floor or ground level to the top of the top railing and shall be provided with an intermediate railing the center of which shall be midway between the floor or ground level of the space guarded and the top of the top railing. Railings shall be constructed in a permanent and substantial manner of wood, pipe, metal shapes or metal bars. Reference should be made to Plates 1, 2 and 3 of the Appendix to this Subchapter. One or more sides may be hinged or supported in sockets if a rigidity equal to that of fixed installation is obtained. Railings shall be smooth and free from large or loose knots, protruding nails, bolts, splinters, fins, slivers and cracks. All sharp corners shall be rounded and smoothed. The ends of railings shall not overhang the terminal posts unless such overhang does not constitute a projection hazard.

(b) Posts or uprights shall be spaced not more than 8 feet center to center. Reference should be made to Plates 1, 2, 3 and 5 of the Appendix.

(c) Railings made of wood, metal shapes or metal bars shall be placed on that side of the posts or uprights which afford the greatest support and protection. Reference should be made to Plate 3-B,C of the Appendix.