Industrial Guardrails, Platforms and Stairs: Which Standard Applies?

In short

Three standards come up most: the building code (the Saudi Building Code SBC 201 is based on the IBC), OSHA 29 CFR 1910.29, and EN ISO 14122 for access to machinery.
Usual top rail heights: 1,067 mm (42 in) under the IBC, about 1,100 mm in EN ISO 14122 supplier literature, and 42 in ± 3 in under OSHA.
The consultant chooses the standard. We build to the one you give us and tell you if anything is missing from the drawings.
Some projects set their own heights. Our accessible railing on Riyadh Metro has rails at 900 mm and 700 mm.

The three standards side by side

Standard	Where it applies	Top rail height	Openings and loads
Building code (IBC family; SBC 201 is based on IBC 2015)	Guards on stairs, balconies and roofs in buildings	Usually 42 in (1,067 mm); some residential uses allow less	Openings near the bottom must stop a 4 in (102 mm) sphere. The exact limits depend on which edition applies.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.29 (US workplace rule, often borrowed in industrial specs)	Walking and working surfaces	42 in ± 3 in, so 39 to 45 in (about 991 to 1,143 mm)	The top rail must take 200 lb (890 N) pushed down or out within 2 in of the top edge, and must not drop below 39 in (991 mm).
EN ISO 14122 (fixed access to machinery)	Fixed platforms, walkways and stairs at machines	Usually 1,100 mm in supplier literature	Supplier datasheets give about 500 mm maximum between rails and a 100 mm toe board. Check against the standard itself.

We build to the standard you name. Choosing it is the consultant’s or safety engineer’s job. Check the numbers against the edition and local amendments in your contract.

Projects can set their own heights

On Riyadh Metro Lines 5 and 6 we made a double handrail for passengers with limited mobility: top rail at 900 mm, second rail at 700 mm, both in 48 mm tube. Details are in the case study.

Platforms, stairs and ladders

Loads, deflection and connections come from the structural engineer. We work from those drawings, and if a base plate detail, connection type or finish is missing, we ask. See structural steel.

What to include in a guardrail RFQ

Total length, broken down by run.
Height, and which standard sets it.
Infill: horizontal rails, vertical bars, mesh or glass.
Post spacing and fixing: base plate, core drilled or side fixed.
Toe board, gates, chains.
Material and finish: galvanized, or stainless with grade and finish (see the galvanizing guide).
Site access, and whether you need installation.

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Answer a few questions and you get a list of what to attach, plus a summary you can send us straight away.

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FAQ

Questions we get

What guardrail height is required in Saudi Arabia?

It depends on what your project references. The Saudi code is based on the IBC, where 42 in (1,067 mm) is usual for guards. Machinery access under EN ISO 14122 is usually 1,100 mm. Ask your consultant, then put it in the RFQ.

Can you build to OSHA 1910.29?

Yes, we build to whatever standard is in your spec. We don't design the system for you, so send drawings or the performance requirement.

Do you supply the stairs and ladders too?

Yes. Platforms, stairs, cat ladders and handrail together from your structural drawings, supply only or supply and install.

Sources and standards

Check the numbers against the current edition of each standard and your project spec.

Guardrails, platforms and stairs: which standard applies?