Window and Wall Opening Protection
Construction and general industry · Ver en español
Talking points
- Any wall opening where the bottom edge is less than 39 inches above the walking surface and the drop on the other side is 6 feet or more must be guarded.
- During construction, window openings without glass or frames are fall hazards on every floor. Install temporary guardrails across these openings before workers occupy the floor.
- Removable guardrails at window openings must withstand 200 pounds of force and be re-secured after any trade removes them for material passage. Never leave an opening unguarded.
- Workers installing windows from the inside are at risk of falling outward through the opening. Use PFAS with a short lanyard to prevent reaching the edge, or install guardrails.
- Mark guarded openings clearly so workers on other shifts know protection is required. An opening that is guarded today may be unguarded tomorrow if a guardrail is removed and not replaced.
Ask the crew
Are all window and wall openings on our floors guarded right now — or are any missing their guardrails?
Standards this talk is built on
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