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(1) The minimum specified horizontal load applied inward or outward at the minimum required height of every required guard shall be,
(a) 3.0 kN/m for open viewing stands without fixed seats and for means of egress in grandstands, stadia, bleachers and arenas,
(b) a concentrated load of 1.0 kN applied at any point for access ways to equipment platforms, contiguous stairs and similar areas where the gathering of many people is improbable, and
(c) 0.75 kN/m or a concentrated load of 1.0 kN applied at any point, whichever governs for locations other than those described in Clauses (a) and (b).
(2) Individual elements within the guard, including solid panels and pickets, shall be designed for a load of 0.5 kN applied over an area of 100 mm by 100 mm located at any point in the element or elements so as to produce the most critical effect.
(3) The loads required in Sentence (2) need not be considered to act simultaneously with the loads provided for in Sentences (1) and (4).
(4) The minimum specified load applied vertically at the top of every required guard shall be 1.5 kN/m and need not be considered to act simultaneously with the horizontal load provided for in Sentence (1).
(5) For loads on handrails, refer to Sentence 3.4.6.5. (12).
(1) Despite paragraph 1 of section 26, a guardrail system that meets the requirements of this section shall be used if a worker has access to the perimeter or an open side of any of the following work surfaces and may be exposed to a fall of 2.4 metres or more:
1. A floor, including the floor of a mezzanine or balcony.
2. The surface of a bridge.
3. A roof while formwork is in place.
4. A scaffold platform or other work platform, runway or ramp. O. Reg. 145/00, s. 14; O. Reg. 345/15, s. 6.
(2) One of the following precautions shall be used to prevent a worker from falling through an opening on a work surface:
1. A guardrail system that meets the requirements of this section.
2. A protective covering that,
i. completely covers the opening,
ii. is securely fastened,
iii. is adequately identified as covering an opening,
iv. is made from material adequate to support all loads to which the covering may be subjected, and
v. is capable of supporting a live load of at least 2.4 kilonewtons per square metre without exceeding the allowable unit stresses for the material used. O. Reg. 145/00, s. 14.
(1) No material shall be stored, stacked or piled closer than 1.8 metres to,
(a) an opening in a floor or roof; or
(b) the open edge of a floor, roof or balcony;
(c) Revoked: O. Reg. 241/23, s. 2 (1).
O. Reg. 213/91, s. 40 (1); O. Reg. 142/17, s. 8; O. Reg. 241/23, s. 2 (1).
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply with respect to material in a building or a completely enclosed part of a building that is used solely for storing and distributing materials. O. Reg. 213/91, s. 40 (2).
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply with respect to small masonry units including bricks, blocks and similar objects,
(a) that can be handled by one worker;
(b) that are to be used at the edge of a floor, a roof or an opening in a floor or roof; and
(c) that are stacked in a pile whose height is less than the distance from the face of the pile to the edge of the floor, roof or opening in a floor or roof. O. Reg. 213/91, s. 40 (3); O. Reg. 241/23, s. 2 (2, 3).
Source: Occupational Health and Safety Act (ONTARIO REGULATION 213/91)
(1) Subject to subsection (2), there shall be a guardrail,
(a) around the perimeter of an uncovered opening in a floor, roof or other surface to which a worker has access;
(b) at an open side of,
(i) a raised floor, mezzanine, balcony, gallery, landing, platform, walkway, stile, ramp or other surface, or
(ii) a vat, bin or tank, the top of which is less than 107 centimetres above the surrounding floor, ground, platform or other surface; and
(c) around a machine, electrical installation, place or thing that is likely to endanger the safety of any worker. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 851, s. 13 (1).
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to,
(a) a loading dock;
(b) a roof to which access is required only for maintenance purposes;
(c) a pit used for,
(i) work on an assembly line, or
(ii) maintenance of vehicles or similar equipment; and
(d) a conveyor or similar system that transports a vehicle or vehicle part, and any raised platform used with the conveyor or similar system, if a guardrail would,
(i) obstruct the passage of the vehicle or vehicle part,
(ii) prevent a worker from performing work, or
(iii) pose a hazard to a worker. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 851, s. 13 (2); O. Reg. 456/18, s. 1 (1).
(3) If there is no guardrail in a situation described in subsection (2), an employer shall develop and implement other measures and procedures to protect workers from the hazard of falling. O. Reg.456/18, s. 1 (2).
(1) A guardrail shall,
(a) have a top rail located not less than 91 and not more than 107 centimetres above the surface to be guarded;
(b) have a mid rail;
(c) if tools or other objects may fall on a worker, have a toe-board that extends from the surface to be guarded to a height of at least 125 millimetres; and
(d) be free of splinters and protruding nails. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 851, s. 14 (1).
(2) A guardrail shall be constructed to meet the structural requirements for guards as set out in the Building Code R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 851, s. 14 (2).
15. A cover on an opening in a floor, roof or other surface shall be,
(a) secured in place; and
(b) constructed to meet the structural requirements for loads due to the use of floors and roofs as set out in the Building Code. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 851, s. 15.
Source: Occupational Health and Safety Act (R.R.O. 1990, REGULATION 851)