Are guardrails required on all open sides of scaffolding?

OSHA’s scaffolding standard at 1926.451(g)(1) requires employers to protect each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above a lower level from falling to that lower level.

Per 1926.451(g)(4)(i), to ensure adequate protection, install guardrails along all open sides and ends before releasing the scaffold for use by employees, other than the erection and dismantling crews.

Guardrails are not required, however:

• When the front end of all platforms are less than 14 inches (36 cm) from the face of the work, per 1926.451(b)(3);
• When outrigger scaffolds are 3 inches (8 cm) or less from the front edge, per 1926.451(b)(3)(i); or
• When employees are plastering and lathing 18 inches (46 cm) or less from the front edge, per 1926.451(b)(3)(ii).