Hi, Can anybody remind me and point me to a specific regulation that states distance from an open edge to erect fall protection handrail. For some reason 2m sticks in my head but after a general web search there is lots of conflicting information from 1m to 6ft. Any help would be appreciated.

No sorry RayRapp perhaps my question was a little muddled. We are putting temporary handrail around a hole where our guys are going to be working. How far from the edge should the temporary handrail be installed. Craig

Hi Craig your correct about the two metre rule relating to the distance working from an unprotected edge more info is in HSG 33 working on roofs, however i assume from your question you are wanting to protect people working a confined space, there may be someting more specific in looking into safe working in excavations or the confined space regs, again it will come down to risk assessment and other factors such as are vehicles tiping into the hole etc.

Craig If you are relying on a single guard-rail, then I'd go with the 2m. If you are erecting guard-rails, mid-rails and toe-boards, then subject to not being easily dislodged with potential for standard (upright) falling into hole, then no minimum. On the assumption of a flat surface then Specialist Inspector Report no 15 (out of print) indicates that rail should be capable of withstanding a dynamic loading of 0.7kN. The US regulatory standard equates to 0.89kN but then your average American construction worker is heavier.