Square Tubing Size Requirements for Handrails
Square Tubing Size Requirements for Handrails
(OP)
Does anyone have a link or some information on the strengths of square tubing along with requirements of meeting OSHA standards. I am putting up handrails in my plant and have tons of 1" square tubing. OSHA requires the strength below;
c) Guardrail must withstand 200-pound force with no more than 3" deflection.
They give size requirements of;
1910.23(e)(3)(ii)
For pipe railings, posts and top and intermediate railings shall be at least 1 1/2 inches nominal diameter with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers.
1910.23(e)(3)(iii)
For structural steel railings, posts and top and intermediate rails shall be of 2-inch by 2-inch by 3/8-inch angles or other metal shapes of equivalent bending strength with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers.
The requirements also listed other shapes and sizes can be used as long as they meet several requirements, but the strength is my main concern. Can anyone help me on this with some general information?
c) Guardrail must withstand 200-pound force with no more than 3" deflection.
They give size requirements of;
1910.23(e)(3)(ii)
For pipe railings, posts and top and intermediate railings shall be at least 1 1/2 inches nominal diameter with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers.
1910.23(e)(3)(iii)
For structural steel railings, posts and top and intermediate rails shall be of 2-inch by 2-inch by 3/8-inch angles or other metal shapes of equivalent bending strength with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers.
The requirements also listed other shapes and sizes can be used as long as they meet several requirements, but the strength is my main concern. Can anyone help me on this with some general information?






RE: Square Tubing Size Requirements for Handrails
RE: Square Tubing Size Requirements for Handrails
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RE: Square Tubing Size Requirements for Handrails
The manual is light on base connection information however. As Eric and JAE have mentioned, that can be a critical issue, particularly with concrete substrates.
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Square Tubing Size Requirements for Handrails
Thus, a 1-1/2 inch "pipe" and a 1-1/4 dia "pipe" (round copper or brass tubing or round wood the same OD) all meet the requirement. A more ornate carved wooden handrail (the grasping part) also is legal, but only because it has a particular shape and outline your square tubing has to have. BUT! Once the outside of the square tubing is acceptable - and there will be no deviations or exceptions allowed - then the choice of wall thickness is never written down
Other than the fact that nobody ever uses square tubing for handrails. I assume because it "feels" harsh as you slide your hand along the rail.
Remember, you have handrails and guard rails - the requirements are different and they are at different heights.
RE: Square Tubing Size Requirements for Handrails
http://firesafety.vermont.gov/sites/firesafety/fil...
RE: Square Tubing Size Requirements for Handrails
The rules are unfortunately not so clear for handrails. OSHA, MSHA, and the building codes all have different requirements. OSHA also has two different conflicting sets of rules out on handrails as well.
RE: Square Tubing Size Requirements for Handrails
RE: Square Tubing Size Requirements for Handrails
RE: Square Tubing Size Requirements for Handrails