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KeeGuard Rooftop Railing, Boston

Fall Protection in Boston

Talk to our Experts about Fall Protection Solutions in Boston
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Fall Protection that Goes Above and Beyond
Protecting Your Workers and Your Company

Like most large cities, Boston has requirements for keeping rooftop workers safe on the job. In Massachusetts alone, 67 workers on average die as a result of fatal occupational injuries each year. OSHA has implemented Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) in Massachusetts. FACE’s goal is to learn more about factors that contribute to fatal occupational injuries and to use this information to develop recommendations for future prevention.

OSHA continues to have jurisdiction for private sector employees and since 2018, public sector employees as well. Massachusetts also follows International Building Codes. 

We want to partner with you and help you understand exactly what fall protection requirements you need to meet and the best methods for implementing fall protection solutions.

Boston Kee Walk Installation

Understanding Boston Fall Protection Requirements

When operating in a large metropolitan area like Boston, you will need to meet federal OSHA requirements as well as the local building code. To help you, we’ve outlined the most important federal and local requirements for fall protection systems in the Boston area.

OSHA Standard Interpretation - Do I follow OSHA or local building code in Boston?

The strictest rules must be followed. Where local codes are in effect, they are generally more specific and more stringent than applicable OSHA regulations. Compatibility with OSHA regulations is seldom an issue. (source)

OSHA 1910.5(c)(1) - What OSHA code applies in Boston?

If a particular standard is specifically applicable to a condition, practice, means, method, operation, or process, it shall prevail over any different general standard which might otherwise be applicable to the same scenario. (source)

IBC 1015.2 - Where is guardrail required in Boston?

Guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, including mezzanines, equipment platforms, aisles, stairs, ramps, and landings that are located more that 30 inches measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches horizontally to the edge of the open side. (source)

IBC 1015.2 - At what height do I need fall protection or guardrail in Boston?

Guardrails are required on any elevated walking surface above 30 inches. (source)

OSHA 1910.29 - What can a guardrail be made out of in Boston?

Guardrails, as long as they comply with all applicable standards, may be made out of any material. (source)

IBC 1015.3 - How tall does rooftop guardrail need to be in Boston?

Guards can not be less than 42 inches tall. (source)

OSHA 1926 Subpart M App B - How far apart can guardrail posts be in Boston?

Guardrail posts may not be spaced more than eight feet apart. (source)

OSHA 1910.29(b)(2) - Do I need a mid-rail in Boston?

Midrails must be installed between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working surface when there is no wall or parapet wall at least 21 inches high. (source)

OSHA 1910.29(k) - When do I need a toeboard in Boston?

Toeboards are required when there is danger of items falling from an elevated walking-working surface onto workers below. (source)

IBC 1607.8.1.1 - What are the load requirements for rooftop railing in Boston?

Handrails and guards must be designed to resist a concentrated load of 200 pounds. (source)

OSHA 1910.29(b) - Can I use a non-penetrating guardrail in Boston?

Yes, as long as it complies with all other guardrail standards. (source)

IBC 1014 - Can guardrail serve as handrail in Boston?

Guardrails and handrails serve two different purposes and have different requirements. A handrail may be attached to a guardrail, but they are not one in the same. (source)

IBC 1015.2 - If my rooftop is lower than 22 feet but I have mechanical equipment close to the edge, do I need rooftop railing in Boston?

Guards must be located along open-sided walking surfaces, including equipment platforms, that are located more that 30 inches measured vertically to the floor or grade below any point within 36 inches horizontally to the edge of the open side. (source)

IBC 1015.7 - If my rooftop is lower than 22 feet but I have a roof hatch close to the edge, do I need rooftop railing in Boston?

If you have a roof hatch located within 10 feet of the roof edge, the roof access or roof edge must be protected by guardrail. (source)

OSHA 1910.28(b)(3) - When is protection required when falling through a hole in Boston?

Employees must be protected from falling through holes, including skylights, that have more than a 4 foot drop, by personal fall arrest systems, guardrails, or covers. (source)

Popular Fall Protection Products in Boston

Rooftop Safety Railing

Rooftop Safety Railing Arrow More

Safety railing is a common and effective method of fall protection where work is done close to the roof edge.
Skylight Covers

Skylight Covers Arrow More

Protecting your skylights with a skylight screen, also known as a skylight cover, is one of the easiest ways to protect workers from one of the most dangerous hazards on a rooftop: an unprotected skylight.
Warning Line

Warning Line Arrow More

With OSHA's latest regulation changes regarding fall protection, you can now use warning line to create a designated area. Warning line is both efficient and cost-effective.

What Our Customers Are Saying

"Simplified Safety was very helpful in assisting with a custom fabrications needed for a project. They were very knowledgeable in terms of OSHA requirements and supplied me with a product that would satisfy OSHA requirements. Customer service was great."

Christopher B. in Boston, Massachusetts

"Working with Kevin Green was a very smooth and professional experience. All emails and phone calls were answered in a timely fashion. Kevin was able to design a system to fit our application and budget."

Christopher G. in Boston, Massachusetts

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Have any Questions about Fall Protection?

We pride ourselves on not being "just another company trying to sell you something". We take safety seriously and we want to partner with you to make sure you receive the right fall protection solution that meets compliance requirements, protects your workers while they work at height, and reduces liability for your company.

Michael Hannah at desk
Michael Hannah
Fall Protection Specialist
Or call a specialist at:
1.866.527.2275

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Michael Hannah
Fall Protection Specialist
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