OSHA
1) Handrail shall be the product of a company normally engaged in the manufacture of pipe railing. Railing shall be shop assembled in lengths not to exceed 24 feet for field erection.
2) Handrails shall be designed to withstand a 200# concentrated load applied in any direction to the top rail.
3) The manufacturer shall submit calculations to the Engineer for approval. Testing of base casting or base extrusions by an independent lab or manufacturer’s lab ( if manufacturer’s lab meets the requirements of the Aluminum Association) will be an acceptable substitute for calculations. Calculations will be required for approval of all other design aspects.
4) Post spacing shall be a maximum of 6'-0". Posts and railings shall be a minimum of 1 1/2" schedule 40 aluminum pipe, alloy 6105-T5, ASTM B-429 or B-221. The handrail manufacturer shall show that their posts are of adequate strength to meet the loading requirements. If the manufacturer’s posts are not of adequate strength, the manufacturer may reduce the post spacing or add reinforcing dowels or do both in order to meet the loading requirements.
5) The handrail shall be made of pipes joined together with component fittings. Samples of all components, bases, toeplate and pipe must be submitted for approval. Components that are glued or pop-riveted at the joints will not be acceptable. All components must be mechanically fastened with stainless steel hardware. Handrail and components shall be "TUFRAIL" as manufactured by Thompson Fabricating Company (Birmingham, AL.) or approved equal.
6) Posts shall not interrupt the continuation of the top rail at any point along the railing, including corners and end terminations (OSHA 1910.23) The top surface of the top railing shall be smooth and shall not be interrupted by a projecting fitting.
7) The midrail at a corner return shall be able to withstand a 200# load without loosening. The manufacturer is to determine this dimension for their system and provide physical tests from a laboratory to confirm compliance.
8) Expansion bolts shall be spaced 10d apart and 5d edge distance for no reduction in pullout strength. A safety factor of 4 shall be used on expansion bolt pullout values published by the manufacturer. Expansion bolts shall be stainless steel type 303 wedge bolts and shall be furnished by the handrail manufacturer.
9) Toeplate shall conform to OSHA standards. Toeplate shall be a minimum of 4" high and shall be an extrusion that attaches to the posts with clamps which allow for expansion and contraction between posts. Toeplate shall be set 1/4" above the walking surface. Toeplates shall be provided on handrails as required by OSHA and/or as shown on the drawings. Toeplate shall be shipped loose, in stock lengths with pre-manufactured corners, for easy field installation.
10) Openings in the rail shall be guarded by a self-closing gate (OSHA 1910.23). Safety chains shall not be used unless specifically shown on the drawings.
11) Finish shall be Aluminum Association M10C22A41 (215-R1) clear anodized. The pipe shall be plastic wrapped. The plastic wrap shall be removed after erection.
12) Aluminum surfaces in contact with concrete, grout or dissimilar metals will be protected with a mylar isolator, bituminous paint or other approved material.