How much downward and outward force must guardrails withstand, according to safety regulations?

Guardrails are essential safety features designed to prevent falls from elevated surfaces such as bridges, balconies, and construction sites. According to safety regulations, guardrails must be capable of withstanding a minimum force to ensure they are effective in protecting workers and the public from potential falls.

The correct requirement for guardrails is that they must withstand a downward and outward force of 200 pounds. This specification is essential for maintaining stability and effectiveness in various scenarios where guardrails need to provide support. The force rating is established based on safety standards which take into account the potential loads that could be applied during normal use and in emergency situations.

The choice of 200 pounds reflects a balance between practical usage and the safety needs of workers, ensuring that guardrails remain functional and robust under typical conditions encountered in the field. This standard is widely recognized and helps provide a uniform level of safety across different applications and environments.