Handrails for Supprts?

[Harky]

Regarding handrails along a walkway or mezzanine in an industrial plant.... Can these be used for support of conduit and cable tray? Do they have to have a "support" rating or something like that? I realize a 1/2" conduit strapped to it is no problem, but what about a 36" cable tray fiiled with Teck-90 cables? Where is the cut-off or is it dependant on mechanical support stressing calculations of the railing? Or is there safety/OSHA law prohibiting obstruction or use of handrails for this purpose? Thanks!

 

[JDB3]

I do not know about any Life Safety Code, or OSHA regulations or other regulations in this regards, but common sense directs me to think that, if it interferes in any way with the intended purpose or use of the handrail, then it should not be done.

 

[WorkSafe]

I would say not allowed. I think it would dimish the 200lb rated load of the rail if someone were to lean up against the rail.

Also, the clamps and other hardware of the conduit, tray, etc would probably violate this OSHA standard:

1926.502(b)(6)
Guardrail systems shall be so surfaced as to prevent injury to an employee from punctures or lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing.

or

1910.23(e)(5)(i)

A handrail shall consist of a lengthwise member mounted directly on a wall or partition by means of brackets attached to the lower side of the handrail so as to offer no obstruction to a smooth surface along the top and both sides of the handrail. The handrail shall be of rounded or other section that will furnish an adequate handhold for anyone grasping it to avoid falling. The ends of the handrail should be turned in to the supporting wall or otherwise arranged so as not to constitute a projection hazard.

Remember, there are differences between a "handrail" and a "safety or guardrail."

 

[kwired]

I would say not allowed. I think it would dimish the 200lb rated load of the rail if someone were to lean up against the rail.

Also, the clamps and other hardware of the conduit, tray, etc would probably violate this OSHA standard:

1926.502(b)(6)
Guardrail systems shall be so surfaced as to prevent injury to an employee from punctures or lacerations, and to prevent snagging of clothing.

or

1910.23(e)(5)(i)

A handrail shall consist of a lengthwise member mounted directly on a wall or partition by means of brackets attached to the lower side of the handrail so as to offer no obstruction to a smooth surface along the top and both sides of the handrail. The handrail shall be of rounded or other section that will furnish an adequate handhold for anyone grasping it to avoid falling. The ends of the handrail should be turned in to the supporting wall or otherwise arranged so as not to constitute a projection hazard.

Remember, there are differences between a "handrail" and a "safety or guardrail."

There also is the actual "handrail" and there is also framing members or other items that the handrail attaches to that are not necessarily the handrail. Attaching raceways or cable trays to those items may very well be acceptable, but attaching to the handrail is likely not acceptable.