IS 4912 : 1978

( Reaffirmed 2002 )

Indian Standard
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR
FLOOR AND WALL OPENINGS, RAILINGS
AND TOE BOARDS

( First Revision )

Second Reprint SEPTEMBER 1996

UDC 69.022.99 + 69.028.8 : 614.8

8 Copyright 1979

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARC
NEW DELHI 110002

Gr3 May 1979

 1s I 4912 - 1978

Indian Standard
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR
FLOOR AND WALL OPENINGS, RAILINGS
AND TOE BOARDS

( First Revision )
Safety in Construction Sectional Committee, BDC 45
Chairman
SERI D. N. CHOPRA
A-9/33 Vasant Vihar
New Delhi 110057
and
Institution of Engineers ( India), Calcutta

Members Represznting
DKPUTY C w IRF E N QI NEER Ministry of Railways
( BRIDGES )
SHRI M. 1). DEaHYUVH Irrigation & Power Department, Government of
Maharashtra, Bombay
SRRI P. L. CANU (Alternate )
DIRECTOR, CGPC Central Water Commission
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, CGPC ( Al&mote )
DIRECTOR, MINES SAFETY Directorate General of Mines Safety, Dhanbad
JOINT DIRECTOR, MINXS SAFETY (Aitcmate )
SHRI H. N. GUPTA Directorate General of Factory Advice Service and
Labour Institute ( Ministry of Labour &
Employment)
SHRI G. VAIDYANATHAN ( AIlernale )
SHRI V. G. HEODE National Buildings Organization, New Delhi
SHRI J. P. SHARMA( Alternate )
SERI s. s. &lMAL Bureau of Public Enterprises, New Delhi
SHR~ W. N. KARODE Hindustan Construction Co Ltd, Bombay
SHRI R. M. VIDWANR ( Alternate )
SHRI J. P. KAU~HISH Cent;~or~e;ilding Research Institute ( CSIR ),

SHRI R. L. KIJMAR The Institution of Surveyors India, New Delhi

SHRI P. N. MEHROTRA Ministry of Home Affairs
Snot G. B. MENON ( Altemnfe )
( Continued on pqc 2 )

@ Cojyight 1979
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS
This publication is protected under the Izdion Cofivright Acf (XIV of 1957 ) and
reproduction in whole or in part by any means except with written permission of the
oubliaher ahall be deemed to be an infringement of copyright under the said Act.
IS; 4912- 1978

( Confinuedfrom #uge 1 )
Members Rcprasenting
DR H. C. PARME~WARAN Engineer-in-Chief3 Branch, Army Headquarters,
New Delhi
SHRI 0. P. BHATIA ( Altcrncltc )
SHRI C. B. PATEL M. N. Dastur & Co ( P) Ltd, Calcutta
SHRI P. K. SEN~~PTA ( Allrrnafc )
BRIG S. N. PUNJ NatEeior;t Projects Construction Corporation, New

SHRI K. N. TANEJA ( Altmofe )

SHRI K. N. RAMAMURTHY Hindustan Steel Limited, Ranchi
SHRI S. R. C. RAO ( Al&n& )
SHRI S. A. REDDY Gammon India Limited, Bombay
REPRESENTATIVE Builders Association of India, Bombay
SHRI J. hX. OBEROI ( Alkrnafe)
SHK~ K. G. SALVI Hindustan Prc-Fab Limited, New Delhi
SIIRI K. C. AGARWALA (Alternate)
SUPERINTEN~NG S u R v E Y o R o P Central Public Works Department, New Delhi
WORKS ( NDZ )
SURVEYOROF WORKS V ( NDZ ) ( Alternate )
&RI SUSHIL KUMAR Natige;hiBuildings Construction Corporation, New

PROF C. G. SWAMINATHAN Central Road Research Institute ( CSIR ), New Delhi

SHRI TILAK RAJ TAKULIA Indian Institute of Architects, Bombay
SHRI B. T. UNWALLA Concrete Asrociation of India, Bombay
SHRI Y. K. MEETA ( Altemafe)
SHRI R. S. VBRMA Geological Survey of India, Calcutta
SHRI P. L. NARIJLA ( Alternate )
SHRI D. AJITHA SIMHA, Director General, IS1 ( Ex-o&io Membn)
Director ( Civ Engg )

SHREJ, R. MEHTA
Deputy Director ( Civ Engg ), IS1
 IS : 4912- 1978

Indian Standard
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR
FLOOR AND WALL OPENINGS, RAILINGS
AND TOE BOARDS

( First Revision)

0. FOREWORD
0.1 This Indian Standard ( First Revision ) was adopted by the Indian
Standards Institution on 16 November 1978, after the draft finalized by the
Safety in Construction Sectional Committee had been approved by the Civil
Engineering Division Council.

0.2 Buildings when not provided with proper safety precautions may be
hazardous, especially for use by those whose health and limbs are no more
in the perfect and sound condition. In case of children, special precautions
are to be taken for their safety inside the buildings particularly when the
buildings rise higher than one storey and staircase and other means of
lifting and lowering are involved inthe use of the buildings.

6.3 This standard was first published in 1968. This is the first revision of
the standard. In this revision, besides modifying the definitions of some of
the terms, modifications have been incorporated in the scope and in the
provisions relating to stairways, railings, height of guard railings, etc.

0.4 In the formulation of this standard, due weightage has been given to
international coordination among the standards and practices prevailing in
different countries in addition to relating it to the practices in the field in
this country.

6.5 For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this

standard is complied with, the final value, observed or calculated, express-
ing the result of a test or analysis, shall be rounded off in accordance with
IS : Z-1960*. The number of significant places retained in the rounded off
value should be the same as that of the specified valuein this standard.

*Rules for rounding off numerical values ( revised).

3
Is : 4912 - 1978

1. SCOPE

1.1 This standard deals with the safety requirements to be provided in

buildings where there is danger of persons or materials falling through floor
or wall openings, or from stairways, or catwalks.
1.2 The recommendations laid down in this standard apply to buildings
under construction as well as to buildings after their completion.

2. TERMINOLOGY

2.0 For the purpose of this standard, the following definitions shall apply.
2.1 Authority - Governmental agency or the employer/owner in the
absence of governmental jurisdiction,
2.2 Catwalk - A passageway for persons, elevated above the surrounding
level, such as a footwalk along shafting or a walkway between buildings.
2.3 Floor Hole - An opening measuring less than 30 cm but more than
2.5 cm in its least dimension, in any floor, platform, pavement, or yard,
through which materials but not persons may fall; such as a belt hole, pipe
opening, or slot opening.
2.4 Floor Opening - An opening measuring 30 cm or more in its least
dime&n, in any floor, platform, pavement, or yard, through which
persons may fall; such as hatchway, stair or ladder opening, pit, or large
manhole ( floor opening occupied by elevators, dumb waiters, conveyors,
machinery or containers are excluded from this standard ).

2.5 Handrail - A member erected to act as hand grip on edges of a floor,

stairways or on openings, etc.
2.6 Platform - A working space for persons, elevated above the surround-
ing floor or ground; such as a balcony or platform for the operaticn of
machinery and equipment.
2.7 Guard Railing - A barrier erected along exposed edges of an open
sided floor opening, wall opening, ramp, platform, or catwalk or balcony,
etc, to prevent fall of persons.
2.8 Stair Railing - A barrier erected along exposed sides of a stairway
to prevent fall of persons.
2.9 Toe Board - A vertical barrier erected along exposed edge of a floor
opening, wall opening, platform, catwalk, or ramp to prevent fall of
materials or persons.
2.10 Wall Hole - An opening in any wall or partition having height of
less than 75 cm but more than 25 cm and width unrestricted.

4
 IS : 4912 0 1978

-2.11 Wall Opening - An opening in any wall or partition having both

height of at least 75 cm and width of at least 45 cm.
3. GUARDING OF FLOOR OPENINGS AND FLOOR HOLES
3.1 Every stairway floor opening shall be guarded by a railing as specified
in 7.2. The railing shall be provided on all exposed sides, except at
entrance to stairway.
3.1.1 However, for infrequently used stairways located in passageways
( such as aisle/spaces, etc ) where traffic across the openings prevents the
use of fixed railings, the guard shall consist of a hinged floor opening cover
of adequate strength and removable railings on all exposed sides ( except at
entrance to stairway ). The removable railing should preferably be hinged
or otherwise mounted so as to come into use automatically with the open-
ing of the cover. This does not preclude greater protection than that
prescribed in 7.1 to 7.3.2.
3.2 Every ladderway, floor opening or platform shall be guarded by a
guard railing with toe board on all exposed sides ( except at entrance to
opening), with the passage through the railing either provided with a
swinging gate or so offset that a person cannot walk directly into the
opening.
3.3 Every hatchway and chute, floor opening, shall be guarded by one of
the following:
4 Hinged floor opening cover of adequate strength equipped with
railings or permanently attached thereto so as to leave only one
exposed side. When the opening is not in use, the cover shall be
closed or the exposed side shall be guarded at both top and inter-
mediate positions by removable railings.
b) A removable railing with toe board on not more than two sides
of the opening and fixed railing with toe boards on all other
exposed sides. The removable railings shall be kept in place when
the opening is not in use and should preferably be hinged or
otherwise mounted so as to be conveniently replaceable. Where
operating conditions necessitate the feeding of material into any
hatchway or chute opening, protection shall be provided to
prevent a person falling through the opening.
3.4 Every skylight, floor opening, and hole shall be guarded by a skylight
screen or a fixed railing on all exposed sides.
3.5 Every pit and trap-door floor opening, infrequently used, shall be
guarded by floor opening cover of adequate strength which should be
hinged in place. When the cover is not in place, the pit or trap opening
shall be constantly attended by someone or shall be protected on all ex-
posed sides by removable railings.

5
CS I 4912 - lSi8

3.6 Every manhole floor opening shall be guarded by a manhole cover

tihich need not be hinged in place. When the cover is not in place, the
Ymanhole opening shall be constantly attended by someone or shall be
protected by removable railings.
3.7 -Every temporary floor opening shall have railings, or shall be
constantly at tended by someone.
3.8 Every floor hole into which persons can accidentally walk shall be
guarded by either: (a) a railing with toe board on all exposed sides, or (b)
a floor hole cover of adequate strength that should Abe hinged in place.
When the cover is not in place, the floor hole shall be constantly attended
by someone or shall be protected by a removable railing.
3.9 Every floor hole into which persons cannot accidentally walk (on
account of fixed machinery, equipment or walls ) shall be protected by
a cover that leaves no openmg more than 2.5 cm wide. The cover shall be
securely held in place to prevent tools or materials from falling through.
3.10 Where doors or gates open directly on a stairway, a platform shall
be provided, and the swing of the door shall not reduce the effective width
to less than 50 cm.

4. GUARDING OF WALL OPENINGS AND HOLES

4.1 Every wall opening from which there is a drop of more than 120 cm
shall be guarded by one of tke following:
a) Rail, Roller, Picket Fence, Half Door 01 Equivaht Barrier-The
guard may be removable but should preferably be hinged or
otherwise mounted so as to be conveniently replaceable. Where
there is danger to persons working or passing below on account of
the falling materials, a removable toe board or the equivalent
shall also be provided. When the opening is not in use for hand-
ling materials, the guard shall be kept in position regardless of a
door on the opening. In addition, a grab handle shall be provided
on each side of the opening with its centre approximately 120 cm
above floor level and of adequate strength and mounting. The
opening should have a sill that projects above the floor level at
least 2.5 cm.
b) Extension platform into which materials may be hoisted for
handling, and which shall have side rails or equivalent guards of
standard specifications. It shall be of full length of the opening.
4.2 Every chute wall opening from which there is a drop of more than
120 cm shall be guarded by one or more of the harriers specified in 4.1, or
as required by the conditions.

6
 tS t 4912 - 1938

4.9 &wry window wall opening at a stairway landing, floor, platform, or

balcony from which there is a. drop of more than 120 cm and where the
bottom of the opening is less than 90 cm above the platform or landing,
shall be guarded by slabs, grill work as specified in 7.10.
4.3.F Where the window opening is below the landing, or platform, a
toe board shall be provided. This requirement may be waived, where, in
the opinion of the administrative authority, the hazard is adequately
guarded.
4.4 Every temporary wall opening shall have adequate guards.
4.5 Where there is a hazard of materials falling through a wall hole, and
the lower edge of the near side of the hole is less than 10 cm above the floor,
and the far side of the hole more than 150 cm above the next lower level,
the hole shall be protected by a toe board, or an enclosing screen either of
solid construction or as specified in 7.10.
5. GUARDING OF OPEN-SIDE FLOORS, PLATFORMS, AND
CATWALKS
5.1 Every open-sided floor or platform 120 cm or more above adjacent
floor or ground level shall be guarded by a railing (or the equivalent as
specified in 7.3 ) on all open sides, except where there is entrance to a ramp,
stairway, or fixed ladder. The railing shall be provided with a toe aboard
beneath the open sides wherever:
a) persons may pass,
b) there is moving machinery, or
c) there is equipment with which falling materials could create a
hazard.
5.2 Every catwalk shall be guarded by a railing (or the equivalent as
specified in 7.3 ) on all open sides 120 cm or more above floor or ground
level. Wherever tools. machine parts, or materials are likely to be used on
the cat-walk, a toe board shall also be provided on each exposed side.
5.2.1 Catwalks used exclusively for special purposes ( such as oiling,
shafting, or -filling tank cars) may have the railing on one side omitted
where operating conditions necessitate such omission provided the falling
hazard is minimized by using a catwalk of not less than 42 cm wide.
5.2.2 Where persons upon entering catwalks become exposed to machi_
nery, electrical equipment, dangers other than falling hazard, additional
guarding shall be provided.
5.3 Regardless ofheight, open-sided floors, walkways, platforms, or catwalks
above the adjacent to dangerous equipment, pickling or galvanizing tanks,
degreasing units, and similar hazards shall be guarded with a railing and
toe board.
Is : 4912- 1978

6. STAIRWAY RAILINGS AND GUARDS

6.1 Every flight of stairs having four or more risers shall be equipped with
stair railings or handrails as specified below. The width of the stair
measured clear of all constructions except handrails:
a) On stairways less than 150 cm wide having both sides enclosed,
at least one handrail, preferably on the right side descending.
b) On stairways less than 150 cm wide having one side open, at
least one stair railing on the open side.
c) On stairways less than 150 cm wide having both sides open, one
stair railing on each side.
d) On stairways more than 150 cm wide one handrail on each
enclosed side and one stair railing on each open side,
NOTE -Provisions under (a) and (d) shall not be applicable to staircases serving
only one residence.
6.2 Stairways used principally by children, as in school-houses, play-
grounds, etc, shall be provided with additional handrails mounted on the
stairway wall of railing at less than standard height. In staircases used
by toddlers the openings in the stair railing shall be suitably designed to
prevent children from falling through.
7. CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF SAFETY MEASURES
7.1 A railing shall consist of top rail? intermediate rail, and posts, and
shall be not less than 90 cm vertical height from upper surface of top rail
to floor, platform, runway, or ramp level. The top rail shall be smooth
surfaced throughout the length of the railing. The ends of the rails
shall not overhang the terminal posts except where such overhang does not
constitute a projection hazard.
7.2 A stair railing shall be of construction similar to a railing but the
vertical height shall be not more than 85 cm nor less than 75 cm from
upper surface of top rail to surface of tread in line with face of riser at
forward edge of tread.
7.3 Minimum requirements for railings under various types of construction
shall conform to the requirements given under 7.3.1 to 7.3.4.
7.3.1 The ~anchoring of posts and framing members for railings of all
types shall be of such construction that the completed structure shall be
capable of withstanding a point load of at least 90 kg applied in any
direction at any point on the toprail.
7.3.2 Where railings are likely to receive heavy stresses from crowds,
trucking or handling materials, additional strength should be provided by
use of heavier stock, closer spacing of posts, bracing or by other means.

8
 IS : 4912 - 1971

7.35 The maximum distance between any two horizontal or vertical

members should not exceed 20 cm in one direction.
7.3.4 Overhangs shall be eliminated at the rail ends unless such
overhangs do not constitute a hazard, such as baluster railings, scroll work
railings and panelled railings.
7.4 A toe board shall be 15 cm nominal in vertical height from its top
edge to the level of the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. It shall be
securely fastened in place and with not more than 6 cm clearance above
floor level. It may be made of any substantial material either solid or
with openings not over 2.5 cm in greatest dimension.
7.4.1 Where material is piled to such height that a toe board -does not
provide protection, pane&g from floor to intermediate rail, or to top rail
shall be provided.

7.5 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 rounded or be of
such other section that will furnish an adequate handhold for any one
grasping it to avoid falling. The ends of the handrail should be turned
into the supporting wall or otherwise arranged so as not to constitute a
projection hazard.
7.5.1 The height of handrails shall be not more than 85 cm measured
vertically above pitch line; a handrail is required for all stairs, or ramp
having rise of more than 60 cm.
7.5.2 The sizes of handrails, when made of hardwood, shall be at least
5 cm in diameter. The length of brackets shall be such as will give a
clearance between handrail and wall or any projection thereon of at least
7.5 cm.
7.55 The mounting of handrails shall be such that the completed
structure is capable of withstanding a load of at least 90 kg applied in any
direction at any point on the rail.
7.6 Floor opening covers may be of any material that meets the strength
requirements of the surrounding floor.

7.7 Skylight screens shall be of such construction and mounting that they
are capable of withstanding a load of at least 90 kg applied perpendicularly
at any one point on the screen. They shall also be of such construction
and mounting that under ordinary loads or impacts, they will not deflect
downward sufficiently to break the glass below them. The construction
shall be of grill work with openings not more than 10 cm long or of slat
work with openings not more than 5 cm wide and length unrestricted.

9
IS I 4912 - 1978

7.8 Wall o nings barriers (rails, rollers, picket fences, and. half doors )
shall be o I such construction and mounting that, when in place at -the
opening, the barrier is capable of withstanding a load of at least 90 kg in
any direction ( except upward ) at any point on the top rail or corres-
ponding member.
7.9 Wall opening grab handles shall be not less than 30 cm in length and
shall be mounted as to give 7.5 cm clearance from the side framing of the
wall opening. The size, material, and anchoring of the grab handle shall
be such that the completed structure is capable of withstanding a load of
at least 90 kg applied in any direction at any point of the handle.
7.10 Wall opening screens shall be of such construction and mounting that
they are capable of withstanding a load of at least 90 kg applied
horizontally at any point on the near side ~ofthe screen. They may be of
solid contruction of grill work with openings not more than 20 cm long, or
of slat work with openings not more than 10 cm wide with length
unrestricted.

10
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS
Headquartem:
Manak Ebhavan.9 Bahadur Shah &far Marg, NEW DELHI 110092
Telephones:3230131.3238375,3239492
Fax : 91 11 3234962,91 11 3239399
Telegrams : Manaksanstha
(Common to ail Oftices)
cwIwlaborawy: Telephone
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Regional OiYYces:
Central : ManakBhavan, 9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, NEW DELHI 119892 323 76 17
*Eastern : 1114 CIT Scheme VII M, V.I.P. Road, Maniktola. CALCUTTA 700954 337 86 62
Northern : SC0 335-336, Sector 34-A, CHANDIGARH 160922 693843
Southern : C.I.T. Campus, IV Cross Road, MADRAS 609113 23523 15
fWestern : Manakaiaya, E9, Behind-Mar01Telephone Exchange, Andhen(East), 832 92 95
MUMBAI 498993
Branch OVkxs:
Pushpak, Nurmohamed Shaikh Marg, Khanpur, AHMEDABAD 380991 5581348
Speenya Industrial Area, 1st Stags, Bangalore-Tumkur Road, 839 49 55
BANGALORE 560958
Gangotri Complex, 5th Floor, Bhadbhada Road, TT Nagar, BHOPAL 462693 554621
Plot No. 62-63, Unit VI, Ganga Nagar, BHUBANESHWAR 751001 463627
Kaiaikathir Buikfings~670 Avinashi Road, COIMBATORE 641037 210141
Plot No. 43, Sector 16 A, Mathura Road, FARIDABAD 121001 8-288801
Savitri Complex, 116 0.T Road, GHAZIABAD 201901 8-71 1998
53l5 Ward No. 29, R.G. Barua Road, 5th By-lane, GUWAHATI 781003 541137
C&56C, L.N. Gupta Marg, Nampaiiy Station Road, HYDERABAD500001 291083
E-52, Chitaranjan Marg, C-Scheme, JAIPUR 392991 372925
1171418 8, Sarvodaya Nagar, KANPUR 298995 216876
Seth Bhavan, 2nd Floor, Behind Leeks Cinema, Naval Kishore Road, 238923
LUCKNOW 226091
Patliputra Industrial Estate, PATNA 860913 26 23-95
T.C. No. 140421, University PO. Pafayam. THlRUVANANTHAPURAM695034 621 17
/~fwrcffon OffTees (Wti Safe Point):
Pushpanjafi, 1st Floor. 295-A, West Hfgh Court Road, Shankar Nagar Square, 52 5171
NAGPUR 4409lO
Institution of Engirwrs (In&a) 8*ldng, 1332 Shivaji Nagar, PUNE 411995 323635

SatesOfficeisat55rirt#meApproadl,P0.PrincepStreet, 271085
CALCUTTA 7ooO72
$%fes Office is at Novefty chambers. Grant Road, MUMBAI 48W97 3996528
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