Which protection is required around skylights?

Which protection is required around skylights?

• A. Skylight screen or fixed standard railing on all four sides
• B. Unprotected skylight surface
• C. A temporary gate is sufficient
• D. No guard protection is needed

Answer: (A)

Protecting skylights means creating a barrier that surrounds the opening on all four sides. A skylight screen or a fixed railing provides a continuous, rigid boundary that prevents someone from accidentally stepping into or falling through the opening. This aligns with guardrail requirements for floor openings, offering the necessary height and strength to stop a fall (typically about 42 inches high with a top rail and, if needed, a mid-rail). Leaving the skylight unguarded creates a fall hazard. A temporary gate does not supply the same continuous four-sided protection and can be moved or compromised, and no guard protection is not acceptable.

Protecting skylights means creating a barrier that surrounds the opening on all four sides. A skylight screen or a fixed railing provides a continuous, rigid boundary that prevents someone from accidentally stepping into or falling through the opening. This aligns with guardrail requirements for floor openings, offering the necessary height and strength to stop a fall (typically about 42 inches high with a top rail and, if needed, a mid-rail). Leaving the skylight unguarded creates a fall hazard. A temporary gate does not supply the same continuous four-sided protection and can be moved or compromised, and no guard protection is not acceptable.