The JL Industries RSHWB is a safety railing that guards the opening left by a roof hatch, made in the USA. It is the bolt-on series, intended for a new hatch installation: it bolts onto the curb counterflashing and does not penetrate the curb, so the roof membrane stays intact. Each kit ships with a self-closing, self-latching gate and is sized to a specific hatch, so order the size that matches yours.
Specifications
| Model | RSHWB series, bolt-on |
| Mounting | Bolts onto the curb counterflashing; does not penetrate the curb |
| Gate | Self-closing, self-latching, telescoping |
| Rail height | Bolt holes set the top rail 42 in above the walking surface, the height required by OSHA 1910.29(b)(1) and 2024 IBC 1015.3 |
| Load | 200 lb with a maximum 3 in deflection per OSHA; 2024 IBC 1607.9 (ASCE 7) |
| Material | 1-5/8 in x 0.065 in (16 ga) galvanized steel tubing |
| Finish | Safety yellow powder coat |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Sizes
| Fits hatch | Model | Weight |
| 36 x 30 in | RSHWB-1LY | 74 lb |
| 36 x 36 in | RSHWB-4LY | 77 lb |
| 48 x 48 in | RSHWB-5LY | 84 lb |
Stair-access sizes and a version for the thermally-broken aluminum hatch are factory orders; ask us for a quote.
Why the opening needs guarding
Under 29 CFR 1910.28(b)(3)(iv), an employee has to be protected from falling into a ladderway hole by a guardrail system with toeboards on the exposed sides, and the entrance to the hole needs a self-closing gate or an offset. The guardrail criteria are in 1910.29. That is the general-industry rule covering operations and maintenance; construction, alteration and repair work is covered instead by 1926 Subpart M, including when it happens inside an existing building. Confirm the final gate or offset configuration with your AHJ before ordering.
Documents and downloads
For specification and installation: the manufacturer's RSHWB safety railing submittal (PDF). Need a project-specific submittal filled out? Send us the project details with a quote request.