Scout's Toolbox Talks

If you’re thinking about moving or removing a guardrail — stop. That’s not your decision unless it’s part of a planned, approved process led by a competent person.

Why It Matters

Workers sometimes remove guardrails to move materials or gain access — but forget to replace them. That leaves everyone exposed to a fall hazard.

Unauthorized removal is one of the most common fall protection violations and has led to serious injuries and fatalities on jobsites.

Key Points

• Only a competent person may authorize temporary guardrail removal
• A site-specific fall protection plan must be in place before any guardrail is touched
• Guardrails must be reinstalled immediately after the task is complete
• If a guardrail must be removed, temporary protection must be used (e.g., a PFAS or safety monitor)
• Never modify or relocate a guardrail on your own — even “just for a minute”

✅ If you remove it, you own it — and you’re responsible for putting it back.

Before You Remove a Guardrail — Checklist

✅ Was the removal approved by a competent person?

✅ Is there a fall protection plan in place?

✅ Has the crew been informed?

✅ Is there temporary fall protection set up?

✅ Is someone assigned to put the guardrail back immediately after?

🚫 Never remove a guardrail:

• Without permission
• Without protection in place
• Without informing others in the area

Ask the Crew

• Have guardrails ever been removed here without proper authorization?
• Do you know who to notify before modifying any fall protection system?
• What’s our backup plan when a guardrail must be temporarily taken down?

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