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Guardrails and Protective Barriers Safety SOP

Purpose

To prevent falls and serious injuries by ensuring that all elevated walking surfaces are properly protected with guardrails or barriers.

Policy

Guardrails or protective barriers (including approved baby gates)Ā must be installed and maintainedĀ at all open sides of stairs, ramps, landings, balconies, platforms, and other walking surfaces where there is aĀ vertical drop of more than 30 inches.

Procedure

  1. Identify Fall Hazards

    • Inspect the facility for stairs, ramps, or elevated walking surfaces.

    • Measure any vertical drop adjacent to walking surfaces.

    • Any area with a dropĀ greater than 30 inchesĀ is considered a fall hazard.

  2. Install Protective Barriers

    • Install guardrails, railings, or safety gates at all identified fall hazards.

    • Barriers must be securely mounted and designed to prevent children from slipping through, under, or over them.

    • Baby gates must be:

      • Age-appropriate

      • Securely fastened (pressure-mounted gates are not permitted at the top of stairs)

      • Free from defects or damage

  3. Ensure Child Safety Standards

    • Barriers must be tall enough and designed to prevent climbing.

    • Spacing between rails or openings must prevent head entrapment.

    • Barriers must comply with all applicable state licensing and building safety codes.

  4. Daily Monitoring

    • Staff must visually check guardrails and gates daily for:

      • Stability

      • Proper closure and locking

      • Signs of wear or damage

  5. Maintenance and Repairs

    • Any damaged, loose, or malfunctioning barrier must be reported immediately.

    • Unsafe areas must be blocked off until repairs or replacements are completed.

  6. Documentation

    • Inspections and repairs must be documented according to facility safety procedures.

Responsibility

  • Director/Administrator:Ā Ensures compliance and corrective action.

  • Staff:Ā Report hazards immediately and never leave children unattended near elevated areas.

Compliance

Failure to follow this SOP may result in safety violations and disciplinary action, and may place children at risk of serious injury.