Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, § 8374
(a) All deck and tank top openings 18 square feet or over in area shall be guarded by standard guardrail and 4-inch toeboards where necessary until replaced by ship's equipment.
Railing uprights shall not be spaced at greater distances than 10 feet on centers, and top- and midrails shall be of not less than 2-inch by 4-inch lumber, or other material which will provide equivalent protection.
Note: Three-eighths-inch were rope, if kept taut at all times is considered equivalent.
(b) Every manhole, tank top opening, small hatch opening, deck opening, or companionway opening through which access must be had, and whose open area is less than 18 square feet, shall be guarded by a guardrail which will not have to be removed to give access to or through the opening. Where such railings are located on tank tops or inner bottoms, they shall not be less than 30 inches or more than 31 inches high, shall completely encircle the opening, and shall consist of a single rail. Rail and uprights shall be of iron or steel.
In locations other than tank tops or inner bottoms, similar guards shall be used, but with the addition of 4-inch toeboards where necessary. Standard guardrail and toeboards may also be used as provided in subsections (a) and (b) of this section.
Where ladders extend through the opening, necessary gaps shall be left in the railings.
Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.
1. New subsections (e), (f), (g) filed 10-31-75; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 75, No. 44).
2. Amendment filed 1-22-88; operative 2-21-88 (Register 88, No. 6).