Is a toe board always required?

Where people work or pass below or objects could fall, yes – the codes set minimum heights. We include them by default on platforms.

Can toe boards be added to an existing guardrail?

Yes, the clamp-on brackets fit existing WS stanchions.

Toe boards & brackets

What it is

A toe board (kick plate) runs along the deck edge to stop tools, parts and feet slipping under the guardrail. WS toe boards are galvanized flat plate, bolted to clamp-on brackets on each stanchion, with corner pieces and splices so they follow the guardrail around the platform.

Range

WS-MH-T toe boards
Code	Item	Note
WS-MH-T100	Toe board 100 mm	Minimum for AS 1657 and EN ISO 14122-3
WS-MH-T150	Toe board 150 mm	Heavier-duty and public areas
WS-MH-TB	Clamp-on bracket	One per stanchion
WS-MH-TC	Corner and splice pieces	Corners and long runs

Design and compliance

AS 1657 and EN ISO 14122-3 require a toe board of at least 100 mm where people work or pass below, and OSHA 1910.29(k) requires at least 3.5 in where falling objects are a hazard; the gap between deck and toe board is kept within the code limit.

Installation and selection

Clamp the brackets to the stanchions at deck level.
Bolt the toe boards to the brackets and join them at corners and splices.
Specify height, run length and finish.

Fabrication and finishing at World Steel

Every WS modular handrail component is made in the World Steel plant in Vietnam: tube and bar are cut on saws to the component schedule, stanchions are welded to base plates, brackets or socket spigots on jigs so that rail heights repeat exactly, and fittings are fabricated from heavy-wall tube and plate, drilled and tapped for their locking screws. Welding follows qualified procedures under ISO 3834-2 and the AS/NZS 5131 and EN 1090-2 systems our certifications cover.

Components are then hot-dip galvanized as single pieces – which is only possible because the system is modular – giving full internal and external zinc coverage with no site welds to repair afterwards. A safety-yellow or architectural topcoat can follow. Parts are marked with their WS code, bagged by type and packed by area for export shipping, together with the structural steel or on their own.

Standards and requirements by market

Codes World Steel designs, fabricates and documents this product to – and the key geometric and load requirements in each market.

United States

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.29Fall protection systems – guardrails
ASCE 7Minimum design loads – guard systems
IBCInternational Building Code – guards
ASTM A123Hot-dip galvanized coatings

Top rail height: 42 in ± 3 in (OSHA 1910.29(b))
Rail loads: Top 200 lbf, mid 150 lbf (OSHA 1910.29(b))
Max opening: 19 in (OSHA 1910.29(b))

All United States standards →

Australia / NZ

AS 1657-2018Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders
AS/NZS 1170.1Imposed actions – barrier loads
AS/NZS 5131 WSC certifiedFabrication and erection of structural steelwork
AS/NZS 4680Hot-dip galvanized coatings

Guardrail height: 900–1100 mm (AS 1657)
Toe board: ≥ 100 mm where required (AS 1657)

All Australia & New Zealand standards →

Europe

EN ISO 14122-3Stairs, stepladders and guard-rails
EN 1991-1-1Imposed loads – barriers
EN 1090-2 WSC certifiedExecution of steel structures
EN ISO 1461Hot-dip galvanized coatings

Guard-rail height: ≥ 1100 mm (EN ISO 14122-3)
Rail gaps: ≤ 500 mm (EN ISO 14122-3)
Toe-plate: ≥ 100 mm (EN ISO 14122-3)

All Europe standards →

Summary for orientation only – the project specification, the adopted code edition and the authority having jurisdiction govern.

Finishes

Finish	Standards / notes
Hot-dip galvanized (standard)	ASTM A123 / A153 · AS/NZS 4680 · EN ISO 1461
Duplex – HDG + safety-yellow topcoat	ASTM A123 + topcoat · AS/NZS 4680 + AS/NZS 2312.1 · EN ISO 1461 + EN ISO 12944
HDG + powder coat (architectural colours)	Galvanized, then polyester powder coat for visible public areas