What is the primary purpose of a toeboard in a guardrail system?

The primary purpose of a toeboard in a guardrail system is to prevent tools and materials from falling off platforms or elevated work areas. Toeboards serve as a critical safety feature by creating a barrier at the bottom of the guardrail system that helps contain equipment, tools, and materials within the work area. This is particularly important in construction and maintenance work, where falling objects can pose serious hazards to workers below.

By effectively keeping loose items in place, toeboards reduce the risk of injury to personnel who may be working underneath or near the edge of elevated surfaces. This safety measure is an essential element in maintaining a safe working environment. Other components of the guardrail system, such as the guardrails themselves, provide protection against falls, but the toeboard specifically targets the prevention of dropped items.