What safety feature must be installed along open sides and ends of platforms?

Guardrails are essential safety features installed along open sides and ends of platforms to prevent falls and enhance worker safety. They serve as a physical barrier that protects individuals from accidental slips or falls from elevated surfaces. The construction and materials used for guardrails typically comply with specific safety standards to ensure their strength and durability.

Installing guardrails is a proactive measure to mitigate risks associated with working at heights, making them crucial in setting up safe work environments in various industries. This requirement is typically outlined in safety regulations and standards to ensure that workplaces adhere to preventive measures for fall protection. Other safety features listed, such as safety nets, warning signs, and emergency exits, do serve important functions but do not provide the same direct and immediate protection against falls as guardrails do.