A guardrail system must be able to withstand a force of at least how many pounds applied 2 inches on the top edge in any outward or downward direction?

The requirement for a guardrail system to withstand a force of at least 200 pounds applied 2 inches from the top edge in any outward or downward direction is based on safety standards set forth by organizations such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). This specification ensures that the guardrail can maintain its structural integrity during potential impacts, which is critical for protecting individuals from falls or accidents.

This requirement is established to provide sufficient resistance against external forces that may be applied during various situations, such as when individuals lean against the guardrail or during maintenance work. By ensuring that the guardrail can resist this level of force, it significantly enhances the safety of the environment in which it is installed.

The other force requirements, while they may pertain to different regulations or specific applications, do not align with the general safety standards highlighted by OSHA for guardrail systems. Hence, the correct answer fulfills the essential criteria for a guardrail's structural capabilities.