Cable system tight with proper deflection.
The lowest point of top rail can NOT deflect to less than 39” above the walking working surface
Okland
Subpart M 21. pg 41
21. If cable is used to construct a guardrail system:
a. It shall consist of a 3/8” diameter cable top-rail installed 42” (+/- 3”) above the height of the finished concrete floor (not the metal deck), a 3/8” diameter cable mid-rail installed 21” above the height of the finished concrete floor (not the metal deck) and a minimum of a 3-½” toeboard.
b. All cable connections shall be looped (not lapped) and shall be connected with a minimum of three wire rope clips (U.S. only) on each loop regardless of the cable size requiring less.
c. Wire rope clips must be installed properly (never saddle a dead horse).
d. Wire rope dead tail ends should be shorter than 6”. If the dead tail is longer than 6”, install an additional wire rope clip or otherwise tie up and secure the tail.
OSHA
1926.502(b)(1)