Question

What is being referred to in the following definition

A barrier along the open sides of stair ways and platforms that prevent falling

Answer 1

The answer is rail. It can be both a stair rail or a guard rail.

A stair rail is a guard located along the sides or the open side of a stairway. It is more or less the same as a guard rail of an open stair. In most cases, the height requirements for both stair rails and handrails are identical. A guard rail is located near the open sides of an elevated walking surface and it helps minimize the possibility of a fall.