Question

Guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, including stairs, ramps and landings that are located more than ___ inches measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within ___ inches horizontally to the edge of the open side?

Answer 1

Guardrails are required along open-sided walking surfaces when the vertical height exceeds 30 inches above the floor or grade below within 36 inches horizontally of the edge. This code is a standard safety measure to prevent falls from elevated walking surfaces in building construction and design.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the requirements for guardrails along open-sided walking surfaces to ensure safety. According to the International Building Code (IBC), guards must be present if the walking surface is more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below. The requirement specifies that this measurement is to be taken within 36 inches horizontally from the edge of the open side. For example, this means if the side of a staircase, ramp, or landing is open and the drop to the ground or lower floor exceeds 30 inches, a guardrail or similar barrier is required to prevent falls.

To contextualize the 30-inch rule, consider a flight of stairs with each step height being 15 cm (which is 6 inches), as per some building design norms. A staircase with more than 5 steps would typically necessitate a guardrail for safety. Similarly, ramps built at an appropriate incline to reach a height of more than 30 inches would also need guardrails. Planning should always ensure the safety and compliance with local building codes.