
Required guards on open sides of stairways, raised floor areas, balconies and porches shall have intermediate rails or ornamental closures which do not allow passage of a sphere 4″ or more in diameter.


Height Requirements, Minimum for Guardrails IRC (5) Measurement for the 30″ drop is to be taken at any point within 36″ from the edge of the open surface.30″ above floor or grade below along glazed sides of stairways, ramps, and landings where the glazing provided does not meet the code’s strength and attachment requirements.30″ above floor or grade below on open-sided walking surfaces, mezzanines, industrial equipment platforms, stairways, ramps and landings.On open sides of stairs with a total riser of more than 30″ above the floor or grade below.

30″ above floor or grade below on open-sided walking surfaces.The main purpose of building codes are to protect public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures. The codes themselves are generally not legally binding. Building codes specify minimum standards for the construction of buildings and structures.
