Guards. Guards shall be provided as required.
(A) Where required. Guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, including stairs, ramps and landings, that are located more than 30 inches, measured vertically to the floor or grade below, at any point within 36 inches horizontally to the edge of the open side. Insect screening shall not be considered as a guard.
(B) Height.
(1) General requirement. Required guards at open-sided walking surfaces, including stairs, porches, balconies or landings, shall be not less than 36 inches in height, as measured vertically above the adjacent walking surface or the line connecting the leading edges of the treads.
(2) Exceptions.
(a) Guards on the open sides of stairs shall have a height not less than 34 inches, measured vertically from a line connecting the leading edges of the treads.
(b) Where the top of the guard serves as a handrail on the open sides of stairs, the top of the guard shall be not less than 34 inches and not more than 38 inches, as measured vertically from a line connecting the leading edges of the treads.
(C) Opening limitations.
(1) General requirement. Required guards shall not have openings from the walking surface to the required guard height that allow passage of a sphere four inches in diameter.
(2) Exceptions.
(a) The triangular openings at the open side of stair, formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail of a guard, shall not allow passage of a sphere six inches in diameter.
(b) Guards on the open side of stairs shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere four and three-eighths inches in diameter.
(Ord. 2019-08-01, passed 9-9-19)