ARTICLE II. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS (13-124-310 et seq.)

13-124-310 Guards – Required.

   Guards to prevent persons from falling shall be provided as required in Sections 13-124-320 and 13-124-330, inclusive.

(Prior code § 75-1)

13-124-320 Guards – Required – Where.

   Guards shall be required at every point of danger including the following:

   (a)   At all edges of every floor, balcony, mezzanine or other space used or intended for human occupancy which is at a height of more than two feet above the floor, ground or pavement directly below, except that loading platforms and similar uses need not be equipped with guards;

   (b)   At all windows or doorways having a sill two feet or less above the floor of a room or space, unless such window or doorway opens directly upon the ground, pavement or guarded space, the level of which is less than two feet below the sill of such opening or unless the construction of the window serves the same purpose;

   (c)   At all sides of every open areaway exceeding three feet in depth except the side providing access to a stairway.

(Prior code § 75-1.1; Amend Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 4.8)

13-124-330 Guards – Types.

   Guards may be formed by walls, balustrades, grills or railings not less than three feet, six inches in height, by area gratings or by other approved devices.

   Exception: For single-family and two-family dwellings, and within individual dwelling units in other Class A-2 occupancies which are primarily permanent in nature, guards whose top rail also serves as a handrail shall have a height of not less than 34 inches and not more than 38 inches, measured vertically from the leading edge of the stair tread nosing.

(Prior code § 75-1.2; Amend Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 4.9)

13-124-335 Openings in guards.

   Open guards shall have balusters or ornamental patterns such that a four-inch-diameter sphere cannot pass through any opening up to a height of 34 inches. From a height of 34 inches to 42 inches above the adjacent walking surfaces, a sphere eight inches in diameter shall not pass.

   Exceptions:

      1.   The triangular openings formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail at the open side of a stairway shall be of a maximum size such that a sphere of six inches in diameter cannot pass through the opening.

      2.   At elevated walking surfaces for access to and use of electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems or equipment, guards shall have balusters or be of solid materials such that a sphere with a diameter of 21 inches cannot pass through any opening.

      3.   In Class G, H-1, H-2 and I occupancies and in Residential Restrained Care Facilities in Class B occupancies, balusters, horizontal intermediate rails or other construction shall not permit a sphere with a diameter of 21 inches to pass through any opening.

      4.   In assembly seating areas, guards at the end of aisles where they terminate at a fascia of boxes, balconies and galleries shall have balusters or ornamental patterns such that a four-inch-diameter sphere cannot pass through any opening up to a height of 26 inches above the adjacent walking surfaces. From a height of 26 inches to 42 inches above the adjacent walking surfaces, a sphere eight inches in diameter shall not pass.

(Added Coun. J. 10-1-03, p. 9163, § 4.10; Amend Coun. J. 4-19-17, p. 48139, § 1)