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Section BC 1015: Guards
1015.1 General.
Guards shall comply with the provisions of Sections 1015.2 through 1015.7. Operable windows with sills located more than 72 inches (1828.8 mm) above finished grade or other surface below shall comply with Section 1015.8.
1015.2 Where required.
Guards adequate in strength and attachment in accordance with Section 1607.8 shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces that are more than 30 inches (762 mm) measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches (914.4 mm) horizontally to the edge of the open side. Such open-sided walking surfaces shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
   1.   Roofs and setback roofs such as terraces accessible by a stairway, including those required by Section 1011.12;
   2.   Where protective guards are required on building roofs pursuant to Section 1510.8;
   3.   Mezzanines;
   4.   Balconies;
   5.   Equipment platforms;
   6.   Aisles;
   7.   Stairs;
   8.   Ramps; and
   9.   Landings.
   Exception: Guards are not required for the following locations:
      1.   On the loading side of loading docks or piers.
      2.   On the audience side of stages and raised platforms, including stairs and ramps leading up to the stage and raised platforms.
      3.   On raised stage and platform floor areas, such as runways, ramps and side stages used for entertainment or presentations.
      4.   At vertical openings in the performance area of stages and platforms.
      5.   At elevated walking surfaces appurtenant to stages and platforms for access to and utilization of special lighting or equipment.
      6.   Along vehicle service pits not accessible to the public.
      7.   In assembly seating areas at cross aisles in accordance with Section 1029.16.2.
1015.2.1 Glazing.
Where glass is used to provide a guard or as a portion of the guard system, the guard shall comply with Section 2407. Where the glazing provided does not meet the strength and attachment requirements of Section 1607.8, complying guards shall be located along glazed sides of open-sided walking surfaces.
1015.3 Height.
Required guards shall be not less than 42 inches (1066.8 mm) high, measured vertically as follows:
   1.   From the adjacent walking surfaces.
   2.   Where any portion of fixed seating, fixed planters or similar fixed elements are located within 21 inches (533.4 mm) horizontally of the guards, from the upper most surface of such portion of the fixed seating or fixed element.
   3.   On stairways and stepped aisles, from the line connecting the leading edges of the tread nosings.
   4.   On ramps and ramped aisles, from the ramp surface at the guard.
   Exceptions:
      1.   For occupancies in Group R-3, and within individual dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, guards on the open sides of stairs shall have a height not less than 34 inches (863.4 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the leading edges of the treads.
      2.   For occupancies in Group R-3, and within individual dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, where the top of the guard also serves as a handrail on the open sides of stairs, the top of the guard shall be not less than 34 inches (863.4 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965.2 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the leading edges of the treads.
      3.   The guard height in assembly seating areas shall comply with Section 1029.16 as applicable.
      4.   Along alternating tread devices and ships ladders, guards where the top rail also serves as a handrail shall have height not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and not more than 34 inches (863.4 mm), measured vertically from the leading edge of the device tread nosing.
1015.4 Opening limitations.
Required guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (101.6 mm) in diameter from the walking surface to the required guard height.
   Exceptions:
      1.   From a height of 36 inches (914.4 mm) to 42 inches (1066.8 mm), guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 3/8 inches (111.1 mm) in diameter.
      2.   The triangular openings at the open sides of a stair, formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail shall not allow passage of a sphere 6 inches (152.4 mm) in diameter.
      3.   At elevated walking surfaces that are not open to the public for access to and use of electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems or equipment, guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 21 inches (533.4 mm) in diameter.
      4.   In areas that are not open to the public within occupancies in Group I-3, F, H or S, and for alternating tread devices and ships ladders, guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 21 inches (533.4 mm) in diameter.
      5.   In assembly seating areas, guards required at the end of aisles in accordance with Section 1029.16.4 shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (101.6 mm) in diameter up to a height of 26 inches (660.4 mm). From a height of 26 inches (660.4 mm) to 42 inches (1066.8 mm) above the adjacent walking surfaces, guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 8 inches (203.2 mm) in diameter.
      6.   Within individual dwelling units and sleeping units in Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies, guards on the open sides of stairs shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 3/8 inches (111.1 mm) in diameter.
1015.5 Screen porches.
Porches and decks that are enclosed with insect screening shall be provided with guards where the walking surface is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below.
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