R312.1.1 Where required.Guards shall be provided for those portions of open-sided walking surfaces, including floors, mezzanines, lofts in accordance with Section R333, stairs, ramps, and landings, that are located more than 30 inches (762 mm) measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches (914 mm) horizontally to the edge of the open side. Insect screening shall not be considered as a guard.
R312.1.2 Height. Required guards at open-sided walking surfaces, including stairs, porches, balconies or landings, shall be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in height as measured vertically above the adjacent walking surface or the line connecting the nosings.
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Guards on the open sides of stairs shall have a height of not less than 34 inches (864 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the nosings. |
| 2. 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 (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm) as measured vertically from a line connecting the nosings. |
| 3. In areas with ceiling heights of 7 feet (2134 mm) or less in lofts constructed in accordance with Section R333, guards shall not be less than 36 inches (914 mm) in height or one-half of the clear height from the loft floor to the loft ceiling, whichever is less. |
[Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27.031 and
19.27.074. WSR 23-23-104, § 51-51-0312, filed 11/15/23, effective 3/16/24; WSR 23-02-058, 23-12-104, and 23-20-024, § 51-51-0312, filed 1/3/23, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24.]