Residential Building Inspector B1Public Safety and Special ConstructionEasy
An inspector is evaluating a guard system for a deck that is 30 inches above the adjacent grade. What is the minimum required height for the guard?
- A30 inches (762 mm)
- B42 inches (1067 mm)
- C36 inches (914 mm)
- D34 inches (864 mm)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 36 inches (914 mm)
Guards are required for walking surfaces located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below. For residential applications, the minimum required height for guards is 36 inches (914 mm), measured vertically from the adjacent walking surface.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This height is less than the minimum required for guards.
- B. This is often the minimum height for guards in commercial applications, or for specific areas like open-sided walking surfaces more than 30 inches high.
- D. This is the typical minimum height for handrails, not guards.
Residential Guard Height
The minimum vertical height for a guardrail on elevated walking surfaces in residential dwellings.
- Required if surface is >30 inches above grade
- Minimum 36 inches (914 mm) high
- Measured from adjacent walking surface
Memory trick: Thirty to fall, thirty-six to stall.