Residential Building Inspector B1Public Safety and Special ConstructionEasy
An inspector is evaluating a guard on a deck. The deck is located 32 inches above grade. What is the minimum required height for the guard, measured vertically from the leading edge of the tread or adjacent walking surface?
- A36 inches
- B30 inches
- C42 inches
- D34 inches
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 36 inches
IRC R312.1 requires guards to be at least 36 inches high when located more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below. Since the deck is 32 inches above grade, a guard is required, and its minimum height must be 36 inches.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This is below the minimum required height for guards.
- C. This height is typically required for commercial applications or specific residential areas like open-sided walking surfaces within dwelling units.
- D. This is a common minimum height for handrails, not guards.
Guard Height Requirement
Guards are safety barriers designed to prevent falls from elevated surfaces. For residential decks, the minimum height is typically 36 inches if the fall hazard exceeds 30 inches.
- Required when walking surface is more than 30 inches above grade.
- Minimum height is 36 inches.
- Measured vertically from the walking surface.
Memory trick: Guards Prevent Falls, 30 inches tall, 36 inches high for all.