MFAB

Section 1015

Section 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 (1829 mm) above finished grade or other surface below shall comply with Section 1015.8.

Section 1015.2 Where Required

Guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, including mezzanines, equipment platforms, aisles, 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. Guards shall be adequate in strength and attachment in accordance with Section 1607.8.

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 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 1029.17.2.

Section 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.

Section 1015.3 Height

Required guards shall be not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) high, measured vertically as follows:

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1. From the adjacent walking surfaces.
    

2. On stairways and stepped aisles, from the line connecting the leading edges of the tread nosings.
    

3. On ramps and ramped aisles, from the ramp surface at the guard.
    

Exceptions:
 

1. For occupancies in Group R-3 not more than three stories above grade in height and within individual dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2 not more than three stories above grade in height with separate means of egress, required guards shall be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in height measured vertically above the adjacent walking surfaces.
    

2. 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 (864 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the leading edges of the treads.
    

3. 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 (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the leading edges of the treads.
    

4. The guard height in assembly seating areas shall comply with Section 1029.17 as applicable.
    

5. Along alternating tread devices and ship’s 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 (864 mm), measured vertically from the leading edge of the device tread nosing.
    

6. In Group F occupancies, where exit access stairways serve three stories or fewer and such stairs are not open to the public, where the top of the guard also serves as a handrail, the top of the guard shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm) measured from a line connecting the leading edges of the treads.

Section 1015.4 Opening Limitations

Required guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter from the walking surface to the required guard height.
 

Exceptions:
 

1. From a height of 36 inches (914 mm) to 42 inches (1067 mm), guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 43/8 inches (111 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 mm) in diameter.
    

3. At elevated walking surfaces 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 mm) in diameter.
    

4. 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 ship’s ladders, guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter.
    

5. In assembly seating areas, guards required at the end of aisles in accordance with Section 1029.17.4 shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter up to a height of 26 inches (660 mm). From a height of 26 inches (660 mm) to 42 inches (1067 mm) above the adjacent walking surfaces, guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 8 inches (203 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 43/8 (111 mm) inches in diameter.

Section 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.

Section 1015.6 Mechanical Equipment, systems and devices.