Openings in guardrail

[JesseWBryant]

Do you guys call out openings greater than 4" for a guardrail that is at grade or less than 30". I know the intent is to prevent children from falling through but is the requirement also intended to prevent them from getting their little cabeza's stuck?

[Mike Lamb]

I wouldn't.

However, I believe guards should be installed at 24" (Chicago's standard) or even less as a simple safety issue.

[JesseWBryant]

I agree. I wouldn't want to accidentally step off of a 28" patio, deck etc. and suffer a hyper-extended knee or other injury. Sometimes I'll add an FYI for safety if the drop off is just under 30"

[John Dirks Jr]

I would mention that the standards have changed. 6" was previous and now it is 4". They paid for information so give it to them. In the end its up to them as to what to do with the info.

[Jim Katen]

Originally posted by JesseWBryant

Do you guys call out openings greater than 4" for a guardrail that is at grade or less than 30". I know the intent is to prevent children from falling through but is the requirement also intended to prevent them from getting their little cabeza's stuck?

That's a good question. Is it even a guardrail if it's, let's say, one foot off the ground?

- Jim Katen, Oregon