2013 California Standards for Accessible Design Pocket Guide

SECTION 1013 GUARDS

1013.2 Where required. Guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, including mezzanines, equipment platforms, 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 steps 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 where guards in accordance with Section 1028.14 are permitted and provided.

1013.2.1 Glazing.  Where glass is used to provide a guard or as a portion of the guard system, the guard shall also comply with Section 2407. Where the glazing provided does not meet the strength and attachment requirements of Section 1607.8, complying guards shall also be located along glazed sides of open-sided walking surfaces.

1013.3 Height.  Required guards shall not be less than 42 inches (1067 mm) high, measured vertically as follows:

1.     From the adjacent walking surfaces;

2.     On stairs, from the line connecting the leading edges of the tread nosings; and

3.     On ramps, from the ramp surface at the guard.

Exceptions:

1.     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.

2.     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 not be 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.

3.     The guard height in assembly seating areas shall comply with Section 1028.14.

4.     Along alternating tread devices and ship ladders, guards whose 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.