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Guards also have opening limitations to consider. A guard top rail that is not used as a handrail would not have a graspability size limitation. As such, if a 42" guardrail is called for on a stair or ramp, it will also require a secondary handrail at the appropriate height. Handrails are located between 34" and 38" and have dimensional limitations for graspability.
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The IBC requires a guard to be 42" in height. The height will vary depending on the code. Guards are generally required for ramps, stairs, or landings above 30". Handrails are in place to provide guidance while the purpose of a guardrail is to prevent accidental falls. In 2002, BOCA, SBCCI, and ICBO officially merged to form the ICC and they approved an updated IRC and IBC most recently published in 2006. The 2000 IRC and IBC model codes have since been adopted by states throughout the country. The first set of I Codes were published in 2000 and included the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building Code (IBC). In 1999, these three organizations began to work together to prepare a unified code under the auspices of the International Code Council (ICC). Prior to 2000, BOCA, SBCCI, and ICBO each prepared their own model codes that were regionally applied.
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(BOCA), the Council of American Building Officials (CABO), the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), and the Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI). Historically, model codes were published by code organizations such as the Building Officials Code Administrators International, Inc. Most municipalities and local code bodies do not write code – they adopt codes prepared by various code organizations. It is imperative that you familiarize yourself with local code requirements prior to specifying or purchasing any products from the BuyRailings web site. Some installations may be considered ornamental in nature. Not all fabrications need to meet building codes. They use these model codes and guidelines to create documents for use in their local jurisdictions. Municipal and state authorities generally do not write their own code. Building Codes – general information and guidelines