What is the minimum height for a horizontal guard in inches?

The minimum height for a horizontal guard is established to provide safety and prevent falls in various environments, particularly in residential and commercial settings. The height of 36 inches is mandated by building codes such as the International Residential Code (IRC) and is designed to ensure that the guard is effective at preventing accidental falls from elevated surfaces, such as decks, balconies, and stairs.

Guards that are too short may not adequately protect individuals, particularly young children and those who may be leaning or reaching over the guard. The specified height of 36 inches strikes a balance between safety and practicality, allowing for sufficient protection without being unreasonably high for adults to lean against or climb over. Setting this standard helps ensure consistent safety measures across different buildings and structures.

In contrast, the other heights listed—30 inches, 32 inches, and 34 inches—would not meet the safety requirements established by the relevant building codes, as they fall below the minimum standard that aims to mitigate the risk of falls. This attention to height regulations highlights the importance of safety protocols in construction and home inspections.