Interpretation #7598
Published September 16, 2015
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2010
- Code
- BUILDING
- Code Description
- Building
- Chapter
- 16
- Section
- 1618.4.1
- Topic
- Guardrails at windows
Question
1. Is it the intent of Section 1618.4.1 to require a guardrail in a three story nursing home at every window in the resident bedrooms on floors two and three that have window sill heights less than 42 inches? 2. Is it the intent of this section to require guardrails at all exterior windows that have sill heights less than 42 inches and are located over 30 inches above the grade?
Answer Published 09/16/2015 at 11:16 AM
It is the intent to require a safeguard unless an exception
applies. It is Section 2411.5.1 which sends one to Section
1618.4 in the event the window sill is less than 36� above
the near walking surface and there is a drop of more than 4�
on the exterior side of the window. Additionally, there are
four applicable exceptions pertaining to Section 2411.5.1.
applies. It is Section 2411.5.1 which sends one to Section
1618.4 in the event the window sill is less than 36� above
the near walking surface and there is a drop of more than 4�
on the exterior side of the window. Additionally, there are
four applicable exceptions pertaining to Section 2411.5.1.
Commentary
Should an exception not apply and a safeguard is required,
laminated glazing may be used in lieu of pickets in the
safeguard.
In the FBC 5th Edition (2014) the HVHZ requirements for
safeguards in both Section 2411.5 and 1618.4 have been
eliminated.As a railing may be made of laminate glazing, a
fixed window of laminated glazing meeting the specified load
requirements would comply. See 1618.4.6.3.