Section 1015 — GUARDS
2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) · 2025 edition · ingested 2026-07-07 · California
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1015.1 General. ¶
1015.1 General. Guards shall comply with the provisions of Sections 1015.2 through 1015.7. Operable windows with sills located more than 72 inches (1829 mm) above finished grade or other surface below shall comply with Section 1015.8.
1015.2 Where required. ¶
1015.2 Where required. Guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, such as mezzanines, equipment platforms, aisles, 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 and at the perimeter of occupiable roofs. Guards shall be adequate in strength and attachment in accordance with Section 1607.9. Exceptions: Guards are not required for the following locations: 1. On the loading side of loading docks or piers. 2. On the audience…
1015.3 Height. ¶
1015.3 Height. Required guards shall be not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) high, measured vertically as follows: 1. From the adjacent walking surfaces. 2. On stairways and stepped aisles, from the line connecting the nosings. 3. On ramps and ramped aisles, 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 nosings. 2 . For occupancies in Group R-3, and within…
1015.4 Opening limitations. ¶
1015.4 Opening limitations. Required guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter from the walking surface to the required guard height. Exceptions: 1. From a height of 36 inches (914 mm) to 42 inches (1067 mm), guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 [3] / 8 inches (111 mm) in diameter. 2. The triangular openings at the open sides of a stair, formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail shall not allow passage of a sphere 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter. 3. At elevated walking surfaces for access to and use of electrical,…
1015.5 Screen porches. ¶
1015.5 Screen porches. Porches and decks that are enclosed with insect screening shall be provided with guards where the walking surface is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below.
1015.6 Mechanical equipment, systems and devices. ¶
1015.6 Mechanical equipment, systems and devices. Guards shall be provided where various components that require service are located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a roof edge or open side of a walking surface and such edge or open side is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor, roof or grade below. The guard shall extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) beyond each end of such components. The guard shall be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter. Exception: Guards are not required where personal fall arrest anchorage connector devices…
1015.7 Roof access. ¶
1015.7 Roof access. Guards shall be provided where the roof hatch opening is located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a roof edge or open side of a walking surface and such edge or open side is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor, roof or grade below. The guard shall extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) beyond each end of the hatch parallel to the roof edge. The guard shall be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter. Exception: Guards are not required where personal fall arrest anchorage connector devices that comply with ANSI/ASSE Z…
1015.8 Window openings. ¶
1015.8 Window openings. Windows in Group R-1, R-2 and R-3 buildings including dwelling units, where the bottom of the clear opening of an operable window is located less than 36 inches (914 mm) above the finished floor and more than 72 inches (1829 mm) above the finished grade or other surface below on the exterior of the building, shall comply with one of the following: 1. Where the bottom of the clear opening of the window is located more than 72 inches (1829 mm) and less than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the finished grade or other surface below on the exterior of the building, the window…