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Posted By: Ryan_J Guard rails on roofs - 11/04/03 11:14 PM
This was asked at another forum:

Can anyone tell me the codes for railings on roofs to prevent falls when working on roof mounted equipment.
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2000 IBC, 1003.2.12.4 Mechanical equipment.

Guards shall be provided where appliances, equipment, fans or other components that require service are located within 10 feet of a roof edge or open side of a walking surface and such edge or open side is located more than 30" above the floor, roof or grade below. The guard shall be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a 21-inch-diameter sphere.


Also, the guard must be 42" in height.

Hope this helps,
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Ryan Jackson
Posted By: condenseddave Re: Guard rails on roofs - 11/24/03 05:33 AM
Ryan, I was researching this question at another forum, myself, and came up with the following, from the 2000 International Mechanical Code, just to back up your post:

Quote

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From the IMC 2000


304.8 Clearances from grade.
Equipment and appliances installed at grade level shall be supported on a level concrete slab or other approved material extending above adjoining grade or shall be suspended a minimum of 6 inches (152 mm) above adjoining grade.

304.9 Guards.
Guards shall be provided where appliances, equipment, fans or other 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 appliance, equipment, fan or component and the top of the guard shall be located not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) above the elevated surface adjacent to the guard. The guard shall be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a 21-inch-diameter (533 mm) sphere and shall comply with the loading requirements for guards specified in the International Building Code.


306.5 Equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures.
Where equipment and appliances requiring access are installed on roofs or elevated structures at a height exceeding 16 feet (4877 mm), such access shall be provided by a permanent approved means of access, the extent of which shall be from grade or floor level to the equipment and appliances’ level service space. Such access shall not require climbing over obstructions greater than 30 inches (762 mm) high or walking on roofs having a slope greater than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33-percent slope).

306.6 Sloped roofs.
Where appliances are installed on a roof having a slope of 3 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (25-percent slope) or greater and having an edge more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at such edge, a level platform shall be provided on each side of the appliance to which access is required by the manufacturer’s installation instructions for service, repair or maintenance. The platform shall not be less than 30 inches (762 mm) in any dimension and shall be provided with guards in accordance with Section 304.8.
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