R308.4.4.1

Section R308.4.4.1 is titled 'Structural glass baluster panels' and covers requirements for glazing hazardous locations. The requirement for a top rail on guards with structural glass baluster panels, and support details of the top rail is established. The purpose of this section is to prevent severe injury from impact with glazing in guards and railings. This section has an exception which exempts the top rail where the glazing is of a specific type. The purpose for this exception is to allow for no top rail where the glazing is of a type that reduces the risk of failure.

The model shows a guard with a top rail attached to 3 structural glass baluster panels. If the panels were of 2 plies of the same thickness and type of glass, the top rail could be eliminated per the exception.