R312.1.2

Section R312.1.2 is titled 'Height' and covers the requirements for minimum height of barriers at the edges of raised walking surfaces. Minimum height and method for measuring height are established. The purpose of this section is to reduce fall hazards. This section has two exceptions. The first exception allows for a reduction in height on stairways. The purpose for this exception is to allow for practical construction geometry measurements. The second exception clarifies a minimum and maximum height where the top of the guard serves a dual purpose as a handrail. The purpose for this exception is to clarify that the handrail height dimension supercedes the guard height dimension, when a single element is serving a dual purpose. Neither exception is considered to diminish the level of safety.

The model shows a raised platform above sloped ground, with a stairway connecting from the ground to the platform. The guards on the platform are labeled with the required dimension. The guard on the right side of the stairway (facing up) is labeled with the dimension allowed by the first exception. The guard on the left side of the stairway, which has a highlighted handrail on top, is labeled with the dimension range allowed by the second exception.