What is the minimum height required for guardrails?

The minimum height required for guardrails is set at 36 inches. This height is established to provide adequate protection for individuals on elevated surfaces such as decks, balconies, and stairs. The rationale behind this height is that it is effective in preventing falls and is considered a standard measure to ensure safety in residential construction. A guardrail at this height is sufficient to deter both adults and children from climbing over or easily falling over the edge.

In the context of building codes and safety regulations, specifying a height of 36 inches ensures that guardrails serve their purpose not just for passive safety but also as a structural component that can withstand force applied to it. This height has been well-researched and accepted in the industry as optimal for various applications, making it a fundamental requirement for contractors and builders to adhere to in their projects to maintain safety standards.