What is the maximum allowable variation for the height of guardrails?

The maximum allowable variation for the height of guardrails is ±3 inches. This standard ensures that guardrails are built to a height that provides adequate safety for individuals, especially in residential settings where falls from elevated surfaces may pose serious risks.

By allowing a variation of 3 inches, building codes accommodate some tolerances during construction, considering factors like material compression and installation errors. Maintaining guardrails within this limit is crucial in providing effective protection, as heights lower than this could be insufficient in preventing falls, while excessively high railings might create other hazards or limit accessibility.

Other ranges of variation exceed what is considered an acceptable safety margin, thus not aligning with the regulatory requirements established to minimize risks associated with elevated surfaces. For the safety of inhabitants and compliance with regulatory standards, the ±3 inches variation is critical.