What is the minimum height of guardrails, including tolerance?

The minimum height of guardrails, including tolerance, is established in building codes and safety standards to ensure adequate protection for individuals. A guardrail that is set at a height of 42 inches provides a sufficient barrier to prevent falls, especially in residential buildings where people might be near elevated areas such as balconies or staircases.

This height is chosen because it balances safety concerns with privacy and aesthetics. Standards like the International Building Code generally require guardrails to be at least 42 inches high, as this height effectively deters people from leaning over or falling from elevated surfaces. The inclusion of a tolerance in the measurement means that there is a slight allowance in height, ensuring that even if guards are slightly lower than the specified minimum during installation, they still meet safety requirements.

While other options, such as 36, 39, and 45 inches, might seem reasonable, they do not meet the universal safety standard for guardrail heights, with 42 inches being the specific minimum required for effective safety and compliance.