The minimum height for guards in Group R-3 occupancies is what height?

The minimum height for guards in Group R-3 occupancies is 36 inches. This requirement is established to ensure safety and prevent falls from elevated surfaces where residents may be navigating, such as balconies, decks, or open stairways. The 36-inch height provides a sufficient barrier to mitigate the risk of falls, aligning with safety standards upheld in building codes.

In residential settings, where occupants might have a variety of ages and activity levels, maintaining this guard height is crucial for safety. Ensuring that guards are at least 36 inches tall can help accommodate different human factors, such as children or individuals with impaired balance. By adhering to this height requirement, it promotes a safer living environment, which is essential in multi-family residential contexts like those found in Group R-3 occupancies.