What is the maximum height above the floor for the leading edge of a barrier where vertical clearance is less than 80 inches?

The correct answer is 27 inches. In commercial buildings, regulations often specify safety and accessibility standards to ensure that barriers, guardrails, and other features are appropriately designed to prevent accidents. When the vertical clearance is less than 80 inches, the leading edge of barriers must be positioned at a maximum height of 27 inches from the floor.

This guideline is important because it accounts for the visibility and safety of individuals who may be walking or working in the area. Placing a barrier at this height reduces the likelihood of accidental collisions, as it is more easily noticed by people in lower clearance environments.

The other heights listed, while they may seem reasonable, do not align with established safety regulations for environments where lower vertical clearance is a factor. Thus, adhering to the specified maximum height helps maintain a safe and accessible space for all building occupants.