This information is provided free of charge by the Department of Industrial Relations from its web site at www.dir.ca.gov . These regulations are for the convenience of the user and no representation or warranty is made that the information is current or accurate. See full disclaimer at https://www.dir.ca.gov/od_pub/disclaimer.html

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Subchapter 7. General Industry Safety Orders
Group 1. General Physical Conditions and Structures Orders
Article 2. Standard Specifications

§3209. Standard Guardrails.

Wherever guardrail protection is required, the following standards shall be adhered to except that other types and arrangements of guardrail construction will be acceptable where the height, surface and end projection of the top rail complies with the standard specifications and the closure of the vertical area between the top rail and floor, platform, runway, or ramp provides protection at least equivalent to that afforded by a mid-rail.

(a) A standard guardrail shall consist of top rail, midrail or equivalent protection, and posts, and shall have a vertical height within the range of 42 inches to 45 inches from the upper surface of the top rail to the floor, platform, runway, or ramp level. (Note: the permissible tolerance on height dimensions is one inch). The top rail shall be smooth-surfaced throughout the length of the railing. The midrail shall be approximately halfway between the top rail and the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. The ends of the rails shall not overhang the terminal posts, except where such overhang does not constitute a projection hazard. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-1716(a)).

Note: Local building regulations may require 9-inch spacing of midrails.

(b) All guardrails and other permissible types, including their connections and anchorage, shall be designed for a live load of 20 pounds per linear foot applied either horizontally or vertically downward at the top rail. Dimensional details of railing members of a few types of construction which comply with this strength requirement are given hereinafter in subsection (c).

Note: It is recognized that the minimum value of railing strength here specified is inadequate for safety under operating conditions where railings are liable to receive heavy stresses from crowds, trucking, handling materials, etc. For such conditions, additional strength shall be provided by use of heavier stock, closer spacing of posts, bracing, or otherwise.

Railing members shall be framed in such a position that they will afford the greatest support and protection, for example, top rails of structural steel angles shall have the outside face of vertical leg located on the side adjacent to the side of normal contact by the employee. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-1716(b).)

(c) The following are some acceptable guardrail specifications: other combinations will be accepted as long as equivalent strength and protection are maintained.

(1) In wooden construction, the posts to be of at least 2-inch by 4-inch nominal material spaced not to exceed 6 feet, the top rails to be smooth with corners rounded and not less than 2-inch by 4-inch nominal material. The posts may be spaced on 8-foot centers if the top rails consist of double 1-inch by 4-inch nominal boards, provided that 1 board is fastened in a flat position on top of the posts and the other is fastened in an edge-up position to the inside of the posts and the side of the top board. Single midrails, where permitted, shall be not less than 2-inch by 4-inch nominal material and installed on the contact side of the guardrail.

(2) If constructed of standard metal pipe, the top rails and single midrail, where permitted, to be 1 1/2-inch outside diameter or larger. The posts to be 1 1/2-inch outside diameter or larger, the spacing not to exceed 8 feet.

(3) Guardrails installed on or before May 26, 2011. If constructed of structural metal, the top rails to be angle iron of at least 2-inch by 2-inch by 1/4-inch angles or other metal shapes of equivalent bending strength; and the single midrail, where permitted, to be iron or steel of at least 2-inch by 2-inch by 1/4-inch angles or other metal shapes of equivalent strength. The posts to be angle iron of at least 2-inch by 2-inch by 1/4-inch stock, the spacing not to exceed 8 feet.

(4) Guardrails installed after May 26, 2011. If constructed of structural metal, the top rails to be angle iron of at least 2-inch by 2-inch by 3/8-inch angles or other metal shapes of equivalent bending strength; and the single midrail, where permitted, to be iron or steel of at least 2-inch by 2-inch by 3/8-inch angles or other metal shapes of equivalent strength. The posts to be angle iron of at least 2-inch by 2-inch by 3/8-inch stock, the spacing not to exceed 8 feet.

(d) Where toeboards are required, they shall be constructed of wood, concrete, metal, or other suitable material. Where constructed of metal grille, mesh shall not exceed 1-inch. The top of the toeboard shall be not less than 3 1/2 inches above the platform, walkway, or other working level and the bottom clearance shall not exceed 1/4-inch.

Note: Where materials are piled, higher toeboards, or paneling from floor to intermediate rails or top rail shall be provided where necessary for safety. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-1753.)

HISTORY

1. Amendment of subsection (c)(1) filed 1-18-78; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 78, No. 3). For prior history, see Register 77, No. 41.

2. Repealer of NOTE in subsection (c)(4) filed 1-23-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 81, No. 4).

3. Amendment filed 5-25-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 22). Approved by State Building Standards Commission 1-24-83.

4. Amendment of subsection (c)(3) and new subsection (c)(4) filed 4-26-2011; operative 5-26-2011 (Register 2011, No. 17).

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Cable Railing Code & Guardrail Requirements

Whether you are installing cable railing on a deck, staircase, or balcony, it’s important to make sure that your railing system is up to code. There are specific requirements for each aspect of the railing system, such as handrail height, the amount of pressure that the system must be able to withstand, and how far apart the posts must be spaced.

In general, cable railing code requirements come from two different sources:

Is Cable Railing Safe?

When built to code, cable railing is a very safe option for railing. However, building code can be a challenge to navigate. Within this page, you’ll find helpful information about horizontal railing codes, and how Viewrail cable railing products – including Onyx and Endurance rod infill upgrades – are designed to exceed those code requirements without sacrificing on beautiful aesthetic and design.

What are the Codes Affecting Cable Railing?

A number of code stipulations will apply to your project given its environment: residential or commercial. While there are some standards for railing for both residential and commercial projects, local code presents minor differences that are important to consider. We always recommend verifying your project details with a local code official before finalizing a project. Most often, horizontal railing systems are subject to the Sphere Rules, Handrail & Guardrail Height Requirements, and Load Requirements.

Sphere Rules

In any guide to cable railing code, you’ll hear reference to the 4 inch Sphere Rule. Additionally, if stairs are involved, you will hear the 6 inch Sphere Rule referenced.

What is the 4 inch Sphere Rule?

The 4 Inch Sphere Rule refers to naturally occurring gaps and spaces within a railing system. The rule states that a 4” sphere should be unable to pass through any gap in a railing system. This is why Viewrail posts are drilled with holes 3 ⅛” center-to-center, to avoid any deflection exceeding 4 inches.

6” Sphere Rules

The exception to the 4 inch sphere rule is the gap created between the bottom run of infill and the 90 degree angle created where the rear of a stair tread meets a stair riser (consult the diagram above for reference). The rule states a 6 inch sphere should be unable to pass through this triangular gap.

Handrail & Guardrail Height

Handrail & guardrail are commonly confused as being the same component of a railing system.

Guardrail refers to the structural railing element that sits atop a railing system. A guardrail is typically required for stairs with 4-or-more risers, or for a deck or balcony with 30 inches above grade. Code requires guardrail in residential structures be a minimum of 36 inches. Some areas require taller guardrail. Be sure to check with your code official regarding your area’s guardrail height requirements.

Handrail refers to a graspable element of a railing system designed to assist you in ascending or descending a staircase. Code requires handrails be mounted between 34 and 38 inches. Code also requires handrails return into a wall or structural member of the railing system. This allows everyone from homeowners to first responders to safely traverse a staircase without snagging clothing or equipment on a handrail and falling down a staircase.

Force & Load Requirements

Another common code requirement you’ll hear about during a horizontal railing project covers load requirements, or a certain amount of pressure either applied to a specific point of a railing system or distributed throughout the system by linear foot.

Handrails and guardrails and structural members of a railing system are required to withstand 200lbs of concentrated force in any direction. Intermediate structures are only required to withstand 50lbs of concentrated force.

At Viewrail, we’ve tested each part of our system to a 4x safety factor to ensure our systems are as structurally sound as they are aesthetically pleasing.

What is the spacing for cable railing?

To ensure your system performs as well as designed, be sure to space structural posts no more than 4ft apart center-to-center. If you’re using a wood post system, you’ll need a structural post every 8ft with intermediate (non-load-bearing posts) spaced every 4ft between structural posts.

This measure also ensures your cables will remain properly tensioned and deflect as little as possible.

What is Proper Tensioning?

Following deck cable railing code will allow you to create a safe and sturdy system. Once your system is installed, another vital element is proper tensioning. Following cable railing code is essential to a cable railing system that will perform optimally for years to come.

Pro Tips for Proper Tensioning:

• Measure twice, cut once . This an old adage for a reason. The more precise your cuts, the less likely you are to bottom out the threads on your tension receivers.
• Always crimp your cable railing components twice.
• Follow the tensioning diagram, beginning with your center-most run of railing and alternating towards your outer-most runs at the top and bottom of your posts.
• Be careful not to tension your cable railing too much. In some instances, this can bow handrail.

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