PART 3 — FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITYUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code

3.17.2.3.Guards

(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3) and unless it can be shown that the platform does not present a hazard, a guard not less than 1 070 mm high shall be provided for a platform of a demountable stage where the difference in elevation between the platform and the adjacent surface is more than 1 500 mm. (2) Sentence (1) need not apply at the edges of a platform of a demountable stage that face an audience. (3) The height of guards for stairs shall be, (a) not less than 920 mm measured vertically to the top of the guard from a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings, and (b) not less than 1 070 mm around landings. (4) Guards shall be designed to withstand loads specified in Part 4. (5) Required guards shall be provided with a top rail and one or more intermediate rails spaced such that openings through the guard are of a size that prevents the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 535 mm.

Understand this provision in seconds

BUILDAiD Assist explains any article of the building code in plain English — with exact citations, exceptions and related requirements.

Try BUILDAiD Beta

Code text is reproduced for reference from the Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24, 2024 Building Code Compendium). This page is provided for general information and is not an official copy. Always verify requirements against the official Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.