PART 9 — HOUSING AND SMALL BUILDINGSUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code
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9.8.8.5.Openings in Guards
(1) Except as permitted in Sentences (3) and (4), openings through guards shall be of a size that prevents the passage of
a spherical object having a diameter of 100 mm. (See Note A-9.8.8.5.(1) and (3))
(2) Except for guards that serve industrial occupancies, the triangular openings formed by stair risers, stair treads and
the bottom element of a required guard shall be of a size that prevents the passage of a 150 mm diam sphere.
(3) Except where they serve storage garages, guards in industrial occupancies are permitted to consist of
(a) a top railing, and
(b) one or more horizontal intermediate rails spaced such that the size of the openings through the guard prevents the
passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 535 mm.
(See Note A-9.8.8.5.(1) and (3))
(4) Openings through any guard that is not required by Article 9.8.8.1. and that serves an occupancy other than
industrial occupancy, shall be of a size that
(a) prevents the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 100 mm, or
(b) permits the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 200 mm.
(See Note A-9.8.8.5.(4))
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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.