3308.7.3 Dimensions and materials.
BC § 3308.7.3
Toprails, midrails, toeboards, and posts shall have the following dimensions and be constructed out of the following materials: 1. Toprails shall, at a minimum, consist of: 1.1. 2 inch by 4 inch (51 mm by 102 mm) 1,500 foot pounds per square inch (1.05 kgf/mm 2 ) fiber (stress grade) construction grade lumber; 1.2. 1 1/2 inch (38 mm) nominal diameter (Schedule 40) pipe; 1.3. 2 inch by 2 inch by 3/8 inch (51 mm by 51 mm by 10 mm) structural angle; or 1.4. 1/4 inch (6 mm) diameter noncorrosive wire cable made of mild plow steel.
2.Midrails shall, at a minimum, consist of: 2.1. 1 inch by 6 inch (25 mm by 152 mm) 1,500 foot pounds per square inch (1.05 kgf/mm 2 ) fiber (stress grade) construction grade lumber; 2.2. 1 1/2 inch (38 mm) nominal diameter (Schedule 40) pipe; 2.3. 2 inch by 2 inch by 3/8 inch (51 mm by 51 mm by 10 mm) structural angle; or 2.4. 1/4 inch (6 mm) diameter non-corrosive wire cable made of mild plow steel.
3.Toeboards shall, at a minimum, consist of: 3.1. 1 inch by 4 inch (25 mm by 102 mm) lumber; or 3.2. Metal plank at least 3 1/2 inches (89 mm) high.
4.Toprails, midrails, and toeboards shall be securely fastened to upright posts spaced not more than 8 feet (2438 mm) apart. Such posts shall, at a minimum, consist of: 4.1. 2 inch by 4 inch (51 mm by 102 mm) 1,500 foot pounds per square inch (1.05 kgf/mm 2 ) fiber (stress grade) construction grade lumber; 4.2. 1 1/2 inch (38 mm) nominal diameter (Schedule 40) pipe; 4.3. 2 inch by 2 inch by 3/8 inch (51 mm by 51 mm by 10 mm) structural angle; or 4.4. A building column. Exceptions: 1. Guardrail systems designed by a registered design professional capable of withstanding, without failure: 1.1. A force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches (51 mm) of the top edge, in any outward or downward direction, at any point along the top edge. Where the force is applied in a downward direction, the top edge shall not deflect more than 6 inches (152 mm) and in no case to a height less than 39 inches (991 mm) above the floor; and 1.2. A load of at least 50 pounds (222 N) applied in any downward or horizontal direction at any point along the toeboard.
