Is it a requirement to have a 42-inch handrail on the edge of the building, due to the standpipe hose connections and this needing to be accessible for the fire department use? If it's required, it seems that handrails could apply under IBC 2018 Section 1015.6. Thanks in advance.
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11 Comments
Pete H
6/22/2023 06:39:39 am
Can't really tell from that picture. Best I can say is based on NYS Building code's version of 1015.6: it depends on whether that standpipe is within 10' of a roof edge or open side of a walking surface and I can't tell if the edge of the roof behind the door entry is within 10'-0" or not.
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Glenn Berger
6/22/2023 08:15:02 am
The presence of a rooftop FDC does not drive a requirement for handrails. The presence of other roof mounted equipment that needs routine service would require some means and methods of fall protection.
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6/22/2023 08:21:06 am
I would argue that the valves are manually operated, and if that operation requires someone to be within 10' of the edge of the elevated surface, some means of fall protection is required. The cheapest and easiest means is usually a 42" high guard.
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Todd E Wyatt
6/22/2023 08:15:39 am
The requirement for a guard adjacent to "components that require service ... located within 10 feet of a roof edge" will depend on the AHJ's interpretation of what constitutes "service". If the AHJ does consider this standpipe requires periodic "service", they could require a guard that is "constructed so as to prevent the passage of a sphere 21 inches in diameter" and "extend(s) not less than 30 inches beyond" the standpipe.
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SCHULMAN
6/22/2023 08:42:36 am
If I am seeing correctly the parapet drops dangerously low very close to that riser and as Paul P said .. if you have people within 10' of the roof edge, put in a handrail. Poor firemen need something else to worry about like they need another hole in their head ...
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Lauritz
6/23/2023 07:48:23 pm
Stand pipes are not a peice of mechanical equiptment regulated by the mechanical code. Stand pipes are a life safety system. Stand pipes have their own chapter in the building code and fire code.
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6/26/2023 09:02:20 am
The other code to consider is OSHA 1910 Subpart M. Although not a design code, it is good guidance and it does require the provision of some means of fall protection for this scenario; guards are the cheapest and easiest solution.
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Lauritz
6/26/2023 12:06:45 pm
Agreed OSHA is the code to use for fall protection.
Joshua Simma
6/28/2023 10:42:37 am
Per 1015.6 it sure looks like a system that requires maintenance and testing.
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Todd E Wyatt
6/29/2023 03:29:00 pm
CodeNotes: Worker Safety on Roofs and Elevated Surfaces
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