[SML] railing height on a temporary platform

[Dale Farmer]

On 11/8/2015 8:50 PM, Dan Feith via Stagecraft wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I know that there is a specific height for a railing on a temporary
> platform. Can anyone tell me what it is?
>
> I've got a set with a platform at +8'. The railings are currently 36"
> high. The problem is that when someone is sitting at a desk on the
> platform the railing blocks part of their face.
> We're thinking of lowering the railing to 30" but I think that might be
> too low.
>
>
> Thanks in advance for your help/advice/answers.
>
>
>
> --
> Dan Feith
> Production Manage
> Kentucky Opera
> 203-788-4414 cell
>

A bit of googling discovered that kentucky has adopted a statewide 
building code.  It largely copied the 2006 IBC with amendments.  Specs 
on handrails for stairs, but not about railings of platforms.  The IBC 
is a document that I wasn't able to find online after a short search. I 
suspect it is available for a lot of money from some publishing company. 
  Copy should be available for viewing in your city or county library.

Other online resources say that handrails have a range of acceptable 
heights, in the 30-40 inches high range.  Railing heights were in some 
of them dependent on how tall the drop-off that they are protecting. 
This may also be considered a construction site platform, not open to 
the general public, and different rules apply.  I suggest you call your 
local building inspector's office and solicit their assistance in 
finding an answer.  They are the one that are going to be making that 
determination if push comes to shove anyway.

Dale