Deck Railing

[RESG]

For FHA/HUD, at what height is safety railing required for elevated deck.....18" from the ground,... OR 30" ????? I'm finding conflicting information in 4000.1 handbook.

 

[glenn walker]

30 Inches, remember its just a guideline, so use some common sense, if some on falls off are they going to get hurt ? Not at 30 inches, or less but I dont take an issue about it unless like stated someone can get hurt. 4000.1 is written for the entire Nation and each are has its own City-Country Guidelines. I try to not get too heavy handed.

 

[Tom D]

18" is pretty low, easy for a toddler to go over. but, it the local code that counts.

 

[Dublin ohio]

18" is pretty low, easy for a toddler to go over. but, it the local code that counts.

I do believe the OP is not talking about height of the railing. But the distance from the ground where a railing is required

 

[glenn walker]

Kids rarely get hurt my experience having volunteered at senior home is they are the ones who fall over almost anything, also what are you going to fall onto " Grass or Rocks, Flat land or roll down a hill , again I just use good old common sense

 

[Tom D]

oh, i missed from the ground. personally, any distance off the ground is dangerous to the average old appraiser. there are no more simple injuries after a certain age.

I do believe the OP is not talking about height of the railing. But the distance from the ground where a railing is required

 

[Sadie]

For FHA/HUD, at what height is safety railing required for elevated deck.....18" from the ground,... OR 30" ????? I'm finding conflicting information in 4000.1 handbook.

Usually 30", which is pretty high. FHA determines what needs the railing, but code tells you how high off the ground.

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

At my age a 30 inch fall would probable hurt more than it did 2-3 years ago. If you think it is a health and safety hazard, require it.

 

[RESG]

Thanks to all

 

[sputnam]

As usual, it depends. If someone falls off the deck, what will they land on?