Ontario Building Code Practice Exam

The minimum height required for a guardrail on a balcony in a high-rise building is established to ensure the safety of occupants by preventing falls. The Ontario Building Code specifies that guardrails must be a minimum of 1100 mm (or approximately 43 inches) high above the surface they are protecting, which is the reason why this answer is correct. This height is designed to provide an adequate barrier for most individuals, accommodating a range of heights and ensuring that the risk of accidental falls is minimized.

In high-rise buildings, this height requirement is particularly crucial due to the increased risk associated with being at elevated levels, where a fall could result in serious injury or death. Therefore, having a robust guardrail system that meets this height standard is essential for occupant safety. Additionally, this regulation aligns with practice standards and safety protocols that are universally promoted in building codes to protect people in elevated situations.