rgrace
Sawhorse
Lots of discussion here, mostly in favor of guards for the replacement of a roof top unit. I have a different position, and it may only be a jurisdictional thing, since our state adopted Existing Building Code (VEBC) has undergone many changes. Current adoption edition is 2018.
I start in our adopted VEBC based on the scope of this work and that the work is to an existing building, in this case a like-for-like replacement of a roof top unit. The VEBC will send me to the other codes if it deems necessary (IBC, IMC, etc.) The scope of work is either alteration or repair. The definitions of alteration and repair are identical between the VEBC and the IEBC, so there is not much information there that can guide me, and it's not exactly crystal clear for this application. Jumping to VEBC Chapter 5, Repairs, the opening statement in Section 505.1 states "Repairs, including the patching or restoration or replacement of damaged materials, elements, equipment or fixtures shall comply with the requirements of this chapter." Paraphrased, replacement of damaged equipment would qualify as a repair. If the roof top unit is being replaced, it is probably damaged in some fashion which requires a repair.
The second part of the VEBC that is relevant is Section 505.1 which states "Existing mechanical systems undergoing repair shall not make the building less conforming than it was before the repair was undertaken." The way I read that is if a roof top unit is being replaced in the same location is it removed, the work is such that it is not creating a situation where the building is less conforming than it was before the repair was undertaken. No guards before, no guards required now.
I start in our adopted VEBC based on the scope of this work and that the work is to an existing building, in this case a like-for-like replacement of a roof top unit. The VEBC will send me to the other codes if it deems necessary (IBC, IMC, etc.) The scope of work is either alteration or repair. The definitions of alteration and repair are identical between the VEBC and the IEBC, so there is not much information there that can guide me, and it's not exactly crystal clear for this application. Jumping to VEBC Chapter 5, Repairs, the opening statement in Section 505.1 states "Repairs, including the patching or restoration or replacement of damaged materials, elements, equipment or fixtures shall comply with the requirements of this chapter." Paraphrased, replacement of damaged equipment would qualify as a repair. If the roof top unit is being replaced, it is probably damaged in some fashion which requires a repair.
The second part of the VEBC that is relevant is Section 505.1 which states "Existing mechanical systems undergoing repair shall not make the building less conforming than it was before the repair was undertaken." The way I read that is if a roof top unit is being replaced in the same location is it removed, the work is such that it is not creating a situation where the building is less conforming than it was before the repair was undertaken. No guards before, no guards required now.