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10' from roof edge

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According to Section 102.3 [ `06 IMC ], I will say "yes, required !"
Section 102.3:Maintenance. "Mechanical systems, both existing
and new, and parts thereof shall be maintained in proper operating
condition in accordance with the original design and in a safe and
sanitary condition........Devices or safeguards which are required
by this code shall be maintained in compliance with the code edition
under which they were installed..........The owner or the owner’s
designated agent shall be responsible for maintenance of
mechanical systems........To determine compliance with this provision,
the code official shall have the authority to require a mechanical
system to be reinspected. "

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They can "repair" the old one.....or move the new one over.....or install some guards....

the options are limitless!
 
Agree with others

FYI we require the guards during a re-roof also. Roofers did not like it at first but now they are all on board.
 
Agree with the others, check to see if they have a WP GFCI service outlet while your up there on the roof? NEC210.63.

pc1
 
maybe.. or put the walkway on the upside of the slope.. (above the equipment).. flat roof.. no
 
I think you guys are forgetting that the OP is in PA and all the contractor has to do is call and complain to a twp supervisor or borough councilperson and any requirements are waived by political intimidation.:devil
 
The OP did not mention the locale. Besides, the political intimidation thingy is done in every

location in the world, to greater or lesser degrees.

The Forum members simply supplied Rick with the code section that requires it.

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I failed it because it was only 6' from the roof edge without a guard. But I felt uncomfortable failing it because there was 20 other units on the same roof less than 10' from edge.
 
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Rick, ..the difference is that the other 20 units are not
"new" construction / installation..........Once they remove
the old one and replace with a "new" one, the requirements
for "new" apply.......See the listed code section above.

BTW, which codes are you [ or the AHJ in question ] using ?

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Unfortunately, it seems like one of the requirements of employment to fill the position of Building official is to have your genitailia and spine removed before assuming the position.
 
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Has anyone thought to see what the code required when the unit was originally installed? The code has not always required the 10' distance. In the 1981 Boca mechanical code the distance was 6' to the roof edge. You don't want to require something that would be considered retro-fitting.
 
You don't want to require something that would be considered retro-fitting.
Click to expand...
Good point but I think requiring the gaurds during a unit replacement can justified through the current code lanquage.

EQUIPMENT, EXISTING. Any equipment regulated by this code which was legally installed prior to the effective date of this code, or for which a permit to install has been issued.

Once the equipment is removed it is no longer existing and the installation of new equipment is required to meet code.

Charging lanquage

301.1 Scope.

This chapter shall govern the approval and installation of all equipment and appliances that comprise parts of the building mechanical systems regulated by this code in accordance with Section 101.2.

Mandatory general requirements as listed in Section 304

304.1 General.

Equipment and appliances shall be installed as required by the terms of their approval, in accordance with the conditions of the listing, the manufacturer’s installation instructions and this code. Manufacturer’s installation instructions shall be available on the job site at the time of inspection.

Specific mandatory requirement

304.10 Guards.

Guards shall be provided where appliances, equipment, fans or other components that require service and roof hatch openings are located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a roof edge or open side of a walking surface and such edge or open side is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor, roof or grade below. The guard shall extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) beyond each end of such appliances, equipment, fans, components and roof hatch openings and the top of the guard shall be located not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) above the elevated surface adjacent to the guard. The guard shall be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a 21-inch-diameter (533 mm) sphere and shall comply with the loading requirements for guards specified in the International Building Code.
 
I agree mt, we consider replacement = new for HVAC equipment. Service recepts, guards, clearances, the whole enchilada.
 
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