Railings behind mechanical unit?

[ccollings]

I have a second floor mechanical room. the back of one of the mechanical units aligns with the slab edge of the access stairs. the unit is serviced from the other side. I'm thinking that i don't need to provide a railing behind this mechanical unit but i can't find anything in the code and i'm not familiar enough with the mechanical code.

 

[e hilton]

Looks like your stairs are one riser short of reaching the 2nd floor.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

I don't see an exception in the IMC.

 

[mark handler]

Fall protection may not required by Code but is required by OSHA.

 

[mark handler]

IBC Guards 1015.2 Where Required

Guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, including mezzanines, equipment platforms, aisles, stairs, ramps and landings that are located more than 30 inches measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches horizontally to the edge of the open side. Guards shall be adequate in strength and attachment in accordance with Section 1607.8.

1015.6 Mechanical Equipment, Systems and Devices
Guards shall be provided where various components that require service are located within 10 feet of a roof edge or open side of a walking surface and such edge or open side is located more than 30 inches above the floor, roof or grade below. The guard shall extend not less than 30 inches beyond each end of such components. The guard shall be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a sphere 21 inches in diameter.
Exception: Guards are not required where permanent fall arrest/restraint anchorage connector devices that comply with ANSI/ASSE Z 359.1 are affixed for use during the entire roof covering lifetime. The devices shall be reevaluated for possible replacement when the entire roof covering is replaced. The devices shall be placed not more than 10 feet on center along hip and ridge lines and placed not less than 10 feet from the roof edge or open side of the walking surface.

 

[redeyedfly]

If there's no service on that side (I hope not!) the unit itself can be your guardrail. You can guardrail right up to the unit. You need the guardrail where the roof edge is within 10' of any walkway or service area of the unit. The 10' is measured perpendicular to the roof edge.

 

[Inspector Gift]

In addition to Mark Handlers post, I would add IMC 304.11. I have encountered a very similar situation at our new high school. I asked for a guard. However, if they could prove there was no access required for equipment service or a "Walking Surface" on the exposed side, then I would allow it to pass. They were unable to prove there was no walking surface or required access on the exposed side, so they provided the Fall Arrest / Restraint Anchorage on the exposed sides.

 

[redeyedfly]

In addition to Mark Handlers post, I would add IMC 304.11. I have encountered a very similar situation at our new high school. I asked for a guard. However, if they could prove there was no access required for equipment service or a "Walking Surface" on the exposed side, then I would allow it to pass. They were unable to prove there was no walking surface or required access on the exposed side, so they provided the Fall Arrest / Restraint Anchorage on the exposed sides.
View attachment 7804View attachment 7805

Tough argument to make when they clearly had access panels on that side!