Which statement about guardrail height is correct?

• A. 28 inches
• B. 30 inches
• C. 32 inches
• D. 34 inches

Answer: (B)

Guardrails are a protective barrier, so the standard focuses on a minimum height to ensure people can’t easily fall over them. The correct idea is that the guardrail must reach or exceed a defined minimum height measured vertically from the finished walking surface up to the top of the rail. This minimum keeps the barrier effective across raised surfaces like decks and stairs. In practice, inspectors measure from the floor or walking surface to the top of the rail to verify compliance. While some situations may justify higher-than-minimum heights in certain codes or uses, the essential concept the test emphasizes is that there is a minimum height that must be met.