Date of Publication: June 8, 2026 [2023.24.V-02.C]
Subject: Guards for ramps 2024 OBC UPDATE
2024 Ontario Building Code [O.Reg. 163/24 Amended to 5/25] Reference(s):
Article 3.3.1.14. of Div. B
Article 3.3.1.18.of Div. B
Article 3.4.6.6. of Div. B
Article 3.8.3.4. of Div. B
Article 9.8.8.5. of Div. B
Summary of changes: Re-numbering, inclusion of Part 9 references, editorial.
Incoming Request:
Where a ramp has been provided that is less than 600mm above the surrounding grade or surface, what are the Ontario Building Code (OBC) guard requirements? For example, would a guard consisting only of top rail, bottom rail and widely spaced vertical supports be permitted in this location?
Executive Summary:
A guard for a ramp that presents a fall risk of no more than 600 mm [and is not located adjacent to a sloped surface as described in Subclause 3.3.1.18.(1)(c)(ii) or 9.8.8.1.] may be constructed as an open pipe and railing guard, provided the openings will permit the passage of a sphere greater than 200 mm in diameter. The non-climbable requirements of 3.3.1.18.(4) are applicable in a Part 3 scenario, but in a Part 9 scenario, non-climbability requirements would only be applicable if the guard was in a barrier free path of travel (i.e. subject to 3.8.3.4.(1)(f).
Considerations:
For reference, the OBC defines a guard as “a protective barrier, with or without openings through it, that is around openings in floors or at the open sides of stairs, landings, balconies, mezzanines, galleries, raised walkways or other locations to prevent accidental falls from one level to another.”
General requirements for guards in all floor areas:
Article 3.3.1.18 contains general requirements for guards in all floor areas. Sentence 3.3.1.18.(1) states that a guard is required where a fall risk of over 600 mm is present. However, Sentence 3.3.1.18.(3) goes on to refer to guards not required by Sentence (1), and states that in this case, openings in a guard are permitted to allow the passage of a sphere less than 100mm or more than 200mm, which essentially allows unlimited openings more than 200 mm wide. In addition, Sentence 3.3.1.18.(4) requires the guard to be non-climbable. Similarly, Sentence 9.8.8.5.(4) permits guards not required by Article 9.8.8.1. to have openings less than 100 mm or more than 200 mm. However In Part 9, only “required” guards need be non-climbable, per sentence 9.8.8.6.(1).
Additional requirements for guards within exits and guards not within exits:
Article 3.3.1.14. applies to ramps and stairs not used as an exit, and refers the reader to Article 3.4.6.6. (guards within exits) for guard requirements. Sentence 3.4.6.6.(1) states that guards are required where a fall risk of more than 600 mm exists, and Sentence (5) states that openings in a guard required by Sentence (1) must prevent passage of a 100 mm sphere. Article 3.4.6.6. does not speak to guards where a fall risk of greater than 600mm does not exist.
Additional requirements for guards in a barrier-free path of travel (applicable to Part 3 and Part 9 scenarios):
Clause 3.8.3.4.(1)(f) specifies that a wall or a non-climbable guard, 1070 mm high, with a curb or other barrier as described in Clause (g) must be provided on each side of a ramp in a barrier-free path of travel, regardless of height above surrounding grade or floor. Clause 3.8.3.4.(1)(f) does not speak to the size of allowable openings in the guard, so it is reasonable to refer back to the general requirements contained in Articles 3.3.1.18 and 9.8.8.5
Risk/Benefit Analysis
The OBC requires guards in order to decrease the likelihood of a fall from one level to another (F30, 0S3.1). Generally a guard is only required where the fall risk is greater than 600 mm. Sizes of openings in guards are regulated to reduce the likelihood of a person falling through the guard and to reduce the likelihood of a person’s head or limb becoming trapped or entangled in the openings of a guard.
Sentences 3.3.1.18.(4) and 9.8.8.5.(4) are the only sentences in the Code that speak to “non-required” guards, i.e. guards where a fall risk of greater than 600 mm does not exist. In these instances, the Code does permit unlimited openings i.e. top and bottom rail only. However openings between 100 and 200 mm are prohibited to reduce the risk of a child having their head or a limb trapped or entangled in the guard, resulting in injury.
Final Recommendation(s):
Sentences 3.3.1.18.(4) and 9.8.8.5.(4) permit openings less than 100 mm and/or greater than 200 mm in “non-required” guards, i.e. where a fall risk of greater than 600mm does not exist. A guard consisting of only a top and bottom rail with intermediate vertical supports spaced more than 200 mm apart would be permitted in this scenario. This recommendation may not be applicable to guards adjacent to sloped surfaces as described in Subclause 3.3.1.18.(1)(c)(ii) or 9.8.8.1.(1).
Recommendation to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing:
None at this time
Referenced Documents:
2024 Ontario Building Code O.Reg. 163/24 Amended to 5/25
Disclaimer:
This guidance document is intended to assist building officials by gathering relevant information to interpret the OBC Act and the prescriptive requirements of the Ontario Building Code, and is intended to be a best practice aid for building officials.
The views expressed within this guidance document should not be considered as the official interpretation of legislated requirements based on the Ontario Building Code, as the final responsibility for interpretation rests with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction.
The views of this advisory committee should not be construed as legal advice.