What height variation is acceptable for guard rails?

The acceptable height variation for guard rails being within plus or minus 3 inches is aligned with safety standards established to ensure that guard rails effectively provide protection without compromising safety. This tolerance allows for minor variations during installation or changes in building materials that could affect the final height. Guard rails are crucial in preventing falls from elevated surfaces, so maintaining specified height limits is vital for safety.

Height variations outside of this range could lead to increased risk of accidents, as guard rails may become either too low to be effective or unnecessarily high, which can also impact usability and comfort. Therefore, the standard of plus or minus 3 inches strikes a balance between ensuring safety and accommodating practical construction considerations.