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Unsafe retaining wall guardrail (C) Daniel FriedmanRetaining Wall Guardrails
Requirements for guard railings on retaining walls

Retaining wall guardrail requirements:

This article describes the requirement for guard railings along the top of many retaining walls. We cite model building codes, individual U.S. state building codes, and we give photo examples of good, bad, and ugly or downright dangerous guard railings, or walls that should have had a guard railing.

This article series describes types of privacy walls, retaining walls and retaining wall guard railing requirements, guard railing construction and building codes, and critical safe-construction details for retaining wall guardrails.

We include definitions of important retaining wall terms such as wall surcharge, and we provide diagnostic descriptions & photographs of types of damage to retaining walls & privacy walls.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

Retaining Wall Railing Designs & Guard Railing Code Requirements

High retaining wall with guardrail © D Friedman at InspectApedia.com Our photo at left illustrates a tall cantilevered-design reinforced concrete retaining wall built of reinforced concrete with a suitable guard railing along the wall top (a parking lot).

Details about guard railing designs, codes & requirements for use at retaining walls are given here.

As detailed in Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction (Steve Bliss, J Wiley & Sons) : The International Residential Code (IRC) requires a minimum 36-inch-high guardrail for all decks, balconies, or screened enclosures more than 30 inches off the ground.

For child safety, the balusters or other decorative infill must be spaced less than 4 inches apart (a 4-inch-diameter ball should not pass between the balusters). The railing in our photo meets this requirement.

Some communities allow horizontal steel cables as guard railings at the top of retaining walls, as we discuss below.

The top rail for a guardrail can be a 2x6 either flat or on edge.

Use the longest pieces you can find—a continuous railing is best.

However for a hand railing on stairs, both flat and vertical 2x lumber are unsafe and violate good stair railing design because they cannot be grasped during a fall.

Examples of Inadequate Retaining Wall Guardrails

Wooden landscape tie retaining wall © D Friedman at InspectApedia.com

At above left we illustrate a wooden retaining wall that appears to have been constructed from recycled railroad ties and without anchoring extensions behind the wall.

You will also note the open railings that are not child-safe.

Unsafe retaining wall guardrail (C) Daniel Friedman

Above and continuing below we illustrate more versions of inadequate or unsafe guardrailings, first at a retaining wall and second in a shopping center, but using a cable design that some communities approve for use along the top of retaining walls as well.

This retaining wall guard rail is a child hazard because of its large openings and horizontal cross members, one of which had fallen away at the time of our inspection.

Unsafe railing in New York City (C) Daniel Friedman

This retaining wall also has a surcharge from vehicles that park nosed right up to about 12" from the wall edge.

But the stones were so massive and so well drained that in our OPINION the surcharge from vehicles, snow, and frost, would not threaten this wall structure.

Our guardrail photos (below) show an attractive railing with horizontal cables intended to permit a nice view of the Brooklyn NY skyline.

Unsafe railing in New York City (C) Daniel Friedman

We also demonstrate how easily the cables can be separated as well as how attractive this guard railing is to children.

In our OPINION this is an unsafe railing design.

...

Question: can seating serve as a protective safety railing at decks, porches, or outdoors near a high retaining wall?

Seat wall as safety railing (C) D Friedman M.H.Subject: 30" railing: If there is a seat wall and a planter between an upper level terrace and a retaining wall with a height greater than 30”, can the railing be eliminated? Please see attached sketch. - M.B.

Reply: OPINION about using seating as a safety barrier on decks, porches, or outdoor surfaces near retaining walls

I have certainly seen a number of high decks (not quite your case) that had continuous seating at the perimeter and no other railings.

I expect that ultimately the building code compliance inspector will decide the issue locally.

A concern might be that even though the seating can prevent someone from stumbling and falling off of the raised area, it would not stop a child from climbing right over - unless there were seat backs were high enough and made of vertical balusters rather than the typical horizontal materials.

Taking a look at your sketch (above left), as drawn, the same concept seems to apply: you may have protection against an adult trip and fall over the retaining wall provided by some space (say six feet) between the "seat wall" and the "planter wall" (a retaining wall).

But this design does not provide child safety protection nor protection for someone walking in or working in that inner space (having stepped over the seat wall).

If this area is residential occupied outdoor space, I would be surprised if a building code inspection would accept the design you show: the "seat wall" is just 18" high, easily climbed over by a child; there is no safety railing at the planter wall above the drop off - or are you planning to install a tall, impenetrable solid-growth hedge in the space where you show a shrub?

That might be an acceptable alternative.

Retaining wall damage © D Friedman at InspectApedia.com

Our photos of a high retaining wall without a guard railing illustrate an approach using dense shrubbery as a safety barrier at a property in New York State.

Retaining wall damage © D Friedman at InspectApedia.com

That a lot of water is penetrating this retaining wall is obvious in both photographs.

Typical building codes including local code interpretations that address the question of need for safety railings near high retaining walls give some latitude to the local building inspector. Examples:

"(B) Safety Railings. Safety railings may be required for any retaining wall two and one-half (2.5) feet or higher. The decision to require safety railing shall be based on specific site conditions, potential pedestrian and public access to the retaining wall, and applicable building codes." - City of Bella Vista, AR subdivision code.

Retaining walls more than 1220 mm high are required to have safety cable railing installed as required by Cal-OSHA regulations, Title 8, Section 1621, as well as the Department's Highway Design Manual Section 210.5. - California DOT DHR - SAFETY ALERT MEMO 03-08

For outdoor double-retaining walls outdoors, the lower retaining wall is 48" in height, the space between the retaining walls is four feet or more, and the top of the wall is 24" high. - Glen Cove, New York

Also see STAIR CODES & STANDARDS where we provide additional detail on railing requirements for stairs, landings, balconies, etc.

Question: Do I need a standard guard railing atop a ten-foot high retaining wall and do I need a hand railing along stairs that will access the wall top?

I have a landscape retaining wall, not connected to a building (an accessory structure U), that forms a level area of about 250+ square feet. The retaining wall is 10+ feet at it highest point.

By Code, does it have to have a guard at the top with 4" sub-rail spacing?

And do the stairs leading to it have to have a handrail?

I'm under the impression that guards are only specified for buildings and associated structures and we can do a guard rail that doesn't conform to the 4" spacing (or even not have one)? Am I reading this correctly? - M.J., Monterey CA

Reply: We recommend that a publicly-accessed ten foot high retaining wall and stairs accessing its top should have standard guard railings

Stone retaining wall © D Friedman at InspectApedia.com The 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC). UBC §106.2, item 5, a model accepted by many communities in the U.S. states:

“A building permit shall not be required for … retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge …”

Definition of Exposed Retaining Wall Height Affects Building Permit Requirements

Why do retaining wall definitions and terms matter in discussing retaining wall building permits and heights? Well what's the actual height of the retaining wall.

The exposed height of a retaining wall is the height of the vertical grade difference between the upper ground level and the lower ground level that are to be separated by the retaining wall.

And of course since most lots are not dead level, you'll use the highest vertical grade difference to describe your retaining wall.

Folsom explains that including the 12-inch thick footing in measuring the wall and considering that the footing itself is buried, a a cantilever design retaining wall that has a total height of four feet (the UBC code requirement for a permit) actually has just three feet of exposed retaining wall height. (You'll need to adjust this analysis if your retaining wall footing is buried still deeper).

The result is that the [Folsom CA] Planning, Inspections and Permitting Department interprets UBC §106.2, item 5 [at what height does a retaining wall require a building permit] as follows:

“A building permit shall not be required for … retaining walls that are not over 3 feet in exposed wall height unless supporting a surcharge …” [3]

This specification on the requiring of a building permit for retaining walls is common in most jurisdictions though some municipalities require a permit for lower walls over just 24". However the requirement of a building permit does not mean that a the building official will require a guardrail along the wall top.

Your retaining wall is over ten feet in height, and most likely over nine feet in exposed wall height. Therefore you will surely have to comply with guardrail and stair railing requirements that may be set by your local building inspector.

Access to Retaining Wall Top Areas May Affect Code Requirements for Guard Railings

Retaining wall with no guardrail © D Friedman at InspectApedia.com Our photo (left) illustrates a retaining wall whose upper level included a patio. The property owner placed pots to help mark the wall edge but no guard railings were installed.

In your retaining wall question, because you indicate that there will be a stairway to the upper area, that indicates that the area at the upper area retained by the retaining wall is intended to be accessed by people and to me certainly means that in addition to stair railings (you wouldn't build a ten foot high stair with no railings, right?).

If pedestrians are walking along the wall top, surely the local code officials are going to require a guard railing.

As you're located in California you will want to check California building code requirements as well as any local community additions or modifications to the California code pertaining to guard railings at retaining walls and similar elevated locations, independent of building stairs landings and railings and guardrailings on those structures.

In examples cited earlier in this article, in some communities guard railings are required at retaining walls as low as 2.5 feet above the lower level.

Most likely, for a retaining wall that is four feet tall or higher in California, or three feet in height depending on the retaining wall surcharge we defined above, you'll be required to obtain a building permit and local code officials will inspect for code compliance the retaining wall as well as its safety guard railings and access stairs.

Exceptions to stair and railing standard code requirements are often allowed for areas not publicly accessed such as maintenance lofts in commercial buildings.

Safety Concerns at Retaining Walls

Retaining wall guardrall (none) accident report (C) InspectApedia.com RZ There are safety concerns at any retaining wall such as lawn mowers rolling over the retaining wall or pedestrian falls.

Also requirements for guard railings at retaining walls may vary by area usage, for example industrial use is cited just below.

Photo: badly-injured worker being treated by ambulance attendees after he and riding lawnmower rolled off of a high retaining wall (details given below).

[Click to enlarge any image]

You'll also notice that some communities allow simplified guard railings along retaining walls, using cables in place of (safer) vertical balusters spaced 4" on center.

And earlier in this article you'll see our photograph of kids climbing on [and later] between flexible horizontal cables in a guard railing in a shopping center.

Our OPINION is that where there will be public access, such railings may be unsafe.

Retaining Wall Safety Hazards are Real: serious injury report

Reader Query: 12/15/2014 [Anon] Wrote

I was on a lawn mower cutting grass on top of a 4' retaining wall with a straight drop off to a parking lot on a nursing home property.

I lost control and went off the wall onto the asphalt losing my left leg.

Shouldn't there have been some sort of guardrail preventing such accident? Also an elderly person could easily get up and happen to them. Thanks for your input.- Z. 12/15/2014

I attached a pic of wall where I fell. Yes that's me on the ground. U can't see it too good but the ground was caving in up there which is what caused the fall. - Z. 14 Apr 2015

Reply:

What a terrible accident. In the article above I discuss this question, but the final legal authority is the building inspector.

If a permit was required in the first place, and if s/he approved the retaining wall as is without a guardrail then one can make a safety argument but it's probably difficult to make a successful legal argument as in my OPINION very often the courts take the easy path of just focusing on "was it legal".

What do your local building codes or state or provincial codes say? - DF [Correspondence has continued; photo contributed by the reader. - Ed.]

Other Retaining Wall Accident Reports

Retaining wall accident report - no guardrail at school play area (C) InspectApedia M-L_H

Child pushed off of school playground retaining wall, permanently injured

30 April 2015: a reader from a mid-western U.S. state reported that his daughter suffered permanent injury after being pushed off of a retaining wall along a school playground. Quoting from personal email [used with permission] [Click to enlarge any image]

My daughter was pushed off a 43” above the lower surface of a retaining wall with a 5” lip at the top that retains a grass hill at her school that had no railing, and kids were allowed to play in the area and several were thrown off this wall by a bully.

She will suffer from nerve damage the rest of her life called RSD [Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 11, CRPS) - Ed.]

The school was built in 1967 in Utah, I can not find any information on the codes. The school has recently installed a safety rail on this wall and since no other children have been injured. - Anon 30 April 2015

Reply: lack of guardrails along retaining walls where accidents have occurred

Retaining wall accident report - no guardrail at school play area (C) InspectApedia M-L_H

I'm certainly sorry for what happened to your daughter. I have encountered several difficulties around the topic of guardrails along retaining walls where accidents have occurred:

In the photos that you sent we see a nearby building you report as a school, a masonry retaining wall, no guard rail visible in the right hand photo, and a down-slope approach to the wall that in my OPINION invites a falling hazard to children playing in the area, bullying or not.

Your vertical photo shown at above left gives a glimpse of what appears to be an open railing without balusters: while it is a safety improvement to provide a visual indicator of the presence of this retaining wall, this is not a safe guardrail as anyone could fall right through the opening.

Generally the requirement for guardrailings along the top edge of retaining walls are not clearly spelled out in most building codes though they do make appearance in some of the model codes. This excerpt is from the BOCA model code

Where retaining walls with differences in grade level on either side of the wall in excess of 4 feet (1219 mm) are located closer than 2 feet (610mm) to a walk, path, parking lot or driveway on the high side, such retaining walls shall be provided with guards that are constructed in accordance with Section 1021.0 or other approved protective measures.

My OPINION is that the code writers were anticipating locations where people are likely to walk.

Utah Codes & Building Permits for Retaining Walls

At least currently, the Salt Lake City code requires a building permit for retaining walls that are over two feet in height. We'd hope that the city will require a guardrail on such walls where public access is anticipated. [ http://www.slcgov.com/building/faqs ]

Provo Utah requires permits for retaining walls that are four feet or more in height - another example of inconsistency with Salt Lake City but in fact the Provo code is consistent with the Utah state building code section 1806 and other paragraphs.
[ http://www.provo.org/city-services/build-in-provo/residential-projects/decks-fences-retaining-walls ]
[ http://archive.org/stream/gov.ut.building/ut_building_djvu.txt ]

But "requires a building permit" does not answer the question of whether or not the local building department is going to require a guardrail. I find the code quiet on that point.

Some local Utah codes (Highland City UT) discuss guardrails in more detail but we see that the discussion requiring guardrailings focuses on decks, stairs, balconies. Typically where guardrails are required, they are specified for decks (for example) that are 30" or more above ground level.
[International Residential Code - model code IRC R312.1 Guards ]

Question: should there be a retaining wall along the edge of this parking lot above a ramp or walkway?

Retaining wall at a parking lot and above a ramp should have a guardrail (C) InspectApedia.com DF & BPThis retaining wall is at the back of a motel along a parking lot and above a walking ramp.

On getting out of a vehicle a person stumbled and fell over the top of this wall onto the ramp below. - Excerpt from private correspondence, 2020/01/24

Reply:

My OPINION is that along retaining walls, if it can be reasonably expected that if for reasons of convenience, access, obstruction, or even inattention, people are likely to walk, stand, or move along the top of a retaining wall or within three feet of the top of a retaining wall then there should be a guard along the top of the wall.

The parking lot in these photos will certainly have people walking within 3 ft. of the top of the retaining wall and the wall itself is in some areas greater than 30 inches above the ramp below.

The vertical yellow lines added to part of this photo show where the retaining wall guardrail could be placed;

Watch out: In this location the guard itself will need to be protected from impact by by vehicles pulling into the parking spaces as otherwise, as illustrated by our red arrows, the vehicles can push the guardrail over as well as protrude into the walking space along the ramp.

That protection would be provided by pre-cast concrete parking lot curbs anchored to the parking lot surface such as shown in my photo, below where cars might otherwise impact this guardrail and fall into the Hudson River.

Guardrail at parking lot over a precipice (C) Daniel Friedman at InspectApedia.com

In addition we notice that the ramp lacks handrailings (location marked in blue) as might be an ADA requirement.

My 3 ft. is an opinion intended to provide safe space should a person to trip or fall near the retaining wall top, so as to avoid falling over the edge of the precipice but my view is supported by IRC 2009 IBC 2009 as amended to state

Missing guardrail along retaining wall at a parking lot also missing guard along top of stairwell (C) InspectApedia.com DF & BPMeasurement for the 30" drop is to be taken at any point within 36" from the edge of the open surface.

Along a parking area that has parking at the top of a retaining wall, there is a foreseeable hazard for people getting in and out of vehicles in that location.

The hazard is of stepping sideways, backwards, or even forwards so as to slip, trip, or fall over the wall top.

That risk is still greater in winter when snow or ice may be present and greater still in a location where there are likely to be people carrying packages or where there are likely to be elderly people, children, and disabled people.

In addition the lack of a guardrail is a child hazard along the top of the entire length of the wall and along the stairwell in this photo.

Our red annotation to this photo suggests that the handrail may not extend fully to the bottom of the stairs or even past the bottom step to comply with ADA specifications for handrailings along ramps and stairways.

It appears as well that the steps in this photo are not consistent in riser height - a trip and fall hazard.

Reliance on Guardrail Codes May Be Insufficient

1. building codes are a guide for minimum standards - in this case for safety

2. individual sites and situations may argue for safety measures beyond that minimum - such as an active parking lot, vehicles pulled in head or backing-in, people and children with packages, snow and ice, darkness (is the area adequately lit at night?)

3. code enforcement is inconsistent, spotty, sometimes subjective

4. you will never get the local code official to admit a mistake

5. the local code enforcement agency is not generally liable - you can't sue city hall

Yet it's a common defense, and one you'll encounter, that "this ramp and parking area meet code"

And depending on which code, that will be accurate (but should not be the end of the issue, but makes the issue harder to argue in court).

Guardrail guidelines and codes vary by jurisdiction and by which code is being applied.

ADA vs OSHA vs National and International model codes vs which versions of those have been adapted locally and even vs. which year of model code was adopted locally (Kansas such as Overland Park) typically adopts the 2012 IBC.

Building Code Requirements (or not) for Guardrails On Retaining Walls

Retaining wall with outslope grade (C) Daniel FriedmanEarlier we noted that various building codes require a building permit for retaining walls over a minimum height of 30", while some specify that a permit is required for retaining walls over 24" tall (Salt Lake City Utah in the U.S) and still others don't require a permit until the retaining wall is over four feet high (Provo Utah).

Typically where guardrails are required, they are specified for decks (for example) that are 30" or more above ground level. [International Residential Code - model code IRC R312.1 Guards ] and discussion of retaining walls is not included.

In sum, the requirement that the builder obtain a building permit for these taller retaining walls does not mean that the building official will require that a guardrail be installed. However many architects, engineers, and some code officials will recommend the installation of guardrails on retaining walls where public access is likely.

The following excerpt is from a BOCA model code:

Where retaining walls with differences in grade level on either side of the wall in excess of 4 feet (1219 mm) are located closer than 2 feet (610mm) to a walk, path, parking lot or driveway on the high side, such retaining walls shall be provided with guards that are constructed in accordance with Section 1021.0 or other approved protective measures.

Building Codes & Standards for Guardrailings

Please note that although specifications for guard railings are described, the following model code citations do not explicitly address guardrailings along retaining walls retaining walls.

Note: GUARDRAIL CODES & STANDARDS discusses codes & specifications for guard railings such as used on balconies, decks, stairs, and landings.

IBC model Guardrail Codes

If the site in your case needs to be ADA compliant there will be additional issues also cited in the IBC, e.g.

ICC Model Code for Guardrailings [ under Means of Egress ]

ICC 2009 Chapter 10 Means of Egress

SECTION 1013 GUARDS

[Requirements for guards / guardrails]

1013.1 Where [Guards or guardrails are] required.

Guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, including mezzanines, equipment platforms, stairs, ramps and landings that are located more than 30 inches (762 mm) measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches (914 mm) horizontally to the edge of the open side. Guards shall be adequate in strength and attachment in accordance with Section 1607.7.

Exception: Guards are not required for the following locations:

1. On the loading side of loading docks or piers.

2. On the audience side of stages and raised platforms, including steps leading up to the stage and raised platforms.

3. On raised stage and platform floor areas, such as runways, ramps and side stages used for entertainment or presentations.

4. At vertical openings in the performance area of stages and platforms.

5. At elevated walking surfaces appurtenant to stages and platforms for access to and utilization of special lighting or equipment.

6. Along vehicle service pits not accessible to the public.

7. In assembly seating where guards in accordance with Section 1028.14 are permitted and provided.

1013.1.1 Glazing. [Rules for glass guardrail systems]

Where glass is used to provide a guard or as a portion of the guard system, the guard shall also comply with Section 2407.

Where the glazing provided does not meet the strength and attachment requirements of Section 1607.7, complying guards shall also be located along glazed sides of open-sided walking surfaces.

1013.2 [Guardrail ] Height.

Required guards shall be not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) high, measured vertically above the adjacent walking surfaces, adjacent fixed seating or the line connecting the leading edges of the treads.

Exceptions:

1. For occupancies in Group R-3, and within individual dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, guards on the open sides of stairs shall have a height not less than 34 inches (864 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the leading edges of the treads.

2. For occupancies in Group R-3, and within individual dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, where the top of the guard also serves as a handrail on the open sides of stairs, the top of the guard shall not be less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the leading edges of the treads.

3. The height in assembly seating areas shall be in accordance with Section 1028.14.

4. Along alternating tread devices and ship ladders, guards whose top rail also serves as a handrail, shall have height not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and not more than 34 inches (864 mm), measured vertically from the leading edge of the device tread nosing.

1013.3 [Guard / Guardrail ]Opening limitations.

Required guards shall not have openings which allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter from the walking surface to the required guard height.

Exceptions:

1. From a height of 36 inches (914 mm) to 42 inches (1067 mm), guards shall not have openings which allow passage of a sphere 43/8 inches (111 mm) in diameter.

2. The triangular openings at the open sides of a stair, formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail shall not allow passage of a sphere 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter.

3. At elevated walking surfaces for access to and use of electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems or equipment, guards shall not have openings which allow passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter.

4. In areas that are not open to the public within occupancies in Group I-3, F, H or S, and for alternating tread devices and ship ladders, guards shall not have openings which allow passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter.

5. In assembly seating areas, guards at the end of aisles where they terminate at a fascia of boxes, balconies and galleries shall not have openings which allow passage of a sphere 4 inches in diameter (102 mm) up to a height of 26 inches (660 mm).

From a height of 26 inches to 42 inches (660 mm to 1067 mm) above the adjacent walking surfaces, guards shall not have openings which allow passage of a sphere 8 inches (203 mm) in diameter.

6. Within individual dwelling units and sleeping units in Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies, guards on the open sides of stairs shall not have openings which allow passage of a sphere 43/8 inches (111 mm) in diameter.

1013.4 Screen porches [may require guardrails]

Porches and decks which are enclosed with insect screening shall be provided with guards where the walking surface is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below.

1013.5 [Guardrails at ] Mechanical equipment.

Guards shall be provided where appliances, equipment, fans, roof hatch openings or other components that require service 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 be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter. The guard shall extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) beyond each end of such appliance, equipment, fan or component.

1013.6 Roof access [Guards / Guardrails if opening is close to edge]

Guards shall be provided where the roof hatch opening is 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 be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter.

IRC Model Code Guardrail Requirements

Guardrails are required at

IRC 2009 IBC 2009 was Amended to add the following important detail that addresses the likelihood of people walking near the top of a retaining wall:

OSHA Guardrail Requirements for Construction Job sites

Note that these are workplace requirements applied to job sites and thus are different from the more-widely used codes and specifications for public areas given above. For example, OSHA workplace regulations are less concerned with hazards to children as they're not expected to be on construction sites.

Other Railing & Guardrail Standards, Codes & Legal Responsibility Research

Example California Building Code Citations for Retaining Walls

Modular block retaining wall © D Friedman at InspectApedia.com Our photo (left) illustrates modular blocks commonly used in segmental gravity wall retaining walls. This wall was less than four feet in height.

Two example CA code citations for retaining wall safety protection are included below; the first, as you'll see, is from workplace requirements but it illustrates some of the safety concerns with falls at outdoor retaining walls.

At CA 3210 Subchapter 7.

General Industry Safety Orders

Group 1. General Physical Conditions and Structures Orders Article 2. Standard Specifications

(b) Other Elevated Locations. The unprotected sides of elevated work locations that are not buildings or building structures where an employee is exposed to a fall of 4 feet or more shall be provided with guardrails.

Where overhead clearance prohibits installation of a 42-inch guardrail, a lower rail or rails shall be installed.

The railing shall be provided with a toe board where the platform, runway, or ramp is 6 feet or more above places where employees normally work or pass and the lack of a toeboard could create a hazard from falling tools, material, or equipment.

§3209. Standard Guardrails [2] describes of how guard rails should be constructed, including materials, spacing, strength and support. Similar specifications are given

beginning at DECK & PORCH GUARDRAILINGS.

 




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Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2023-04-18 by InspectApedia Editor (mod) - two-year old injured by fall from retaining wall

Child injured in fall from this retaining wall (C) InspectApedia.com Brandon

@Brandon,

First, let us say we're so sorry that your son fell and broke his foot.

About your question of the requirement of a guard along an elevated walkway, thank you for an important retaining wall guard safety question and example.

I need to know more details and to ask you for more information before I [DF] can give a confident answer, but in general, if the architect, builder, or property owner/manager can expect people to walk along an elevated area near the edge of a retaining wall, then a guard should be provided.

The local code official is the final legal authority on such questions.

Take a look at my annotated version of your photo where I show where I think you're saying the fall occurred.

Then notice that there is already a glass guard with top rail, indicated by my notes and suggested by the image and the guard shadows in your photo.

So my questions:

1. is the walkway pointed-to by my blue arrow an intended walking area?

It appears to be blocked from what appears to be an intended walking area noted in red at foreground and left in the photo.

If the blue-arrow-indicated concrete area is intended for walking, from where is it entered and where does it lead? Perhaps you can attach more photos (one per comment) so that we can understand the intended walking areas.

From your photo I don't see how that area is entered nor where it was intended to lead, as it appears to be blocked-off from the intended walking area by the guard.

The intended walking area, labeled in red, seems to be protected by the guardrail, also marked in red.

If the blue-arrow-indicated area is not an intended walking area, how did your son enter it? Should that access have been blocked?

2. What is the height above ground from the surface of the concrete retaining wall to the sidewalk below the yellow arrow?

Was that height actually measured as eight feet?

3. What are the country and city of location of this building?

And therefore what local codes apply?

On 2023-04-18 by Brandon

Hello. My 2 year old son walked across a mulch area from a sidewalk to a retaining wall and fell over 8 feet onto concrete, breaking his foot. Shouldn’t there need to be a guard?

Child injured in fall from this retaining wall (C) InspectApedia.com Brandon

On 2023-01-26 by InspectApedia Publisher (mod) - guardrail safety around swimming pool walkways

@Dan,

Thanks, that's a gnarly guardrail problem, I agree.

In my OPINION the purpose of the pool surrounding fencing is primarily intended to keep children from wandering up to, climbing the fence, passing into the pool area and falling into the pool, while the guard along a tall retaining wall is the fall hazard you mention.

My OPINION (it's just that, not a certified expert nor legal standard), is that IF you could reasonably infer that people are going to regularly walk or pass along that space bordered on one side by the retaining wall, then you need a guard there.

So if. you want to expand the area of pool security fencing to double as a guardrail, I think that you might have two different fence materials: around three sides of the pool, conventional pool fencing that meets code for that purpose would suffice, while along the fourth side, where there's that retaining wall, you need an actual guardrail just as "the engineer" has specified.

You sure as heck don't want to be the one to get away with building a less-strong fence along an area of fall hazard only to later face the issues raised when someone is injured in a fall tangled up with a flimsy fence.

On 2023-01-24 by Dan

Hello! We are responsible for installing a retaining wall guardrail that doubles as a pool code fence. The situation is that there is a concrete swimming pool with a paver patio surrounding it.

At the edge of the patio, there's a 6'w landscape bed, then a concrete retaining wall that drops 15' down to the ground. Our problem is that the engineer is holding us to the 200lb live load and 50lbs per foot load along the railing.

None of the stock pool code fencing is tested for or designed for the fall protection loading requirements and none of the stock guardrails are tested at over 42"h.

Does the 6'w landscape bed between the patio and the edge of the wall alleviate the need for the guardrail requirement? The bed currently has perennials planted in it. Would there be a better case if there were more substantial shrubs within the bed? Please let me know your opinion. Thanks!

On 2022-09-01 by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - when do we need a guard along the top of a 3 foot high 24" wide retaining wall?

No retaining wall along highway retaining wall if not a walkway - (C) InspectApedia.com Knecht

@Leroy knecht,

Is that wall being built where it is expected that people will pass or be active?

If so, better check with your local building code enforcement officer. (You don't give country, state or province or jurisdiction).

Usually highways cutting through hills without human traffic along the hilltop are not the case that we describe above on this page, but in your photo I see what looks like the corner of a buiding - so there may be people along that retaining wall.

On 2022-09-01 by Leroy knecht

I have a vert-block retaining wall that’s 36” high but is 24” wide at top do still need something 42” hi

[Photo above]

On 2022-08-13 by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - what determines the footing depth for retaining wall guardrail support posts?

@Jennifer spinola,

As we have no information at all about the retaining wall in question, no one can offer a sensible specific answer.

In general, if a retaining wall is masonry and in a freezing climate, its footing needs to be below the frost line - otherwise frost heaves will destroy the wall.

In Pennsylvania, with some variation, the frost depth is 44 inches.

A retaining wall built using posts is completely different;

I don't know why you'd need a soil sample or core sample to build a retaining wall, unless the mason is worried that in your particular area there are un-stable soils.

For example, in a freezing climate the required footing depth may be greater than in warm climates because of the need to protect the supporting pier or guardrail footing from frost heave damage.

And on a steep slope footings generally need to be much deeper to assure that the footing and posts remain in place.

On 2022-08-12 by Jennifer spinola

What determines if your building area needs a soil sample and/or a core sample?

For a retaining wall over 4ft in pa what is the depth of the footer supposed to be ?

On 2022-06-17 y InspectApedia-911 (mod) - Can use post Anchors to add a guardrailing or "guard" along the top of a retaining wall

@Lana Beau,

Simpson Strong Tie UB Saddle bracket to anchor wood posts to concrete - cited & discussed at InspectApedia.com

Apologies if I'm missing something from your question, but in my opinion you can add any type (meaning material: wood, masonry, metal, plastic) guard rail at a retaining wall. The methods used depend on the material of the wall, the material of the guardrail and therefore on how its supporting posts will be mounted.

A metal post can go into the soil behind a masonry retaining wall or post supports can be drilled into and secured to the masonry of the wall itself.

Shown below is just one example of dozens of designs, Simpson Strong Tie's UB post bracket that can connect a wooden post to an existing concrete masonry surface. b

On 2022-06-16 by Lana Beau

I want to make it safer for my kids and dog to access the upper level (behind the dog) with a guard rail along the top wall. The upper area was not intended for much access besides gardening.

Retaining wall without guard may be dangerous to both people and pets (C) InspectApedia.com Beau

The wall is reinforced concrete with a brick top cover that is very strong (previous owner was landscape engineer).

Can a railing be added snd if so what type?

On 2022-04-12 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator (mod) - can a planter substitute for guard rail at a retaining wall?

@Patrick Russell,

I can't say from just the information in your question. From just planter width I can't picture your installation nor the liklihood of people walking along the top of the retaining wall or falling off of it.

In general, if there is a natural walking path along or close to the edge of the retaining wall I'd expect your local building inspector to want a guardrail, otherwise, often not.

On 2022-04-12 by Patrick Russell

I have a 42 inch high retaining wall(above next terrace). There is a 4 to 7 foot wide planter that separates walkways from retaining wall. is a guardrail required?

On 2021-09-13 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Frank Mastro,

Glad to assist; stay safe.

On 2021-09-13 by Frank Mastro - is a guardrail needed atop a 30" high retaining wall in New York?

Thanks for your response. We are in upstate NY. Your input is helpful

Frank

On 2021-09-13 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

30-inch retaining wall, no guardrail (C) InspectApedia.com Mastro@Frank Mastro,

Typical local codes - we don't know where you are nor what country, city, or provincial codes apply to you - require a guardrail at heights of 3 ft or at stairs, of 3 risers or more;

But I can tell you from field experience that people can be injured falling off of much lower heights;

So in all events if the area is one where you can expect people to walk or perhaps children to run, a guardrail would be a good idea.

On 2021-09-13 by Frank Mastro

@inspectapedia.com.moderator,
Hello and thanks for your quick response.
The walls are only 30” tall not 3ft. Does that make a difference?

Thank you,
Frank

On 2021-09-12 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Frank Mastro,

Your local building code inspector is the final legal authority, but in my OPINION, if those walls are 3 ft. or more high and in an area where people may be expected to walk then a guardrail would be a smart safety improvement and may be required by your local official.

On 2021-09-12 by Frank Mastro

Hello, we are in the process of terracing with retaining walls from the pool grade to the deck steps. Do we need railings on the retaining walls. They are 30” or less. Thanks

[Photo above]

On 2021-07-08 by danjoefriedman (mod) - retaining wall adjacent to roadway

@Larry Q. Farmer,

I really want to be helpful but I'm sorry to say no one can answer your question from just the text. It might need to have guard rails if the area along the top of the retaining wall is one along with you would expect pedestrian traffic or other falling person hazards.

But it's not the case that every retaining wall by a road requires a guard

On 2021-07-08 by Larry Q. Farmer

Our homeowners association has a 6' retaining wall immediately adjacent to a roadway. Does it have to have guardrails?

On 2021-04-25 by danjoefriedman (mod) - top rail requirement for cable-type guardrails

@Larry, thank you, that's an interesting question.

I'll have to do some research but I think the answer is you need a top rail.

The reasoning is that the rail forms part of the strength of the whole guard rail structure.

It might be that if you can demonstrate that without the top rail you meet the guardrail top strength test procedure, then your building inspector may accept it.

On 2021-04-25 by Larry

On a residential retaining wall, is a solid (wood/metal) top rail required on a 42" tall horizontal cable railing with 3.125" spacing? The top cable would exceed the 36" height requirement for the railing. Would the same apply to an elevated deck railing? The installation is in Indiana.

On 2019-03-30 by danjoefriedman (mod) - building codes don't name every drop-off hazard as requiring a guardrail

I don't think you'll find an explicit code that names every possible drop-off hazard, Robert, as a place where a guardrail is required. There are thousands of such conditions.

However in my OPINION, a guardrail is clearly necessary along walkways - passages intended for walkers - where there is a drop-off of (varying by local jurisdictional stair-rail codes) the equivalent of 3 feet.

If a driveway is expected to be a walkway and passes over a culvert where there is a 4 ft. dropoff, one could make that argument. I'm unsure that it'd prevail in a legal proceeding, as there are millions of drives that pass over culverts without walking guards along those areas.

Perhaps that's because typically a home with a driveway approach over a culvert most-often also has a front walk that passes over the same; there would surely be no difficulty insisting that the walkway be protected against falls. As the walkway offers a path intended for pedestrians, the nearby drive might then be excepted.

On 2019-03-30 by Robert - neighbor fell off of driveway/retaining wall, Wylie Texas

My driveway has a concrete culvert under it for storm water run off in a ditch. The elevation of the driveway's side both entering and exiting this flat topped box culvert is easily over a four foot drop off to the concrete flume in the bottom of the ditch.

My seventy year old neighbor fell backwards off of the side of a similar driveway as mine. Is there an IRC or other code that states what height a drop off must be in order to require some kind of protection against falling off the edge of the driveway/culvert construction?

The city of Wylie TX has indicated that they do not have any code addressing this matter. So if there is an IBC or other code I can refer to that would help. Thank you for your assistance


...

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