Guardrail Along Steep Riverbank

[Adamian]

I am studying a case involving a steep riverbank in the backyard of a hotel. The landscape appears dangerous, but there are no guardrails. I could not find any requirements in the code regarding this issue. Could you help me find information about installing guardrails along the top of a steep riverbank? The hotel backyard has no restrictions for guests, and the public can easily access the area.
P.S. The project is located in California.

 

[XR250]

I'd like to know this too. Even if it is not code required, it seems like a good idea in this case.

 

[Adamian]

The section I was looking for is:

CHAPTER 10: MEANS OF EGRESS
SECTION 1015 GUARDS

Where one or more sides of a walking surface are open to the floor level or grade below, a guard system must be provided to minimize the possibility of occupants accidentally falling to the surface below. A guard is required only where the difference in elevation between the higher walking surface and the surface below is greater than 30 inches (762 mm). Where the ground slopes away from the edge, the vertical distance from the walking surface to the grade or floor below must also be more than 30 inches (762 mm) on the lowest point within a 36-inch (914 mm) radius measured horizontally from the edge of the open-sided walking surface (see Commentary Figure 1015.2).

Here is a link to a document with great graphics.

https://co.routt.co.us/DocumentCenter/View/15200/Guards-Fall-Protection-IBC