A500-16

A500-16
Building guards
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A500-16
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A500-16
Building guards
TM
A trade-mar k of the Canadian S tandards Association, operating as “CSA Group”
Published in September 2016 by CSA Group

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ISBN 978-1-4883-0450-7
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A500-16 Building guards
Contents
Technical Committee on Building Guards 4
Writers Working Group 8
Preface 9
0 Introduction 10
0.1 General 10
0.2 Intent 10
1 Scope 10
1.1 General 10
1.2 Exclusions 10
1.3 Terminology 11
2 Reference publications 11
3 Definitions, abbreviations, and symbols 17

3.1 Definitions 17
3.2 Abbreviations 20
3.3 Symbols 20
4 Design 21
4.1 General requirements 21
4.1.1 Compliance with regulations 21
4.1.2 Methods of analysis and design 21
4.1.3 Durability 22
4.1.4 Exposure conditions 22
4.1.5 Materials compatibility 22
4.1.6 Materials properties information 22
4.1.7 Supporting structure 22
4.1.8 Drainage and debris 23
4.1.9 Guard height 23
4.1.10 Climbability 26
4.2 Loads, load effects, and load combinations 26
4.2.1 General 26
4.2.2 Loads and importance factors 26
4.2.3 Load combinations 27
4.3 Wind load 28
4.3.1 General 28
4.3.2 Calculating wind load 29
4.4 Infill design 30
4.5 Environmental and other loads 30
4.6 Rigging loads for window cleaning and maintenance 30
4.7 Balcony dividers 30
4.8 Deflection limits 31
4.8.1 Posts 31
September 2016 © 2016 CSA Group 1
4.8.2 Rails 31
4.8.3 Openings within and around guards 31
4.9 Anchorage and connections between components 33
4.9.1 Anchorage 33
4.9.2 Material compatibility in connections 34
5 Testing 36
5.1 General 36
5.2 Types of tests 36
5.3 Confirmatory tests 37
5.3.1 General 37
5.3.2 Effect of service load and ultimate load on the guard assembly 37
5.3.3 Effect of total ultimate load on the guard assembly 38
5.3.4 Response to loads 38
5.3.5 Effect of total ultimate on main connections 38
5.3.6 Impact load 38
5.3.7 Summary of tests 38
5.4 Performance tests 39
5.5 Test procedures 40
5.5.1 Guard load and combined load tests 40
5.5.2 Impact and post-breakage retention testing 41
5.5.3 Criteria for successful impact and post-breakage retention testing 46
5.6 Anchor and fastener testing 47
5.6.1 General 47
5.6.2 Type of testing 47
5.6.3 Documentation 48
6 Materials used for guards and their components 48

6.1 Concrete used in guards 48
6.1.1 Materials 48
6.1.2 Design 48
6.1.3 Construction 49
6.2 Masonry used in guards 49
6.2.1 Materials 49
6.2.2 Design 49
6.2.3 Construction 49
6.3 Glass used in guards 49
6.3.1 General 50
6.3.2 Materials 52
6.3.3 Design 54
6.3.4 Heat soaking of tempered glass 57
6.3.5 Transporting and handling glass 58
6.4 Aluminum used in guards 58
6.4.1 General 58
6.4.2 Materials 58
6.4.3 Design 59
6.4.4 Fabrication 59
6.5 Steel used in guards 59
6.5.1 Structural steel 59
6.5.2 Cold-formed steel 60

6.6 Wood used in guards 60
6.6.1 General 60
6.6.2 Materials 60
6.6.3 Design 60
6.6.4 Fabrication and assembly 61
6.6.5 Durability 61
6.7 Composites and other materials used in guards 62
6.8 Coatings 62
6.8.1 Applicable standards 62
6.8.2 End user coatings 62
6.8.3 Application 63
7 Construction requirements 63
7.1 Shapes 63
7.2 Security and tampering 63
7.3 Safety 63
8 Markings 63
Annex A (informative) — Commentary 64

Annex B (informative) — Climbability 68
Annex C (informative) — Geometry, layout, and anchoring of guards 73
Annex D (informative) — Risk assessment for glass breakage 85
Annex E (informative) — Rigging loads for window cleaning and maintenance 94
Annex F (informative) — Composites and other materials 101
Annex G (informative) — Handling 107
Annex H (informative) — Maintenance plan for building guards 108
Technical Committee on Building Guards

P. Vegh exp Services Inc., Chair
Brampton, Ontario
Category: Architectural/Engineering
P. Mariai ANCHORICA Engineered Connections, Vice-Chair

Toronto, Ontario
Category: Supplier/Fabricator/Contractor
E. Abramovici FALCONMET Engineering and Laboratories Inc.,

Toronto, Ontario
A. Attar National Research Council Canada,

Ottawa, Ontario
Category: Regulatory Authority/General Interest
I. Balilty Regal Windows and Doors, Associate

Concord, Ontario
V.L. Block Kuraray America Inc., Associate

Wilmington, Delaware, USA
V. Brinovec Valentin Engineering,

Toronto, Ontario
Category: General Interest
M. Brook BVDA Facade Engineering Limited, Associate

Uxbridge, Ontario
B. Chapdelaine Aluspek,
Waterloo, Québec
G. Douramakos State Railing Corporation,

Concord, Ontario
V. Ferraro Gradient Microclimate Engineering Inc.,

Ottawa, Ontario
G.V. Francis Vision Engineering & Design Inc., Associate

Oakville, Ontario
G.R. Genge GRG Building Consultants,

Newmarket, Ontario
Category: User Interest
S. Grbac Halifax Regional Municipality,

Halifax, Nova Scotia
K.G. Griffiths City of Calgary — Development and Building

Approvals,
Calgary, Alberta
R. Haddad Prohaska Engineering Inc., Associate

Mississauga, Ontario
K. Harrison Lanterra Construction Management Ltd.,

Toronto, Ontario
G. Hildebrand exp Services Inc., Associate

Brampton, Ontario
B. Hubbs RDH Building Engineering Limited, Associate

Vancouver, British Columbia
R. Ifrah Aluminum Window Designs Ltd.,

Woodbridge, Ontario
W.M. Johnston City of Toronto — North York Civic Centre,

Toronto, Ontario
R.J. Jonkman Canadian Wood Council, Associate

Ottawa, Ontario
A. Kay Toro Aluminum Railings Inc., Associate

Concord, Ontario
J. Kluznik The Daniels Corporation,

Toronto, Ontario
L. Lee Hullmark Centre Property Manager,

Toronto, Ontario
R. Michaud Ramp-Art,
Lévis, Québec
J. Miller Air-Ins Incorporated,

Varennes, Québec
D. Mitta Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing,

Toronto, Ontario
B. Morava Rowan Williams Davies & Irwin Inc.,

Guelph, Ontario
D.T. Prohaska Prohaska Engineering Inc.,

Brechin, Ontario
P. Spremulli Airport Ornamental Railings Co. Ltd.,

M. Steele RESCON,
Vaughan, Ontario
L. Szczepanski Building Envelope Engineering, Associate

Oakville, Ontario
E.P. Thiessen RDH Building Engineering Limited,

Vancouver, British Columbia
Category: General Interest
H. Trivedi exp Services Inc., Associate

Brampton, Ontario
H. Vossoughi WSP Canada Inc.,

Toronto, Ontario
P. Gulletson CSA Group, Project Manager

Toronto, Ontario
Writers Working Group

P. Vegh exp Services Inc., Chair
Brampton, Ontario
E. Abramovici FALCONMET Engineering and Laboratories Inc.,

Toronto, Ontario
V. Brinovec Valentin Engineering,

Toronto, Ontario
G. Douramakos State Railing Corporation,

Concord, Ontario
G.R. Genge GRG Building Consultants,

Newmarket, Ontario
R. Haddad Prohaska Engineering Inc.,

G. Hildebrand exp Services Inc.,

Brampton, Ontario
P. Mariai ANCHORICA Engineered Connections,

Toronto, Ontario
B. Morava Rowan Williams Davies & Irwin Inc.,

Guelph, Ontario
H. Vossoughi WSP Canada Inc.,

Toronto, Ontario
P. Gulletson CSA Group, Project Manager

Toronto, Ontario
The following individuals are also recognized for contribution of key content for this Standard: Ed
Thiessen, Dave Prohaska, Les Szczepanski, Albert Eskenazi, Harsh Trivedi, Dan Mitta, and Robert
Jonkman. Mark Layton contributed key content for the Standard as a voting member on the Technical
Committee until his passing in 2015.
Preface
This is the first edition of CSA A500, Building guards.
This Standard was prepared in response to requests from stakeholders who saw the need for a standard
for materials, design, construction, testing, and performance of building guards. The Standard was
developed through the collaboration of designers, engineers, fabricators, suppliers, building owners,
property developers, regulators, and other technical specialists.
Special recognition is given to the members of the Writers Working Group for developing content for
this Standard.
CSA Group acknowledges that the development of this Standard was made possible, in part, by the
financial support of Concord Adex, Daniels Group, Grappe Industrielle d’Aluminium du Québec (GIAQ),
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, RESCON, Royal Guard, State Window Corporation,
Toro Aluminum Railings, and Tridel-Deltera.
This Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Building Guards, under the jurisdiction of
the Construction and Civil Infrastructure Strategic Steering Committee, and has been formally approved
by the Technical Committee.
Notes:
1) Use of the singular does not exclude the plural (and vice versa) when the sense allows.
2) Although the intended primary application of this Standard is stated in its Scope, it is important to note that it
remains the responsibility of the users of the Standard to judge its suitability for their particular purpose.
3) This Standard was developed by consensus, which is defined by CSA Policy governing standardization — Code
of good practice for standardization as “substantial agreement. Consensus implies much more than a simple
majority, but not necessarily unanimity”. It is consistent with this definition that a member may be included in
the Technical Committee list and yet not be in full agreement with all clauses of this Standard.
4) To submit a request for interpretation of this Standard, please send the following information to
inquiries@csagroup.org and include “Request for interpretation” in the subject line:
a) define the problem, making reference to the specific clause, and, where appropriate, include an
illustrative sketch;
b) provide an explanation of circumstances surrounding the actual field condition; and
c) where possible, phrase the request in such a way that a specific “yes” or “no” answer will address the
issue.
Committee interpretations are processed in accordance with the CSA Directives and guidelines
governing standardization and are available on the Current Standards Activities page at
standardsactivities.csa.ca.
5) This Standard is subject to review five years from the date of publication. Suggestions for its improvement will
be referred to the appropriate committee. To submit a proposal for change, please send the following
information to inquiries@csagroup.org and include “Proposal for change” in the subject line:
a) Standard designation (number);
b) relevant clause, table, and/or figure number;
c) wording of the proposed change; and
d) rationale for the change.
A500-16
Building guards
0 Introduction
0.1 General
This Standard was developed in response to a request from stakeholders who saw the need for a
standard for materials, design, construction, testing, and performance of building guards.
0.2 Intent
The intent of this Standard is to specify minimum requirements for the materials, design, construction,
testing, and performance of building guards and to provide guidance on assessing guards to maintain
ongoing minimum performance levels.
This Standard is intended to be

a) adopted by building code regulations in provinces and territories across Canada;
b) reviewed and updated from time to time to reflect the current state of knowledge of building
guards; and
c) used in its entirety.
1 Scope
1.1 General
This Standard specifies requirements for the materials, design, construction, testing, and performance
of building guards.
This Standard applies to building guards required as protective barriers to prevent accidental falls from
one level to another.
Notes:
1) This includes walls acting as guards.
2) Guards can be with or without openings, around openings in floors, or at the open sides of stairs, landings,
balconies, mezzanines, galleries, raised walkways, or other locations.
1.2 Exclusions
This Standard does not apply to
a) temporary guards regulated elsewhere by applicable health and safety requirements;
b) guards for resisting impact from vehicles;
c) guards used in Group F (industrial occupancy) buildings as set out by the National Building Code of
Canada (NBC); and
d) guards used in Group A (assembly occupancy) buildings that are permitted to be designed to other
requirements as set out by the National Building Code of Canada (NBC), such as in places of
assembly with fixed seats or bleacher seats.
1.3 Terminology
In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to
satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that
which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible
within the limits of the Standard.
Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a
note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.
Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as
requirements.
Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their

application.
2 Reference publications
This Standard refers to the following publications, and where such reference is made, it shall be to the
edition listed below, including all amendments published thereto.
CSA Group
A23.1/A23.2-14
Concrete materials and methods of concrete construction/Test methods and standard practices for
concrete
A23.3-14
Design of Concrete Structures
A23.4-16
Precast Concrete — Materials and Construction
CAN/CSA-A82-14
Fired masonry brick made from clay or shale
A165-14 Series
CSA Standards on concrete masonry units
CAN/CSA-A179-14
Mortar and grout for unit masonry
CAN/CSA-A370-14
Connectors for masonry
CAN/CSA-A371-14
Masonry Construction for Buildings
CAN/CSA-O80 Series-15
Wood preservation
O86-14
Engineering Design in Wood
O141-05 (R2014)
Softwood lumber
O177-06 (R2015)
Qualification Code for Manufacturers of Structural Glued-Laminated Timber
S16-14
Design of Steel Structures
S136-12
North American Specification for the Design of Cold Formed Steel Structures
CAN/CSA-S157-05/S157.1-05 (R2015)
Strength Design in Aluminum / Commentary on CSA S157-05, Strength Design in Aluminum
S304.1-14
Design of Masonry Structures (Limit States Design)
S478-95 (R2007)
Guideline on Durability of Buildings
CAN/CSA-Z91-02 (R2013)
Health and safety code for suspended equipment operations
CAN/CSA-Z271-10 (R2015)
Safety code for suspended platforms
AAMA (American Architectural Manufacturers Association)

609 & 610-15
Cleaning and Maintenance Guide for Architecturally Finished Aluminum
611-98
Voluntary Specification for Anodized Architectural Aluminum
612-02
Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements, and Test Procedures for Combined Coatings of
Anodic Oxide and Transparent Organic Coatings on Architectural Aluminum
620-02
Voluntary Specifications for High Performance Organic Coatings on Coil Coated Architectural Aluminum
Substrates
621-02
Voluntary Specifications for High Performance Organic Coatings on Coil Coated Architectural Hot Dipped
Galvanized (HDG) and Zinc-Aluminum Coated Steel Substrates
623-10
Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Organic Coatings on Fiber
Reinforced Thermoset Profiles
624-10
Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for High Performance Organic
Coatings on Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Profiles
625-10
Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Superior Performance
Organic Coatings on Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Profiles
2603-15
Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures For Pigmented Organic
Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels.
2604-10
Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for High Performance Organic
Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels
2605-11
Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Superior Performing Organic
Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels
TIR-A9-14
Design Guide for Metal Cladding Fasteners
ANSI (American National Standards Institute)

Z97.1-2015
American National Standard for Safety Glazing Materials Used in Buildings — Safety Performance
Specifications and Methods of Test
ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers)

ASCE/SEI 7-10
Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures
ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers)

ANSI/ASME B18.6.1-1981
Wood Screws
ANSI/ASME B18.6.3-2013
Machine Screws, Tapping Screws, and Metallic Drive Screws (Inch Series)
ASTM International
A123/A123M-15
Standard Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings on Iron and Steel Products
A153/A153M-09
Standard Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron and Steel Hardware
A320/A320M-14
Standard Specification for Alloy-Steel and Stainless Steel Bolting for Low-Temperature Service
A653/A653M-15e1
Standard Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed)
by the Hot-Dip Process
B580-79 (2014)
Standard Specification for Anodic Oxide Coatings on Aluminum
B695-04 (2009)
Standard Specification for Coatings of Zinc Mechanically Deposited on Iron and Steel
C920-14a
Standard Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
C1036-11e1
Standard Specification for Flat Glass
C1048-12
Standard Specification for Heat Strengthened and Fully Tempered Flat Glass
C1115-06
Standard Specification for Dense Elastomeric Silicone Rubber Gaskets and Accessories
C1172-09
Standard Specification for Laminated Architectural Flat Glass
C1184-14
Standard Specification for Structural Silicone Selants
D638-14
Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D696-16
Standard Test Method for Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion of Plastics Between –30 °C and 30 °C
with a Vitreous Silica Dilatometer
D790-15e2
Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical
Insulating Materials
D2344/D2344M-13
Standard Test Method for Short-Beam Strength of Polymer Matrix Composite Materials and Their
Laminates
D5026-06 (2014)e1
Standard Test Method for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: In Tension
E84-15b
Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
E488-10
Standard Test Methods for Strength of Anchors in Concrete Elements
E935-13
Standard Test Methods for Performance of Permanent Metal Railing Systems and Rails for Buildings
E1300-12ae1
Standard Practice for Determining Load Resistance of Glass in Buildings
E1613-12
Standard Test Method for Determination of Lead by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission
Spectrometry (ICP-AES), Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS), or Graphite Furnace Atomic
Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS) Techniques
E1753-13
Standard Practice for Use of Qualitative Chemical Spot Test Kits for Detection of Lead in Dry Paint Films
E2203-02
Standard Specification for Dense Thermoplastic Elastomers Used for Compression Seals, Gaskets, Setting
Blocks, Spacers and Accessories
E2353-16
Standard Test Methods for Performance of Glazing in Permanent Railing Systems, Guards, and
Balustrades
E2751/E2751M-13
Standard Practice for Design and Performance of Supported Laminated Glass Walkways
F593-13a
Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Bolts, Hex Cap Screws, and Studs
F594-09e1
Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Nuts
F844-07a (2013)
Standard Specification for Washers, Steel, Plain (Flat), Unhardened for General Use
F1667-13
Standard Specification for Driven Fasteners: Nails, Spikes and Staples
BSI (British Standards Institution)

BS 476-7:1997
Fire tests on building materials and structures. Method of test to determine the classification of the
surface spread of flame of products
BS 6206:1981
Specification for impact performance requirements for flat safety glass and safety plastics for use in
buildings
BS 6262:2005
Glazing for buildings
CGSB (Canadian General Standards Board)

CAN/CGSB 12.1-M90
Tempered or Laminated Safety Glass
CAN/CGSB 12.3-M91
Flat, Clear Float Glass
CAN/CGSB 12.20-M89
Structural Design of Glass
DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung)

EN 14179-1:2005
Glass in building — Heat soaked thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass — Part 1: Definition
and description
EN 14179-2:2005
Glass in building — Heat soaked thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass — Part 2:
Evaluation of conformity/Product standard
GANA (Glass Association of North America)

Glazing Manual, 50th Anniversary Edition (2009)
GANA Guidelines for Handling and Cleaning Decorative Glass
01-0300
Proper Procedure for Cleaning of Architectural Glass Products
IFI (Industrial Fasters Institute)

113:2007
Steel Self-Drilling Tapping Screws
NLGA (National Lumber Grades Authority)

Standard Grading Rules for Canadian Lumber (2014)
National Research Council Canada

National Building Code of Canada (NBC), 2015
SAE International
J81 (2012)
Thread Rolling Screws
SDI (Steel Door Institute)

A250.10-1998 (R2004)
Test Procedure and Acceptance Criteria for Prime Painted Steel Surfaces for Steel Doors and Frames
WDMA (Window & Door Manufacturers Association)

T.M.11-06
Test Method for Factory Applied Pigmented Primer Coatings for Wood and Wood Cellulosic Composites
Used for Millwork
T.M.12-06
Test Method for Factory Applied Pigmented Finish Coatings for Wood and Wood Cellulosic Composites
Used for Millwork
Other publications
Beyer, Jörg. Glass design using the SLG-method, Technische Universität, State Material Testing Institute,
Germany, Proceedings from Glass Performance Days, 2009
Haidimann, Mathias, Andreas Luible, and Mauro Overend. Structural Use of Glass, Structural
Engineering Document 10, International Association for Bridges and Structural Engineering (IABSE),
2008
Hatch, John E., Aluminum: Properties and Physical Metallurgy, American Society for Metals (ASM
International), 1984
O'Regan, Chris. Structural use of glass in Buildings, Second edition, The Institute of Structural Engineers,
2014
3 Definitions, abbreviations, and symbols

3.1 Definitions
The following definitions shall apply in this Standard:
Anchor — a steel element either cast into the concrete or post-installed into the hardened concrete and
used to transmit the applied loads.
Anchor group — a number of anchors of approximately equal diameter and effective embedment with
each anchor spaced at a specified distance from each other.
Anchor spacing — the distance between the centre of the anchors in the anchor group.
Anchor types —
Cast-in anchor — a threaded insert or threaded stud installed prior to placing concrete.
Post-installed adhesive anchor — a threaded rod or rebar that is installed in a predrilled hole in a
base material with a two-part chemical compound.
Post-installed anchor — a mechanical or adhesive bonded anchor installed after construction of the
supporting structure.
Post-installed torque-controlled expansion anchor — an anchor that is expanded by tightening of

the bolt or the nut.
Post-installed undercut anchor — an anchor that develops its strength from the mechanical
interlock provided by undercutting of the concrete at the embedded end of the anchor.
Building guard — a protective barrier to prevent accidental falls from one level to another.
Note: Guards can be with or without openings, around openings in floors, or at the open sides of stairs, landings,
balconies, mezzanines, galleries, raised walkways, or other locations.
Cap — a protective non-structural component used for top and/or side edges of a glass panel to protect
it from possible damage.
Engineer — a person in the engineering profession with specific expertise in the relevant subject area
and who is licensed to practice in a jurisdiction in Canada.
Glass — a hard, brittle substance, usually transparent, made by fusing materials such as soda ash
(NA2CO3), limestone (CaCO3), and sand under high temperatures.
Fully-tempered glass — glass that has been heat treated to a high surface and/or edge compression
to meet the requirements of ASTM C1048 (kind FT) or CAN/CGSB 12.1.
Note: Fully-tempered glass, if broken, will fracture into many small pieces (dice) which are more or less
cubical. Fully-tempered glass is approximately four times stronger than annealed glass of the same thickness
when exposed to static loads. Outside North America, it is sometimes called toughened glass.
Heat soaked glass — glass that has undergone a process that minimizes the effects of critical NiS
inclusions in a fully-tempered glass.
Note: This means tempered glass that has been exposed to 290 °C for 2 h and then gradually ramped down in
a specially constructed oven to reduce the probability of spontaneous breakage from nickel sulfide inclusions.
Laminated glass — an assembly of two or more lites of glass that are bonded together by an
interlayer material.
Probability of breakage — the likelihood that a monolithic or laminated glass lite would break in
the first occurrence of a specified load and duration, typically expressed in number of lites per 1000.
Inside plane of the guard — the vertical plane that is tangent to the interior-side face of the innermost
guard component that is not the main attachment to the structure (e.g., shoe, standoff, bolt) or the top
rail.
Limit state — the state of the guard assembly (limit) beyond which the guard ceases to fulfill the
function for which it was designed (i.e., serviceability limit state and ultimate limit state).
Loads —
Companion load — the specified variable load that accompanies the principal load in a given load
combination.
Factored load — the product of a specified load and its principal load factor or companion load
factor.
Principal load — the specified variable load or rare load that dominates in a given load
combination.
Service load — the specified load used for the evaluation of a serviceability limit state.
Specified loads — those loads defined in the appropriate building code, or those loads determined
by use and occupancy, or such larger loads as selected for the design.
Note: In accordance with the NBC, these loads might include, but are not limited to, (D) dead load, (E)
earthquake load, (L) live load, (S) variable load due to snow, (T) effects due to contraction, expansion, or
deflection caused by temperature changes, shrinkage, moisture changes, creep, ground settlement, or a
combination thereof, (W) wind load, and any other loads specified in the NBC, Article 4.1.2.1., that are
applicable.
Load effects — forces, moments, deformations, or vibrations that occur in the structure.
Load factor —
Companion load factor — a factor that, when applied to a companion load in the load combination,
gives the probable magnitude of a companion load acting simultaneously with the factored principal
load.
Importance factor — a factor applied to obtain the specified load that takes into account the
consequences of failure as related to the limit state and the use and occupancy of the building
when and where applicable.
Principal load factor — a factor applied to the principal load in a load combination to account for
the variability of the load and load pattern and the analysis of its effects.
Resistance factor (Φ) — a factor applied to a specified material property or to the resistance of a
member, connection or structure, and that, for the limit state under consideration, takes into
account the variability of dimensions and material properties, workmanship, type of failure and
uncertainty in the prediction of resistance.
Minimum height of the guard — the minimum required height of the guard from the surface it is
intended to protect as established by applicable regulations.
Panel — an infill structural component between rails and posts within a building guard.
Picket — a vertical structural component between rails and posts within a building guard that typically
forms part of the infill of the guard assembly.
Post — a vertical structural component of a building guard.
Rail — a horizontal structural component of a building guard.

Note: A top rail may also act as a handrail. A top rail transfers applied guard load to supporting structural
members.
Residential occupancy — the occupancy or use of a building or part of a building by persons for whom
sleeping accommodation is provided but who are not harboured or detained there to receive medical
care or treatment or who are not involuntarily detained there.
Resistance —
Factored resistance, ΦR — the product of nominal resistance and the applicable resistance factor.
Nominal resistance, R — the resistance of a member, connection or structure, based on the

geometry and on the specified properties of the structural materials,
Sealant (caulking) — any of a variety of compounds used to fill and seal joints or openings in wood,
metal, masonry, and various other materials, as opposed to a sealer, which is a liquid used to seal a
porous surface.
Span — the clear shortest distance measured between two adjacent support points.
Supporting structure — any structure, new or existing, that acts as support for a guard and is of
adequate strength and stability to support all loads applied to the guard with acceptable safety and
without distress.
Surface the guard is intended to protect — the horizontal elevation from which the minimum guard
height is measured, including all finishes, overlays, etc., that are not components of the guard system.
3.2 Abbreviations
The following abbreviations shall apply in this Standard:
ACQI =I alkaline copper quaternary
ALARPI =I as low as reasonably practicable
ASDI =I allowable stress design
CAI =I copper azole
GRPI =I glass fibre-reinforced plastics
MCAI =I micronized copper quaternary
MCQI =I micronized copper azole
3.3 Symbols
The following symbols shall apply in this Standard
aI =I height above the finished floor of the surface that the guard is intended to protect
CeI =I exposure factor for wind
CgI =I gust effect factor for wind
CpI =I external pressure coefficient for wind
Ct I =I topographic factor for wind
DI =I dead load
DBI =I building depth
EI =I earthquake load and effects
FI =I frequency of a fatality
FfI =I frequency of NiS inclusion breakage
hI =I mid-height of the guard above the ground
HGI =I minimum height of the guard
hgI =I overall height of the guard
hsI =I depth of soil
IEI =I importance factor for earthquake loads
lgI =I total length of the guard segment between its directional changes
ISI =I importance factor for snow loads
IWI =I importance factor for wind loads

LI =I live load
LminI =I minimum horizontal length of the modified guard height
SI =I variable load due to snow
pI =I specified external pressure
pcI =I probability that glass will fall in clumps
pdI =I probability that screen will not break up clumps
pfI =I probability of a fatality if person is struck by a clump
poI =I probability that glass will fall outwards
ppI =I probability that clumped glass will fall in an area occupied by people
qI =I reference velocity pressure for wind
TI =I effects due to contraction, expansion, or deflection caused by temperature changes, shrinkage,
moisture changes, creep, ground settlement, or a combination thereof
WI =I wind load
WBI =I building width
γI =I angle for determining guard height that is the angle between the vertical and the line drawn
from the closest point to the guard on the surface that the guard is intended to protect to the
top of the guard at its mid-axis
4 Design
4.1 General requirements
4.1.1 Compliance with regulations

The design of guards shall comply with applicable building regulations. Requirements given in this
Standard shall not be interpreted as conflicting with regulations applicable to the design of building
guards. In the case of a conflict between the provisions of this Standard and those of the applicable
building regulations, the provisions of the regulations shall govern.
4.1.2 Methods of analysis and design

Design of guards shall be based on one or more of the following, as applicable:
a) analysis using existing standards and practices recognized by the applicable regulations;
b) testing of prototype assemblies that include all components, attachments, fasteners, and materials
in accordance with Clause 5;
c) testing of physical scale models of guards undertaken by persons specifically trained and
experienced to undertake the necessary testing; or
d) computer simulations conducted by persons specifically trained and experienced to undertake the
simulations.
Notes:
1) The designer should consider the risk to public safety and/or damage to property arising from failure.
Additional information is provided in Annex D. The requirements for materials, design, and construction set
out in this Standard are minimum requirements. Each building and guard location on each building has
specific and inherent risk associated with failure of a guard or any guard component. For instance, designers
should consider
a) the risk of injury or property damage arising from the failure of guard components that would fall onto
an area that is a commonly used public area is greater than the risk of a similar component falling onto
an area that is little used; and
b) the risk of unusual loading that can occur at some areas such as public corridors used as emergency
exits.
2) Design iteration using physical testing used as a basis for design may allow the development of empirical
relationships that can be the basis of a design practice.
3) Computer simulations involving finite element or similar modelling of guard performance used as a basis for
design should be validated by physical testing unless the simulation is a commonly used and commercially
available product that has proven record of accuracy and reliability.
4) The selection of the type of glass used in building guards is, among other factors, dependent on the location
of the guard and the associated risk posed to persons from glass breakage. Guidance on performing a risk
analysis is included in Annex D.
4.1.3 Durability
Materials used in guards that are subject to weathering, chemical attack, insect infestation, or other
deleterious environments, shall meet the requirements of the applicable material standards for all
materials including coatings, anchorages, attachments, splines, shims, and fasteners.
The design shall consider the effects of normally anticipated weathering and other deleterious effects
and environments under normal use over the design service life of the guard with proper maintenance,
which shall be taken as a minimum of one half of the minimum design service life of the structure or
building as defined in CSA S478.
Notes:
1) Exposure conditions can change over the service life of the guard, affecting durability.
2) Periodic maintenance inspections should be conducted to assess guard condition. See also Annex H.
4.1.4 Exposure conditions

All materials and fasteners used in guard construction shall be resistant to the anticipated exposure
conditions and in accordance with any standards referenced within Clause 6.
4.1.5 Materials compatibility

Materials used in combination shall be selected to be compatible or provided with separation to
prevent chemical, dielectric, and physical effects detrimental to the strength and durability of the guard
assembly.
4.1.6 Materials properties information

Records and certifications related to materials properties and compliance with tests shall be available to
designers and referenced by designers in their design of guards.
4.1.7 Supporting structure

The substrate structure shall be of adequate strength to sustain all applied loads safely without
excessive stress, deflection, or distortion on either the guard or the substrate.
Note: See Clause A.4.1.7 for a commentary on this Clause.
4.1.8 Drainage and debris
4.1.8.1 Guard components

Guard components shall be designed to allow drainage of moisture from precipitation or condensation
or be sealed to prevent moisture accumulation that can cause adverse effects.
4.1.8.2 Guard assemblies

Guards shall be designed to prevent accumulation of moisture on the supporting structure that can
cause adverse effects on the guard or the supporting structure.
4.1.8.3 Collection of debris

Guards shall be designed to minimize the likelihood of collection of debris within the guard assembly or
between guard components and abutting structures.
Note: Accumulation of debris can block drainage and trap materials that can absorb moisture that can affect the
performance of either the guard components or the supporting structure.
4.1.9 Guard height
4.1.9.1 General
Minimum guard height, HG, shall be in accordance with applicable codes. Table 4.1 gives the minimum
guard height for various locations in accordance with the NBC. Minimum guard height shall be
measured from the surface the guard is intended to protect.
For walls acting as guards, guard height shall be measured from the top of the finished floor.
Table 4.1
Minimum guard height, HG
(See Clauses 4.1.9.1 and 5.5.1.7.)
Minimum height
Location of the guard
HG, mm
Within dwelling units
Exterior guards not more than 1800 mm above
900
Residential (per NBC Articles 3.3.4.7. and 9.8.8.3.) ground level
Flights of stairs, except exit stairs
All other residential guards 1070
Exterior stairs and landings more than 10 m above ground level (per NBC Articles 3.4.6.6. and 1500
A-9.8.8.1.)
Fire escapes (per NBC Article 3.4.7.6.) 920
All other guards (per NBC Articles 3.3.5.4. and 3.3.1.18.) 1070
4.1.9.2 The surface the guard is intended to protect

The surface the guard is intended to protected shall be the highest surface that
a) is permanently installed;
b) is not a guard component;
c) provides sufficient support for standing on or measures at least 45 mm in length and 45 mm in

width projected into the horizontal plane and with top surface slope less than 2:1 (horizontal to
vertical ratio); and
Note: A surface that provides sufficient support for standing on can also comprise a collection of discrete
surfaces that are less than 45 mm in length or width but are close enough together to stand on.
d) is inward of the plane that is located 45 mm from and parallel to the inside plane of the guard.
The shortest distance between any point on top of the surface the guard is intended to protect and the
top of the guard shall not be less than HG.
Where multiple surfaces are adjacent to the guard, the surface the guard is intended to protect shall be
selected as the surface that requires the highest guard height.
For an illustration of guard height determination, see Figures 4.1 and 4.2.
Figure 4.1
Guard height determination
(See Clause 4.1.9.2.)
Mid-axis of
the guard
γ
R Closest point to the
guard on the surface
hg
Surface the guard is
intende d to protect
Guard
d
0
For R ≥ HG, hg = HG
For
For R < HG, hg > HG; hg = a + HG cos γ
Figure 4.2
Guard height determination
Lmin (mm)
Balcony
HG (mm)
door
H γ
G (m Exterior
a (mm) m wall
)
hg (mm)
HG (mm)
from top d (mm)
of finished
floor
0
Max. distance
from top of
a (mm) track to top
of finished
floor
0
The minimum horizontal length of the modified guard height, Lmin, is given by
where
or
The overall height of the guard, hg, is given by
hg = a + HG cos γ
where
LminI =I minimum horizontal length of the guard
HGI =I minimum height of the guard, mm
hgI =I overall height of the guard, mm
aI =I height above the finished floor of the surface the guard is intended to protect, mm
γI =I angle between the vertical and the line drawn from the closest point to the guard on the
surface that the guard is intended to protect to the top of the guard at its mid-axis
4.1.10 Climbability
Where guards protect a level that is more than 4.2 m above the adjacent level, they shall be designed
such that no part of the guard (e.g., member, attachment, or opening) between 140 mm and 900 mm
above the surface the guard is intended to protect facilitates climbing.
Notes:
1) This is in accordance with the NBC.
2) In the design of building guards, it is also important to consider the implications of some guard components
(e.g., shoe covers) and building components that are built or installed adjacent to guards that can facilitate
climbing.
3) See Annex B for further information on climbability.
4.2 Loads, load effects, and load combinations
4.2.1 General
The specified loads, load effects, and load combinations given in Clauses 4.2.2 and 4.2.3 shall be
considered in the design of guards.
Notes:
1) Specified loads, load effects, and combinations specified in this Standard are in accordance with the
provisions of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) and the User’s Guide — NBC 2010 Structural
Commentaries (Part 4 of Division B).
2) Effect of the impact testing requirements as given in Clause 5 of this Standard also need to be considered in
the design of guard assemblies.
3) Designers should also consider the effects of vibration on guard components, fasteners and attachments.
Vibration can result in
a) sudden failure due to material contact;
b) degradation of material properties and load resistance over time; or
c) unacceptable serviceability conditions such as noise.
4) See Clause 4.8.3 for requirements for openings within and around guards.
4.2.2 Loads and importance factors
4.2.2.1 Loads to be considered

Loads to be considered shall include the following, which is based on the NBC, Article 4.1.2.1., where
applicable, and the minimum specified values of these loads shall be increased or properly assessed to
account for dynamic effects, where applicable:
a) D — dead load: a permanent load due to the weight of building components, as specified in the
NBC, Subsection 4.1.4;
b) E — earthquake load and effects: a rare load due to an earthquake, as specified in the NBC,
Subsection 4.1.8, including the effect of the importance factors in Clause 4.2.2.2 of this Standard
and the requirements of the NBC, Article 4.1.8.18.;
c) L — live load: a variable load due to intended use and occupancy, as specified in the NBC,
Articles 4.1.5.14. and 4.1.5.16.;
Note: Loads on handrails, which can be found in the NBC, Sentence 4.1.5.14.(7), do not need to be considered
to act simultaneously with guard loads.
d) S — variable load due to snow, including ice and associated rain, as specified in the NBC,
Article 4.1.6.2., or due to rain as specified in the NBC, Article 4.1.6.4., and also including the effect
of the importance factors given in Clause 4.2.2.2 of this Standard;
e) T — effects due to contraction, expansion, or deflection caused by temperature changes,
shrinkage, moisture changes, creep, ground settlement, or a combination thereof;
f) W — wind load: a variable load due to wind, as specified in the NBC, Subsection 4.1.7, including
the effect of the importance factors in Clause 4.2.2.2 of this Standard; and
g) any other loads specified in the NBC, Article 4.1.2.1., that are applicable.
4.2.2.2 Importance factors

For the purpose of determining the specified E, S, or W loads of Clause 4.2.2.1, importance factors shall
be applied in accordance with the NBC. Table 4.2 gives the importance factors for determining E, S, and
W loads in accordance with the NBC.
Note: For further information on specified loads and importance factors, see the NBC.
Table 4.2
Importance factors for determining S, W, or E loads in accordance with the NBC
(See Clauses 4.2.2.2 and 4.3.2.1.)
Importance factors for Importance factors for Importance factors for

snow loads, IS wind loads, IW earthquake loads, IE
Importance Ultimate Serviceability Ultimate Serviceability Ultimate Serviceability
category limit state limit state limit state limit state limit state limit state
Low 0.8 0.9 0.8 0.75 0.8 —
Normal 1.0 0.9 1.0 0.75 1.0 —
High 1.15 0.9 1.15 0.75 1.3 —
Post-disaster 1.25 0.9 1.25 0.75 1.5 —
4.2.3 Load combinations
4.2.3.1 Load combinations for ultimate limit states

The effect of factored principal loads plus companion loads shall be determined in accordance with the
load combination cases given in Table 4.3, which is based on Table 4.1.3.2-A of the NBC. The applicable
combination shall be that which results in the most unfavourable effect.
Table 4.3
Load combinations for ultimate limit states, based on Table 4.1.3.2-A of the NBC
(See Clauses 4.2.3.1, 4.4, 5.3.3, and 5.3.5.)
Load combination*
Case Principal loads Companion loads

1 1.4D§ —
2 (1.25D‡ or 0.9D†) + 1.5L‡ 1.0S or 0.4W
3 (1.25‡D or 0.9D†) + 1.5S 1.0L or 0.4W
4 (1.25D‡ or 0.9D†) + 1.4W 0.5L or 0.5S
5 1.0D† + 1.0E** 0.5L§ + 0.25S
* Other load combinations that shall also be considered are the principal loads acting with the companion loads taken as zero.
Where the effects due to lateral earth pressure, H, restraint effects from pre-stress, P, and imposed deformation, T, affect the
structural safety, they shall be taken into account in the calculations, with load factors of 1.5, 1.0 and 1.25 assigned to H, P, and
T, respectively.
† The counteracting factored dead load (0.9D in load combination cases 2, 3, and 4 and 1.0D in load combination case 5) shall
be used when the dead load acts to resist overturning, uplift, sliding, failure due to stress reversal, and to determine anchorage
requirements and the factored resistance of members.
‡ Except as provided in §, the load factor 1.25 for dead load, D, for soil, superimposed earth, plants, and trees given in Table 4.3
shall be increased to 1.5, except that when the soil depth exceeds 1.2 m, the factor may be reduced to 1 + 0.6/hs but not less
than 1.25, where hs is the depth of soil in metres supported by the structure.
§ A principal-load factor of 1.5 shall be applied to the weight of saturated soil used in load combination case 1 of Table 4.3.
** Earthquake load, E, in load combination cases 5 of Table 4.3 includes horizontal earth pressure due to earthquake
determined in accordance with the NBC, Sentence 4.1.8.16.(7).
4.2.3.2 Load combinations for serviceability limit states

The effect of principal plus companion loads shall be determined in accordance with the load
combinations in Table 4.4. The applicable combination shall be that which results in the most
unfavourable effect.
Table 4.4
Load combinations for serviceability limit states
Load combination*
Case Principal loads Companion loads

1 1.0D —
2 1.0D + 1.0L 1.0S or 0.3W†
3 1.0D + 1.0S 1.0L or 0.3W†
4 1.0D + 0.75W† 0.5L or 0.5S
* Other load combinations that must also be considered are the principal loads acting with the companion loads taken as zero.
† Includes a factor of 0.75 for wind load serviceability.
4.3 Wind load
4.3.1 General
The wind load shall be determined either by calculation using the formula provided in the NBC,
Sentence 4.1.7.3.(1) and shown in Clause 4.3.2 of this Standard or experimentally by wind tunnel testing
when more accurate estimates of wind load are required, in which case, the values obtained through
wind tunnel testing shall take precedence.
4.3.2 Calculating wind load
4.3.2.1
The calculation of wind load shall be in accordance with the NBC, Sentence 4.1.7.3.(1), given as follows:
p = I W q Ce Ct Cg Cp
where
pI =I specified external pressure acting statically and in a direction normal to the surface of the
guard, considered positive when the pressure acts towards the surface and negative when it
acts away from the surface
IWI =I importance factor for wind load, as provided in Table 4.2 of this Standard
qI =I reference velocity pressure determined in accordance with the NBC, Subsection 1.1.3, based on
a probability of being exceeded in any one year of 1 in 50
CeI =I exposure factor determined based on the mid-height of the guard above the ground, h, in
metres, and given by
a) (h/10)0.2 but not less than 0.9 for open terrain, where open terrain is level terrain with only
scattered buildings, trees, or other obstructions, open water or shorelines thereof;
b) 0.7(h/12)0.3 but not less than 0.7 for rough terrain, where rough terrain is suburban, urban or
wooded terrain extending upwind from the building uninterrupted for at least 1 km or 20 times the
height of building, whichever is greater; or
c) an intermediate value between the two exposures defined in Items a) and b) in cases where the
site is less than 1 km or 20 times the height of the building from a change in terrain conditions,
whichever is greater, provided an appropriate interpolation method is used;
CgI =I gust effect factor, which shall be taken as 2.5
CpI =I external pressure coefficient, which shall be taken in accordance with Clause 4.3.2.2 of this
Standard
CtI =I topographic factor, as provided in the NBC, Article 4.1.7.4.
4.3.2.2
When calculating the wind load using the formula provided in the NBC Static Procedure, the external
pressure coefficient (Cp) shall be determined as follows:
a) for guards located on the ground, roof levels, terraces, and podiums of the building, the Cp shall be
in accordance with Table 4.5 of this Standard, which is based on the force coefficients for walls on
ground (Cf) provided in Figure I-24 of the User’s Guide — NBC 2010 Structural Commentary; or
b) for guards located in the areas not described in Item a), Cp shall be determined based on the NBC,
Sentence 4.1.7.5.(5). Also see Note 1).
Notes:
1) Cp is taken as the following:
a) ± 1.2 for guards located within a distance equal to the larger of 0.1WB and 0.1DB from a building corner,
where WB and DB are the building width and depth, respectively; or
b) ± 0.9, for guards located in the areas not described in Item a).
2) The guard wind loads determined in accordance with this Clause are minimum requirements and might not
incorporate all loading scenarios or guard exposure conditions in a building.
Table 4.5
External pressure coefficient, Cp, for guards located on the ground, roof levels,
terraces, and podiums, based on the force coefficients for walls on ground (Cf)
provided in Figure I-24 of the User’s Guide — NBC 2010 Structural Commentary
lg/hg Cp
10 → ∞ 1.3
10 1.2
1 1.1
Legend:
lgI =I total length of the guard segment between its directional changes
hgI =I overall height of the guard
4.4 Infill design

Individual elements within the guard, including solid panels and pickets, shall be designed for the
combined load in accordance with Table 4.3 with a specified live load of 0.5 kN applied outward over an
area of 100 mm by 100 mm located at any point in the element or elements so as to produce the most
critical effect.
Notes:
1) This is in accordance with the NBC, Sentence 4.1.5.14.(3).
2) The design of the infill also needs to consider the requirements in Clause 4.8.3.
4.5 Environmental and other loads

Applied loads shall consider changes in temperature and moisture content of materials.
4.6 Rigging loads for window cleaning and maintenance

When the magnitude, direction, and location of loads from suspended equipment (e.g., boson’s chairs,
swing stages) are specified, the building guards identified shall meet the requirements of CAN/CSA-Z271
and CAN/CSA-Z91.
Note: Refer to Annex E for examples of the conditions that architects and designers should consider when creating
buildings that require systems for suspended equipment operations.
4.7 Balcony dividers
4.7.1
Balcony dividers that are not attached to the guard shall be designed for
a) wind loading in accordance with Clause 4.3; or
b) a specified live load of 0.5 kPa applied to the divider, whichever produces the most critical effect.
4.7.2
Balcony dividers that are connected to guards, including their connections, shall be designed to consider
the loads given in Clause 4.7.1 or loads transferred from the guard to the divider and the divider to the
guard, whichever produces the most critical effect
Note: In design, specified loads are intended to be used with appropriate load factors in accordance with NBC,
Part 4.
4.8 Deflection limits
4.8.1 Posts
The total horizontal deflection of posts at the minimum height of the guard under all applicable
specified loads shall conform to the requirements of the NBC.
Note: For buildings exceeding six stories, the designer should consider limiting the maximum deflection to 50 mm,
but not more than required by the applicable code.
4.8.2 Rails
The total horizontal deflection of rails at the minimum height of the guard under all applicable specified
loads shall conform to the requirements of the NBC.
Note: For buildings exceeding six stories, the designer should consider limiting the maximum deflection to 50 mm,
but not more than required by the applicable code.
4.8.3 Openings within and around guards
4.8.3.1 General
Guard components and openings around guards shall be designed to prevent the passage of a 100 mm
diameter sphere subjected to a load of 0.1 kN applied horizontally and perpendicular to the plane of the
guard. See Figure 4.3 for an example of the test apparatus. Figure 4.4 shows examples of openings
within and around guards. Also see Annex C for examples of guard geometry and layout.
Note: For test purposes, the 100 mm diameter sphere described in this Clause can be substituted with the
penetration cone shown in Figure 4.3. The effect of the 0.1 kN load applied by the cone is to apply a 0.4 kN load on
the guard components in the plane of guard. This load is not intended to be combined with any other load.
Figure 4.3
Example test apparatus for openings within and around guards
Guard
assembly Loading react ion frame
Penetration Load Penetration cone detail

cone application
(see de tail) device
Diameter
S 50 mm diameter
of 100 mm
Load gauge
Length 2S Cone S
Figure 4.4
Examples of openings within and around guards that
are required to resist the penetration cone
Guard mounted on top of slab
Return Top rail
section By pass type Parapet or curb Picket infill Infill panel type
miter/ guard type guard type guard guard
corner
17 15 13 11 7 4 1
Intermediate rail
14 12 End post
10 8 5 2 Bottom rail
18 16
Adjacent
structure
0
9 6 3
0
Picket Post
Legend:
1. Opening between top rail, intermediate rail, and adjacent structure.

2. Opening between adjacent structure and infill panel.
3. Opening between floor slab, bottom rail, and adjacent structure.
4. Opening between the top rail and the intermediate rail.
5. Opening at any opening in the infill panel.
6. Opening between the bottom rail and floor slab.
7. Opening between the top rail and intermediate rails.
8. Opening between two adjacent pickets.
9. Opening between the bottom rail and the floor slab.
10. Opening between the picket and the adjacent guard post.
11. Opening between the top rail, intermediate rail, and the adjacent guard post.
12. Opening between the edge of the infill panel and the adjacent guard post.
13. Opening between the top and intermediate rails.
15. Opening between the top and intermediate rails.
17. Opening between the top and intermediate rails at the corner or miter joint.
18. Opening at the corner or miter joint of the infill panels.
4.8.3.2 Pickets, panels, rails, and posts

The size of the opening between any two adjacent vertical elements within a guard shall not exceed the
limits required by the NBC, Part 3, when each of these elements is subjected to a specified live load of
0.1 kN applied in any direction in the plane of the guard.
Note: This is in accordance with the NBC, Sentence 4.1.5.14.(4).
4.9 Anchorage and connections between components
4.9.1 Anchorage
4.9.1.1 General
Fasteners used in anchoring connections to the supporting structure shall be suitable for the intended
application.
4.9.1.2 Supporting structure

The structural adequacy of the building or primary supporting structure to support the guard shall be
verified by the engineer who designed or assessed the primary structure or building prior to the
installation of the guard. The verification shall include but not be limited to a review of
a) the capacity and integrity of the building or structure to resist the expected guard forces; and
b) foreseeable adverse localized effects on the primary structure’s components resulting from the
installation of the guard connections.
4.9.1.3 Anchor types
4.9.1.3.1 General
Except for walls acting as guards, displacement-controlled, pneumatic, or powder-actuated fasteners
shall not be used for guard anchoring.
Note: Where these anchors are used, designers should take into consideration their long-term performance with
respect to durability and vibration effects.
4.9.1.3.2 Post-installed anchors

Post-installed anchors shall be of the following types:
a) post-installed torque-controlled expansion anchors;
b) post-installed undercut anchors; or
c) post-installed adhesive anchors.
4.9.1.3.3 Cast-in anchors

Cast-in anchors shall be internally threaded inserts, embedded steel connectors, or embedded posts.
4.9.1.3.4 Materials
Anchors to supporting structures shall be as follows and selected based on the expected long term
environmental conditions:
a) austenitic (300 series) stainless steel in accordance with ASTM F593; or
b) carbon steel that is
i) hot-dipped galvanized in accordance with ASTM A153/A153M, Class C; or
ii) mechanically galvanized in accordance with ASTM B695, Class 65.
4.9.1.4 Design
4.9.1.4.1 General
The strength of anchorages securing the guard to the supporting structure shall be designed to safely
sustain all design loads. Design of anchorages shall consider
a) design loads and combination loads;
b) anchor type;
c) substrate material;
d) effects of grouping of anchors;
e) anchor spacing;
f) distance of the anchor or anchor group to the edge of the substrate material;
g) electrochemical properties of anchorages, guard components and substrate materials;
h) resistance of the anchorage and the substrate material to long term environmental conditions
including freeze-thaw resistance and exposure to corrosive chemicals;
i) requirements for tamperproof anchorages; and
j) requirements for durability and sustained strength of connections and anchorages.
Notes:
1) Guidance on anchor design can often be found in anchor supplier literature for various materials and anchor
types designed for various substrates.
2) In retrofit applications or where the anchoring capacity to a supporting structure is difficult to verify due to
incomplete information about the existing structure, load testing is required to validate the design.
4.9.1.4.2 Design method

Where information is available from the manufacturer, anchors shall be designed using the limit states
design method. Anchors in concrete used to transmit forces to concrete elements shall be designed in
accordance with CSA A23.3, Annex D.
Note: If anchor types are not included in CSA A23.3 or the manufacturer’s limit states design (LSD) data is not
available, an allowable stress design (ASD) method can be used. In the ASD case, appropriate safety factors
incorporating service and installation reliability requirements and “un-factored” load combinations shall be used. If
an ASD method is used, safety factors for anchors should not be less than 4.
4.9.2 Material compatibility in connections

Fasteners shall be compatible with associated materials. Metal fasteners shall be constructed of the
same material as the metal components they fasten, or of a metal that will not produce an electrolytic
(galvanic) action that could damage or cause deterioration of the fastener or the components. The use
of fasteners shall conform to one of the requirements in Table 4.6.
Table 4.6
Compatibility requirements for fasteners
(See Clause 4.9.2.)
Fastening application Fastener Applicable standards
Aluminum to concrete/masonry • Stainless steel (Grade 304/316) ASTM F593

• Anchor bolts, threaded rods with epoxy ASTM F594
ASTM F844
Stainless steel to concrete/ • Stainless steel (Grade 304/316) ASTM F593
masonry • Anchor bolts, threaded rods with epoxy ASTM F594
ASTM F844
Aluminum to aluminum • Stainless steel (Grade 304/316) IFI-113
• Bolts, screws (self-drilling/ self-tapping) ANSI/ASME B18.6.3
ASTM F593
SAE J81
ASTM A320/A320M
Steel to steel (stainless) • Stainless steel (Grade 304/316) IFI-113
• Bolts, screws (self-drilling/ tapping) ANSI/ASME B18.6.3
ASTM F593
(Continued)
Table 4.6 (Continued)
Fastening application Fastener Applicable standards

SAE J81
ASTM A320/A320M
Wood to concrete/masonry • Stainless steel (Grade 304/316) ASTM F593
(see Notes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) • Anchor bolts, threaded rods with epoxy ASTM F594
ASTM F844
Wood to wood • Stainless steel (Grade 304/316) ASTM F1667
(see Notes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) • Carbon steel with applied corrosion protection ANSI/ASME B18.6.1
(see Notes 1, 2, 3)
• Screws, nails, staplers, connectors
Aluminum to stainless steel • Stainless steel (Grade 304/316) IFI-113
• Bolts, screws (self-drilling/ self-tapping) ANSI/ASME B18.6.3
ASTM F593
SAE J81
ASTM A320/A320M
Notes:
1) As a minimum, connectors used for ACQ, MCQ, CA, or MCA treated wood should be manufactured from steel
either hot-dipped galvanized in accordance with ASTM A653, G185 designation, or hot-dipped galvanized
after manufacture in accordance with ASTM A123. The service life of these components may be extended by
using a barrier membrane between the connector and the treated wood surface. Stainless steel connectors
(type 304 or 316) should be used for maximum service life, for high preservative retentions or severe
applications such as salt spray environments. High preservative retentions, normally used for ground contact,
are over 4.0 kg/m3 (0.25 pcf) for ACQ and MCQ and over 1.7 kg/m3 (0.1 pcf) for CA and MCA. These can be
recognized by looking at the plastic tags on the ends of the lumber. For borate treated wood used inside
buildings, the same connectors may be used as for untreated wood.
2) As a minimum, nails for ACQ, MCQ, CA, or MCA treated wood should be hot-dipped galvanized in accordance
with ASTM A153/A153M. The zinc coating laid down using mechanical galvanizing can suffer excessive
damage during nailing. Stainless steel should be used for maximum service life, for high preservative
retentions or severe applications such as salt spray environments. Where appropriate, copper fasteners may
also be used. Fasteners used in combination with metal connectors should be the same type of metal to avoid
galvanic corrosion caused by dissimilar metals. For example, stainless steel fasteners should not be used in
combination with galvanized connectors.
Table 4.6 (Concluded)
3) Screws for ACQ, MCQ, CA, or MCA treated wood should be hot dipped galvanized in accordance with
ASTM A153/A153M or, if recommended by the manufacturer and the preservative supplier, high-quality
polymer coated. Stainless steel should be used for maximum service life, for high preservative retentions or
severe applications such as salt spray environments.
4) Further information on the capability of fasteners is found in AAMA TIR A9, Section 4. Fastening devices used
on highly acidic woods, such as, but not limited to, redwood, western red cedar, and yellow cypress should be
either galvanized steel, austenitic, martensitic, or coated ferritic stainless steel, or non-ferrous material.
5) Surfaces of nails, staples, and corrugated fasteners that are exposed after the product is installed should be
corrosion resistant or protected by a corrosion-resistant coating.
5 Testing
5.1 General
5.1.1
Tests shall be carried out on representative joints, members, and assemblies that are identical in
geometry and material features to those that are to be used in the intended application.
5.1.2
The adequacy of joints, members, and assemblies may be demonstrated by tests subject to approval by
an engineer.
5.1.3
Tests shall be fully documented so that the results may be independently reproduced.
5.1.4
If the integrity of the guard component or assembly that is relied upon for safety is compromised at the
conclusion of any testing on guards installed in their final position on site, the assembly’s or
component’s integrity shall be restored or the system replaced.
5.1.5
Test result shall be reviewed by an engineer.
5.2 Types of tests
5.2.1
Confirmatory tests may be used to demonstrate that the strength and serviceability of guard
components or assemblies under specific loads satisfy the requirements of the design.
5.2.2
Performance tests may be used to determine the response of components or assemblies under load.
5.2.3
For confirmatory tests of serviceability under the action of the service loads, the specified deflection
shall not be exceeded.
5.2.4
For confirmatory tests to determine if the ultimate strength is adequate, the applied force shall be that
due to the factored loads divided by the appropriate resistance factor. The resistance factor of the
critical member of the assembly being tested shall be used.
5.3 Confirmatory tests
5.3.1 General
Every guard installation shall undergo confirmatory testing, including testing on re-installation of
existing and reused guards. The number of tests and representative location of the tests shall be
determined based on the total number of installed guards of each guard type, with a minimum of two
series of tests for each guard type. A single series of testing shall consist of testing of the assembly and
all the main guard assembly components under the prescribed loads. The test shall be deemed either
pass or fail in accordance with the flowchart given in Figure 5.1.
Figure 5.1
Number of specimens required to pass confirmatory testing
(See Clause 5.3.1 and Table 5.1.)
Test two separate

samples
Both Yes
samples Test passes
pass
No
Both Yes
samples Test fails
fail
No No
One of Yes New Yes

Test one new
two samples sample
sample
fails passes
5.3.2 Effect of service load and ultimate load on the guard assembly
The guard assembly and components shall be tested for the effect of service load and ultimate load.
5.3.3 Effect of total ultimate load on the guard assembly

The guard assembly configuration in which the applied loading produces the highest component
stresses under the applied load, including all load-bearing components and connections, shall be tested
for the effect of total ultimate load, including load combinations in accordance with Table 4.3.
5.3.4 Response to loads

After final installation, a minimum of one specimen per each type of guard assembly and its
components, on which the applied load exerts the most adverse stress condition, shall be tested for
response to loads in accordance with the NBC, Article 4.1.5.14. Appropriate load and resistance factors
shall be used.
5.3.5 Effect of total ultimate on main connections

After final installation on site, a minimum of two main connections of the guard assembly to the
supporting structure shall be tested on site for the effect of the total ultimate load including load
combinations in accordance with Table 4.3.
Note: Main connections are those connections that transfer the effects of the loads on the guard assembly to the
supporting structure.
5.3.6 Impact load
5.3.6.1
The infill panel in the guard assembly or the panel portion of the guard assembly shall be tested as part
of the assembly for the impact load, unless sufficient documented proof is provided to verify that the
system is capable of sustaining the impact test load.
5.3.6.2
Infills need not be tested under impact for guard assemblies that
a) are walls acting as guards; or
b) comprise
i) a parapet that is
1) adequately designed to support all the loads applied to the guard and transfers them to
the supporting structure; and
2) 500 mm or higher above the surface the guard is intended to protect; and
ii) a guard infill that is supported on at least two opposite sides.
5.3.7 Summary of tests

A summary of the tests required by this Standard for guard assemblies and components is given in
Table 5.1.
Table 5.1
Summary of tests required for guard assemblies and components
(See Clause 5.3.7.)
Primary reference
Test
Test description clauses in this Number of tests Purpose of the test(s)
reference
Standard
Testing of the guard 5.2.4 As per Figure 5.1, Confirmation of the load
assembly and of its 5.3.1 minimum two series resistance of a guard
A components under service 5.3.2 of tests* per type of specimen under the service
and ultimate combined load 5.3.3 guard. and ultimate combined load
combinations. 5.5.1 combinations.
Impact and post breakage 5.3.1 As per Figure 5.4 per Confirmation of the impact
retention testing of the 5.3.6 type of guard and post-breakage
B guard infill on a specimen 5.5.2 assembly and one performance of the infill of
of the guard assembly. size of the guard the guard specimen
infill. assembly.
Testing of the installed 5.2.4 As per Figure 5.1, Confirmation of the load
guard assembly and of its 5.3.1 minimum two series resistance of a guard
components on site under 5.3.2 of tests* per type of specimen under the service
C service and ultimate guard 5.3.4 installed guard and ultimate combined load
loads only. Loads as per 5.5.1 assembly. combinations (with a focus
Article 4.1.5.14. of the NBC. on horizontal loading)†;
Installation quality control.
Testing of the site-installed 5.2.4 As per Figure 5.1, Confirmation of the load
main connection of the 5.3.1 minimum of two resistance of the site-
guard assembly to the 5.3.2 tests per type of installed main connection of
supporting structure under 5.3.5 guard assembly, type the guard assembly to the
D
the effect of the ultimate 5.5.1 of connection, and supporting structure under
combined load type of support the service and ultimate
combinations. structure. combined load
combinations.
Proof testing of anchors 5.6 As per Clause 5.6.2.2 Verification of the tension
and/or fasteners connecting load-bearing capacity of a
E the guard assembly to the specimen quantity of
supporting structure. installed anchors/fasteners;
Installation quality control.
* One series of tests consists of testing of the assembly and of all the main load-bearing guard assembly components for the
effect of the prescribed loads.
† The main focus of these tests is to test the guard assembly under the effects of the prescribed horizontal load. However, if the
effect of vertical loads are deemed to be critical for the guard assembly, vertical load testing under the prescribed vertical loads
should also be performed.
Note: The testing summarized in Table 5.1 is the minimum requirement. In some circumstances, an additional
number of tests or types of testing can be specified.
5.4 Performance tests

For performance tests, the highest load that the joint, member, or assembly can sustain without
rupture, collapse, or excessive deformation shall be measured. The characteristic resistance shall be
taken as one of the following, as appropriate:
a) If four or fewer items are tested, the characteristic resistance shall be the lesser of
i) the mean of the highest test load achieved for each specimen multiplied by 0.9; or
ii) the lowest test load achieved; or
b) If more than four items are tested, the characteristic resistance shall be the mean of the highest
test loads achieved for each specimen minus one standard deviation.
5.5 Test procedures
5.5.1 Guard load and combined load tests
5.5.1.1
Testing shall be carried out in general conformance with the methodology outlined in ASTM E935.
5.5.1.2
Uniformly distributed line load may be substituted in testing by ¼ point loading that produces the same
bending moment on the tested member, as per ASTM E935. The position and configuration of the point
loads shall be chosen so that the effect on the tested member is equal to or greater than that of the line
load.
5.5.1.3
A concentrated load applied to the infill of the guard shall be distributed over an area of
100 mm × 100 mm.
5.5.1.4
A uniformly distributed load acting over the area (in elevation) of the guard can be substituted by
concentrated load(s) provided that the effect of these load(s) on the tested member is equal to or
greater than that of the uniformly distributed load.
5.5.1.5
Every system shall be preloaded to a maximum of 50% of service guard load in accordance with the
NBC, Article 4.1.5.14. The load shall then be released to zero and this condition of the assembly shall be
considered as the starting (i.e., “near zero”) point for recording the test data.
5.5.1.6
When applying the service load at the top rail height of the system, the deflection of the system shall
first be measured at “zero” load, at peak service load, and after the load has been released and the
system has stabilized.
The difference between the deflection after the peak service load has been released and the deflection
at “zero” load shall be less than 5 mm and shall not increase with repeated application of the peak
service load.
5.5.1.7
If the height of the guard is greater than the minimum height required by applicable codes (see
Clause 4.1.9.1), the horizontal top rail test load shall be applied at the minimum required height. If
there is an opening at the minimum required height, the test load shall be applied at the top rail height,
in which case the magnitude of the load shall be adjusted so that the adjusted load produces the same
moment at the main connection of the guard framing to the supporting structure as the original load
applied at the minimum required height.
5.5.1.8
The height of the guard shall be measured from the highest point on the surface it is intended to
protect (e.g., finished floor level, top surface of a curb, top of the sliding door track, window frame) to
the top of the guard rail.
Notes:
1) See Clause 4.1.9.2 for the determination of the surface the guard is intended to protect.
2) See Annex C for common geometry of guards.
5.5.1.9
If one or more of the below conditions is noted on the tested assembly prior to reaching the required
peak “test load”, the test shall be considered as having failed:
a) full or partial pull out of anchors connecting the guard assembly and its components to the
supporting structure;
b) the assembly or any of its components exhibit excessive deformation, fracture, pull-out, or
breakage of the supporting structure;
c) deformation of the assembly or any of its components will increase without increasing the applied
load;
d) the assembly or any of its components exhibit evidence of yielding;
e) any part or component of the assembly fails to remain in its design position; or
f) the assembly or any of its components fail to remain connected.
5.5.2 Impact and post-breakage retention testing

Notes:
1) Some data based on ANSI Z97.1 for impact values that are representative of energy levels likely to be
delivered by humans in practical situations can be found in Annex A.
2) See Clause A.5.5.2 for a commentary on this Clause.
5.5.2.1 Specimens
Impact testing shall be carried out as a minimum on the longest and the shortest infill spans for which
compliance is sought.
For each guard configuration under test, impact testing shall be performed on three identical specimens
according to the following criteria:
a) for simple, in-line, assemblies, each specimen shall include two posts, one infill panel (or pickets),
anchors, and associated components; or
b) for assemblies having infill panels or pickets overhanging the supporting structure or end post,
each specimen shall include two posts, with the infill panel or pickets configured to match the
proposed overhanging design and including end supports and associated system components
where applicable.
Note: Guard assemblies for specific applications not covered by these configurations can require separate testing
to demonstrate compliance.
5.5.2.2 Apparatus
Note: Requirements in this Clause are based on requirements found in ASTM E2353.
5.5.2.2.1 General
The apparatus shall comprise an impactor assembly and traction and release system. See Clauses
5.5.2.2.3 and 5.5.2.2.4.
Devices used in performing tests (e.g., load attachments, brackets, fasteners) shall be designed and
installed so that they have minimal impact on the test results.
5.5.2.2.2 Supported load and drop height

The test apparatus shall be capable of supporting a 45.4 kg shot bag. The shot bag shall be capable of
swinging unimpeded from a drop height of 1220 mm.
5.5.2.2.3 Shot bag impactor assembly

The impactor assembly shall comprise a leather bag as shown in Figure 5.2. The bag shall be filled with
2.4 ± 0.1 mm diameter lead shot, either nominal USA No. 7-1/2 or European No. 7.
Once the bag is filled with lead shot, the top shall be
a) pulled over the metal sleeve and tied with a cord; or
b) twisted around the shaft of the threaded eyebolt and tied below the metal sleeve.
The exterior surface and the neck of the bag shall be taped using glass filament-reinforced pressure-
sensitive polyester adhesive tape in order to protect the bag from damage during testing. The tape shall
be 12 to 15 mm wide and 0.15 mm thick. The exterior surface of the bag shall be completely covered
with three rolls or 165 m of tape applied in a diagonal-overlapping pattern.
The neck of the bag shall be taped separately.
The total mass of the impactor assembly shall be 45.4 ± 0.1 kg not including attachments to the traction
system.
Notes:
1) The leather bag can be a commercial punching bag with its bladder left in place. A commonly used punching
bag is 230 mm diameter by 360 mm high. Any other leather bag of equal shape and size can also be used.
2) Polyester adhesive tape, such as 3M 898 or equivalent, can be used.
5.5.2.2.4 Traction and release system

The traction and release system, which brings the impactor to its release point, shall be as shown in
Figure 5.3. The traction cable shall be stranded steel cable of 5 mm diameter or less and shall attach to
the traction and release system through a release mechanism that has the ability to rotate the impactor
assembly.
Figure 5.2
Impactor assembly
(See Clauses 5.5.2.2.2 and 5.5.2.2.3.)
Rod may be bent as
shown or eye nut may
be threaded onto rod.
75 ± 25 mm
Hanging strap removed
25 ± 5 mm
25 × 30 mm diameter metal sleeve

(Series of metal washers may be used)
Worm-drive
hose clamp
(installed before
bag is taped)
Bag taped with three rolls or

165 m of 12–15 mm wide
330 ± 10 mm and 0.15 mm thick glass
filament reinforced pressure
sensitive polyester adhesive
tape in diagonal overlapping
pat tern. Neck taped separately.
Threaded metal rod
Metal washers
5 ± 2 mm thick
Bag filled with lead shot
so that total mass of Eye nut for lifting bridle
assembly is 45.4 ± 0.1 kg (see Figure 5.3)
75 ± 5 mm
Figure 5.3
Traction and release system
(See Clauses 5.5.2.2.2 and 5.5.2.2.4 and Figure 5.2.)
Bridle for lifting
shot bag (stranded
steel cable)
Stranded steel cable

(not more than
5 mm diameter)
Min.
1500 mm
Appropriate 1220 mm
support drop height
Alterna te means of Centreline not more

bracing frame (one than 50 mm from
brace at each geometric centre of
vertical member) Max. 10 mm test specimen
when bag is
hanging free
Guard assembly test specimen
mount ed to support structure
top surface, side surface, etc.
Note: Drawing is not to scale.
5.5.2.3 Preparation of the apparatus
5.5.2.3.1 Mounting
The guard assembly including the infill shall be mounted so as to adequately simulate the conditions of
the guard installed on site.
The guard assembly shall be mounted so that the impact load is applied to the inside face of the infill in
its geometric center in an outward direction.
If the geometric center of the infill is at or below 100 mm above the finished surface that the guard is
intended to protect, the guard assembly shall be mounted so that the impact load is applied at a level
200 mm above the surface the guard is intended to protect.
5.5.2.3.2 Specimen conditioning

Specimens shall be conditioned for at least 4 h at a uniform test temperature between 18 and 30 °C.
Specimens shall be separated in order to allow for air circulation.
Note: Additional testing can be required to evaluate the in situ performance of the railing assembly.
5.5.2.4 Shot bag impact test

Note: Requirements in this Clause are based on requirements found in ASTM E2353.
5.5.2.4.1
Infill materials shall have any surface protection materials (e.g., masking) and ornaments or other
decorative components removed.
5.5.2.4.2
The impactor shall be raised to the selected drop height by applying a traction force. The axis of the
impactor shall be aligned with the traction cable and the cable shall be taut. The top and bottom ends
of the impactor shall have a suitable connection to the release device.
5.5.2.4.3
The bag shall be rotated between 30° and 90° about its vertical axis before each specimen test or
sample set in order to limit bag deformation throughout the testing.
5.5.2.4.4
A homogeneous plastic film (e.g., non-woven plastic film) not more than 0.13 mm thick or woven cloth
material weighing not more than 0.05 g/cm2 may be suspended 10 mm directly in front of the specimen
in order to limit bag damage throughout the testing.
5.5.2.4.5
The impactor shall be suspended so that it hangs freely not more than 10 mm from the surface of the
specimen and with the horizontal centreline not more than 50 mm from the geometric centre of the
specimen.
5.5.2.4.6
The impactor shall be raised to the required drop height of 1220 mm. The impactor shall be stabilized in
a vertical plane normal to the specimen with the suspension cable taut and the axis of the impactor in
line with the suspension cable.
5.5.2.4.7
The impactor shall be released without initial velocity or axial rotation. One impact with an energy of
542 N·m shall occur on each infill configuration of the test specimen.
5.5.2.4.8
Each test specimen shall be inspected after each impact and the condition of the specimen shall be
reported.
5.5.2.5 Report
5.5.2.5.1
The report shall contain a description of the results of the test(s) performed in accordance with these
test methods.
5.5.2.5.2
The report shall include the following information as a minimum:
a) identification of the guard assembly;
b) a detailed description of the infill materials including, but not limited to type, treatment, and
thickness;
c) the bill of materials;
d) assembly drawings with details including details of infill supports and materials;
e) the load(s) used;
f) the impact location;
g) a description of the infill retention after impact;
h) a description of the method of installation including fastening; and
i) a description of the test methods used.
5.5.3 Criteria for successful impact and post-breakage retention testing
5.5.3.1
The impact and post-breakage retention test shall be deemed as passed if one of the following
conditions are met:
a) the panel or infill remains intact after impact; or
b) the panel or infill integrity is compromised by the impact and all of the following conditions are
met:
i) the compromised panel or infill, including all parts and components, remains in place;
ii) the impact does not create an opening in the panel or infill through which a 150 mm sphere is
able to pass under an 18 N load; and
iii) the compromised panel, infill, or system is able to withstand a load in the direction of the
impact that is equivalent to 25% of the service wind load or 225 N, whichever is greater. This
load may be applied in the form of a point load acting in the center of the panel or infill.
5.5.3.2
Impact and post-breakage retention testing shall be deemed either pass or fail in accordance with the
flowchart given in Figure 5.4.
Figure 5.4
Number of specimens required to pass impact and post-breakage retention testing
(See Clause 5.5.3.2 and Table 5.1.)
Test three separate

samples
All three Yes

samples Test passes
pass
No
Two or Yes
more samples Test fails
fail
No No
One of Yes Both new Yes

Test two new
three samples samples
samples
fails pass
5.6 Anchor and fastener testing
5.6.1 General
All anchor testing, including testing of anchors that connect the railing to the load-bearing structure,
shall conform to ASTM E488.
5.6.2 Type of testing
5.6.2.1 Onsite (proof) load verification testing

This non-destructive testing verifies the anchor(s) load-bearing capacity set by the engineer responsible
for the connection design.
Note: Generally considering site conditions, only tension testing are feasible for onsite testing. If the manufacturer
design data is available, the proof load (i.e., test load) may be selected using published data adjusted by anchor
capacity influencing factors and appropriate safety factor.
5.6.2.2 Quantity of anchors tested

The quantity of anchors selected for testing shall be a representative sampling of various installation
configurations as established by the design engineer.
5.6.2.3 Laboratory testing
5.6.2.3.1
If the manufacturer’s load performance data is not available, or site/installation condition differs from
the manufacturer’s published information, laboratory testing is required.
5.6.2.3.2
This testing is intended to verify the anchor’s ultimate capacities (tension and shear) to establish safety
factors (resistance factors) for design purposes and to verify the selected anchor suitability for a
particular anchoring application.
5.6.2.3.3
The test program and its results, including the number of anchors to be tested, shall be reviewed by an
engineer.
5.6.3 Documentation
5.6.3.1
The testing and shall be carried out by a qualified person(s) under the supervision of an engineer.
5.6.3.2
The test report documenting the testing shall be issued and signed by an engineer involved in the
testing.
6 Materials used for guards and their components

6.1 Concrete used in guards
6.1.1 Materials
Concrete used in guards shall be in accordance with CSA A23.1.
6.1.2 Design
6.1.2.1 Cast-in-place concrete

The design of cast-in-place concrete that forms part of a guard shall be in accordance with CSA A23.3.
6.1.2.2 Precast concrete

Precast concrete guards shall be designed in accordance with CSA A23.4.
6.1.2.3 Incorporated components

All components incorporated into concrete guards, such as glass or metal panels, shall be designed
independently to safely support the design loads for those components.
6.1.3 Construction
6.1.3.1 Cast-in-place concrete

Cast-in-place concrete shall be constructed in accordance with CSA A23.1.
6.1.3.2 Precast concrete

Precast concrete shall be constructed in accordance with CSA A23.4.

All components incorporated into concrete, such as glass or metal panels, flashings, caps and copings,
and reinforcing shall be constructed in accordance with the relevant construction standards for those
components.
6.2 Masonry used in guards
6.2.1 Materials
Fired clay brick materials used in guards shall be in accordance with CAN/CSA-A82. Concrete block and
brick materials used in guards shall be in accordance with applicable CSA A165 Series. Mortar and grout
used in guards shall be in accordance with CAN/CSA-A179. Masonry ties used in guards shall be in
accordance with CAN/CSA-A370.
6.2.2 Design
6.2.2.1 Reference standards

The design of masonry that forms part of a guard shall be in accordance with CSA S304.1.

All components incorporated into masonry guards, such as fasteners, glass, or metal panels shall be
designed independently to safely support the design loads for those components.
6.2.3 Construction
6.2.3.1 General
Guards using masonry shall be constructed in accordance with CAN/CSA-A371.

All components incorporated into masonry guards, such as glass or metal panels, flashings, caps and
copings, and reinforcing shall be constructed in accordance with the relevant construction standards for
those components.
6.3 Glass used in guards

Note: See Clause A.6.3 for a commentary on this Clause.
6.3.1 General
6.3.1.1
Glass used in guards shall be
a) glass (monolithic or laminated) that resists only panel loads and is
i) continuously supported along two or more sides (i.e., two, three, or four sided support) and
fitted with a top rail whose function is to resist and transfer all applied guard loads to posts or
other supporting base structure; or
ii) locally supported by discrete anchors (i.e., point support anchors or patch fittings) and fitted
with a top rail whose function is to resist and transfer all applied guard loads to posts or other
supporting base structure; or
b) glass (monolithic or laminated) that resists all guard loads and is
i) cantilevered from its base and attached using discrete anchors (i.e., point support anchors or
patch fittings), or continuous frame (i.e., shoe or other supporting structure); or
ii) supported along two or three edges (bottom and sides) and attached using discrete anchors
(i.e., point support anchors or patch fittings), or continuous frame (i.e., shoe or other
supporting structure).
6.3.1.2 Glass type
6.3.1.2.1
Selection of glass type shall be based on strength, possible failure mechanism, and the consequence of
such failures. Safety glass (monolithic or laminated) shall be the only glass type used in building guards.
Wired glass shall not be used in guards.
6.3.1.2.2
Except for walls acting as guards, glass used in guards that protects a level more than 4.2 m above the
adjacent level shall be in accordance with Table 6.1. Selection of monolithic versus laminated glass
configuration (glass and interlayer types; i.e., annealed, heat strengthened, or fully tempered glass and
soft versus stiff interlayer) shall be determined based on engineering analysis combined with risk
assessment. Tempered-tempered laminated glass shall only be used in combination with a stiff
interlayer.
Notes:
1) Wired glass is not considered safety glass.
2) A stiff interlayer is defined as one with a minimum Young’s Modulus of 300 MPa in accordance with
ASTM D5026.
3) The selection of the type of glass for an insulated or monolithic laminated assembly for walls acting as guards
in either exterior or interior applications (e.g., windows, window walls, curtain walls, structural glass) requires
risk assessment and structural analysis and is not covered in this Standard.
Table 6.1
Type of glass based on guard location (see Figure 6.1)
(See Clause 6.3.1.2.2.)
Location of glass in guard

Condition (see Figure 6.1) Type of glass
Glass located beyond the edge of a floor or within 50
1 mm from the outside edge of the area protected by Laminated glass
the guard
Glass located more than 50 mm inward from the Laminated glass

2
outside edge of the area protected by the guard Heat soaked tempered glass
Laminated glass
Glass located more than 150 mm inward from the
3 Heat soaked tempered glass
outside edge of the area protected by the guard
Tempered glass
Figure 6.1
Relation between edge of area protected and glass guard
(See Table 6.1.)
Outside face of glass
Edge of area protected

by guard when gap
> 50 mm
Maximum permitted slope

of the t op surface of the
decorative component is 2%
Decorative
Edge of area protected component
by guard when gap (such as slab
–< 50 mm edge cover)
Gap
6.3.2 Materials
Note: See Clause A.6.3.2 for a commentary on this Clause.
6.3.2.1 Glass
Glass used in guards shall be manufactured and treated, as applicable, to satisfy the requirements of
a) CAN/CGSB 12.3 for flat, clear float glass;
b) CAN/CSGB 12.1 for tempered or laminated safety glass;
c) ASTM C1036 for flat glass;
d) ASTM C1048 for heat-strengthened and fully tempered flat glass;
e) ASTM C1172 for laminated architectural flat glass; and
f) DIN EN 14179-1 for heat soaked thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass (heat soaking
procedure only).
For laminated glass, use of soft or stiff interlayer as laminated may be selected by the design
professional. Properties of the interlayer which are critical in design calculations shall be obtained from
the manufacturer.
Note: A stiff interlayer is defined as one with a minimum Young’s Modulus of 300 MPa in accordance with
ASTM D5026.
6.3.2.2 Gaskets and shims
6.3.2.2.1
Materials used to support and cushion glass against contact with supporting components shall be
selected to remain pliable, retain their original shape and dimensions, resist weathering, and remain in
place for the designed service life of the guard. Otherwise, those components should be inspected and
possibly replaced at intervals, as determined by the building designer.
6.3.2.2.2
Gaskets and shims shall meet the following Standards, as applicable:
a) ASTM C1115; and
b) ASTM E2203.
Notes:
1) Range of durometer and bite of these glazing components should be in accordance with the GANA Glazing
Manual in order to retain the glazing component in place by improved friction between glass and gaskets.
2) At the bolted connections, there should be clamping plates and gaskets on both sides of the glass that provide
the required resistance considering construction tolerances.
6.3.2.3 Sealants
6.3.2.3.1
Sealants used in guards shall be non-hardening and durable. They shall be compatible with and adhere
to the substrate to which they are applied, including the laminated glass interlayer.
6.3.2.3.2
Sealants shall conform to the following standards, as applicable:
a) ASTM C920; and
b) ASTM C1184.
6.3.3 Design
6.3.3.1 General
Except as stated in Clause 6.3.2 of this Standard, glass shall be designed in accordance with the
applicable requirements that are more stringent of
a) CAN/CGSB 12.20; or
b) ASTM E1300.
Notes:
1) CAN/CGSB 12.20 generally covers design of glass in continuously supported four-sided applications.
ASTM E1300 covers design of glass in four-, three-, two-, and one-sided continuously supported applications.
Glass load resistance is provided for that of annealed glass and further modified to account for heat
treatment, glass assembly (monolithic or laminated), or load duration. Both standards promote that rational
analysis (CAN/CGSB 12.20, Section 6.4 as well as Appendix B, and ASTM E1300, Appendices) based on stress
analysis, limiting glass edge and surface tensile stresses below acceptable limits, as an alternate approach to
glass design.
2) In building guards, given the different assemblies, load and support conditions, rational analysis based on
limiting stress method is likely the only approach to glass design. Further, the ASTM E1300 Appendix provides
the most current design approach for laminated glass assemblies, using different types of interlayers that are
available. In the case of point-supported glass panels, finite element methods based on accurate or other
validated approximate methods are recommended to account for the stress concentration around the hole in
the glass, which the CGSB and ASTM standards do not address.
6.3.3.2 Design exceptions and modifications to CAN/CGSB 12.20 and ASTM E1300
6.3.3.2.1 General
The exceptions and modifications given under Clause 6.3.3.2 shall apply to the design requirements
contained in CAN/CGSB 12.20 and ASTM E1300.
6.3.3.2.2 Load factors and combinations

Load factors shall be as follows:
a) a load factor of 1.4 shall be applied for wind load (in accordance with the NBC) instead of a live
load factor of 1.5 as given in CAN/CGSB 12.20; and
b) instead of the load combinations given in Clause 5.2.5 of CAN/CGSB 12.20, the load combinations
given in this Standard shall be used.
Note: CAN/CGSB 12.20 and ASTM E1300 are both referenced in NBC, Article 4.3.6.1 for design basis of glass.
6.3.3.2.3 Probability of breakage importance factor

An importance factor shall be applied to the design loads (i.e., to increase the load), based on the
acceptable level of glass breakage following completion of risk assessment selected, and accepted by
the client or specifying authority.
Notes:
1) Guidance on risk assessment is included in Annex D. Risk assessment should consider factors such as building
type, building height, site conditions, glass assembly, support conditions, consequence of glass breakage,
potential increase in glass volume, material impurities (e.g., NiS inclusions), and various other design criteria.
2) Post breakage performance of monolithic and laminated glass varies. Further, probability of breakage of a
single lite of monolithic vs. simultaneous breakage of two lites of laminated glass is not equal either. The
importance factor selected to takes these items into consideration.
3) The following importance factors combine probability of glass breakage (in accordance with CAN/CGSB 12.20)
and building type (in accordance with the NBC) for wind load as a balanced approach to glass design can be
considered by design professionals:
Probability of breakage glass assembly

Importance factor
(monolithic or laminated)
8 in 1000 1.00
5 in 1000 1.10
3.5 in 1000 1.15
2.5 in 1000 1.25
1 in 1000 1.42
4) The probability of breakage importance factor for glass design (for uniformly applied load; i.e., wind load) is
based on performance with respect to the acceptable rate of breakage of monolithic glass as noted in
CAN/CGSB 12.20, Section 5.2.6., and further detailed in the Appendix A, Section A10 (i.e., importance factors
of 1.0, 1.10, and 1.42 corresponding to a probability of glass breakage of 8, 5, and 1 lite of glass, respectively,
per 1000). The importance factor for a laminated lite is likely less than that of a monolithic glass given the
reduced chance of two lites of glass failing simultaneously.
5) The ULS Importance factors for determining wind load per the NBC, in contrast to CAN/CGSB 12.20, translates
to the following glass probability of breakage:
Importance factor (per Probability of glass breakage Importance category (per

NBC) (per CAN/CGSB 12.20) NBC)
1.00 8 in 1000 Normal
1.15 3.5 in 1000 High
1.25 2.5 in 1000 Post Disaster
In the case of residential building construction (low or high rise), it is unlikely that such buildings will be
categorized as “high” or “post-disaster”. Therefore, if the importance factors for wind per the NBC are to be
followed, it is likely that the importance factor of 1.0 and importance category “normal” will be assigned to
all residential towers. On the contrary, the specific guidelines in CAN/CGSB 12.20, which consider the
consequence of glass breakage due to uniformly applied load (i.e., wind), provide the designer with guidelines
to incorporate in glass design, which involve a higher importance factor.
6) Glass probability of breakage due to line or point load is likely less than that noted for wind load above, given
that it is applied over a smaller area of glass. However, due to lack of available empirical data, it is not
provided herein. The importance factors above, applied to line or point load, are considered conservative.
6.3.3.2.4 Glass load resistance load duration

Glass load resistance load duration shall be as follows:
a) 60 seconds when subject to wind load when using CAN/CGSB12.20 or ASTM E1300;
b) not more than 1 second when subject to guard impact load; and
c) a minimum of 60 seconds when subject to guard loads (point or uniform load).
Notes:
1) The correction factor to account for load duration is provided in CAN/CGSB 12.20, Section 2.3, and is in the
form of (t/60)(–1/n) where
a) t = load duration in seconds;
b) n = 15 for annealed glass;
c) n = 30 for heat strengthened glass; and
d) n = 70 for tempered glass.
2) The correction factor to account for load duration is provided in ASTM E1300, Appendix X5, and is in the form
of (t/3)(–1/n) where
a) t = load duration in seconds;
b) n = 16 for annealed glass;
c) n = 32 for heat strengthened glass (ASTM E2751); and
d) n = 48 for tempered glass (ASTM E2751).
6.3.3.2.5 Glass limiting stresses

When determining maximum tensile stress for glass lites greater than 1 m2, an adjustment factor of
A(–1/7) shall be applied to the stress in accordance with CAN/CGSB 12.20, Section 6.4.1, where A is
surface area in m2.
Notes:
1) For guard loads, given the nature of load type along the edge or within the body of the glass, the stresses
noted above should be reduced to account for a lower acceptable probability of glass failure, given that glass
is weakest along its edges.
2) When glass is subject to wind, the limiting tensile stresses for annealed glass are 20 MPa for clean cut glass
edges and 25 MPa for the glass surface. These are to be adjusted based on the glass type factor in
accordance with CAN/CGSB 12.20.
3) ASTM E1300 provides comparable limiting stresses as noted in Appendix X6 and X7 of that Standard. The area
adjustment factor applies to the ASTM limiting stresses as well.
6.3.3.2.6 Glass deflection

Glass deflection relative to the supports shall be limited in order to avoid direct contact with any metal,
glass, or other hard items forming part of the guard or supporting structure.
Note: Maximum glass deflection might need to be reduced further to avoid creating finger traps.
6.3.3.2.7 Top caps/Top rails
6.3.3.2.7.1 General
For top caps or top rails, CAN/CGSB 12.20, Sections 9.1(b) and (c), shall be modified as given in
Clauses 6.3.3.2.7.2 and 6.3.3.2.7.3.
6.3.3.2.7.2 Monolithic tempered glass

The top edge of monolithic tempered glass used in guards shall be protected against damage and
impact (e.g., by using a cap or rail).
6.3.3.2.7.3 Freestanding glass guards

Freestanding monolithic tempered glass guards shall have either a top rail or have an attached rail at
appropriate height that is continuous over one or more lites capable of accommodating all applicable
design loads. Freestanding monolithic tempered glass shall be protected by a top cap.
Freestanding laminated glass guards with stiff interlayer laminate that provides the required post-
breakage load resistance shall be permitted without a top cap or top rail.
Notes:
1) A top cap provides protection of the edge of a glass guard, minimizing the potential for accidental damage
and glass breakage due to impact.
2) A stiff interlayer is defined as one with a minimum Young’s Modulus of 300 MPa in accordance with ASTM
D5026.
6.3.3.2.8 Post-breakage requirements for freestanding glass guards

Monolithic infill tempered glass shall not be required to carry load following breakage. The following
shall apply to freestanding monolithic or laminated glass guards only in the case where one lite is
broken, and it hereby modifies CAN/CGSB 12.20, Section A5.1:
a) The top rail shall resist a lateral load of 1 kN applied at the point where it produces the most
severe effect, or a line load of 0.75 kN/m (load factors and load combination factors shall not apply
to these loads). The remainder of the glass guard (i.e., glass panels that are not broken) shall resist
the anticipated combination design loads.
b) After breakage of one or more laminated plies, guards with laminated glass shall not be required to
accommodate full specified guard loads or load combinations. The remaining laminated glass shall
remain in place until it is serviced.
Notes:
1) The loads given in Item a) are not the same as the guard loads specified in the NBC. For the purposes of the
design, the loads given in Item a) are considered to be factored loads.
2) In laminated applications, glass needs to be designed so that in case of breakage of one or more lite, the
laminated assembly is retained in the opening, in accordance with Clause 5.5.3.1 of this Standard.
3) Compliance to the requirement above can be demonstrated by analysis or testing. If testing is employed, the
guard must be tested to the load given in this Standard.
4) In evaluating a freestanding monolithic tempered glass guard system with a top rail, one lite of glass from the
test assembly can be removed to produce the most severe effect on the rail.
5) The requirements in this Clause relate to the post-failure condition of glass guards. After failure of a
component, the glass guard needs to be fully reinstated in accordance with the original designs in order to
function as originally intended.
6) The consequences of a void in the guard may be evaluated as part of risk assessment.
6.3.4 Heat soaking of tempered glass
6.3.4.1 Heat soaking process

Heat soak testing for monolithic tempered glass shall involve placing all post-tempered glass into a
calibrated heat soaking oven and subjecting it to a heating and cooling process in accordance with DIN
EN 14179-1 and consisting of
a) a heating phase that includes heating the glass from ambient temperature to a surface
temperature between 280 °C and 320 °C, within a time frame dependent on the size of the oven,
amount of glass in the oven, glass separation and heating capacity of the oven;
b) a holding phase that includes holding the glass surface temperatures at 290 °C ± 10 °C for a period
of 2 h; and
c) a cooling phase, at the conclusion of the holding phase, that allows the glass surface temperatures
to cool to 70 °C at which point the cooling phase is deemed complete and the glass can be left to
cool to ambient temperature.
Notes:
1) The heat soak test is intended to reduce the residual risk of critical nickel sulphide-induced spontaneous
breakage of fully tempered glass. In accordance with DIN EN14179-1, on a statistical basis, this risk is reduced
to one breakage per 400 tonnes.
2) The heat soak test does not alter the normal statistical risk of glass breakage associated with other failure
mechanisms. As such, material strength, fragmentation, and properties of tempered heat soaked glass is
expected to remain unchanged.
6.3.4.2 Heat soaking certification

The following quality control documents are required to verify that heat soaking is completed as
intended:
a) a copy of the glass fabricator heat soaking oven calibration certificate indicating the date of the
most recent calibration test and inspection;
b) heat soaking process control documentation (i.e., temperature control and time of holding phase)
relating to calibrated heat soak programs; a separate printout shall be provided for each batch of
heat soaked tempered glass produced for the project and the stillage loading rate and glass
thickness shall be clearly marked on the printout;
c) a “Declaration of Conformance” certificate in accordance with DIN EN 14179-2 for each batch of
heat soaked tempered glass produced for the project; and
d) a fragmentation testing results log indicating test results for each batch of tempered glass both
before and after heat soaking.
6.3.5 Transporting and handling glass

Glass shall be protected during transportation and handling from manufacture through to final
installation so as to minimize the potential for damage or breakage.
Note: Guidance on handling of glass can be found in Annex G as well as in the GANA Guidelines for Handling and
Cleaning Decorative Glass and GANA 01-0300.
6.4 Aluminum used in guards
6.4.1 General
Aluminum may be used in guards for
a) posts, rails, pickets or panels;
b) attachment components including spigots or sleeves;
c) anchorage shoes; and
d) panels.
6.4.2 Materials
6.4.2.1 General
Aluminum alloys used in guards shall be in accordance with Tables 1, 2, and 3 of CAN/CSA-CSA S157.
Use of aluminum alloys that are not given in those tables may be used provided that the following
conditions are met:
a) the alloy is covered by an ASTM, CSA or ISO standard; and
b) the user demonstrates through an appropriate testing program that the alloy has mechanical,
chemical, and metallurgical properties compatible with the alloys covered in CSA S157. The
supplier of the alloy should have an appropriate ISO accreditation.
6.4.2.2 Coatings and finishes
6.4.2.2.1 Corrosion protection
6.4.2.2.1.1 General
Corrosion protection of aluminum alloys may be achieved by the following methods:
a) surface treatments;
b) deposition of paints and organic coatings of various types; or
c) a combination of surface treatments and additional paints and coating protection.
6.4.2.2.1.2 Anodizing (surface treatment)

Anodizing should be performed in accordance with ASTM B580 provided that the coating thicknesses
given in Table 6.2 are achieved.
Table 6.2
Anodic coating thickness for an expected 20 years’ service
(See Clause 6.4.2.2.1.2.)
Thickness Application
5–10 µm Interior domestic
15–20 µm External architectural applications in non-industrial environments
≥ 25 µm External architectural, industrial, and hard-wearing applications
After assembly and installation, any areas denude of anodic coating should be repaired using an
appropriate touch up solution, such as a chromate conversion coating.
6.4.2.2.2 Lead content

Finished framing and cladding materials shall not contain more than 0.02% lead by weight. The
presence of lead shall be determined by testing in accordance with ASTM E1753. If lead is indicated,
lead content shall be confirmed by an atomic absorption test in accordance with ASTM E1613.
6.4.2.2.3 Bolting and riveting

Bolting and riveting should use only compatible materials as shown in Table 4.6.
6.4.3 Design
The design of commonly used aluminum in guards shall be in accordance with CAN/CSA-S157 except as
follows:
a) deflection and vibration shall be in accordance with this Standard; and
b) wind load and combination loading shall be in accordance with this Standard.
6.4.4 Fabrication
Fabrication and assembly of aluminum guard components shall be in accordance with CAN/CSA-S157.
6.5 Steel used in guards
6.5.1 Structural steel
6.5.1.1 General
Structural steel used in guards shall be designed to meet the design criteria given in Clause 4.
Note: Stainless steel is often used where an attractive appearance or great durability are required. Weather-
resistant steels may also be used.
6.5.1.2 Materials
For interior applications, carbon and low alloy steels shall be in accordance with CSA S16. Unprotected
carbon and alloy steels shall not be used. Carbon and low alloy steels should not be used for exterior
applications. Steel used in guards should be properly protected against corrosion.
6.5.1.3 Design
The design of commonly used weldable structural steels used in guards shall be in accordance with
CSA S16, except as follows:
a) deflection criteria shall be as required by this Standard;
b) requirements for camber shall not apply; and
c) requirements for plate walls shall not apply.
6.5.1.4 Fabrication
Fabrication and assembly of structural steel guard components shall be in accordance with CSA S16.
6.5.2 Cold-formed steel
6.5.2.1 General
Cold-formed steel used in guards shall be designed to meet the design criteria given in Clause 4.
6.5.2.2 Materials
Cold-formed steel used in guards shall be in accordance with CSA S136.
6.5.2.3 Design
The design of cold-formed steel used in guards shall be in accordance with CSA S136, except that
requirements for plate walls shall not apply.
6.5.2.4 Fabrication
Fabrication and assembly of cold-formed steel guard components shall be in accordance with CSA S136.
6.6 Wood used in guards
6.6.1 General
Wood used in guards shall be designed to meet the design criteria given in Clause 4.
6.6.2 Materials
Wood used in guards shall conform to species groups and grades described in the CSA O86.
Note: A list of approved agencies can be obtained from the Canadian Lumber Standards Accreditation Board.
Guards may also be made from glued structural components of wood and wood-based panel products
manufactured in accordance with CSA O177 and designed in accordance with CSA O86 (all parts).
6.6.3 Design
The design of wood used in guards shall be in accordance with CSA O86, as applicable.
Notes:
1) Design in accordance with the CSA O86 is predicated on the use of lumber that is graded in accordance with
the NLGA Standard Grading Rules for Canadian Lumber and identified by the grade stamp of an association
or independent grading agency in accordance with the provisions of CSA O141.
2) Short term load duration factors are permitted to be used to design wood guards against wind and seismic
forces.
3) Wood detailing should be designed to permit runoff of excessive moisture by shedding water from the wood,
avoiding water flow into connections and joints, and allowing sufficient air circulation to permit drying. Flat
surfaces such as railings, tops of posts, and seats should be slightly pitched to shed moisture. Tops of posts
should be diagonally cut, capped, or sealed to prevent the end grain from absorbing moisture. Drip grooves
should be used on the underside of flat cap rails to mitigate moisture absorption into vertical members such
as posts and spindles. Fasteners should not facilitate moisture accumulation. Both sides of wood should be
ventilated
4) Joints in wood guard components and assemblies should be designed so as to not trap moisture.
6.6.4 Fabrication and assembly
6.6.4.1 Assembly
Assembly procedures shall not damage any members.
6.6.4.2 Connections
The components of guards shall be connected to each other using methods that account for shrinkage
and to prevent moisture from being trapped.
Note: Fasteners should not facilitate moisture accumulation. Blind nailing (i.e., when the nail head is on the
unexposed or hidden side of wood) will reduce the probability of water penetrating into the wood. Countersinking
of fasteners should be done only in locations that will not facilitate water absorption or should be filled to prevent
water from accumulating in the hole.
6.6.4.3 Protection of pressure-treated wood cut or bored during assembly

For preservative treated wood, end cuts and notched portions shall be spot treated with suitable
preservative before connecting members.
Notes:
1) Suitable methods of preservative treatment include copper naphthenate containing a minimum of 2% copper
as metal (dark green). Zinc naphthenate (colourless, green, or brown) is not permitted where treatment to
CAN/CSA-O80 Series is required. Borate formulations should not be used outdoors because borate will leach
out of wood when exposed to frequent rainfall.
2) The use of preservative treatment even on naturally durable untreated wood joints is recommended since
cutting, drilling, and notching exposes end grain which is susceptible to moisture absorption.
3) Treatment standards do not require the full cross section of lumber and timber to be penetrated with
preservative. Cutting, notching, and drilling exposes untreated parts of factory applied preservative treated
wood to potential infection by decay fungi.
6.6.5 Durability
6.6.5.1 Connections at base and termination of horizontal rails

Wood posts and horizontal rails for wood guards shall not be set directly into concrete or masonry.
Wood posts and horizontal rails for wood guards shall be provided with suitable metal connectors or
extensions that keep the end grain of the wood at least 12 mm clear of moisture retaining materials and
allows moisture to run off.
6.6.5.2 Wood treatment

Except for wood deemed to be naturally decay resistant, wood guard components shall be treated with
a preservative treatment in accordance with CAN/CSA-O80 Series.
Note: CSA 080.1, Table 2 provides treating requirements for guards and handrails.
6.6.5.3 Protective finishes

If specified, additional protective finishes such as paint, stain, varnish, or water repellant suitable for
exterior use shall not reduce the durability of the wood guard components.
Notes:
1) Coatings do not actively protect against decay. Coatings protect wood by slowing down the damaging effects
of weathering, providing moisture protection, and preventing natural protective agents in naturally durable
wood from washing out.
2) Coating longevity is highly variable depending on the product and exposure conditions.
6.7 Composites and other materials used in guards

This Standard does include provisions for composites and other plastic materials used in guards. Designs
that use these materials shall comply with the applicable requirements of Clauses 4, 5, 6, and 7 of this
Standard. Additional information on plastics and composite materials used in guards is included in
Annex F.
6.8 Coatings
6.8.1 Applicable standards

Finishes for building guard components shall be in accordance with the Standards listed in Table 6.3.
Table 6.3
Requirements for exterior finishes
(See Clauses 6.8.1 and 6.8.2.)
Finish type Applicable Standard
Pigmented organic coating on fiber-reinforced thermoset profiles AAMA 623, AAMA 624, or AAMA 625
Pigmented organic coating on aluminum coil AAMA 620
Pigmented organic coating on aluminum extrusions or sheet AAMA 2603, AAMA 2604, or AAMA 2605
Pigmented organic coating on steel coil AAMA 621
Pigmented organic coating spray applied to steel AAMA 2604 or AAMA 2605
Anodic coating AAMA 611
Combined anodic/organic coating AAMA 612
Pigmented organic coatings on wood and cellulosic composites WDMA T.M. 12
Primer coatings for wood and cellulosic composites WDMA T.M. 11
Primer coatings for steel surfaces SDI A250.10
6.8.2 End user coatings

Aluminum profiles that are intended to be coated by the end user of the product assembly may be
used. In this case, the manufacturer shall provide the end user with written recommendations for
adequately coating these profiles. Finishes for aluminum components shall conform to the applicable
standards in Table 6.3.
Note: The publication, Aluminum: Properties and Physical Metallurgy from ASM International is a valuable source
for information on the material properties of aluminum.
6.8.3 Application
The minimum coating thickness for various exposures shall be in accordance with Table 6.4.
Table 6.4
Recommended typical coating thickness and applications
(See Clause 6.8.3.)
Thickness Application
5–10 µm Interior domestic
15–20 µm Some external architectural and industrial applications (e.g., where subject to frequent
maintenance washing.)
25 µm External architectural, industrial and hard-wearing applications
Note: Stoved paints or powder coatings, which provide the most durable type of applied finish, should be used.
However, these are factory-applied coatings and there could be occasions where site-applied air-drying paints are
necessary (e.g., where minor repairs to damage from erection are carried out or if the fabricator supplies the guard
in an unpainted condition).
7 Construction requirements
7.1 Shapes
The finished guard shall have no sharp edges or projections that could cause injury to persons or snag
clothing.
7.2 Security and tampering

Construction of guards should take into account the possibility of tampering or vandalism.
7.3 Safety
Construction shall comply with applicable safety standards.
8 Markings
Guards in compliance with all applicable requirements of this Standard shall bear the following
permanent markings:
a) with the exception of any glass panel, the manufacturer's identity on each module of the guard
assembly; and
b) for glass panels,
i) the applicable markings for safety glass; and
ii) where applicable, markings to indicate that the panels have been heat soaked.
Markings shall be visible and legible when the guard is installed.

Note: The purpose of the permanent marking is to ensure that the guards are maintained and repaired in
accordance with the original manufacturer’s instructions.
Annex A (informative)
Commentary
Notes:
1) This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
2) Main clause numbering within this Annex corresponds to the main clause numbering in the main body of the
Standard (i.e., Clause A.4 provides commentary on Clause 4).
A.4.1.7 Supporting structure

Concrete
Concrete structure should conform to CSA A23.3 and precast concrete should conform to CSA A23.4
standard to support the guard design loads.
Special consideration should be given to the guard connections and locations of pre- or post-tension
cables and reinforcement. Composite concrete slab construction typically has insufficient concrete
thickness for adequate anchor embedment for post construction installation, and requires careful
consideration with regard of connection anchorage. Fasteners installed in concrete toping over steel
deck that is below the minimum strength values given in anchor manufacturer’s data must have
fasteners testing done to verify design capacities.
Masonry
All masonry structures should be designed to support the imposed guard design loads and should
conform to CSA S304.1. Special consideration should be given to the anchoring design into hollow
masonry (concrete masonry unit) structures. Whenever possible, hollow masonry structures should be
grouted in the locations of guard anchorages.
Steel
Load-bearing steel structures should be designed to support the guard loading and anchor connections
in accordance with CSA S16. Steel structures generally require localized strengthening and modification
to accept the anchorages for guard connections. Steel decks without additional secondary steel support
should not be used for structural connections. Special consideration should be given to satisfactory
corrosion protection for steel structure that is exposed to moisture.
Wood
Wood structures should be designed to support guard loading and anchor connections in accordance to
CSA O86. Wood structures will generally require localized strengthening and modification to accept the
anchorages for guard connections. The primary wood structure must provide solid wood substrates of
75 mm or thicker at guard attachment points. Providing only plywood sheathing for guard attachments
is not permitted. If the primary structure is pressure treated lumber then special consideration should
be given to fastener corrosion protection. If exposure conditions permit, the use of ACQ lumber is to be
minimized to avoid this concern.
A.5.5.2 Impact and post-breakage retention testing

The Appendix in ANSI Z97.1 contains information on the development of human engineering data.
Figure A.1 shows the maximum impact energy that equals the kinetic energy of a person in motion at
the moment of impact. Actual impact energy (i.e., that which a person actually delivers) might be
considerably less, except perhaps in the case of a person falling on a non-vertical surface. Additional
information can be found in ANSI Z97.1.
Figure A.1
Human engineering data for impact energies
(See Clause A.5.5.2.)
91 kg
68 kg
2034 45.4 kg
Maximum impact energy [N• m]

1356 Maximum impact energy
from 45.4 kg person
22.7 kg
running at approx.
678 5.2 m/ s
542 11.3 kg
0 1.5 3.0 4.5 6.0 7.5 9.0

Velocity [m/s]
(Fast walk) (Fast sprint)

0.12 0.48 1.22 1.91 2.98 4.30
Approx. free-fall distance required to achiev e velocity [m]
Note: Figure based on ANSI Z97.1, Appendix.
A.6.3 Glass used in guards

The use of glass on exterior of building facades has increased significantly over the past two decades.
Advancement of material processing and fabrication technology, combined with the transparency of
glass, has resulted in creative designs in construction. The current CAN/CGSB 12.20 and other
CAN/CGSB documents referenced in the NBC were published based on the best knowledge and
research available at the time of publication.
Similar documents produced by ASTM have been maintained and updated and are most current in
North America. However, ASTM E1300 does not cover many aspects of the design covered in CGSB.
CAN/CGSB 12.20 is based on limit state design, while ASTM E1300 is based on allowable stress design.
Further, CAN/CGSB 12.20 covers both the load and materials resistance of glass, while ASTM E1300
addresses glass resistance only. ASTM leaves the interpretation of design loads to the end user and in
the United States, which is governed by ASCE 7.
Current CAN/CGSB 12.20 and ASTM E1300 design standards primarily address the resistance of
continuously framed glazing to applied uniform (wind and snow) pressures. At the time of
CAN/CGSB 12.20 writing in 1989, windows, doors, guards, and sloped glazing were four-sided framed
glazing. The 2012 edition of ASTM E1300 notes that the standard does not apply to guards. Therefore,
due to the wide variety of support conditions and loading patterns to which guard glazing is subjected,
their structural design must be based on rational analysis methods. The information presented in this
Standard is intended to provide design professionals with relevant guidelines.
Key differences between the two design standards are summarized in the table below, which is based
on information provided by the National Research Council Canada.
Design consideration CAN/CGSB 12.20 ASTM E1300

Design Basis Limit states design Working stress design
Governing code or standard NBC ASCE 7*
Wind Load Factor 1.5 prior to 2005 1.0 until 2010
1.4 since 2005 0.6 since 2010
Reference wind Mean hourly wind pressure 3 s gust speed
Specified wind pressures 3 s pressures 3 s pressures
Load duration in design charts 60 s 60 s prior to 2002

3 s since 2002
Wind load return period 10 years in 1989 50 years prior to 2010
50 years since 2005 70 years since 2010
Exposure factor Open only before 2005 Open and suburban
Open and suburban since 2005
* ASCE 7 is referred to here only for the purposes of illustrating changes affecting overall reliability and the reference does not
imply it can be used as an alternative Standard to the wind load provisions of the NBC.
CAN/CGSB and ASTM Standards are referenced here, as the professionals (manufacturers, fabricators,
architects, engineers, and contractors) involved in the glazing industry in Canada are aware of and do
generally follow the most current knowledge and best practice guidelines.
For reference and general information, several of the latest relevant glass design documents are as
follows:
a) Structural Use of Glass, Structural Engineering Document 10, International Association for Bridges
and Structural Engineering (IABSE), Mathias Haidimann, Andreas Luible, and Mauro Overend, 2008.
b) Structural Use of Glass in Buildings, Second edition, The Institute of Structural Engineers, 2014.
c) Glass design using the SLG-method, Dr.-Ing. Jörg Beyer, Technische Universität, State Material
Testing Institute, Germany, Proceedings from Glass Performance Days, 2009.
A.6.3.2 Materials
A summary of some key quality controls for glass testing procedures are as follows:
• for heat soaked tempered glass,
– fragmentation testing for each daily batch of glass completed both before and after heat soaking;
and
– surface or edge stress polariscopic readings for each daily batch of glass completed both before
and after heat soaking;
• for tempered glass,
– daily flatness testing for localized warp and overall bow;
– fragmentation testing* for each daily batch of glass;
– surface or edge stress polariscopic readings† for each daily batch of glass; and
• for laminated glass,
– impact resistance test results indicating compliance to Type 2 test requirements per
CAN/CGSB-12.1, Section 5.5.2.
– boiling water test results indicating compliance to Type 1 test requirements per CAN/CGSB-12.1,
Section 5.3;
– impact resistance test results indicating compliance to Type 1 test requirements per
CAN/CGSB-12.1, Section 5.5.1; and
– mock-up test results showing proof of glass being retained in support frame after breakage.
* Fragmentation testing is per CAN/CGSB, Section 5.4.

† Surface stress testing is per ASTM C1279.
Quality control program

Prior to project start-up, a quality control program plan should be submitted to the consultant for
review. The plan should include the type and calibration date of the test equipment, test procedures,
and example logs for each required quality control test.
Proof of compliance should be submitted per quality control methods outlined in CAN/CGSB 12.1,
Section 5, and as outlined above.
All quality control test results should be logged and distributed weekly for recording purposes
throughout the duration of the project.
Annex B (informative)
Climbability
Note: This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
B.1 Curb as a step for climbing

B.1.1
In order to reduce the risk of climbing, a guard should be installed 300 mm or more away from a curb if
the openings in the guard are wide enough to allow a foot (e.g., the foot of a child) to pass through and
use the curb as a step. See Figure B.1.
Figure B.1
Minimum curb clearance
(See Clause B.1.1.)
Max. 100 mm
opening
≥ 300 mm
Top of curb Top of curb
B.1.2
0
0
In order to reduce the risk of climbing, a guard should have openings not more than 50 mm if it is
0
installed in front of a curb and the curb is less than 300 mm from the guard. See Figure B.2.
Figure B.2
Curb clearance less than 300 mm
(See Clause B.1.2.)
Max. 50 mm Less than
opening 300 mm
Top of curb Top of curb
B.2 Guards with protrusions

0
0
0
B.2.1
Guards with protrusions located between 140 mm and 900 mm above the finished floor or walking
surface that conform to at least one of the following might be considered as not to facilitate climbing:
a) protrusions do not have more than 15 mm horizontal offset;
b) protrusions do not provide a toe space more than 45 mm horizontally and 20 mm vertically; or
c) protrusions present more than a 2-in-1 slope on the offset.
See Figure B.3. Also see Clauses B.2.2 and B.2.3.
Figure B.3
Examples of maximum horizontal offset of protrusions in guards
(See Clause B.2.1.)
≤ 15 mm offset
900 mm
0 0
140 mm
B.2.2
A guard incorporating spaces that are not more than 45 mm wide by 20 mm high might be considered
to not facilitate climbing because the spaces created by the protruding elements are too small to
provide a toehold. See Figure B.4. 0 0
Figure B.4
Example of a guard with spaces created by the protruding elements
that are not more than 45 mm wide and 20 mm high
(See Clauses B.2.1 and B.2.2.)
≤ 45 mm
≤ 20 mm
900 mm
140 mm
0
B.2.3
Protrusions that present more than a 2-in-1 slope on the offset might be considered to not facilitate
climbing because such a slope is considered too steep to provide adequate footing. See Figure B.5.

0
Figure B.5
Example of guard protrusions with a slope greater than 2 in 1
(See Clauses B.2.1 and B.2.3.)
1
900 mm
0
140 mm
Annex C (informative)
Geometry, layout, and anchoring of guards
C.1 General guard details

Figures C.1(a) to C.1(d) show examples of common guard assembly configurations.
Figure C.1(a)
Surface mount guard assembly
(See Clause C.1.)
Top rail
Infill panel
Post
Side support of
infill panel
Post shoe
Infill panel
support channel
Post shoe
anchorage
Channe l support
Main connection Support

to the support structure
structure
Figure C.1(b)
By-pass guard assembly with connection to top surface of slab
(See Clause C.1.)
Top rail
Infill panel
Post
Side support of
infill panel
Post shoe
Post shoe
anchorage
Main connection
to the support
structure
Infill panel
support channel
Support
structure
Channe l
support
Figure C.1(c)
By-pass guard assembly with connection to outside surface of slab
(See Clause C.1.)
Top rail
Infill panel
Post
Side support of
infill panel
Main connection to
the support structure
Support structure Post shoe
Post shoe anchorage
Infill panel support

channe l
Channe l support
Figure C.1(d)
Freestanding glass guard with top cap/top rail edge protection
(See Clause C.1.)
Top cap/ top rail
Glass panel
Post shoe
Main connection
to the support
structure
Post shoe anchorage
Support
structure
C.2 Guard anchoring to load-bearing structures

Figure C.2 shows examples of typical anchoring methods.
Figure C.2
Typical anchoring methods
(See Clause C.2.)
a) Adhesive anchoring into concrete (no overhead use)

0
b) Adhesive anchor ing into edge of concrete slab

0
c) Expansion anchoring into concrete
d) Cast-in anchoring
0
e) Bolted connecon t o hollow structural sec on (HSS) member using specialty “hollow” bolt
f) Standard bolted connec on; alterna vely welded
g) Lag bolt or suita ble screw connec on to mber
Annex D (informative)
Risk assessment for glass breakage
D.1 Risk assessment

D.1.1 General
Risk assessment is a complex subject and, as such, has only been presented in a very fundamental and
cursory manner in this Annex. Although there are a number of sophisticated formal risk management
methods available, their use is not common practice in the glazing industry. However, no matter what
level of rigor or sophistication is employed, it is imperative that some thought be put into identifying
the risks associated with the use of glass in guards. In the event of an incident, all of the parties
involved in the design, manufacture, installation, and use might be called upon to demonstrate that
some level of due diligence was exercised in mitigating the risks associated with the guard glazing.
Ideally, risk assessments should only be carried out by competent persons who are in a position to
identify and evaluate all of the variables for the specific application in which the glass will be employed.
In practical terms, this means that for any given project, the assessment should be carried out by
members of the team, whose expertise ranges from a specific technical understanding of the glass and
guard components to those with a broad knowledge of the overall use of the guard assembly.
For a more comprehensive introduction to risk assessment and management, a number of references
are provided at the end of this Annex.
D.1.2 Risk identification and classification

Risk assessment identifies potential hazards, which can cause harm or loss, and determines the
probability that the hazard will occur and cause the harm or loss. Risks can be health and safety risks
that might occur during construction or over the useful service life of the building, risks to guard/
building performance or appearance, and financial risks associated with failure. In the case of glass used
in guard application, examples of hazards include
• tempered glass not breaking safely (i.e., not breaking into small cubes) and either causing direct
injury or falling from height and resulting in injury or property damage;
• tempered glass breaking spontaneously and falling from height and resulting in injury or property
damage;
• laminated glass delaminating on impact and not breaking safely, causing direct injury or falling from
height and resulting in injury or property damage; and
• safety glass (i.e., monolithic tempered or laminated glass) becoming dislodged from its fixing and
falling from height and resulting in injury or property damage.
D.1.3 Risk classification

Once the potential hazard(s) have been identified, they are then evaluated, with a view to either
eliminating the risk or reducing the risk of occurrence to a level “as low as reasonably practicable”. For
a risk to be as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP), it must be possible to demonstrate that the cost
involved in reducing the risk further would be grossly disproportionate to the benefit gained. The term
“grossly disproportionate” is a qualitative variable. In essence, it is the difference between the effort, in
terms of time and money, necessary to reduce the risk of the occurrence [of the hazard] to the
consequence of the hazard (i.e., harm or loss), assuming the hazard cannot be completely eliminated.
Single hazard cases are simple, while multiple hazards are more difficult to deal with, as each hazard
must be managed to an acceptable level of tolerance. ALARP is a well-established principle and is often
employed in developing safety regulations.
Figure D.1 shows the high-level process for risk assessment and classification.
Figure D.1
Risk assessment and classification
(See Clause D.1.3.)
Hazard
ident ified
Risk assessment
Risk classification
Hazard
evaluated
Hazard risk Hazard risk

tolerable intolerable
There are a number of methods to classify risk for any given hazard. These include
Descriptive method:
This is a common method of classifying risk as low, medium, and high. This method is the most
subjective and can result in significantly different interpretations by different individuals rating the
same hazard. As it is only qualitative in nature, this approach does not provide a simple or
straightforward means of effectively differentiating between, for example, glass types and
configurations for guards for various applications.
Example:
A glazing infill is required for a 20-storey condominium balcony guard. The guard is approximately 50
mm from the face of the balcony slab and is in an area where there is a great deal of pedestrian traffic
below. The glazing infill choices are monolithic tempered glass, laminated heat strengthened/heat
strengthened glass, laminated tempered/tempered glass, laminated heat-strengthened glass, or plastic
panels.
Each glazing infill panel material is first evaluated with respect to its ability to perform its intended
function for the application. For example, the following factors might be considered for the infill:
a) strength required to resist the loads that will be imposed upon it;
b) the likelihood of breakage;
c) the likelihood that it will break safely; and
d) the potential to fall from a height when broken.
Using this analysis for each glazing a table may be developed See Table D.1.
Table D.1
Relative risk of non-retention after glass breakage — Balcony guard
infill for a high-rise building
(See Clause D.1.3.)
Risk of non-
retention after glass
Glazing infill material breakage
Monolithic tempered glass High
Laminated tempered/tempered glass (flexible interlayer) Moderately high
Laminated annealed/annealed glass (flexible interlayer) Moderate
Laminated heat strengthened/heat strengthened glass (flexible interlayer) Moderate
Laminated annealed/annealed glass (stiff interlayer) Low
Laminated heat strengthened/heat strengthened glass (stiff interlayer) Low
Laminated tempered/tempered glass (stiff interlayer) Low
Plastic panel (approved safety plastic) Low
Notes:
1) For laminated configurations, risk can be lowered by adhering or through-glass point fixing the glazing infill
to the guard framing components.
2) With respect to the risk category, the definition of high, moderate, and low relates to the relative risk
associated with the glass falling out of the opening after breakage.
3) A stiff interlayer is defined as one with a minimum Young’s Modulus of 300 MPa in accordance with ASTM
D5026.
From this Table, it is apparent that the safest glazing material for the balcony glazing infill panel would
be, laminated heat strengthened glass, or plastic panels. Note that, modifying any of the parameters,
such as placing the glass further away from the edge of the slab or providing canopies or screens to
protect the people below, will alter the outcome of the analysis. In this case, monolithic tempered glass
may be an acceptable alternative.
Numerical method
This method attempts to assign quantitative values to the variable affecting the risk. This method
usually provides an estimate of the probability that a particular hazard will occur and the severity of the
harm or loss it may cause. In some cases, the assessment may include a factor that accounts for some
mechanism of detecting immanent failure, which would potentially offset the risk (i.e., failure would be
averted by correcting the problem). The numerical method may be further subdivided into two basic
types, “calculation” approach or the “matrices” approach.
Calculation approach: An example of the calculation approach would be the determination of how
tolerable a risk might be by arbitrarily assigning values over a range for the likelihood of glass breakage
over the useful service life of the building and the severity of the hazard caused by the breakage. In this
example, first the likelihood of glass breakage is defined in accordance with an arbitrary scale:
1. Insignificant (highly unlikely)

2. Low (possible)
3. Medium (very possible)
4. High (probable)
5. Extremely high (anticipated)
The next stage would be to assess the severity of the hazard in the same fashion:
1. Insignificant (minor injury, no first-aid required)

2. Low (minor injury requiring some first aid)
3. Medium (injury causing absence from work for three or more days)
4. High (serious injury, broken bones or disablement)
5. Extremely high (death)
Using these variables, each type of a glazing material may be mathematically evaluated by multiplying
each variable for a given glazing material and the most appropriate glass type selected on the basis of
acceptable risk tolerance. See Table D.2.
Table D.2
Calculation of risk — Balcony guard infill for a high-rise building
(See Clause D.1.3.)
Risk of glass breakage Level of risk Assessment

≤5 Low Risk is acceptable (tolerable)
6–15 Medium Risk should be re-examined and risk reduced.
≥ 16 High Risk is unacceptable.
Matrices approach: Figures D.2 and D.3 outline examples of classifying risk using a matrix. In both
cases, a table of cells is employed with varying row and columns numbers containing information,
shading, and a legend outlining tolerance levels. Matrices are considered less subjective than the
descriptive or calculation methods.
The first matrices example illustrates the use of a matrix to assess and manage the risks associated with
guard glass based on the variables associated with the application.
Figure D.2
Risk assessment and management matrix
(See Clause D.1.3.)
Potential for damage Example Condition of building elevation
Group C, pedestria n
Storage near guard, possibility of wind-blown
5 corridor
debris, or > 100 m2 of glass area
Any Group D or E use
Group C, private
Storage near guard, possibility of wind-blown
4 balcony
debris, or > 100 m2 of glass area
Potential for failure
any Group D or E use
Group D or E use with Storage near guard, possible of wind-blown

3
limited glass guards debris, or 10 m2 < 100 m2 of glass area
Group C building with Storage near guard, possible of wind-blown

2
limited glass guards debris, or < 100 m2 of glass area
Group C, D, E Building
1 No storage near glass guard and normally no
with no direct access
adjacent foot traffic
to glass guards
A B C D E
suburban area with
Risk Action
public walkway
Roof or canopy
municipal street/
public walkway
Infrequently used or Driveway or
garden area
less than 12 h per day alley below
City street/
for pedestrian access within 5 m
within 5 m
Condition of risk A Example
within 5 m
5 m wide
No requirement for risk mitigation unless

Urban or
below
below
desired by design
continually more than
with restricted access
vehicle, traffic below
pedestrian access 12
Minimally used area
Containment of glass and prevention from

Intermitently used
pedestrian access
No pedestrian or
falling is optional
to 18 h per day
18 h per day
Highly used
Provide protection from falling glass using

laminated glass, glass retention measures,
and/ or design to prevent glass falling.
In this second example, another type of matrix that illustrates the impact of heat soaking the monolithic
tempered glass and modifying the conditions of use on the level of risk.
Figure D.3
Risk assessment and management matrix
(See Clause D.1.3.)
Extremely high
(certain)
0
Likelihood of injury during life
High
(probable)
Medium
(very possible)
Low
(possible)
Insignificant
(very unlikely)
0
Insignificant Low Medium injury High Extremely
Risk (minor injury – (minor injury – (absence of (serious injury high
no first aid first aid work for three with broken (death)
Risk required) required) or more days) bone s or
disablement)
Risk tolerable Severity of injury during life of glazing
Note: Sample project details include

a) monolithic tempered glass (heat soaked);
b) by-pass infill panel configuration;
c) large 12 mm thick glass;
d) no top edge protection;
e) quasi-three sided support;
f) building height 40 storeys
g) public access below (2-elevations);
h) no public access below (2-elevations);
i) ground floor canopy.
Probabilistic method
This procedure gives a hazard probability based on a calculation. In this case, the value obtained
indicates the likelihood that harm or loss will occur. This method is most desirable in that it not only
provides a quantity that is founded on well-defined factors, it allows for direct comparison to standard
tolerance values given in actuarial references. The downside is that the results derived using this
approach can be easily skewed by a single inaccurate variable.
In the following example of the probabilistic method of classifying risk, an algorithm describing the level
of risk associated with the use of heat soaked glass over non-heat soaked nickel sulphide (NiS)
contaminated glass. The sample assumes that failure of the glass due to NiS inclusions would occur over
the first seven years of service of the glass.
F= Ff × Po × Pc × Pd × Pp × Pf
where
FI =I frequency of a fatality
FfI =I frequency of NiS inclusion breakage

PoI =I probability that glass will fall outwards
PcI =I probability that glass will fall in clumps
PdI =I probability that screen will not break-up clumps
PpI =I probability that clumped glass will fall in an area occupied by people
Pf I =I probability of a fatality if person is struck by a clump
For the problematic glass, the values are

FfI =I 0.02571 (based on 90 inclusions per 3500 panels installed on building)
PoI =I 0.9
PcI =I 1.0
PdI =I 0.75
PpI =I 0.5
Pf I =I 0.05
and
F = 4.34 × 10–4
This would equate to 1 fatality in 16 131 people per year.
Heat soaking the glass would reduce that risk to
F = 8.17 × 10–7
where
F = frequency of a fatality
Ff = 0.00004847 (based on 1 inclusion per 400 tonnes of glass = 1 panels per 8500 panels and assuming
3500 panels installed for building)
PoI =I 0.9
PcI =I 1.0
PdI =I 0.75
PpI =I 0.5
PfI =I 0.05
This would reduce the potential fatality rate to 1 fatality per 8,500,000 people per year.
In this example, this method clearly illustrates the impact of heat soaking the glass on the risk of a
fatality for NiS contaminated glass. Changing the value of any of the variables can have a significant
impact on the level of risk.
D.2 Glass selection — Glass performance

The selection of glass type for a particular guard application not only involves the evaluation of the
appropriate aesthetic and physical characteristics of the glass, it requires additional consideration to
mitigate the risk and potential consequence of unintended glass breakage. Notwithstanding the
aesthetic issue, glass for use in guards must first meet the following performance and code
requirements:
• code mandated, guard and wind load resistance combinations;
• code mandated safety glass requirements;
• impact resistance: independent of guard assembly and as employed in the guard assembly; and
• post breakage performance: independent of guard assembly and as employed in the guard assembly.
The areas with shaded background in Figure D.4 relate to risk while the area with unshaded background
does not.
Figure D.4
Building design and glass selection issues
(See Clause D.2.)
Building design and
glass selection
issues
Building Building Construction and Environmental Glazing Glazing

aesthe tics operation dem olition control safety security
Architectural Weather Heat Wind and snow Manual

Tolerances
design performance gain loads attack
Glazing People Component Heat Explosion

Impact loads
appear ance access availability loss resistance
Maintenance Temporary Glass Bullet

Acoustics
and repair conditions defects resistance
Safe
Vandalism Light Deflection
construction
Thermal
Durability Programme Condensation
stresses
Structural
Demolition Sustainability
loads
Fire
performance
Based on the outcome of these evaluations and any other mandated requirements, the information
gleaned may then be employed in the risk management process.
D.3 References
Keiller, A; Walker, A; Ledbetter, S; Wolmuth, W, “Guidance on glazing at Height,” Chapters 7 and 8, CIRIA
C632, 2005, Classic House, London.
Health Safety Executive (HSE), “Reducing risks, protecting people,” HSE Books, Norwich, 2001.
Annex E (informative)
Rigging loads for window cleaning and maintenance
Notes:
1) This informative (non-mandatory) Annex has been written in normative (mandatory) language to facilitate
adoption where users of the Standard or regulatory authorities wish to adopt it formally as additional
requirements to this Standard.
2) In order to provide a safe environment for workers and the general public, architects and designers should
consider the relationship between building guards and the activities that take place in reference to rigging for
suspended equipment. Ideally, consideration of the rigging requirements for window cleaning and
maintenance should be included in the early stages of building design and any relevant information provided
to subcontracted designers. Design features such as cascading terraces can present additional challenges for
rigging of suspension and safety lines for window cleaning and maintenance.
E.1 General
In accordance with Clause 4.6, building guards subjected to forces from suspended equipment
operations for window cleaning or building maintenance shall meet the requirements of CAN/CSA-Z271
and CAN/CSA-Z91.
In order to provide a safe environment for workers, the general public, and owners, architects and
designers should be aware of the relationship between building guards and the activities that take place
in reference to rigging for suspended equipment. Figures E.1 to E.6 illustrate some of the key concerns.
E.2 Rigging loads

E.2.1 Rigging loads for bosons chairs
Consideration shall be given to forces that will be exerted on building guards by suspension lines,
suspension supports or safety lines. These forces can vary considerably depending on the access
methods that are planned for window cleaning or long term maintenance needs.
When boson chairs are used for window cleaning, the worker’s support lines can bear directly on the
railing or, in the case of cascading buildings, they can exert forces resulting from the contact with
inclined lines (see Figures E.1 to E.6 for sample conditions). The workers shall use a safety line that is
secured to a fixed anchor point designed for 23 kN ultimate load. In the event of a fall, the arrest of the
worker can generate a force of 8 kN in the safety line. If the safety line bears on the guard before
leading back to a fixed anchor point at that level, the resulting forces on the guard will exceed the arrest
force. There might be instances where the most economical solution is to design the guard to be
structurally capable of serving as the actual support member with integral safety line anchorage
provisions.
E.2.2 Rigging loads for suspended platforms

For long term maintenance needs, such as caulking or painting, the building might need to
accommodate temporary suspended platform rigging. The loads imposed by support systems for
suspended platforms are higher than those imposed by a worker in a boson chair and are unlikely to be
accommodated by the guard. Solutions such as removable guard elements or devices to provide
support systems above the guard might be necessary to facilitate maintenance.
While the need to accommodate these additional loads can present considerable challenges, it should
be noted that in most instances only the upper most building guards are affected. This condition can
also occur where the architectural design creates different planes with only the upper most building
guard of each terrace being affected.
E.3 Additional considerations

In circumstances where forces cannot be applied to the building guards, large and cumbersome
equipment might be required to be moved
a) from base to base;
b) from level to level;
c) from balcony to balcony (residential), from terrace to terrace (commercial); or
d) through private residences.
The process of moving equipment results in greater exposure to worker and public safety concerns,
property damage and increased rigging time.
It is more cost effective to design select building guards to support the stated forces in conformity with
the requirements of CAN/CSA-Z271 and CAN/CSA-Z91.
In most cases, a well-designed system will increase property value, enhance residents’ experience, and
produce operational cost savings during the life of the building.
Figure E.1
Typical roof level perimeter guard condition
(See Clauses E.1 and E.2.1.)
Suspension line and safe ty line each

run back to separate anchora ge.
• Suspension line load could be as high as 1.6 kN
0
• Load on fall arrest line in the event of a fall: 4 to 8 kN
• Resultant horizontal forces on guards will be similar to line loads.
Window cleaner
on bosun chair
Figure E.2
Narrow roof or balcony condition
Suspension line and

safety line each run
over guard to separate
anchorage

0
• Resultant vertical forces on gua rds will increase to as much as
double the line loads if ancho rages are located close to the guard.
Horizontal forces will also be present when anchorage points are
further inboard
Window cleaner
on bosun chair
Figure E.3
Cascading wall condition
Suspension line and safe ty line each run

from upper level roof an d over guard

0
• Resultant vertical forces on gua rds will vary depending on the incline
angle of the lines. With a 45 degree incline as shown horizontal forces
will be equal to about 70 perce nt of the line load.
Window cleaner
on bosun chair
Figure E.4
Multilevel cascading wall
30°

0
• Resultant vertical forces on guards will vary depending

on the incline angle of the lines. The resulting angle will
need to be determined at each level as the worker
descends. With a 30 degree incline the horizontal
forces will be equal to about 50 percent of the line load.
Suspension line and safety line each run

from upper level roof and over guards
Window cleaner
on bosun cha ir
Note: When a boson’s chair is rigged to roof anchors, forces will be exerted on each of the building guards as the
primary boson’s chair lines and safety line cascade over the guards, before going vertical for the final floors to the
sidewalk below.
Figure E.5
Multilevel cascading wall condition
Figure E.6
Davit over guard condition
Plaftorm suspension
ropes are supported
by davits
Safety lines run up over guards

0 0
to anchorages at roof le vel
• Resultant force on guards will increase to as much as

double the line loads when a nchorages are located
close to the guard
Suspended
platform
Annex F (informative)
Composites and other materials
F.1 Plastics
F.1.1 General
Various plastic materials are suitable for use in guards, either as structural members, infill panels, or
handrails. Plastic materials are particularly suitable for guards subjected to corrosive environments.
Since these materials are based on a number of dissimilar chemical raw materials, their basic properties
differ widely from one another. Thus, in addition to the general information given in this Clause,
detailed information on the particular material to be used should be sought, as required, from
appropriate industrial sources.
Plastic materials classified as low-level glazing in building guards should be designed using the design
criteria given in BS 6262 (all parts), ensuring adequate containment. Other plastic material guards
should be designed to satisfy the design criteria given in Clause 4 of this Standard. In addition, the
material should not break when the guard is subjected to the normal design loads that might be applied
and should not be penetrated when subjected to the relevant impact test loads as given in this
Standard.
F.1.2 Types of plastics

Plastic materials can be divided into two general groups: thermoplastics and thermosetting (thermoset)
materials. Within these groups, there are various differing types of materials:
a) Thermoplastics comprise plastic materials that soften under the influence of heat, thus undergoing
physical, but not chemical, change.
b) Thermosetting (thermoset) materials comprise plastic materials that have undergone an
irreversible chemical change during their manufacture. In their final form, these materials often
incorporate reinforcing fibres, such as glass fibre or carbon fibre.
Unless otherwise demonstrating acceptable performance, thermoplastic should not be used where high
temperatures, exposure to UV light, and/or low humidities are anticipated.
F.1.3 Structural members

Structural members made from plastic materials should only be made from reinforced thermosetting
plastic.
Note: Structural members can be fabricated as complete units or supplied as shaped rod or profile stock for
subsequent fabrication and assembly.
F.2 Infill panels

F.2.1 General
Plastic infill panels for guards should be manufactured both from thermoplastic and suitably reinforced
thermosetting materials.
F.2.2 Infill panels — Thermoplastic materials
F.2.2.1 General
Thermoplastic infill panels should be manufactured from thermoplastic sheet stock, which can be
unreinforced or suitably reinforced. The materials used should be safety plastic materials conforming to
the impact performance requirements of BS 6206.
Notes:
1) Typical examples of such materials are acrylic, polycarbonate, and rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
2) Reinforcement normally consists of wire or metal mesh reinforcement incorporated during manufacture.
Other types of reinforcement can be included to give panels special properties, such as increased rigidity or
improved fire resistance.
F.2.2.2 Design
A nominal additional safety factor of 1.5 should be applied to the design loads to allow for possible
ageing effects after long-term weathering. Allowance should be made for the high coefficient of linear
thermal expansion of thermoplastic infill panels and a clearance of 5 mm per metre length should be
provided within the metal support frames.
F.2.2.3 Fixing
F.2.2.3.1
Direct fixing of bolts, screws or clips should not be used on acrylic panels and is not recommended for
polycarbonate or PVC panels. Fixing should be by the use of metal profile framing fixed to the
supporting section and top rail handrail. In the case of acrylic infill panels, edge supports should be over
all of the exposed edges, i.e., full framing.
F.2.2.3.2
In the case of fully framed infill panels, the rebate depth of the thermoplastic sheet should be not less
than 20 mm per metre length. In the case of two-edge framing only, i.e., non-acrylic panels, the
minimum rebate depth should be not less than 35 mm per metre length.
F.2.2.3.3
Neoprene, butyl, or similar suitable rubber profile section should be used to frame the thermoplastics
panel within the metal frame. PVC profile section or flexible mastic sealant should not be used.
F.2.2.3.4
All metal fixings should be protected from corrosion.
F.2.2.4 Workmanship
F.2.2.4.1
All cut edges should be free from cracks, chips, or rough edges.
F.2.2.4.2
Acrylic panels, in particular, should never be cold bent. When panels of polycarbonate or PVC are cold
bent on site, the manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed, with particular reference to the
minimum permitted radius of bend. Any thermoformed bending of all types of thermoplastic infill
panels should be carried out by the application of heat in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommended thermoforming practice.
F.2.3 Infill panels: thermosetting materials
F.2.3.1 General
The materials used for this type of infill panel should be safety plastic materials conforming to the
impact performance requirements of BS 6206.
Note: Infill panels based on thermosetting materials are normally based on unsaturated polyester resins reinforced
with glass fibre in various forms. Such materials are commonly referred to as glass fibre-reinforced plastics (GRP).
Other reinforced thermosetting materials might include laminates made by either hot pressing sheets of paper
laminated with phenol formaldehyde resins or by moulding infill panels from glass reinforced acrylic resins.
F.2.3.2 Reinforcing thermosetting plastic sheet materials

Infill panels made from GRP consist of a laminate of thermosetting polyester resin and glass fibre. The
laminate should include an outer gelcoat layer designed to provide an exposed protective surface.
This layer should be made from special unreinforced resin containing colourants and light-protecting
additives.
Notes:
1) Gelcoats usually provide a hard, high-gloss surface finish.
2) The laminate can be made by contact moulding or matched die moulding. In contact moulding, the laminate
can be prepared by the hand lay-up process, which consists of manual impregnation of glass matt with resin,
or the spray-up process, in which resin, catalyst, and chopped glass fibre strands are deposited on the mould
surface in the correct proportions by spray gun or depositor. Matched die moulding can be used to produce
moulded GRP infill panels that have specific design features difficult to achieve using contact moulding, e.g.,
smooth surfaces on both sides, or particularly intricate designs incorporating locating lugs, bases or
strengthening ribs.
F.2.3.3 Design
A nominal additional safety factor of 1.5 should be applied to the design loads to allow for possible
ageing effects after long-term weathering.
Note: As GRP materials have a lower linear expansion coefficient than thermoplastic materials no special
allowance needs to be made for expansion.
F.2.3.4 Fixing
F.2.3.4.1
The fixing of GRP infill panels should follow conventional practice.
Panels should be fixed by bolts, screws, clamps, or full framing.

Note: Most commercially available sealants are suitable for sealing GRP infill panels. GRP sheets can be cut to
shape.
F.2.3.4.2
All metal fixings should be protected from corrosion.
F.3 Impact testing

F.3.1 General
Where theoretical considerations are used to establish that the guard is capable of meeting the design
criteria given in Clauses 4 and 5, the designer should ensure that the materials used are appropriate.
The plastic glazing sheet materials should be of a type that will conform to the impact test requirements
for safety plastic materials given in BS 6206.
Note: The impact energy level requirement is likely to vary according to the position of the guard relative to the
anticipated flight path of a falling body.
F.3.2 Energy level

The energy level which should be considered depends upon the free path, i.e., the free distance a body
can travel in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the guard. The impact grades that should be
used for guards are Class C of BS 6206 for a free path of 600 mm up to 1500 mm and Class A of BS 6206
for a free path greater than 1500 mm.
F.3.3 Material selection

The designer should select materials that perform adequately when the guard is subjected to the
normal design loads likely to be applied and that are not penetrated when subjected to the appropriate
impact test loads.
F.3.4 Flammability
F.3.4.1
The surface spread-of-flame classification of all plastic infill panels should be Class 3 or better when
tested in accordance with BS 476-7.
Note: Higher standards might be required in some locations to conform to building or other regulations.
F.3.4.2
The surface spread-of-flame of all plastic structural components should be Class 1 when tested in
accordance with BS 476-7.
F.3.4.3
All plastic infill panels having a Class 2 or 3 surface spread-of-flame from BS 476-7 should have all
exposed sheet edges protected by a metal frame.
F.3.5 Maintenance
F.3.5.1 Cleaning
Plastic infill panels and handrails should be cleaned with water and mild detergent only. Solvents or
abrasive cleaners should not be used for cleaning.
F.3.5.2 Decoration
F.3.5.2.1
Plastic infill panels and handrails are provided pre-coloured and are not likely to need any form of
decoration. Paint should not be applied to plastic panels. If secondary decoration is necessary, the
manufacturer’s recommendations should be sought.
F.3.5.2.2
Care should be taken during the repainting of any adjacent supporting structures to ensure that solvent-
based paint removers or blow lamp flames do not come into contact with any plastic surface.
F.4 General inspection

Plastic infill panels should be inspected at least annually and checked for cracks or splits arising from
impact or misuse. Damaged panels should be replaced and loose fixings tightened. To avoid damage to
the panels, fixings should not be overtightened. Corroded fixings should be replaced immediately.
F.5 Assembly and installation

F.5.1 General
The installation of a guard should be supervised by a suitably qualified person or persons, who should
ensure that the design assumptions have been effectively implemented. Inspections and investigations
should be carried out as necessary to establish the integrity of the materials and the elements of
construction used.
F.5.2 Acceptance criteria
F.5.2.1 Materials with known properties

For materials with known properties, the limits imposed by the applicable standards given in Table F.1
should be used. It is the responsibility of the design authority to select the appropriate materials
specification, based on the applicable legislation (applicable building code, etc.), corresponding to the
location and environment where the guard will be installed.
F.5.2.2 Materials with unknown properties

In case of new materials for which, accepted norms or materials specifications do not yet exist, it is the
obligation of the engineering authority in charge of the guard design to either develop those material
properties through a rigorous material testing program or to submit certificates of authorization from a
recognized underwriting laboratory.
The structural elements need to have adequate dimensions, composition, properties, and the durability
to withstand the environment, as specified in the design requirements.
Table F.1
Mechanical properties (in direction of the applied stress)
(See Clause F.5.2.1.)
Property ASTM method Units

Tensile strength D638 psi (MPa)
Tensile modulus D638 psi (GPa)
Flexural strength D790 psi (MPa)
Flexural modulus D790 psi (GPa)
Short beam shear (transverse) D2344 psi (MPa)
Shear modulus (transverse) N/A psi (GPa)
Coefficient of thermal expansion D696 in/in/°F
(cm/cm/°C)
Flame spread E84 N/A
Annex G (informative)
Handling
G.1 General
G.1.1
Glass guard sections should be spaced from each other when stored and transported.
G.1.2
Workers’ hands should be clean when handling glass. Clean canvas gloves should be worn or cup
suction lifter should be used.
G.1.3
Guard sections should be packed and packaging should not be removed until just prior to installation.
G.1.4
Handling and moving of glass guard sections should be limited.
G.1.5
Handrails and other elements that are visible after installation should be protected to preserve their
finish.
G.2 Storage
G.2.1
Packaging should not be removed, except to verify dimensions and conditions of contents, until just
prior to installation.
G.2.2
All guard sections should be stored upright, vertically inclined and blocked at their bottom to prevent
moving.
G.2.3
Guard sections should be stored off the ground, in a clean and safe area not subject to damage. If not
fully packaged, some type of cover should be used to prevent damage from dust, and dirt.
G.2.4
On construction, site guard sections should be stored off the ground, in a clean and safe area not
subject to damage. Uninstalled guard sections should not be left on balconies except if they are
attached to prevent them from blowing away in the wind. Storage of units should be used.
Annex H (informative)
Maintenance plan for building guards
H.1 General
The intent of this Annex is to provide general maintenance and repair guidelines to promote durability
and avoid premature performance issues. The components described within are considered typical and
may vary from system to system and building to building. Specific maintenance procedures should be
modified as necessary to address site-specific or system-specific conditions. Building owners or their
representatives could retain an engineer to tailor the maintenance plan to suit site particulars and
provide guidance for frequency of reviews and sample size.
H.2 Aluminum and glass guard systems

H.2.1 Objective
The objective of this plan is to outline procedures for the ongoing maintenance and repair of aluminum
and glass guard systems to promote durability and avoid premature performance issues.
H.2.2 Background
Glazing and guard systems are exposed to environmental loads (e.g., wind, rain, snow, ice, temperature
changes) and occupancy loads (i.e., guard loads). Regular maintenance is recommended to prolong
service life and maintain performance.
The following is a general plan that can be modified to suit project specifics. Implementation of the plan
is the responsibility of the building owners and their representatives. Routine reviews could be carried
out by the building’s in-house operations staff and engineers and/or other professionals brought in as
required. Building owners should engage a service contract with a professional contractor to clean their
guard systems, similar to window cleaning operation. It is expected that repairs or modifications to the
guard systems during the warranty period is completed by the systems original contractor (and/or
manufacturer). Beyond the warranty period, the choice and selection of the contractor is that of the
building owner and their representatives.
H.2.3 Documentation and records

Maintenance begins with understanding the systems construction and any special requirements which
are integral to system performance. As such, the following documents should be collected and kept at
the property management office as part of the guard system’s construction and service history:
a) guard shop drawings;
b) contact information for the guard manufacturer (if not noted on the shop drawings);
c) contact information for the guard installer (if different than the manufacturer);
d) glass warranty (i.e., material warranty), aluminum coating (i.e., finish warranty), and aluminum
guard system performance warranty (i.e., systems supply and installation);
e) any turnover documents supplied by the contractor including manufacturer’s maintenance
requirements in order to uphold the warranty; and
f) guard inspection record and deficiency log (see Clause H.2.7).
H.2.4 Maintenance and repair guidelines

Maintenance should be conducted in conformance with the system contractor’s (typically the same as
systems manufacturer) requirements per design shop drawings and the local jurisdiction’s applicable
health and safety codes and standards. Cleaning products should be compatible with the glass, gaskets,
sealants, and painted aluminum finishes and should not affect material and system performance and
warranties. Lack of maintenance and improper execution can affect systems warranty (see Clause
H.2.3).
Recommended cleaning procedures are outlined in

• GANA 01-0300 – Glass Association of North America, Proper Procedures for Cleaning Architectural
Glass Products;
• AMMA 609 and 610 – American Architectural Manufacturers Association, Cleaning and Maintenance
Guides for Architecturally Finished Aluminum
Recommended guidelines for maintenance inspection and record keeping are provided in
• Guard system inspection procedure (Figure H.1(a)); and
• Guard inspection record and deficiency log (Figure H.1(b)).
Repairs to guard assemblies should be carried out using components that are equivalent to or better
than the ones being replaced in terms of their overall performance.
H.2.5 Annual inspection and repair plan

Commencing at the completion of construction (i.e., guard system on a new building or replacement
guard on an existing building) and on annual basis, perform the following work:
a) Annual inspection and repair — Perform system inspection (and applicable repairs) on randomly
selected balconies representing a reasonable sample (approximately 5%) of the total number of
balconies on the building. Complete the following:
i) Document and address observed deficiencies.
ii) Log the inspection record and deficiencies (use Figure H.1(b) as reference; modify to suit).
iii) Graphical description of common guard system components for reference.
b) Additional inspections – Consider and perform additional inspections as deemed necessary based
on the frequency and severity of the observed deficiencies noted. For example:
i) if minimal or no deficiencies are observed during annual inspection, no additional inspection is
required that year. Proceed with additional 5% inspection the following year; and
ii) if significant deficiencies are noted during annual inspection, increase number of inspections
on the guard systems:
1) If additional inspection identifies that the observed deficiencies were isolated in nature,
repair the deficiencies and conclude the annual inspection. Request assistance from an
engineer for structural issues.
2) If the additional inspection identifies a systematic issue, contact property management’s
consulting engineer and seek their recommendation for further action.
H.2.6 Glass breakage protocol

Glass is brittle and can break for many reasons (e.g., loose balcony furniture hitting the glass, a unit
occupant accidentally damaging the glass, due to overload, or without any obvious reason). When this
occurs, investigate and document why this might have happened immediately to narrow down the
possibilities. Engaging an engineer is recommended.
In the event of spontaneous glass breakage (glass breaking suddenly and without any visible cause), it is
critical that the breakage event is accurately documented so that forensic analysis by a glass
professional (i.e., engineering consultant or glass supplier’s specialist) can be done to determine the
possible cause(s) of breakage. The glass should be temporarily replaced with a suitable guard (e.g.,
plywood) until such a time as new glass can be installed as a replacement. The following procedure
provides general guidelines for dealing with a glass breakage event:
a) Restrict access to the building area affected by the breakage (i.e., balcony and/or public access
spaces below) to limit hazardous conditions.
b) Photograph and document the glass breakage pattern prior to removal of the broken glass.
c) Provide temporary protection (e.g., plywood, etc.) at the breakage area.
d) Remove and replace broken glazing as soon as possible.
e) Keep detailed record of the incident.
H.2.7 Guard system inspection

Suggested procedures for guard system inspection are given in Figure H.1(a). An example of a guard
inspection record and deficiency log is shown in Figure H.1(b).
Figure H.1(a)
Example guard system inspection procedure
(See Clauses H.2.4 and H.2.7.)
Deficiency
Item
Reference Inspection type Item location Potential corrective action
inspected
ID
Balconies — General
Visual review to identify objects
Resident to secure object(s) or to
on the balcony and their proximity
A Balcony All glass lites remove from balcony to control
to glass which may cause
risk.
breakage due to impact.
Divider-to-guard,
Visually check for missing or
B1 Divider-to-wall/
potentially loose fasteners
window connections
Re-torque or tighten fasteners
Divider-to-structure and nuts per manufacturer’s
Divider Check for loose or missing anchor
B2 (slab or soffit) requirements (per shop
nuts
connection drawing); replace if missing.
Check for loose or missing Divider frame
B3
fasteners connections
Aluminum Check for loose aluminum cover Slab cover where Re-tighten fasteners as
C
slab cover and/or connections present necessary; replace if missing.
Visually check concrete slabs for
Repair deteriorated/distressed
signs of deterioration (cracking or
D Concrete Balcony slabs concrete. Replace guard system
spalling) or distress at or near
anchors as needed.
anchor locations.
Guards — Aluminum framing and glass
Re-torque anchors per
Anchors to manufacturer’s requirements
E1 Review anchor nuts Guards and dividers
structure (per shop drawings). Replace
missing anchor nuts.
Anchors to Review anchor/fastener material Replace corroded anchors/
E2 Guards and dividers
structure corrosion fasteners
Balcony top rail-to-
F1
post connection
Balcony bottom rail-
F2
to-post connection
Top rail connecting
F3
(splice) sleeves
Top rail corner Reinstall per manufacturer’s
F4 Review for loose or missing
Fasteners sleeves requirements (per shop
fasteners
drawings). Replace if missing.
F5 Top rail end plates
Top of glass
F6 retaining channel-
to-post connection
Bottom of glass
F7 retaining channel-
to-post connection
(Continued)
Figure H.1(a) (Concluded)
Deficiency
Item
Reference Inspection type Item location Potential corrective action
inspected
ID
All welds — Refer to Re-establish cracked welds. Ask
Review welds for corrosion or
G Welds shop drawings for an engineer to evaluate welds if
cracks
specific locations severely corroded.
Review spacing to verify if glass Spacing between
H1
lites have “walked” due to adjacent glass lites
If gap does not meet shop
temperature fluctuations. Typical
Glass Spacing between drawing requirements, reset
glass to glass spacing is about 10
H2 glass and building/ glass positioning as necessary.
mm. Refer to the shop drawings
for project requirements slab
Review condition and cleanliness. Clean all glass annually. If

Visually check for cracks, rough needed, repair abrasion, chips, or
I Glass All glass lites
edges, abrasions or scratches on scratches per glass suppliers
the glass. written instructions.
Review condition of gaskets at top
Replace hardened or damaged
and bottom of each glass lite.
gaskets per guard
J Gaskets Check to see if they are retained All glass lites
manufacturer’s
in top/bottom rail and engage the
recommendation.
glass lite.
Clean all rails annually. Where
Aluminum coating is deteriorated, recoat as
K Review condition and cleanliness All rails
coating necessary with protective
aluminum coating.
Figure H.1(b)
Example guard inspection record and deficiency log
(See Clauses H.2.4, H.2.5, and H.2.7.)
Guard inspection record and deficiency log Log #: _____________

Page #: ____ of ____
Property name: ________________________________________________
Property address: ______________________________________________________
Inspection date: ___________________

Inspector name: _________________________________________________
Inspection company __________________________________________________
Guard manufacturer: ________________________________________________
Deficiency Corrective Further action

Floor # Suite # Deficiency reference ID
observed action taken required? (Yes/No)

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Title: Building guards

If you require assistance, please e-mail techsupport@csagroup.org or call 416-747-2233.

Published in September 2016 by CSA Group

© 2016 CSA Group

Writers Working Group 8

3 Definitions, abbreviations, and symbols 17

September 2016 © 2016 CSA Group 1

6 Materials used for guards and their components 48

September 2016 © 2016 CSA Group 2

6.5.2 Cold-formed steel 60

Annex A (informative) — Commentary 64

September 2016 © 2016 CSA Group 3

Technical Committee on Building Guards

P. Mariai ANCHORICA Engineered Connections, Vice-Chair

E. Abramovici FALCONMET Engineering and Laboratories Inc.,

A. Attar National Research Council Canada,

I. Balilty Regal Windows and Doors, Associate

V.L. Block Kuraray America Inc., Associate

V. Brinovec Valentin Engineering,

M. Brook BVDA Facade Engineering Limited, Associate

G. Douramakos State Railing Corporation,

V. Ferraro Gradient Microclimate Engineering Inc.,

G.V. Francis Vision Engineering & Design Inc., Associate

September 2016 © 2016 CSA Group 4

G.R. Genge GRG Building Consultants,

S. Grbac Halifax Regional Municipality,

K.G. Griffiths City of Calgary — Development and Building

R. Haddad Prohaska Engineering Inc., Associate

K. Harrison Lanterra Construction Management Ltd.,

G. Hildebrand exp Services Inc., Associate

B. Hubbs RDH Building Engineering Limited, Associate

R. Ifrah Aluminum Window Designs Ltd.,

W.M. Johnston City of Toronto — North York Civic Centre,

R.J. Jonkman Canadian Wood Council, Associate

A. Kay Toro Aluminum Railings Inc., Associate

J. Kluznik The Daniels Corporation,

September 2016 © 2016 CSA Group 5

L. Lee Hullmark Centre Property Manager,

J. Miller Air-Ins Incorporated,

D. Mitta Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing,

B. Morava Rowan Williams Davies & Irwin Inc.,

D.T. Prohaska Prohaska Engineering Inc.,

P. Spremulli Airport Ornamental Railings Co. Ltd.,

L. Szczepanski Building Envelope Engineering, Associate

E.P. Thiessen RDH Building Engineering Limited,

H. Trivedi exp Services Inc., Associate

H. Vossoughi WSP Canada Inc.,

September 2016 © 2016 CSA Group 6

P. Gulletson CSA Group, Project Manager

September 2016 © 2016 CSA Group 7

Writers Working Group

E. Abramovici FALCONMET Engineering and Laboratories Inc.,

V. Brinovec Valentin Engineering,

G. Douramakos State Railing Corporation,

G.R. Genge GRG Building Consultants,

R. Haddad Prohaska Engineering Inc.,

G. Hildebrand exp Services Inc.,

P. Mariai ANCHORICA Engineered Connections,

B. Morava Rowan Williams Davies & Irwin Inc.,

H. Vossoughi WSP Canada Inc.,