BCAB #1769 - Glass Guard in a Part 9 Single Family Dwelling

June 18, 2015

BCAB #1769

Re: Glass Guard in a Part 9 Single Family Dwelling

Project Description

The project is a detached single family residential building within the scope of Part 9 of the BC Building Code.  A glass guard, unrestrained at the top, is installed within the dwelling unit at one side of the stair and extends along a portion of the second storey that is open to below.

Reason for Appeal

There is a disagreement on whether requirements for glass in Subsections 9.6.1. or 9.8.8. apply to the subject glass guard.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that Article 9.8.8.7., and not 9.6.1.1., applies as Article 9.8.8.7. has specific reference to glass in guards.  Section 9.6., which requires compliance with CAN/CGSB 12.20 – M “Structural Design of Glass for Buildings” does not apply to glass in guards.

Further, the appellant considers Sentence 9.8.8.2.(4), which is an exception to Table 9.8.8.2., applicable.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that the guard is a glazed panel and must comply with Article 9.6.1.3., therefore it must also comply with CAN/CGSB 12.20 – M “Structural Design of Glass for Buildings”, which requires glass guards to have a top rail.

Further, the guard must conform with Table 9.8.8.2.

Appeal Board Decision #1769

The board does not consider glass in guards to be a glazed panel as described in Article 9.6.1.1.  It is the determination of the board that Section 9.6., which includes the referenced standard CAN/CGSB 12.20-M “Structural Design of Glass for Buildings”, does not apply. 

The board further determines Sentence 9.8.8.2.(4) does not apply as effective performance has not been demonstrated, therefore the guard must conform with Table 9.8.8.2.

Lyle Kuhnert, Chair