Just how safe are climbable railings?
At first glance, it might appear that railings (guards) with horizontal bars or areas that create a so-called "ladder effect," where a child could put his or her foot would be an open invitation to danger.
But, it turns out there is little if any evidence that climbable railings are a hazard at all. In fact, a study the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center concluded in its report in May, 2008 that "the most current and thorough documentation available shows no indication that a problem exists (with climbable guards)"
The report goes on to point out among other things that difficult to climb barrier designs can create a greater challenge to a child to climb, and that it is most likely undesirable to render any environment completely "safe" from children's climbing." Creating a barrier that is not possible to climb may actually create a safety hazard in the case of an extreme emergency where the only means of escape is to climb over a railing.
The NAHB Research Center study was commissioned by the National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA). That organization has held for years that there is no data to support the contention that climbable guards are in reality a hazard.
After a 3-year study of climbable guards, including 13 open meetings and with the NAHB study before it, the International Code Council decided in May, 2008 that there is insufficient data available to justify changing codes to prohibit the so-called "ladder effect" in railings.
A few jurisdictions in the United States still do not permit railings with the "ladder effect," but, as the facts become better knows, these restrictions are being lifted and codes up-dated to reflect the reality that climbable guards are not a safety hazard.
That's good news for the design professional. It means decorative iron railings that have been in use for centuries with openings with scrolls and shapes that could create a foothold continue to be permitted in most jurisdictions. Conventional railings with horizontal elements, including cable railings, can still be incorporated into designs with peace of mind.
The complete NAHB Research Center study on climbable guards is available at: NOMMA Website.
