What is the required height for railings for areas above 2 feet?

The required height for railings in areas above 2 feet is established to ensure safety in various environments, particularly in preventing falls. For interior areas, a height of 36 inches provides a reasonable level of protection for occupants within a building, as it allows for safe navigation without excessively hindering movement. In contrast, the 42-inch height requirement for exterior railings addresses the heightened risk associated with outdoor environments, where factors such as wind and more significant fall distances are present. This difference in height standards reflects the need for increased safety measures outdoors, due to the greater potential for injury in the event of a fall. Thus, the specification that distinguishes between interior and exterior heights reinforces the importance of tailoring safety standards to the context of their use.