How far must guards extend beyond each end of the opening?

The requirement for guards to extend beyond each end of an opening is crucial for safety and stability. In accordance with the North Carolina Mechanical Code and similar safety codes, guards must extend a minimum distance to ensure that individuals cannot easily fall off the edge and to mitigate the risk of accidental slips.

The correct answer indicating that guards must extend 30 inches is significant because it provides an adequate safety buffer on either side of an opening. This distance is designed to accommodate movement around the guard and ensure that users have sufficient protection as they traverse near the edge.

Extending guards beyond the opening by this distance helps to maintain a safe environment, especially in areas that might be prone to higher foot traffic or risk of falls. Ensuring that the guards meet this specific extension standard is an essential part of fall protection strategies, ultimately helping to enhance overall safety in mechanical installations and other applicable scenarios.