How much weight should the stair guard rail be able to resist?

The correct answer indicates that the stair guard rail should be able to resist a force of 200 lbs. This requirement is based on safety standards and regulations that aim to ensure the structural integrity of guard rails in preventing falls, especially in high-risk areas like staircases.

A guard rail must be strong enough to ensure that it can withstand the impact of users leaning against it or applying force in any direction due to accidental slips or bumps. The 200 lbs resistance requirement is designed to accommodate the weight and forces that may be applied by an average person, providing a safety buffer. This allows for a higher margin of safety, ensuring that the guard rail offers dependable protection in real-world situations.

This requirement is consistent with building codes that focus on safeguarding users while they navigate stairs, thus reinforcing the importance of having guard rails that are not only compliant with these regulations but also robust enough to minimize the risk of injury.