What is the key purpose of requiring guards on balconies or stairwells?

The key purpose of requiring guards on balconies or stairwells is to prevent falls. Guards, which can include railings or walls, are critical safety features designed to reduce the risk of individuals accidentally falling from elevated surfaces. This is particularly important in areas like balconies, where the potential for injury is significant due to the height.

By creating a physical barrier, guards help ensure that individuals remain safe while using these areas, thereby addressing one of the most pressing concerns in building design and construction. Guard designs follow specific regulations to ensure they can withstand pressure and prevent individuals from slipping or falling off these high points.

While enhancing aesthetics and improving accessibility are also important aspects of design in building environments, they do not directly correlate with the fundamental safety function that guards serve. The overarching aim is promoting safety, which encompasses preventing falls but is broader and includes many other facets of building design and occupant protection. Thus, the specific focus on fall prevention captures the essential need for guards on balconies and stairwells.