Deck guard balusters should be spaced so that what size sphere cannot pass?

Deck guard balusters are designed to prevent young children from slipping through and falling off the deck. To ensure safety, there are building codes that specify the maximum spacing between balusters. When the spacing allows for a particular size sphere to pass through, it indicates that a gap is too wide and poses a safety risk.

The correct answer indicates that balusters should be spaced so that a 4-inch diameter sphere cannot pass through. This measurement is significant because it reflects common safety standards aimed at preventing children from getting stuck or falling through. Typically, building codes stipulate this dimension to minimize the risk associated with falls, ensuring that the openings are small enough to secure a safe environment for all users of the deck.

In contrast, smaller spheres would fit through wider spaces, which doesn't address the vital concern of child safety effectively. Larger diameters, beyond the 4-inch specification, imply increased risk rather than appropriate safety measures.