What are reportable deficiencies with deck guard posts?

Reportable deficiencies with deck guard posts primarily focus on safety concerns and structural integrity. When guard posts are notched, this can compromise their strength and stability. Notching can weaken the posts, making them more susceptible to failure, especially under load or during adverse weather conditions. A properly constructed guard post should provide a solid barrier to prevent falls and ensure safety.

On the other hand, the other options might not necessarily indicate a safety issue in the same way. For instance, painted posts, while potentially affecting visibility, do not inherently affect the structural integrity. Similarly, while the method of securing posts (like using screws) is essential for proper installation, it is not as critical as the fundamental stability of the post structure itself. Lastly, the height of the posts being over 6 ft may not automatically define them as a deficiency; instead, it is more about how they are installed and whether they meet the building codes and safety standards.

Thus, the notching of posts is significant because it directly impacts the safety and effectiveness of the guard system, making it a definitive reportable deficiency in the context of deck guard posts.