Steel plates are required for protecting piping when they are how close to an edge?

Steel plates are required for protecting piping when they are 1 inch or closer to an edge. This requirement is in place to ensure that the piping is adequately safeguarded against potential damage that could occur from impact or stress due to the proximity to a precipice. When pipes are situated close to an edge, there is an increased risk of physical impacts, which can compromise the integrity of the pipes, lead to leaks, or other forms of failure.

The use of steel plates acts as a protective barrier, absorbing and distributing any forces that may be exerted on the piping from outside sources, thereby minimizing the risk of damage. In plumbing and construction practices, adhering to these safety standards is critical to ensure reliable operation and maintain safety within the installation.

In contrast, the proximity of 2 inches, 3 inches, or 4 inches would not warrant the same level of protection because the risks associated with piping damage at these distances are deemed to be lower, based on construction and engineering guidelines.