stair railing height code

Railings shall be constructed in a permanent and substantial manner of wood, pipe, metal shapes or metal bars. The International ... as with stair landings or elevated walking areas leading to stairs. Balconies; Stairs; Ramps; Exceptions; 1 Balconies. Most building codes require handrails for exterior stairs to be between 34 inches and 38 inches above the stair nosings. Reference should be made to Plate 1-B of the Appendix. The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: (a)  Toeboards of not less than three inches in height may be accepted by the Department if they conform to the requirements of § §  47.241—47.242 (relating to installation; construction). Reference should be made to Plate 2 of the Appendix. Stairways shall not be less than 36 inches (914mm) in clear width at all points above the permitted handrail height and below the required headroom height. Although the current guidelines were agreed upon in a review in 2010, the initial checklist was drawn up in 1992 following the 1990 American Disabilities Act, and ensure that disabled people are able to access all public buildings at their convenience and comfort. A stair railing height code is the list of building code specifications for the required height of a railing on a stairway for safety purposes. (b)  Alternate type. Railing height codes differ based on the type of railing. Virginia’s Uniform Building code requires that any interior or exterior staircase with more than four risers, or a balcony more than 30 inches above a surface, be fitted with a guardrail. See more ideas about stair handrail, staircase design, railing design. The provisions of this Subchapter G adopted February 10, 1926; amended through August 1, 1968, unless otherwise noted. Some staircases also need a handrail along the wall. Reference should be made to Plate 5-B of the Appendix. (b)  Toeboards and intermediate rails are not required on platforms used only for storing lumber. The provisions of this Subchapter G issued under act of May 18, 1937 (P. L. 654, No. 34″ to 38″. 174) (43 P. S. §  25-15). 28″ with a minimum of 9″ clearance between the child and adult handrail. Railing IBC Code Cheat Sheet Guardrail 1. The following regulations are met by our Art Metal technicians while installing exterior and interior metal stair railings and all other types of stair rails. All rights reserved. a height of between 34 and 38 inches above the nosing. (a)  The requirements for elevated runways and platforms shall not apply to the following: (1)  Small platforms for motors or other similar equipment unless there is standing room of at least 18 inches in width on the platform beside the equipment. When children are the principal users in a building or facility (e.g., elementary schools), a second set of handrails at an appropriate height can assist them and aid in preventing accidents. (a)  Existing installations having the flanges secured by lag or ordinary wood screws or other means are acceptable if safety is assured and if major repairs or replacements are made the specifications for new installations are followed. Each flange shall be secured by not less than four rivets or bolts of sufficient diameter to insure a permanent rigid anchorage. Standard stair railing heights in the United States are between 30 and 38 inches tall. When designing or building a staircase we focus mostly on the big things, more exactly the actual staircase and we tend to ignore the details such as the railing, forgetting that there’s a building code which we need to respect. Stair railings and handrails shall be continuous the full length of the stairs and, except for private stairways, at least one handrail or stair railing shall extend in the direction of the stair run not less than 12 inches beyond the top riser nor less than 12 inches beyond the bottom riser. Handrails must be continuous from a point above the top riser to a point above the lowest riser of each flight of stairs. (b)  Posts or uprights shall be spaced not more than 8 feet center to center. Pipe railings shall be not less than 1 1/4 inches inside diameter if of iron and not less than 1 1/2 inches outside diameter if of brass tubing. One of the best ways to ensure the safety of your deck is by installing a handrail. This section cited in 34 Pa. Code §  47.235 (relating to wood railings); 34 Pa. Code §  47.234 (relating to metal railings other than pipe); and 34 Pa. Code §  47.235 (relating to wood railings). Different types of railing can be put on stairs, balconies, decks and ramps. (b)  All types of existing installations having posts which are not secured in accordance with the requirements of this subchapter may be required by the Department to have such posts substantially stay braced. In order to comply with these guidelines, handrails and supporting rails in Virginia must be provided along both sides of any ramp structure and must extend for at least 12 inches beyond the top and bottom of the ramp. The ends of railings shall not overhang the terminal posts unless such overhang does not constitute a projection hazard. The use of rope or wire cable in place of chains is prohibited. and below the handrail height, including treads and landings, shall not be less than 31-1/2” where a handrail is installed on one side and 27” where handrails are provided on both sides. Removable pipe railings having the posts supported by sockets are acceptable if the sockets are of a depth not less than 1/3 of the height of the railing and if all sockets are lined with pipe of a diameter large enough to permit ease of insertion and withdrawal of the posts without permitting sidesway. If it is impractical to use railings, floor and ground level openings shall be guarded by covers. (4)  Runways used in filling tank cars when equipped with standard railing on one side. Re: Stair rail and hand rail heights; §1926.1052(c)(6) and 1926.1052(c)(7) Dear Mr. Haydl: This is in response to your letter of June 24, 2004 regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for heights for stair rails and handrails and corresponding building code … Reference should be made to Plates 1, 2, 3 and 5 of the Appendix. 36″ to 38″ — may also serve as guard. (a)  Opening covers. (3) Riser height and tread depth shall be uniform within each flight of stairs, including any foundation structure used as one or more treads of the stairs. (a)  Top rails. Posts which are an integral part of the under or over structure are acceptable if they meet the spacing requirements of §  47.232 (relating to construction) and strength requirements of §  47.233 (relating to pipe railings). This deck railing height code also applies to commercial decks and balconies such as restaurants, bars, and museums as well as multi-family homes, condos, and any deck on a third-story or higher. Measurement of Clear Height over Stairs – Parts 3 and 9 - slide 1; Measurement of Clear Height over Stairs – Parts 3 and 9 - slide 2; Measurement of Clear Height over Stairs – Parts 3 and 9 - slide 3; Minimum Clear Height over Stairs, Ramps and Landings – Part 3 - slide 1 ; Minimum Clear Height over Stairs, Ramps and Landings – Part 3 - slide 2; Minimum Clear Height over Stairs, Ramp Handrails and guardrails are required in compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and the International Residential Code. Set the height of the railing to meet Code minimums, and then determine if the railing height obstructs views from a seated height. (2) You must ensure that a stair railing is of construction similar to a standard railing but the vertical height is not more than 34 inches nor less than 30 inches from upper surface of top rail to surface of tread in line with face of riser at forward edge of tread. directly involved in the code process – e.g. Safe means shall be provided for reaching all elevated platforms. 30″ to 38″. 27.4.2 Height: Top of handrail gripping surface sha ll be mounted between 34 inches (34" = 864m m) and 38 inches (38" = 965m m) above stair nosings. Metal railings other than pipe shall be of a section at least equal in strength to that of 1 1/2 by 1 1/2 by 3/16 inch angles. Railings shall be smooth and free from large or loose knots, protruding nails, bolts, splinters, fins, slivers and cracks. The height limit established by code is intended to provide a reasonable interval for the user so that they may rest on a level surface and to alleviate the negative effects of long uninterrupted flights. For stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017, the top rail and handrail must be separate. If it isn't round, the handrail should be 4 to 6-1/4 inches wide. (b)  Railings for stairways shall conform in all other respects to the specifications for railings. Minimum tread depth shall be 9 inches 780 CMR 3603.12 : Landings - Interior Landing – 36 inches x 36 inches Exterior Landings – 48 inches wide by 42 inches deep The floor area or landing shall not be more than 1 1/2 inches lower than the top of the threshold If wood posts are fastened directly to the structural frame, they shall be secured by through-bolts with plates or washers. The code establishes a maximum vertical height of 12 feet between landings or floor levels for a flight of stairs. Sheet metal toeboards shall be at least 1/8 inch by 6 inches. The guardrail is the post or rail that extends vertically downwards and connects securely to the surface of the stair or balcony floor. Proper Height A stair rail must be between 34 and 38 inches above the top of the stair tread at all times to meet United States building code requirements. (c)  Posts. In Gymnastics, What Is the Difference Between Apparatus & Equipment? No two bolt holes shall be in line with the grain of the wood. The top edge of the handrail must be placed between 34” and 38” above the nosing of the stair treads. The distance between the handrail on one wall and the other wall that has no handrail is known as the Minimum Railing Distance. A handrail must be between 865mm and 1070mm (34 and 42 inches) above the nosing. When the panels between posts and top rail and floor are fitted with substantial expanded metal, wire mesh or solid material, the middle railing may be omitted. Oiling platform—A raised flooring constructed for the purpose of oiling machinery. Railings must withstand at least 200 pounds of pressure in either direction. This section cited in 34 Pa. Code §  47.235 (relating to wood railings). Ohio Administrative Code » 4123:1 Division of Safety and Hygiene ... A stair railing shall be of construction similar to a standard guard railing, except that the vertical height shall be no less than thirty-six inches from the upper surface of the top rail to the surface of the tread in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread. Virginia’s Uniform Building code requires that any interior or exterior staircase with more than four risers, or a balcony more than 30 inches above a surface, be fitted with a guardrail. Handrail ends must be returned and terminated at rail posts. Reference should be made to Plate 1 of the Appendix. The posts or uprights for pipe railings shall be of a diameter not less than the minimum requirement for the top railing. Toeboards are not required in spaces guarded by chains. OSHA intends the proposed 37-inch upper limit for handrails to provide a measure of flexibility, allowing a 1-inch tolerance for the height of a stairrail that also serves as a handrail. Cut the rail to length and fit the joint. When pipe posts are supported by U-bolts fastened in the structural frame, the length of post so supported shall be equal to 1/3 of the height of the railing. How to Increase the height of an existing railing by 4" by Ron (Milton, Ontario) I have an 80' deck which is 12' off the ground. Handrail Specifications. (a) Railings shall be not less than 42 inches in height from floor or ground level to the top of the top railing and shall be provided with an intermediate railing the center of which shall be midway between the floor or ground level of the space guarded and the top of the top railing. (b)  Midrails. Please direct comments or questions to. This section cited in 34 Pa. Code §  47.281 (relating to post fastenings). This section cited in 34 Pa. Code §  47.291 (relating to exceptions). This Subchapter cited in 34 Pa. Code §  5.118 (relating to transportation, machinary, and platforms); 34 Pa. Code §  5.165 (relating to repairs); 34 Pa. Code §  5.181 (relating to general); 34 Pa. Code §  11.52 (relating to heating and passing rivets); 34 Pa. Code §  13.172 (relating to platforms); 34 Pa.Code §  29.148 (relating to oiling and cleaning); 34 Pa. Code §  29.171 (relating to all installations); This Subchapter cited in 34 Pa. Code §  39.22 (relating to yard and internal housekeeping); 34 Pa. Code §  39.33 (relating to construction); 34 Pa. Code §  45.32 (relating to floor openings); 34 Pa. Code §  47.89 (relating to tank processes); and 34 Pa. Code §  47.167 (relating to maintenance). (d)  Sockets. The next step is to cut the stair railing and glue on the short … The top edge of the handrail must be placed between 34” and 38” above the nosing of the stair treads. No statutes or acts will be found at this website. This Subchapter sets forth rules to safeguard the lives, limbs and health of workers in industries in which railings, toeboards, open-sided floors, platforms and runways are used, and places the responsibility of complying with these rules upon both employer and employe. Guard rails are different from graspable rails (grab rails) and one or both may be needed in order to satisfy deck railing code requirements. The minimum tread depth is 11 inches. (c)  Posts. Porch Railing Height vs. Building Code. Handrails shall be at a consistent height above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. The disability Australian Standards codes are required in addition when disability access is needed to the premises. Toeboards are not required on oiling platforms. The Pennsylvania Code website reflects the Pennsylvania Code These guardrails are then connected together with supports or balusters to create a continuous safety barrier. IRC Stair Railing Code. Railings or handrailings shall be installed on all stairways 3 feet or more in height. Height of handrails (1) The height of handrails on stairs and ramps shall be measured vertically from the top of the handrail to, (a) a straight line drawn tangent to the tread nosings of the stair served by the handrail, or (b) the surface of the ramp, floor or landing served by the handrail. When fastened to wood, the bolts shall be so arranged that no two bolt holes are in line with the grain of the wood. (4)  On stairways where there is no danger of objects falling on persons working below. Deck railing height should be a minimum of 36 inches; this should measure from the top edge of the top rail down to the the deck surface. Exceptions to the Rule There exist a handful of exceptions to the exterior stair railing code. For stairs installed before April 3, 1997, this height shall be between 30 and 38 inches. Wood posts which are an integral part of the under or over structure are acceptable if they meet the spacing and strength requirements specified in § §  47.232—47.233 (relating to construction; pipe railings.) Deck railing height code requirements are straightforward, although there is some deviation between states and provinces regarding a standard railing height for decks. PHOTO 6. Landscape stairs are not required to comply with the requirements of Chapter 10 of the CBC. In this article, we are going to discuss the dimensions and standards that should be followed while constructing a stair railing height. The code has some very specific requirements for deck stairs: Stair rails on decks should be between 34 inches and 38 inches high, measured vertically from the nose of the tread to the top of the rail. The height is calculated in relation to the stairs and is measured from the very end of the stair tread in a completely vertical line. (d)  Posts. In the U.S., the I-Codes require handrail placed between 34 and 38 inches. IBC 1015.3: Required Guards shall be not less than 42” high with the exception of occupancies not more than three stories above grade within individual dwelling / single family units which In 1999, BOCA, SBCCI and ICBO began to work together to prepare a unified code under the auspices of the ICC. Salgado holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Manchester Metropolitan University. PHOTO 7. Otherwise, a minimum of 34” is the only requirement for a deck stair guardrail. Minimum stair railing height has to be 34” from the top rail to the nosing. Reference should be made to Plate 3-C of the Appendix. The maximum riser height shall be 7 3⁄4 inches (196 mm). Reference should be made to Plate 3-B,C of the Appendix. (g)  Omission. Runways or platforms 6 or more feet above floor or ground level shall have all open sides guarded with standard railings and toeboards. If possible the toeboard shall be fastened to the post or upright of the railing. Runway—A stationary incline or ramp provided as a means of ascent and descent from one level to another. The step height, also known as the riser height, must be no less than 4 inches and no greater than 7 inches. The railing must be at least 34 inches high, have a diameter of 1-1/4 to 2 inches, must be 1-1/2 inches or further from the adjacent wall and must be within 30 inches of the rest of the step. The socket shall be secured to the floor or structural frame by at least four bolts or rivets. This section cited in 34 Pa. Code §  47.234 (relating to metal railings other than pipe); 34 Pa. Code §  47.235 (relating to wood railings); and 34 Pa. Code §  47.253 (relating to access to platforms). STAIR WIDTH. (b)  Toeboards of not less than 7/8 inch in thickness may be accepted by the Department if they conform to the requirements of § §  47.241—47.242. Maximum riser height shall be 8 1/4 inches. Requirements for Deck Stairs. Specially formed metal or cast posts, used in connection with wood railings, are acceptable if they meet the rigidity and strength requirements specified for these posts in § §  47.233—47.234 (relating to pipe railings; metal railings other than pipe). A 50lb load is allowed per square feet for every baluster. Florida deck railing height is a minimum of 36” from the top surface of the deck to the top of the deck railing. Raising the railing height 6” may make all the difference. (3)  Platforms used for loading and unloading freight. Residential properties typically require a railing of 36 inches, while commercial properties should have railings between 42 and 48 inches. Toeboards shall be smooth and free from protruding nails, bolts, splinters, fins and slivers. If the post will support privacy barriers or other structures, decide on their heights too. One or more sides may be hinged or supported in sockets if a rigidity equal to that of fixed installation is obtained. Standard stair railing heights in the United States are between 30 and 38 inches tall. Handrails are required for stairs and must meet standards as specified by R311.5.6.3 in the IRC code. The following stairs are landscape stairs when less than 30 inches in height above adjacent grade: Stairs in paths on the property which simply connect parts of the property together. https://www.thespruce.com/stair-handrail-and-guard-code-1822015 (b)  Wood toeboards shall be at least equal in cross section to 1 inch by 6 inches finished size. Handrail Height: 34 to 38 Inches. 5642 (October 3, 2020). The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910.29 (f) (1) (ii) (B)) and the handrail must be 30 to 38 inches in height (§1910.29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). The riser shall be measured vertically between leading edges of the adjacent treads. There must be a clearance of at least 1 ½ inches behind handrails adjacent to walls. Perforations up to 1/2 inch is permitted. Straps, angles and brackets shall be secured to the posts and to the floor by through-bolts with plates or washers. Mesh screens must cover the entire length of the structure and reach from the top of the handrail to the top of the stair tread. These regulations apply to all properties in the state of Virginia, whether they are commercial, public or private. Handrails shall be m easured vertically from the top of the gripping surface of the handrails to the stair nosing. What is deck railing code height? On runways and platforms where frequent removal of railings is necessary in the course of usual operations, chains of equal strength may be used in place of standard railings. Reference should be made to Plate 3 of the Appendix. This relates to ramps as well as stairs. Toeboards are not required on the following: (1)  On platforms used only for lumber storage. (2)  Shelves used for the storage of material on which persons have no occasion to stand. Handrail Height is nothing but the distance from the handrail to the stairs. This section cited in 34 Pa. Code §  47.282 (relating to wood posts). Other approved methods of securing pipe flanges to concrete floors may be used. The height of a railing is measured from the top of the floor boards to the top edge of the railing. When other material is used, the strength shall be equal to the requirement for sheet metal. The chains shall be taut when in place. Reference should be made to Plate 6-A,B of the Appendix. Oiling platforms not less than 12 inches in width may be accepted by the Department if they are of permanent and substantial construction with a standard railing along one side. © 2019 www.azcentral.com. According to the International Building Code, it is advised to keep the height of the handrail between 34 to 38 inches. Vertical balusters must be placed no more than 19 inches apart. • No statutes or acts will be found at this website. In the case of pits and other floor or ground level openings, such as pouring pits in foundries, and runways and platforms where the nature of the operations requires that railings be frequently removed, chains of equal strength may be used in place of standard railings. Any gaps in the guard-barrier must be small enough to prevent a “sphere with a diameter of 6 inches” passing through the gap. In the U.S., once a stair has a 30″ drop, a guard (42″ minimum) and a handrail (34″ to 38″) would both be required. Treads and Risers: The maximum riser height is 7 3/4” and the minimum tread depth shall be 10”. Balustrades may be installed in lieu of standard railings if the posts of the balustrades meet the height, spacing and fastening requirements specified for railings and if the space between the top railing and the floor is filled in so as to afford protection equal to that supplied by a middle rail and toeboard. Ontario Stair Railing Code Highlights. In 2003, falls from stairs or steps resulted in the deaths of 1,307 Americans, and caused a variety of injuries to countless others. What Should Be The Height Of The Stair Handrail? The building code file number for this information is 1926.1052. Toeboard—A board or plank set on edge immediately under a railing at floor level. Deck railing height standards can vary from state to state but typically require a 36″ or 42″ railing. (e)  Special fastenings. The same height rules apply to stairs, and the inspector measures the handrail height from nose of the stair tread. Paragraph (c)(7) allows any stairrail system between 36 and 37 inches in height to double as a handrail. The American Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines is set of rules that are designed to make life easier and safer for disabled American citizens. Differences Between Field Hockey Balls & Lacrosse Balls. Julia Salgado has been writing professionally since 2007. U.S. Building Codes for Deck Railing. The section of a stairway leading from one landing to the next is a flight of stairs. In commercial applications, the NBC permits the top or a guard (42″ minimum height) to also serve as handrail. In terms of stair railing code requirements, code is nearly uniform across North America. Guard Height. Explore this article. A handrail/stair rail combination must have a protective mesh, screen or vertical support rails installed, such as balusters. The requirements differ depending on whether the staircase needs rails on both sides or one side of the staircase is a wall. Handrailing—A single pole, bar or pipe supported on brackets from a wall or partition. There are codes that apply country-wide as well as province-wide. The posts or uprights shall be fastened to the floor or structural frame by rivets, tap bolts or through-bolts with plates or washers in the case of steel construction or by through-bolts with plates or washers in the case of wood construction or by angle post sockets. (c)  Railings made of wood, metal shapes or metal bars shall be placed on that side of the posts or uprights which afford the greatest support and protection. Variations in riser height or tread depth shall not be over 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) on any stairway. Must follow the architecture of your deck must have guardrails or similar if stair railing height code is n't round, strength... When stair railing height code with standard removable railings in all other stairs are not required to with... About stair handrail, decide on their heights too, it is advised to keep height. 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