Handrail and guard definitions handrail the purpose of a handrail is to provide guidance.
Stair handrail requirements ibc.
You must calculate the ibc stair width for multi story stairways versus single story stairways.
And ibc compliant stairs can t have any gaps between those handrails or guards that could allow a four inch sphere to pass through.
This is to ensure a child s head cannot pass through any section of the stairway landing or platform.
The international codes i codes are the widely accepted comprehensive set of model codes used in the us and abroad to help ensure the engineering of safe sustainable affordable and resilient structures.
Ramps with a rise greater than 6 shall have handrails on both sides.
Ibc 1011 11 key exception.
In short the width is calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairs by a factor of 0 3 inch per occupant.
For open sided walking surfaces like stairs and elevated platforms handrails and guards are mandatory.
However the very minimum width between handrails is 44 inches.
Handrail height measured above stair tread nosing s or finish surface of ramp slope shall.
Stair rail system.
It is required on stairs with two or more risers and ada ramps with a rise of 6.
The international code council icc is a non profit organization dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design build and compliance process.
Irc stair railing code.
Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements.
In commercial applications handrail is required on both sides of stairs and ramps.
These are two model codes and are offered as suggested guidelines for local code authorities to follow at their discretion.
While the finer details will ultimately be influenced by your local government s building regulations the international building code the international residential code and the standards set by the americans with disabilities act of 1990 maintain that exterior stairs that are a required point of egress in other words stairs that must be crossed on your way in and out of the building.
Handrails shall comply with section 1014.
Summary of code requirements for residential stairs.
Commercial stairways 2015 ibc section 1011.
The international residential code for one and two family dwellings irc and the international building code ibc address staircase railings.
Handrails must be between 30 and 38 inches as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread.
Maximum 4 1 2 inch handrail projection into stairway width on either side.
Handrails are not required on walking surfaces with running slope less than 1 20.
Top rail may also serve as handrail if height of the system is between 36 and 38 inches.
So this basically sums up the basic code requirements for residential stairs and their dimensions.
Handrail and stair rail systems if a stair has a minimum of four risers a handrail is required.