Ibc 1011 11 key exception.
Stair handrail requirements ibc.
Commercial stairways 2015 ibc section 1011.
Ramps with a rise greater than 6 shall have handrails on both sides.
Handrail height measured above stair tread nosing s or finish surface of ramp slope shall.
In short the width is calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairs by a factor of 0 3 inch per occupant.
Handrail and stair rail systems if a stair has a minimum of four risers a handrail is required.
You must calculate the ibc stair width for multi story stairways versus single story stairways.
These are two model codes and are offered as suggested guidelines for local code authorities to follow at their discretion.
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.
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.
Stairways within dwelling units are permitted to have handrail on one side only 3.
Handrails are not required on walking surfaces with running slope less than 1 20.
However the very minimum width between handrails is 44 inches.
For open sided walking surfaces like stairs and elevated platforms handrails and guards are mandatory.
Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements.
Stair rail system.
Summary of code requirements for residential stairs.
1014 2 handrail height measured above stair tread nosings or finish surface of ramp slope shall be uniform not less than 34 inches 864 mm and not more than 38 inches 965 mm.
It is required on stairs with two or more risers and ada ramps with a rise of 6.
In commercial applications handrail is required on both sides of stairs and ramps.
Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway.
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.
The international residential code for one and two family dwellings irc and the international building code ibc address staircase railings.
Handrails shall comply with section 1014.
So this basically sums up the basic code requirements for residential stairs and their dimensions.
Top rail may also serve as handrail if height of the system is between 36 and 38 inches.
Maximum 4 1 2 inch handrail projection into stairway width on either side.
Handrail and guard deļ¬nitions handrail the purpose of a handrail is to provide guidance.
