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.
Stair handrail requirements ibc.
Top rail may also serve as handrail if height of the system is between 36 and 38 inches.
Stair rail system.
You must calculate the ibc stair width for multi story stairways versus single story stairways.
Summary of code requirements for residential stairs.
Irc stair railing code.
Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements.
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.
Ramps with a rise greater than 6 shall have handrails on both sides.
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.
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.
Ibc 1011 11 key exception.
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.
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.
Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway.
Handrail height measured above stair tread nosing s or finish surface of ramp slope shall.
For open sided walking surfaces like stairs and elevated platforms handrails and guards are mandatory.
Handrails shall comply with section 1014.
So this basically sums up the basic code requirements for residential stairs and their dimensions.
These are two model codes and are offered as suggested guidelines for local code authorities to follow at their discretion.
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.
And ibc compliant stairs can t have any gaps between those handrails or guards that could allow a four inch sphere to pass through.
Handrail and stair rail systems if a stair has a minimum of four risers a handrail is required.
Handrails must be between 30 and 38 inches as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread.
However the very minimum width between handrails is 44 inches.
In short the width is calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairs by a factor of 0 3 inch per occupant.
