Lesson Summary

The handrail code requirements for stairways include:

1. Stairways must have handrails on each side.
2. The handrail height, measured above the stair tread nosing, must be between 850mm and 950mm.
3. Handrail graspability must meet Type 1 or Type 2 specifications.
• Type 1 refers to circular handrails with an outside diameter between 32mm and 50mm.
• Type 2 refers to non-circular handrails with a perimeter dimension between 100mm and 160mm, a maximum cross-sectional dimension of 60mm, and a minimum cross-sectional dimension of 25mm.
• For Type 2 handrails, recessed handrails with a perimeter greater than 160mm must have a graspable finger recess area on both sides of the profile.
4. Handrail gripping surfaces must be continuous, without interruption by newel posts or obstructions.
5. Handrail brackets or balusters attached to the bottom surface of the handrail must not project horizontally beyond the sides of the handrail within 38mm of the bottom of the handrail.
6. The clearance between the underside of the handrail and the bracket arm must be 38mm.
7. Handrails must not rotate within their fittings.
8. The handrails must extend horizontally at least 300mm beyond the top riser and continue to slope for the depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser.
9. There must be a clear space of at least 38mm between a handrail and a wall or other surface.
10. Projections into the required width of aisles, stairways, and ramps at each side must not exceed 115mm at or below the handrail height.
11. Stairways must have intermediate handrails located within 750mm of a handrail to ensure all portions of the stairway are within reach.
12. Handrails and guards must be designed to resist a linear load and a concentrated load according to specific requirements.

In a case study, a stairway with a width of 1.3m was compliant with 100mm projections into the required width. The handrail height was compliant between 820mm and 840mm for a circular handrail with an outside diameter of 40mm. The clearance between the handrail and the wall was compliant at 60mm. However, the handrail did not slope for the depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser, making it not compliant. The vertical bracket clearance was compliant at 38mm minimum.

Lesson Summary

Stairways must have intermediate handrails located within 750mm of a handrail to ensure accessibility. Handrails and guards must also be designed to resist specific loads. In a case study, a stairway with a width of 1.3m was mostly compliant, except for a non-compliant handrail that did not slope properly. The handrail height, clearance, and vertical bracket clearance were all compliant.

• Stairways must have handrails on each side.
• The height of the handrail, measured above the stair tread nosing, must be between 850mm and 950mm.
• Handrail graspability must meet Type 1 or Type 2 specifications. Type 1 refers to circular handrails with an outside diameter between 32mm and 50mm. Type 2 refers to non-circular handrails with a perimeter dimension between 100mm and 160mm, a maximum cross-sectional dimension of 60mm, and a minimum cross-sectional dimension of 25mm.
• For Type 2 handrails, recessed handrails with a perimeter greater than 160mm must have a graspable finger recess area on both sides of the profile.
• Handrail gripping surfaces must be continuous, without interruption by newel posts or obstructions.
• Handrail brackets or balusters attached to the bottom surface of the handrail must not project horizontally beyond the sides of the handrail within 38mm of the bottom of the handrail.
• The clearance between the underside of the handrail and the bracket arm must be 38mm.
• Handrails must not rotate within their fittings.
• Handrails must extend horizontally at least 300mm beyond the top riser and slope for the depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser.
• There must be a clear space of at least 38mm between a handrail and a wall or other surface.
• Projections into the required width of aisles, stairways, and ramps at each side must not exceed 115mm at or below the handrail height.

In summary, these requirements ensure that handrails are installed properly and provide support and safety for stair users.