![]() ![]() The OSHA rules and standards regarding handrails are in the section about the fall protection systems. OSHA is an abbreviation for Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and it's a relevant US authority working as a part of the Department of Labor. When Is a Handrail Required for Stairs by OSHA Standards? So, if you have a 30-foot rise, the stairs will require two intermediate landings. That means you can place approximately 12 steps, but it is mandatory to follow these height requirements. The majority of regulations agree that the vertical height difference from the floor level to the landing shouldn't be more than 12 feet. How Many Steps Before a Landing Is Required? Please note you should position the handrails in line with the face of the riser. You can extend the rail a couple of inches after the bottom or top step – it doesn't have to be in line with it. Make sure to maintain the height throughout the total length of the rail system. Where Should a Handrail Start and Stop?Ĭommon sense dictates that the handrail should start with the bottom tread inline or in a position where it's easy to grasp before you start moving up or down the steps. It's vital to ensure you meet all regulations for maximum safety. If you believe you are subject to specific codes, make sure to consult local authorities or an expert before installing the steps. Which side should the handrail be on the stairs? If the wall is on the right side then it should be on the left and vice versa. For example, if you place stairs on the porch next to the house's exterior wall, it might be the only option to place the handrail on the opposite side. That means you'll need the handrails on both sides in most cases.Īn exception might be when there is a wall on the other side. Are Handrails Required on Both Sides of Stairs?Īre you wondering which side does handrail goes on the stairs? Experts agree that you should install handrails on all unprotected sides of your steps. However, the general rule is the stairway with six steps requires rail systems to optimize user safety. That means you'll need to install a handrail system.Ĭheck with local authorities. The odds are that the vertical rise is more than three feet. The handrails provide safety benefits, so they might be a wise move even when required by the law. If you believe your stairs aren't subject to inspections, you don't have to abide by the codes, but it is always a good idea to check and confirm local building codes. The critical thing to note is that handrails must be provided to all stairways that have a rise of at least three feet.Īs for the building codes, they might not apply to all properties. So, the number of stair treads is not relevant, but the exact height is. However, most of them consider the rise and not the actual number of steps. The answer to this question is the same as above – you want to consult the local regulations. In other words, it's the height difference from the ground to the area you want to reach. The rise is the difference between the bottom of the stairs and their top edge. If the total rise is at least three feet, most regulations will require a rail and handrail. Instead, you'll notice the rise requirements. It could be that there's no detail on how many steps require a handrail. Don't hesitate to contact the city hall or another relevant authority to tell you what requirements your handrails should fulfill. The experts advise consulting with the local regulation. They cover everything from the height of the handrail, to the material you can use in a particular location. However, it ultimately comes down to your local building codes. You will need to follow different regulations depending on your property. Handrail Requirements – When Do You Need to Install Them? ![]() That's the only way to maximize the benefits of the rail system. It is vital to honor code requirements for the optimal protection of the people using the stairs. That significantly reduces the risk of falling at all ages. The idea is to grab the handrail with your hand to achieve better balance. They provide you leverage and assist in maintaining balance while climbing up or going down the stairs. It's easy to explain why handrails are crucial for the safety of any stair system. Here is what you should know before deciding on installing a railing system! How Do Handrails on Stairs Help Keep You Safe? The major question will be, "when is a handrail required for stairs?" In this article, we'll discuss all details on codes and laws related to railing systems. You instinctively go for a handrail since it helps to maintain balance, making it a crucial safety component of the stair system.Īnd while handrails are a helpful addition to any stair system, you might be wondering if the regulations always require them. Let's say that you are in a house or building and need to tackle a set of steps.
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