What is handrail code?

Asked by: Sarah Younger

On a stair, since handrail must be between 34″ and 38″, the handrail and the top of the guard can be one and the same. In commercial applications, the IBC requires a minimum height of 42″. On stairs, once there is a 30″ drop, a handrail will be required and placed between 34″ and 38″ above the nosing.

What is the standard handrail?

The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910.29(f)(1)(ii)(B)) and the handrail must be 30 to 38 inches in height (§1910.29(f)(1)(i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail).

What is the standard height of a handrail?

(6) The height of handrails shall be not more than 37 inches (94 cm) nor less than 30 inches (76 cm) from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread.

Is a handrail a legal requirement?

Handrails are mandatory. Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than one metre wide, and on both sides if wider than this. Handrails should be placed between 900mm and 1000mm above the highest point on the staircase steps.

What is the maximum distance between handrail posts?

OSHA requires guardrail posts to be spaced no more than 8-feet apart on center, no matter if it’s wood, pipe railing, or structural steel. If posts are spaced more than 8-feet on center, it will no longer be OSHA compliant.

Where should a handrail start and stop?

The railing must be continuous, starting at the nosing of the upper landing and extending at a minimum to the nosing of the lowest step or “riser”. For optimal safety, whenever possible the handrail should run the entire length of the Nosing Line.

How is railing length calculated?

Overall length is determined by measuring the horizontal distance from the edge of the nosing on the first tread at the bottom of the staircase to the edge of the nosing on the floor/landing at the top of the staircase. The final measurement to acquire is the distance along the nosing.

What side of stairs does handrail go on?

From ground floor to first floor the wall mounted handrail is on the LEFT, From first floor to second floor the handrail with the balustrade is on the RIGHT.

How long can a railing be without a post?

You’ll need to install posts on either side of the stringer where the stairs meet the deck, which will affect the spacing of the other posts on that side. For stairs with stringers more than 5.5 feet long, you’ll need to install additional posts between the head and foot of the stairs.

How many steps require a handrail OSHA?

Stairways with four or more risers, or that rise more than 30 inches (76 cm) in height— whichever is less—must have at least one handrail.

What should be the top edge height of the top rails?

42 inches

The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface.

How long should handrails be?

Handrail height must be between 34 and 38 inches.

Do you have to have handrails on both sides of stairs?

Handrails are required on both sides of stairs and must be continuous within the full length of each stair flight.

What angle do you cut the end of a handrail?

Start by cutting a 45-degree angle on one end of the stair railing and rest this end on the floor. This cut is for the short return to the wall.

How far apart should handrail brackets be placed?

36 to 48 inches apart

We recommend spacing the Brackets 36 to 48 inches apart. In most cases, it is desirable to transition the Handrail past the last stair with a horizontal rail of 6 to 12 inches. Some local codes require this extension be 12 inches. Contact your local authorities to confirm requirements.

How do you calculate handrail angle?

My level up and down with my speed square. Until my bubble is reading accurately. And then I'm gonna look at the angle right where my son is in this case it's yet again about 30 or 31 degrees.

How do you make a simple handrail?

Use my level make sure it's nice and level then secure the bottom. So I'm going to use two screws at the top and bottom there and then keep repeating the process with this last one all the way. Up.

Can a 2×4 be used as a handrail?

According to the IRC (2018), you can use a 2×4 to make a handrail, but you must cut finger recesses along both sides of the board and position the lumber lengthwise on its end. Using a 2×4 as a handrail laid vertically is not allowed.

How do you build a handrail for stairs?

And hammer them through the holes in the stair tread. And into the holes in the bottom of the balusters. We use a nail gun to attach the tops to the railing.