Diagram Request: Handrail Size

[Robert Foster]

Does anyone have a nice handrail diagram they would share. I'm looking for one that shows the handrail size i.e. grippability....

Thanks.

[H.G. Watson, Sr.]

Does anyone have a nice handrail diagram they would share. I'm looking for one that shows the handrail size i.e. grippability....

Thanks.

A reference I have referred others to often is the Stairway Manufacturers Association''s (SMA) from Stairway Manufacturers' Association - SMA: Welcome to Our Home Page (http://www.stairways.org) "Visual Interpretation of the Stairway Code".

Here is a direct link to the edition based upon the 2006 IRC and IBC, which you can download pdf here (clickable link): http://www.stairways.org/pdf/2006%20Stair%20IRC%20SCREEN.pdf See especially the document's pages 10-11 (Type I and II).

You can navigate to Stairway Manufacturer's Association - SMA: Codes and Standards (http://www.stairways.org/codes_standards.htm) to find the editions pertaining to earlier editions, other regional specific editions, and some more comprehensive information and studies regarding Type II handrails.

They address "graspability" issues reasonably well in their illustrations, and comprehensively enhanced in their references language.

I hope you find the resources suitable to your needs.

[Robert Foster]

Thank you H.G. I have that information from one of your earlier posts. I was looking for something simpler more like you find in Code Check.

[John Arnold]

See if this helps.

[Gunnar Alquist]

Does anyone have a nice handrail diagram they would share. I'm looking for one that shows the handrail size i.e. grippability....


RF,

Here are the ones that I use. Probably lifted them from this site at some time in the past. Don't remember who originally posted them, but a belated thanks.

The 42 requirement is a California thing. You should be able to edit the photo and take it back to 36". Not sure why the diagram notes 4 3/8" sphere. I thought it was 4".

[H.G. Watson, Sr.]

See if this helps.

That's the same SMA Visual Interpretation of the Stair Code document I referred him to with a clickable download link already; to which he already stated he wasn't satisfied with the illustrated photos with notations for the three classes of handrails(Type I, Type II and other than Type I or II), and the demonstrations of measurements for "graspability". Apparently seven diagrams for multiple classes was too much. Gunnar's one photo pertaining to the OP doesn't even sufficiently cover all Type I.

If you're looking for a singluar Type II drawing you could have found it on the third link page I provided earlier but I'll attach it here. The drawing does not cover Type I, nor those other than Type I or II (not symetrical and greater overall permeter than Type I, but "graspable".

Type I and other than Type I or II are still "graspable", that's why referring to all seven photos in the document link earlier provided (and John A. uploaded/attached) along with the code and commentary discussing all three classes - is more comprehensive. You can snip what you need for a particular application.

[Richard Stanley]

http://www.arcways.com/pdfs/IRC2000a.pdf


nevermind - someone already sent this

[Jerry Peck]

I was looking for something simpler more like you find in Code Check.


Robert,

The problem with simpler drawings is that they do not cover all the types, allowances, restrictions, which can lead to errors in what is acceptable and what is not acceptable.

[H.G. Watson, Sr.]

R312.2 Guard Opening Limitations. - 4" sphere not pass through.
Ex. 1 6" sphere not pass through triangular openings formed by riser, tread and bottom rail of guard at open side of stairway.
Ex. 2 4-3/8" sphere not pass through openings for required guards on sides of stair treads.

Note: Balcony may require greater restriction between floor or curb and bottom rail of guard, in non-IRC applications or by local rule.

[stanley frost]

Robert soon after Jan 1st the diagrams in the code checks will be available to purchase/download and use in our reports etc. There are some companies that are doing this now, I havn't seen any I like as much as code check. You should be able to go to thier web site and purchase them, when I last checked they told me it would they would be available by the end of the year.

[Robert Foster]

To be more precise I should of said I'm looking for diagrams which are more pleasing to the eye. An attractive presentation IMO helps with the absorption of information. :)

I've included one below which I find nicely done. It's off Michael Thomas's website.