handrail question

[brianmiller]

Does the top plate on the wall to the right suffice for handrailing or does one need to be attached along the wall?

[Vern Heiler]

It is not a graspable handrail. A handrail is needed and needs to fit into a specific size and shape.

[Mike Lamb]

This is a good reference. 28203

[Mark Hagenlock]

http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/img/icces_yg.gif
















There doesn't appear to be a change in the 2012. 2009 IRC :


R311.7.7.3 Grip-size. All required handrails shall be of one of the following types or provide equivalent graspability. 1. Type I. Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of at least 11/4 inches (32 mm) and not greater than 2 inches (51 mm). If the handrail is not circular, it shall have a perimeter dimension of at least 4 inches (102 mm) and not greater than 61/4 inches (160 mm) with a maximum cross section of dimension of 21/4 inches (57 mm). Edges shall have a minimum radius of 0.01 inch (0.25 mm). 2. Type II. Handrails with a perimeter greater than 61/4 inches (160 mm) shall have a graspable finger recess area on both sides of the profile. The finger recess shall begin within a distance of 3/4 inch (19 mm) measured vertically from the tallest portion of the profile and achieve a depth of at least 5/16 inch (8 mm) within 7/8 inch (22 mm) below the widest portion of the profile. This required depth shall continue for at least 3/8 inch (10 mm) to a level that is not less than 13/4 inches (45 mm) below the tallest portion of the profile. The minimum width of the handrail above the recess shall be 11/4 inches (32 mm) to a maximum of 23/4 inches (70 mm). Edges shall have a minimum radius of 0.01 inch (0.25 mm).

[Cornish Home Inspections]

Does the top plate on the wall to the right suffice for handrailing or does one need to be attached along the wall?

No, an actual handrail is needed.

[Dan Kramer]

Does the top plate on the wall to the right suffice for handrailing or does one need to be attached along the wall?

The 2009 IRC in R311.7.7.3 describes the 2 types of handrails. I am attaching the code and commentary. It is from the 2006 IRC but for this it should suffice.28204 Strike the last line "Edges shall have a minimum radius of 0.01 inch."

[Charles Schiller]

This is a good reference. 28203
Good information with the details.

[Joe Funderburk]

Another one that isn't graspable.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=5CKioEec757vgM&tbnid=imMhOyTVMum8ZM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.decksworld.com%2Fmydecks.htm&ei=fM00Uc3lGZLE9gT95YHQDg&bvm=bv.43148975,d.eWU&psig=AFQjCNHYz-4RzQMb3Y7MtRTmEOCdV5HuUQ&ust=1362501290217446