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Gunnar Alquist
09-24-2015, 04:47 PM
So, I believe that commercial stairways require contrasting tread nosings to increase visibility of the treads, particularly for an individual descending the stairway. I would have assumed that this requirement is in the IBC at 1009, but I was unable to find it. Does anyone have a code section?

Also, is non-slip required? Also not found.

Thanks

Peter Taheny
09-24-2015, 05:55 PM
Check Chapter 11 CBC not IBC

Public stairs not private.

IlB-504.1 General. Stairs shall comply with Section 11 B-
504.

I1B-504.4.1 Contrasting stripe. .....

Jerry Peck
09-24-2015, 06:10 PM
I know that there is a contrasting designation and color requirement for stairs and underwater seats, benches, etc, in swimming pools so that one does not step it or jump in ... only to land on a stair, seat, bench, etc and get injured (or worse), but I don't recall (and couldn't find) a requirement for stairs in the IBC.

There might be for some special occupancies, such as health care, institutional, and the like (but I didn't look for any specific requirements in those occupancies).

- - - Updated - - -


Check Chapter 11 CBC not IBC

Public stairs not private.

IlB-504.1 General. Stairs shall comply with Section 11 B-
504.

I1B-504.4.1 Contrasting stripe. .....


That is good, but unless the stair is part of an accessible path, that may not be applicable.

Although I like the idea for all public stairs

Gunnar Alquist
09-24-2015, 09:50 PM
Check Chapter 11 CBC not IBC
Public stairs not private.
IlB-504.1 General. Stairs shall comply with Section 11 B-
504.
I1B-504.4.1 Contrasting stripe. .....

Thanks Pete,

I was using the CBC, but since IN has members from coast to coast, I asked for an IBC reference figuring that folks from other states would be able to help me out. I assumed that since the CBC is based on the IBC model, it would be essentially the same. (Wrong again Evil Genius)


I know that there is a contrasting designation and color requirement for stairs and underwater seats, benches, etc, in swimming pools so that one does not step it or jump in ... only to land on a stair, seat, bench, etc and get injured (or worse), but I don't recall (and couldn't find) a requirement for stairs in the IBC.

There might be for some special occupancies, such as health care, institutional, and the like (but I didn't look for any specific requirements in those occupancies).

That is good, but unless the stair is part of an accessible path, that may not be applicable. Although I like the idea for all public stairs

Thanks Jerry,

As I mentioned above, I assumed it was an IBC requirement, hence the request for an IBC reference. I knew the powers that be in the Great State of California (in their infinite wisdom) had added chapters that address more requirements, but I was not aware of this one in particular. Chapter 11B is "Accessibility to Public Buildings, Public Accommodations, Commercial Buildings and Public Housing"

From the 2013 CBC:

11B-504.4.1 Contrasting Stripe. Interior stairs shall have the upper approach and lower tread marked by a stripe providing clear visual contrast. Exterior stairs shall have the upper approach and all treads marked by a stripe providing clear visual contrast.

The stripe shall be a minimum of inches (51 mm) wide to a maximum of 4 inches (102 mm) wide placed parallel to, and not more than 1 inch (25 mm) from, the nose of the step or upper approach. The stripe shall extend the full width of the step or upper approach and shall be of material that is at least as slip resistant as the other treads of the stair. A painted stripe shall be acceptable. Grooves shall not be used to satisfy this requirement.


The one nifty part of the CBC is that they do provide diagrams that help explain some of the requirements. Words can only do so much. If you have an interest, you can download a free CBC online from bulk.resource.org (you probably already know that though)

dbsaia
10-02-2015, 08:57 PM
There is an OSHA requirement for nosings that are readily identifiable by persons descending the stair. (OSHA 29CFR1910.25) The direct reference is not about paint, but that is one approach used in many industrial settings.