Thread: handrail question

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

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

This is a good reference. irc 2006.pdf

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).

Originally Posted by brianmiller

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.

Originally Posted by brianmiller

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.code&commentary071212handrail.pdf Strike the last line "Edges shall have a minimum radius of 0.01 inch."

Originally Posted by Mike Lamb

This is a good reference. irc 2006.pdf

Good information with the details.

Another one that isn't graspable.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j...62501290217446