Ramp/Deck/Step system question

Jeff Eastman · 09-28-2007, 12:21 PM

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**Jerry McCarthy** · 09-28-2007, 01:13 PM

Is that a commercial loading dock Jeff?
If so, guards are not required, see IBC 1013.

**Rick Hurst** · 09-28-2007, 03:17 PM

If someone is going to use that place as a daycare, then they need to breakdown that whole ramp and place it in the dumpster down the alley way there.

Nothing like a good asphalt play ground for the kiddies.

rick

**Rick Hurst** · 09-28-2007, 03:19 PM

Maybe that was too quick an idea. He could take it down and maybe sell it off to Southwest Airlines.

That way you'd even feel more like cattle boarding their airline.

rick

**Jerry Peck** · 09-28-2007, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Jerry McCarthy

Is that a commercial loading dock Jeff?
If so, guards are not required, see IBC 1013.

Jerry Mc.,

Sort of, but not quite.

- SECTION 1013
- - GUARDS
- - - 1013.1 Where required.

- - - - Exception:

Guards are not required for the following locations:

- - - - - 1. On the loading side of loading docks or piers.

That only applies to the "loading side" of loading docks. That "ramp" is not the "loading side". Neither are the stairs.

Jeff,

By the way, did you notice those unequal treads?

There are problems leaving that up for commercial loading dock uses, but, as Rick stated "If someone is going to use that place as a daycare, then they need to breakdown that whole ramp and place it in the dumpster down the alley way there."

The start over from there.

**Brandon Whitmore** · 09-28-2007, 08:26 PM

I don't see a graspable handrail at those steps either.

**Scott Patterson** · 09-29-2007, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by Rick Hurst

Maybe that was too quick an idea. He could take it down and maybe sell it off to Southwest Airlines.

That way you'd even feel more like cattle boarding their airline.

rick

Hey, I like Southwest! The only airline you can buy a $3 Heineken on!

**Brandon Whitmore** · 09-29-2007, 09:13 AM

I'd still like to know if there should there be a guardrail or handrail on the outer side (parking lot side) of the steps?

I can't answer your question since it is a commercial building. If it was residential (IRC), then there should be a graspable handrail on one side of the steps, guardrailing installed with no more than 4" gaps along the railing (anywhere it is over 30" off the ground including at steps). Anywhere the steps are less than 30" off the ground there is no need for a guardrail (looking at your picture, it is pretty close to 30" off the ground from the ramp area only, and not at the steps. A guardrail is not likely needed at the steps in this pic). I am sure you already know this, and are looking for an answer on the commercial side of things, but just in case........

**Jerry Peck** · 09-29-2007, 11:48 AM

Originally Posted by Jeff Eastman

Thanks everyone,

I'd still like to know if there should there be a guardrail or handrail on the outer side (parking lot side) of the steps?

From the IBC.
- 1009.10 Handrails.

Stairways shall have handrails on each side and shall comply with Section 1012. Where glass is used to provide the handrail, the handrail shall also comply with Section 2407.

- - Exceptions: (Jerry's note: None of the exceptions apply.)

- - - 1. Aisle stairs complying with Section 1025 provided with a center handrail need not have additional handrails.
- - - 2. Stairways within dwelling units, spiral stairways and aisle stairs serving seating only on one side are permitted to have a handrail on one side only.
- - - 3. Decks, patios and walkways that have a single change in elevation where the landing depth on each side of the change of elevation is greater than what is required for a landing do not require handrails.
- - - 4. In Group R-3 occupancies, a change in elevation consisting of a single riser at an entrance or egress door does not require handrails.
- - - 5. Changes in room elevations of only one riser within dwelling units and sleeping units in Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies do not require handrails.

- 1013.1 Where required.

Guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, mezzanines, industrial equipment platforms, stairways, ramps and landings that are located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below. Guards shall be adequate in strength and attachment in accordance with Section 1607.7. Where glass is used to provide a guard or as a portion of the guard system, the guard shall also comply with Section 2407. Guards shall also be located along glazed sides of stairways, ramps and landings that are located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below where the glazing provided does not meet the strength and attachment requirements in Section 1607.7.

- - Exception:

Guards are not required for the following locations: (Jerry's note: None of the exceptions apply to the stairs.)
- - - 1. On the loading side of loading docks or piers.

- - - 2. On the audience side of stages and raised platforms, including steps leading up to the stage and raised platforms.
- - - 3. On raised stage and platform floor areas, such as runways, ramps and side stages used for entertainment or presentations.
- - - 4. At vertical openings in the performance area of stages and platforms.
- - - 5. At elevated walking surfaces appurtenant to stages and platforms for access to and utilization of special lighting or equipment.
- - - 6. Along vehicle service pits not accessible to the public.
- - - 7. In assembly seating where guards in accordance with Section 1025.14 are permitted and provided.