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  1. #1
    Ron Bishop's Avatar
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    Default stairway guardrails

    The code check book mentions the requirement for a handrail, but I am not seeing any requirement for a guardrail when one side of the stairway is open to a room. Common sense tells me that this is a reportable safety hazard, but I would like to be able to back it up. Any thoughts?

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  2. #2
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Yes, a guard rail is required for the open sides of stairs.

    That requirement goes back as far as I can remember. The guard rail was required, the opening sizes in the guard rail have gotten smaller over the decades, though.

    Also, those stairs look pretty steep too.

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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    From the IRC stairway guide

    Open sides of stairs with a
    total rise of more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the
    f oor or grade below shall have guards not less than
    34 inches (864 mm) in height measured vertically
    from the nosing of the treads.


    Jim Luttrall
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  4. #4
    Richard M. Pinkerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    A violation of IBC Section 1012 and ADA regulations.
    ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG) see
    Section 4.9.4

    Check out your carpet and refer to the ADAAG Section 4.5.3


  5. #5
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Almost 100% sure is 4" between vertical pickets/rods for the handrailing.


  6. #6

    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Almost 100% sure is 4" between vertical pickets/rods for the handrailing.
    Per IRC, it says a 4 3/8" sphere can not pass through the guard openings at the stairs ('06). Of course, in Oregon they allow 5" at the stairs.......... so it kinda depends....


  7. #7
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    yes, i am sure there some space for interpretation too..and some jurisdictions will have their own codes which kind of stumbles me. I can understand changes in code due to nature related issues like more fasteners due to a higher FM rating on a roof in areas subject to strong winds but rules are not consistent within states in matters like ingress/egress.... and then this question comes to mind: what code allows people to build wood-framing houses in hurricane subject areas without serious perimeter steel strapping being installed, never mind inspected properly. Sometimes design professionals are not my best friends... I am already getting wired again ;0

    Back to the subject:
    In RI and MD where I used to make hundreds of stairs and handrails sections, 4" was the rule because inspectors used a 4" sphere. I learned early with other people's mistakes that - 4" was de-facto standard for me to stay out of trouble. Sometimes if the installing crew was not working properly the inspector would go through everything and in some occasions those pickets at the angle change of the handrail would have to be worked on.

    found this too from 2006 IRC......
    R312.2 Guard opening limitations.
    MUST NOT
    Required guards on open sides of stairways, raised
    ALLOW
    floor areas, balconies and porches shall have
    PASSAGE OF
    intermediate rails or ornamental closures which do
    4-3/8” SPHERE
    not allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) or
    more in diameter. PHOTO 37.
    Exception: 1. The triangular openings formed by the
    riser, tread and bottom rail of a guard at
    the open side of a stairway are permitted
    to be of such a size that a sphere 6 inches
    (152 mm) cannot pass through. PHOTO
    38.
    2. Openings for required guards on
    the sides of stair treads shall not allow
    a sphere 43⁄8 inches (107 mm) to pass
    through. PHOTO 38.


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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Richard M. Pinkerton View Post
    A violation of IBC Section 1012 and ADA regulations.
    ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG) see
    Section 4.9.4

    Check out your carpet and refer to the ADAAG Section 4.5.3
    Those do not apply apply to one- and two-family dwelling units and townhouses or apartments/condos where there are fewer than 4 units.

    Jerry Peck
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  9. #9
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    Those do not apply apply to one- and two-family dwelling units and townhouses or apartments/condos where there are fewer than 4 units.
    JP and All: Not to be a nit-picker, but they are not "guard rails", but rather "guards". From IRC Chapter 2:

    GUARD.
    A building component or a system of building components
    located near the open sides of elevated walking surfaces
    that minimizes the possibility of a fall from the walking
    surface to the lower level.

    A guard is a component or system of components
    whose function is the prevention of falls from an elevated
    area. Placed adjacent to an elevation change, a
    guard must be of adequate height, strength and configuration
    to help prevent people, especially small children,
    from falling over or through the guard to the area
    below.



    Aaron


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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by A.D. Miller View Post
    JP and All: Not to be a nit-picker, but they are not "guard rails", but rather "guards".
    Yes, the current codes refer to them as "guards", however, older timers have know them by other names due to other codes.

    Some other codes called them "guardrails" and some "safe guards".

    Jerry Peck
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  11. #11
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    Yes, the current codes refer to them as "guards", however, older timers have know them by other names due to other codes.

    Some other codes called them "guardrails" and some "safe guards".
    JP: Tenure is no excuse.


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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by A.D. Miller View Post
    JP: Tenure is no excuse.
    .

    Aaron,

    How long do you think it is going to take for people to say "luminaire" instead of "light fixture"?

    What do you call a "luminaire" which does not have lamps? A 'lampless luminaire'?

    But wait, a luminaire, by definition, *includes the lamps*, so is it still even a "luminaire" if it does not have lamps?

    Guess we've just added another ponderable to the ponderables ...

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  13. #13
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    .

    Aaron,

    How long do you think it is going to take for people to say "luminaire" instead of "light fixture"?

    What do you call a "luminaire" which does not have lamps? A 'lampless luminaire'?

    But wait, a luminaire, by definition, *includes the lamps*, so is it still even a "luminaire" if it does not have lamps?

    Guess we've just added another ponderable to the ponderables ...
    JP: Luminaire? Probably longer than we'll be around.

    "Say dear, would you please illuminate the stairwell to 1 candle power just above the treads by utilizing one of the the three-way switches to activate the recessed luminaires?"

    That sort of talk around my house might cost me supper.

    Aaron


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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by A.D. Miller View Post

    That sort of talk around my house might cost me supper.


    Aaron
    ,
    You saying She wouldn't let You cook enough for both you and Her ?

    .

    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  15. #15
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Ok, then it changes depending on what type of building we are talking about...

    Can recall even more complicated stuff in north of portugal where a Draught beer (also known as draft beer or tap beer)is known by "fino" in many other areas is "imperial"
    cheers!


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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Joao Vieira View Post
    Ok, then it changes depending on what type of building we are talking about...
    Not really.

    When addressing dwelling units, it (the requirements themselves) do not change, only the code changes from dwelling unit type to dwelling unit type.

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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Cool stair! However.......

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  18. #18
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry McCarthy View Post
    Cool stair! However.......
    JM: Well, that just mucks up the black and whiteness of the thing altogether. Jeez!

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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Aaron, I must assume you're not serious? So assuming that here's another for your collection........ that is assuming you collect code pertinent diagrams?

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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Aaron,

    Not sure where you got that drawing, but it sure is not correct. Never has been.

    This is from the IRC. (underlining and red text are mine)
    - R312.1 Guards.
    Porches, balconies, ramps or raised floor surfaces located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in height. Open sides of stairs with a total rise of more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 34 inches (864 mm) in height measured vertically from the nosing of the treads.
    - - Porches and decks which are enclosed with insect screening
    shall be equipped with guards where the walking surface is
    located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade

    below.


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  21. #21
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Jeffery Mac has familiar dimmensions.. 42" high and 34-38 on the steps..... used to do the guard rails with 36" on the steps.

    we used to use the term "hand-rails" because more often than not you would have the actual hand rail welded below the top "guard" pipe on the interior side of the ramp or stair.

    be aware that in commercial applications or in apartment/condos you will need to have the handrail extend 12" on the level plane if the handrail is not continuous; edited: and at the beginning and end of the handrail; I mean extend at least 12" on the top and bottom landings level with the floor..There are many hand rails not compliant out there

    Last edited by Joao Vieira; 01-11-2009 at 07:20 PM.

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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Joao Vieira View Post
    be aware that in commercial applications or in apartment/condos
    .


    A correction note to the above:

    "in" as in "in apartment/condos" is incorrect as stated, it would be correct if stated "in apartment/condo building common areas, i.e., not *within* a unit", because "in apartment/condos" implies *within the apartment/condo itself* - which has the same requirement as for dwelling units as an apartment or condo is a "dwelling unit".

    Of course, yes, that would be applicable to 'two-story' apartments/condos or ones with high ceilings and lofts.

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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Joao Vieira View Post
    and at the beginning and end of the handrail; I mean extend at least 12" on the top and bottom landings level with the floor..There are many hand rails not compliant out there
    .

    Needs correction also.

    From the 2006 IBC. (underlining is mine)
    - 1012.5 Handrail extensions.
    Handrails shall return to a wall, guard or the walking surface or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stair flight or ramp run. At stairways where handrails are not continuous between flights, the handrails shall extend horizontally at least 12 inches (305 mm) beyond the top riser and continue to slope for the depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser. At ramps where handrails are not continuous between runs, the handrail shall extend horizontally above the landing 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beyond the top and bottom ramps.

    - - Exceptions:
    - - - 1. Handrails within a dwelling unit that is not required to be accessible need extend only from the top riser to the bottom riser.
    - - - 2. Aisle handrails in Group A occupancies in accordance with Section 1025.13.

    The handrail for a common area stair (not "within" a dwelling unit, i.e., not within an apartment or condo) is required to turn horizontally vertically above the top riser, then continue horizontally for an additional 12" AT THE TOP. That same handrail is required to CONTINUE to slope for a horizontal distance equal to one tread depth (which could be as little 11", but which must be as much as the depth of the tread) - that bottom of the handrail IS NOT required to then turn and go horizontally. If the handrail were continuous, then, yes, the bottom WOULD STILL SLOPE for the depth of one tread, then the handrail would turn horizontally continue around the landing to the top of the top riser of the next flight of stairs (the lowest flight of stairs could just stop at the end of that one tread depth slope).


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  24. #24
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    Aaron,

    Not sure where you got that drawing, but it sure is not correct. Never has been.

    This is from the IRC. (underlining and red text are mine)

    - R312.1 Guards.
    Porches, balconies, ramps or raised floor surfaces located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in height. Open sides of stairs with a total rise of more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 34 inches (864 mm) in height measured vertically from the nosing of the treads.
    - - Porches and decks which are enclosed with insect screening
    shall be equipped with guards where the walking surface is
    located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade
    below.


    JP: Though you may not like that graphic, it is directly from the ICC's 2006 IRC and Commentary. A simple cut and paste. No Photo Shop slight of hand with fluttering doves, cute little bunnies, top hats or scarcely clad assistants.

    So then, to back up a bit in this thread and quote you, "Guess we've just added another ponderable to the ponderables ..."

    Aaron




  25. #25
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry McCarthy View Post
    Aaron, I must assume you're not serious? So assuming that here's another for your collection........ that is assuming you collect code pertinent diagrams?
    JM: I just don't know. Define "serious". I am a fairly serious student of the game though, and do appreciate the diagram.


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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Jerry,

    I don't have the codes in front of me, but I believe your sketch probably is from IBC, not IRC. I and 2 family dwellings require a 36" high guard. All others require a 42" high guard.


  27. #27
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Frederickson View Post
    Jerry,

    I don't have the codes in front of me, but I believe your sketch probably is from IBC, not IRC. I and 2 family dwellings require a 36" high guard. All others require a 42" high guard.
    Steve: I'm not sure to which "sketch" you are referring. If it is to the one in my post, then you are sorely mistaken. Look again at the bottom of a larger screen capture. I don't make this stuff up.

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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    A.D.,

    That sketch looks fine. No guard is required on the open sid of stairs if the stair leads to a landing no more than 30" high. The sketch should show a handrail on stair B, but the sketch was probably only intended to address the question of guards.


  29. #29
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Frederickson View Post
    A.D.,

    That sketch looks fine. No guard is required on the open side of stairs if the stair leads to a landing no more than 30" high. The sketch should show a handrail on stair B, but the sketch was probably only intended to address the question of guards.
    Steve: My contention and discussion did not revolve around the correctness of the sketch, but rather the concept of handrail vs. guard.

    This brings to mind Buridan's ass: "Buridan's ass is a figurative description of a man of indecision. It refers to a paradoxical situation wherein an ass, placed exactly in the middle between two stacks of hay of equal size and quality, will starve to death since it cannot make any rational decision to start eating one rather than the other." Wikipedia

    Better yet, the old Certs commercial. Is it a candy, a breath mint or both?

    If you have a handrail attached to the wall and a guard on the open side of the stairs, which is the handrail? Both? Is the guard the handrail when no handrail is present on the closed side of the stairs, or is it just being used as a handrail?

    When a code-authoring agency makes a glossary of definitions should they not be a bit more inclusive? Yes, I understand that a comprehensive glossary of anything is out of the question, but . . .


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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    A guard can also serve as a handrail if it compies with certain height requirements. If it's too high to serve as a handrail, then you can mount a handrail to the side of the guard, or to the wall. A handrail is only required on one side for 1 and 2 family dwellings.


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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by A.D. Miller View Post
    JP: Though you may not like that graphic, it is directly from the ICC's 2006 IRC and Commentary.
    .

    Aaron,

    It's not that 'I don't like' the graphic, it's that the graphic *is wrong*.

    That graphic does not depict what the code states as being required. Which is why I unlined the section I underlined.

    That is the "TOTAL RISE" of that stair?
    - From the 2006 IRC.
    - - R312.1 Guards.
    Porches, balconies, ramps or raised floor surfaces located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in height. Open sides of stairs with a total rise of more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 34 inches (864 mm) in height measured vertically from the nosing of the treads.
    - - Porches and decks which are enclosed with insect screening shall be equipped with guards where the walking surface is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade


    - R201.3 Terms defined in other codes.
    Where terms are not defined in this code such terms shall have meanings ascribed to them as in other code publications of the International Code Council.

    - From the 2006 IBC.
    - - STAIR. A change in elevation, consisting of one or more risers.

    The drawing you posted shows a "change in elevation" from the lower floor to the higher floor. Unless you want to count each tread as a "change in elevation".

    The confusing part of the codes and "stair", "stairway", "flight of stairs" is the inconsistency of the definitions, and then the intermixed use of the words (i.e., using "stair" when "stairway" is meant - based on the definitions). This has ALWAYS been a pet peeve of mine. There needs to be clear and concise definitions for the terms used in the codes regarding "stairs/stairways".

    Then, to make matter worse, the code prohibits/allows/prohibits the use of winders in a straight "stair/stairway/flight of stairs".



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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Frederickson View Post
    A.D.,

    That sketch looks fine. No guard is required on the open sid of stairs if the stair leads to a landing no more than 30" high. The sketch should show a handrail on stair B, but the sketch was probably only intended to address the question of guards.
    Incorrect, see my post above.

    If the stairway lead to a change in elevation of not more than 30" high, then that would be correct, but then there would not be a stairway going off to the left.

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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by A.D. Miller View Post
    If you have a handrail attached to the wall and a guard on the open side of the stairs, which is the handrail? Both? Is the guard the handrail when no handrail is present on the closed side of the stairs, or is it just being used as a handrail?
    Aaron,

    The answer to that is "It depends."

    Steve answered it pretty well - much depends on the height of the top of the guard ... but there are other things to consider as well, such as - does the top of the guard meet the graspability requirements? If it does not, then it cannot serve as the handrail regardless of its height.

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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    Incorrect, see my post above.

    If the stairway lead to a change in elevation of not more than 30" high, then that would be correct, but then there would not be a stairway going off to the left.

    Jerry,

    I think the sketch is correct because of the presence of a landing. The stair below the landing is considered a separate stairway, with no need for a guard. If the stair was continuous, without a landing, the guard would be required for its full length


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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Frederickson View Post
    The stair below the landing is considered a separate stairway, with no need for a guard. If the stair was continuous, without a landing, the guard would be required for its full length

    See the problem?

    "The stair" below the landing ...
    - "The stair" below the landing is a "flight of stairs".

    "is considered a separate stairway" ...
    - A "stairway" includes all "flights of stairs" and all "landings". Thus, "the stairway" is from the lower floor to the upper floor, and that "stairway" contains two "flights of stairs" with a "landing" at the bottom, between the "flights of stairs", and at the top.

    The following definitions are from the IBC:

    - STAIR.A change in elevation, consisting of one or more risers.

    - STAIRWAY.One or more flights of stairs, either exterior or interior, with the necessary landings and platforms connecting them, to form a continuous and uninterrupted passage from one level to another.



    From the 2006 IBC: (underlining and red text are mine)
    - 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.


    - - (there are exceptions listed, none of which apply to this discussion)

    From the 2006 IRC: (underlining and red text are mine)
    - R312.1 Guards.Porches, balconies, ramps or raised floor surfaces located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in height. Open sides of stairs with a total rise of more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 34 inches (864 mm) in height measured vertically from the nosing of the treads.
    - - Porches and decks which are enclosed with insect screening shall be equipped with guards where the walking surface is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below.


    Now comes the $64,000 question: Is that referring to "a flight of stairs" or "the stairway"?



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  36. #36
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    It's not that 'I don't like' the graphic, it's that the graphic *is wrong*.
    JP: You'll need to contact the ICC who publishes the codes. I just read them. I do not publish them.

    The answer to that is "It depends."
    JP: Yes, everything always depends.

    Aaron


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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Ron,

    Do these stairs look familar. Must have been a railing shortage the time these homes were built.

    The good thing about this one was that if you were to trip and fall down these stairs at this home, you could grab a hold of the nicotine on the wall for support.

    Check out the ghosting of the nicotine on these walls.

    rick

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  38. #38
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Ive come to the conclusion that nobody should post questions about stairs or any part there of. The infinite amount of time Jerry Spends Proving people and codes wrong on this issue has got to be cutting into the time he can spend actually inspecting a home. Not to mention the amount of time everybody spends reading each thread.My brain hurts!!!


  39. #39
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Shawn Best View Post
    Ive come to the conclusion that nobody should post questions about stairs or any part there of. The infinite amount of time Jerry Spends Proving people and codes wrong on this issue has got to be cutting into the time he can spend actually inspecting a home. Not to mention the amount of time everybody spends reading each thread.My brain hurts!!!
    Shawn: His most certainly does too, I venture to say . . .


  40. #40
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Even Jack speaks about the walls.

    Sometimes we just can't handle the truth. Jerry just puts in writing to show us the truth.

    YouTube - A Few Good Man "You Can't Handle the Truth"


  41. #41
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Jerry,

    Sorry, but I still have to disagree with you. You say yourself that guards are not required on open sides of stairs with a height of 30" or less. The lower flight is a stair, with a height not exceeding 30".

    I am in code enforcement and I've sat on many BOCA and now ICC committees and attended ICC egress seminars. I've never heard that the lower stairs shown in the sketch needs a guard.

    I just don't want to lead anyone down the wrong path who might be tempted to write this up in a report, but I agree, the topic is getting worn out. Just refer to the sketch. It was provided by ICC and, in my opinion, it's correct.


  42. #42
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    I concur with Jerry P on this issue per the 2006 IRC Code and I suspect that some folks miss the core of his argument which is we are looking at a “stairway” with a mid landing rather then two separate “stairs.”
    IRC diagrams can be confusing at times no differently than folks who interpret the building codes differently, but then we live in an imperfect world.
    My diagram showing the guards at 42” in height is IBC, but for those living and practicing in California please be aware that under the 2007 CBC Section 1013.2 Height; It is no longer 36 inches, but rather 42 inches for Residential Construction. Both of my diagrams reflect that change and if I don’t look out for the west coast guys who will?

    Jerry McCarthy
    Building Code/ Construction Consultant

  43. #43
    A.D. Miller's Avatar
    A.D. Miller Guest

    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry McCarthy View Post
    I concur with Jerry P on this issue per the 2006 IRC Code and I suspect that some folks miss the core of his argument which is we are looking at a “stairway” with a mid landing rather then two separate “stairs.”
    IRC diagrams can be confusing at times no differently than folks who interpret the building codes differently, but then we live in an imperfect world.
    My diagram showing the guards at 42” in height is IBC, but for those living and practicing in California please be aware that under the 2007 CBC Section 1013.2 Height; It is no longer 36 inches, but rather 42 inches for Residential Construction. Both of my diagrams reflect that change and if I don’t look out for the west coast guys who will?
    JM: I don't disgree with JP on his interpretation of the code here, only with his inssitence that I am somehow responsible for the IRC diagram I posted. Jeez, what is wrong with the boy?


  44. #44
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry McCarthy View Post
    for those living and practicing in California please be aware that under the 2007 CBC Section 1013.2 Height; It is no longer 36 inches, but rather 42 inches for Residential Construction. Both of my diagrams reflect that change and if I don’t look out for the west coast guys who will?

    WC Jerry,

    The South Florida Building Code (both the Dade County and Broward County editions) required a 42" high guard rail in residential, however, most of the rest of the state was under the SBCCI codes, and, when the Florida Building Code came in in 2001, based on the Standard Building codes, the height dropped to the 36" of the SBC, which was incorporated into the IRC.

    As with every code change (changing from one code to another) we have gone through here in Florida, each successive one is weaker and more lenient than the previous code - the race to the bottom, one could say.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  45. #45
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by A.D. Miller View Post
    JM: I don't disgree with JP on his interpretation of the code here, only with his inssitence that I am somehow responsible

    Aaron,

    Go back and read my posts, not once have I said *YOU* were responsible, I've said the drawings are incorrect.

    If you find where I said you were responsible, please show me, so I can change it (somehow, though, I think you will find that there is nothing I have to change in that regard ). Please let me know.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  46. #46
    A.D. Miller's Avatar
    A.D. Miller Guest

    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    Aaron,

    Go back and read my posts, not once have I said *YOU* were responsible, I've said the drawings are incorrect.

    If you find where I said you were responsible, please show me, so I can change it (somehow, though, I think you will find that there is nothing I have to change in that regard ). Please let me know.
    JP: OK then, we're cool.


  47. #47
    A.D. Miller's Avatar
    A.D. Miller Guest

    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    THIS JUST IN FROM THE J.PECK CENTER FOR STAIRWELL RESEARCH, L.L.C.:

    YouTube - to be a stair rail


  48. #48
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    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    A-man,

    Next those guy's will be in line to understand what its like to be a "door handle".

    rick


  49. #49
    Joao Vieira's Avatar
    Joao Vieira Guest

    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    jeeezzz...this is a hot topic

    As anyone mentioned that there is also indeed a jurisdiction factor Jurisdiction - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia that may or may not make all the irc's and ibc's out there meaningless??






  50. #50
    A.D. Miller's Avatar
    A.D. Miller Guest

    Default Re: stairway guardrails

    Quote Originally Posted by Joao Vieira View Post
    jeeezzz...this is a hot topic

    As anyone mentioned that there is also indeed a jurisdiction factor Jurisdiction - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia that may or may not make all the irc's and ibc's out there meaningless??


    Joao: Most jurisdictions here adopt the codes as written or with minor amendments. Then the AHJs proceed as if there were no code at all other than that which resides (from time to time) in their bilogical hard drives (when so equipped).

    Aaron


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