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Thread: handrails

  1. #1
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    Default handrails

    Consider you find a set of steps to a front porch. The steps are 4 feet wide and have 4 risers.

    In reality, they only require a handrail on one side. This particular set of steps has handrails on both sides. One handrail is graspable as defined by code, and the other is not.

    Do you write up the non-graspable handrail because it's there? Point being, a person might use it since its there. The result could be a fall due to the non-graspable nature of the handrail.

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  2. #2
    chris mcintyre's Avatar
    chris mcintyre Guest

    Default Re: handrails

    I would think that this would fall under the same "rule" about stairs that is being discussed on another thread.

    If a rail is not required then it does not have to be there, but if you put a rail then it should meet code, and this is a perfect example of why...

    ...a person might use it since its there. The result could be a fall due to the non-graspable nature of the handrail.



  3. #3
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    Default Re: handrails

    Were the stairs open on both sides, or were there walls at the sides?


  4. #4
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    Default Re: handrails

    Quote Originally Posted by neal lewis View Post
    Were the stairs open on both sides, or were there walls at the sides?
    Exterior porch steps - open on the sides, except for the rails.


  5. #5
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    Default Re: handrails

    John, don't they need a rail on both sides, it it's open?


  6. #6
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    Succasunna NJ
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    Default Re: handrails

    If the total 'drop' of all 4 risers exceed 30 inches, then a handrail on both sides would be required. If the 'drop' is less than 30 inches, then I would say no; 1 rail meets the requirements.

    Darren www.aboutthehouseinspections.com
    'Whizzing & pasting & pooting through the day (Ronnie helping Kenny helping burn his poots away!) (FZ)

  7. #7
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    Default Re: handrails

    Darren
    You may be confusing "handrails" and "Guards"
    Guards are required on the open sides of stairs, porches, ramps, and decks if 30" or more above the lower surface.
    A(only one)handrail is required when there are 4 or more risers in a stairway, reguardless of height above the lower surface.

    ' correct a wise man and you gain a friend... correct a fool and he'll bloody your nose'.

  8. #8
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    Default Re: handrails

    Rick, the original question was about an exterior porch with stairs. I'm assuming they were open on both sides.


  9. #9
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    Default Re: handrails

    Thanks Neal

    ' correct a wise man and you gain a friend... correct a fool and he'll bloody your nose'.

  10. #10
    Join Date
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    Default Re: handrails

    What year did IRC begin requiring handrails on exterior stairs with four of more risers? And if a wall is on one side of the stairs, a rail would still be required, correct (referencing some comments above)?


  11. #11
    Ron Bibler's Avatar
    Ron Bibler Guest

    Default Re: handrails

    You have the code covered by the one. I always think safety first in areas like this. Make a note of the one and recommend that the other one match for safety reason. As if a handrail is there then it will be use and relyed upon to work as a handrail should and if it is unsafe then it needs to be corrected and made safe.

    As it stands the one is unsafe for use.

    Best

    Ron


  12. #12
    Mike Richart's Avatar
    Mike Richart Guest

    Default Re: handrails

    The Florida Building code only requires on one side. Common sense tells us if its there bring it to code. But there is no code that requires you to.


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