Do stairs need a railing on both sides?

(a) Stairways shall have handrails or stair railings on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate stair railing for each 88 inches of required width.

Where do handrails go?

A handrailing or stair railing is installed along one or both sides of an ascending / descending stairway, to provide a safe grasping surface to reduce fall injuries, and where stairways are open, to prevent falls off of the side of the stairs.

What is the code for handrail on stairs?

In residential applications, the guard height minimum is 36″. On a stair, since handrail must be between 34″ and 38″, the handrail and the top of the guard can be one and the same. In commercial applications, the IBC requires a minimum height of 42″.

How high should a stair handrail be mounted?

34 to 38 in.
To meet building code requirements, the stair railing should be mounted so that the top of the handrail height is 34 to 38 in. above the front edge of the stair nosings.

Do you legally have to have a handrail on stairs?

Handrails. One of the main concerns of building regulations on stairs is the health and safety of those dwelling in a property. Handrails are mandatory. Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than one metre wide, and on both sides if wider than this.

At what height do you need a handrail?

Handrails are required to: – be between 900mm and 1100mm above the floor or the nosing of a stair tread – shaped for people to easily grasp their hand and fingers (like a ‘power grip’) around the handrail (circular or rectangular in shape) – have a minimum hand clearance of 50mm between the handrail and adjacent …

Is it illegal not to have a handrail on stairs?

Handrails are mandatory. Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than one metre wide, and on both sides if wider than this. Handrails should be placed between 900mm and 1000mm above the highest point on the staircase steps.

Should handrail be on right or left?

Standard building codes do not state a requirement for what side a handrail should be placed for residential structures. The handrail can be on either side of the stairs as long as it continuously runs the entire length of the stairs.

How high should a handrail be on a staircase?

What is the code for stair handrails?

On a stair, since handrail must be between 34″ and 38″, the handrail and the top of the guard can be one and the same. In commercial applications, the IBC requires a minimum height of 42″. On stairs, once there is a 30″ drop, a handrail will be required and placed between 34″ and 38″ above the nosing.

Which side of the stairs do you put handrails on?

In general, people install the handrail on the right side when standing at the bottom of the stairs. This allows you to grip the handrail with your dominant hand as you climb the stairs. If, however, you are installing stairs in a public building, you must install handrails on both sides to assist the disabled.

How far should a railing be from the wall on stairs?

Therefore, make sure you leave enough hand clearance when installing handrails or guards from the wall. In general, railings should be at least 1.5” away from the wall. Also, railing projection into the stairs can’t be over 4.5”.

What is the standard height of a handrail?

On a closed side, your railing can be between 30 and 38 inches high. A best practice, of course, is to keep railings the same height on one side and match it on the other side if you’re installing handrails on both sides. Most railings are 36 or 37 inches high.

What is the difference between Stair guards and stair railing?

Stair railing runs on the stair incline, up and down. By contrast, stair guards run horizontally along a flat area, with a drop on the other side. Stair guards do not protect stairs but are often used in conjunction with stairs, as with stair landings or elevated walking areas leading to stairs. Handrail Height: 34 to 38 Inches