Building Code Guides to Stairway, Railings & Landing Construction or Inspection

CODES for STAIRS - Stair, railing, guardrail, landing, tread, and step specifications & building codes
- Comparison of different building code specifications for stairs and railings
- Stair & railing safety hazards, photos of defects
- Guardrail safety and building code recommendations
Questions & Answers about the design requirements and code specifications for building stairs, landings, railings, and guard railings.
References

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This document lists building code specifications for stairs, railings, landings, and guardrails - information useful for constructing or inspecting indoor or outdoor stairs, railings, landings, & treads, and for evaluating stairways and railings for safety and proper construction. We compare stair and railing code requirements for various model, national, state and local building codes.

Guide to Building Codes for Stairs & Railings, Stair Landings & Guardrails

Stairway, Stair Rail, Handrail, Guardrailing, & Landing Basic Dimensions & Rules

Below we illustrate and summarize typical building code requirements for stairs, railings, landings, and guardrails.links listed at Related Topics provide detailed descriptions of each stair feature, building codes, photographs and sketches of defects and requirements. Text comparing key provisions of several building code sections on stairs and rails is given at the end of this document.

Also see RAILINGS, DECK & PORCH where we provide deck, porch, and retaining wall safety railing design and building code details. Having investigated cases of severe injury related to falls and railing collapses we developed this field data collection checklist. We also include references to key documents on building codes and stair and railing safety. DECK COLLAPSE Case Study describes a catastrophic exterior deck collapse.

Because more people are injured by trips and falls than other hazards, experts have looked closely at the specifications for stairs, steps, and rails to reduce the falling hazards.

This work has been translated into stair and railing specifications that are similar among codes and countries (but not identical). -- IBC, IRC, BOCA, Kingston NY Stair Code, New York State Residential Building Code for Stairs (included here) & other sources. Sketch courtesy Carson Dunlop Associates.

Stair and Railing Specification Topics for stair (U.S.. State. and International Residential Building Codes) include the items listed below.

Following this list we provide sketches and photographs of stair, railing, landing, and construction details and hazards.

Stair Guardrail, Newell Post & Baluster Specifications

Guards or guard rails referred to in stair codes and specifications refer to the safety barrier placed along the open sides of a horizontal walking surface such as a landing, balcony, deck, or porch.

Stair rails: the equivalent safety barrier placed along a stairway and called a stair rail is discussed at HANDRAILS & HANDRAILINGS

Guards (railings on landings and open hallways, porches, screened porches, balconies that are more than 30" above floors or grade): required and must be => 36" high
Guards on open side of stairs (of more than 30" above floor) must be => 34" high (42" in many codes, but allowing 34" if the guard top also serves as a handrail)

Note that in most codes it is permitted to make the stair guard or stair rail graspable, making it also usable as a stair handrail. But if the stair rail is not graspable, a graspable handrail must also be installed.

Newell Posts at stairways and ramps are critical structural features for the secure anchoring of the ends of stair railings or guardrails. At above-left my sister, Linda Berman, illustrates a beautiful newell post that unfortunately would not be particularly easy to grasp if one were losing one's balance at this location.

Newell posts in stairways are more than decorative and are often grasped or leant-upon as you can see in this photo(left) from Tlaxcala, Mexico. The enclosed masonry stair guard being rested upon by the tourists is certainly at adequate height and strength; a graspable handrailing was installed on the opposite side of the stairway.

Guards [guardrails] are required by section R316 for open sides of stairways, porches, balconies or raised floor surfaces located more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below, except for open sides of a flight of stairs with a total rise of 30 inches or less, although handrails are still required when there are two or more risers.

Guards protecting floor surfaces must be 36 inches in height, while guards for stairs must be 34 inches in height measured vertically from the tread nosing.

A guard may also serve as the required handrail (34 to 38 inches high) provided the top rail meets the requirements for grip size. The guard must have intermediate rails or ornamental closures that do not allow the passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere. The triangular openings formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail of the guard must be sized to prevent the passage of a 6-inch sphere.

Outdoor Guardrails - on Double Retaining Walls

Using a local building code citation from Glen Cove, New York, for outdoor double-retaining walls outdoors, the lower retaining wall is 48" in height, the space between the retaining walls is four feet or more, and the top of the wall is 24" high. -- Richard Kralstein

See RAILINGS, DECK & PORCH where we provide deck, porch, and retaining wall safety railing design and building code details. There we cite several building codes that require safety railings at outdoor retaining walls, and we express the opinion that seating or a "seat wall" does not provide the equivalent safety as a properly constructed railing.

Also see Exterior stairs.

Balusters for Guards & Railings

Stairway handrail & stair balusters & guard details are in this sketch.

See Guardrails on Balconies & Landings for details. A summary is below.

Balusters (vertical posts comprising the barrier in guards and railings)

Baluster opening between vertical members (maximum sphere passage <= 4 3/8")
Baluster opening in triangular area below guard bottom rail and stair tread (maximum sphere passage <= 6")

Hand-railing heights are given:

U.S. handrails for stairs with one side against a wall: 30-38"
U.S. handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs
Canadian stair handrails: 32-36" above the stairs
Wall clearance: Handrails along a wall must have at least 1.5" of clearance between the inside surface of the rail and the wall surface.
Railings should not project into the required width of the stairway by more than 4.5" at or below the handrail height above the stairs.

Sketch courtesy Carson Dunlop Associates.

Stair Railing Specifications - guards along stairways

Railings in stair codes and specifications refer to the safety barrier along steps or stairs. Also see Guards for details about safety railings on landings and open hallways, porches, screened porches, balconies - horizontal walking surfaces.

Railing too low to grasp (C) Daniel Friedman

Railing spaced from wall: (=> 1.5" )
Railing projection into stairs (<= 4.5")
Railing height (=> 31.5" one-side-rail, or =>27" with rails on two sides)
Railings: U.S. handrails for stairs with one side against a wall: 30-38"
Railings: U.S. handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs
Railings: Canadian stair handrails: 32-36" above the stairs
Railing continuity: should be continuous - that is a hand can slide along the rail without interruption from above the top riser to above the bottom riser; rails can be interrupted at a newell post

Stair Handrail Dimensions & Shape Specifications

Bad Stair Top Railing (C) Daniel Friedman

A handrail, unlike a stair rail or guard rail, must be graspable and is is defined as:

A horizontal or sloping rail intended for grasping by the hand for guidance or support.

Handrails have multiple requirements such as graspability, projection into the stairway, handrail height, & mechanical security rules.

Complete details about handrails such as those used along stairs and ramps are at HANDRAILS & HANDRAILINGS Excerpts are bleow.

Handrail cross section and size:

Railing grip size and shape: (must be able to be grasped)
Round rails: between 1.25" and 2" in diameter
Metal ogee shaped: <= 2.25" across widest dimension
Wood oblate shaped: <= 2.25" across widest dimension
Rectangular shaped: perimeter must be between 4" and 6.25"
Perimeter larger than 6" must have a graspable finger recess (see details at the ASM document link below)

Clarification on Handrails and Guardrails

Clarification from Residential exit doors, stairways, landings, handrails and guards for New York:

RCNYS section R315 requires stairways having two or more risers to have at least one handrail, at a height of between 34 and 38 inches above the nosing.

There must be a clearance of at least 1 ½ inches behind wall mounted handrails. Handrails must be continuous from a point above the top riser to a point above the lowest riser of each flight of stairs.

This would allow a newel post to be attached to the face of the bottom riser, with half of its base resting on the bottom tread.

Exceptions to R315.1 involving newel posts are contained in the original ICC version of the code and have been issued as a clarification to the RCNYS and are effective as follows:

Exceptions:

1. Handrails shall be permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at a turn.

2. The use of a volute, turnout or starting newel shall be allowed over the lowest tread.

The section of a stairway leading from one landing to the next is a flight of stairs. Therefore, handrails are not required on landings. Continuous handrails are required on the side of where the tread is narrower for winders. The maximum variation in riser height and tread width is 3/8 inches to maintain uniformity in the flight. Handrail grips may be circular, 1 ¼ to 2 inches in diameter.

If they are not circular the perimeter of the sides must total 4 to 6 ¼ inches with a maximum cross-section dimension of 2 ¼ inches. When the total perimeter of the sides exceeds 6 ¼ inches, a graspable finger recess complying with section R315.2 must be provided on both sides of the handrail. There are no dimensional provisions for newels.

Stair Riser Specifications

Stair Step Risers - codes and specs

See details about stair risers at Step riser dimensions. A summary is just below

Step riser specifications riser height (<= 7.75")
Step riser height uniformity (<= 3/8" variation)
1009.3.1 Dimensional uniformity. Stair treads and risers shall be of uniform size and shape. The tolerance between the largest and smallest riser or between the largest and smallest tread shall not exceed 0.375 inch (9.5 mm) in any flight of stairs. - NYS 2007
Step riser slope (out of vertical) (<= 30 deg measured from horizontal surface of the tread)
Step risers: open risers are permitted provided the opening will not pass a 4" sphere (child safety)

2008 NYS Stair Code: R311.5.3.1 - Stair Riser height Requirements. The maximum riser height shall be 8 1/4 inches (209 mm). The riser shall be measured vertically between leading edges of the adjacent treads. The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm.) (Courtesy Arlene Puentes).

Example Building Code for Stair Treads & Risers

2007 NYS Stair Code: 1009.3 Stair treads and risers.

Shown at left, worn stone stair steps at the Hacienda Jaral de Berrio, Mexico. These steps are a trip and fall hazard, increased by the absence of guard railings and handrails.

Stair riser heights shall be 7 inches (178 mm) maximum and 4 inches (102 mm) minimum. Stair tread depths shall be 11 inches (279 mm) minimum. The riser height shall be measured vertically between the leading edges of adjacent treads.

The greatest step riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 0.375 inch (9.5 mm). The tread depth shall be measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of adjacent treads and at right angle to the tread's leading edge.

The greatest stair tread depth within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 0.375 inch (9.5 mm). Winder treads shall have a minimum tread depth of 11 inches (279 mm) measured at a right angle to the tread's leading edge at a point 12 inches (305 mm) from the side where the treads are narrower and a minimum tread depth of 10 inches (254 mm).

The greatest winder stair tread depth at the 12-inch (305 mm) walk line within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 0.375 inch (9.5 mm).

An exception to step riser height is permitted

Where the bottom or top riser adjoins a sloping public way, walkway or driveway having an established grade and serving as a landing, the bottom or top riser is permitted to be reduced along the slope to less than 4 inches (102 mm) in height with the variation in height of the bottom or top riser not to exceed one unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8-percent slope) of stairway width.

The nosings or leading edges of treads at such nonuniform height risers shall have a distinctive marking stripe, different from any other nosing marking provided on the stair flight. The distinctive marking stripe shall be visible in descent of the stair and shall have a slip-resistant surface. Marking stripes shall have a width of at least 1 inch (25 mm) but not more than 2 inches (51 mm).

Stair Stringer Slope - determines overall slope of the stair assembly

While individual stair riser heights and tread dimensions determine the walking comfort and safety of stairs and stairways, here are some typical overall slope specifications that characterize different types of building entrances and exits.

Accessible stairs, slope 30 to 32.5 deg.
Access ramps, slope 0 to 20 deg, prefer 7 to 15 degrees of slope
Egress stairs and accessible egress stairs for primary emergency exit from a building, slope 30-32.5 deg.
Fire escape stairs (for emergency use only, not intended for normal use to enter or exit the building), slope 30-50 deg.
Industrial egress stairs, slope 25 to 32.5 deg. These stairs are intended for areas occupied only by trained people such as building maintenance staff, not for public access
Limited access stairs (fixed industrial stairs), slope 30 to 50 deg. (utility stairs, stairs to access mechanical systems, etc)

Stair Tread Specifications

Stair Step Treads

Details about stair step tread codes and specs are at STAIR TREAD DIMENSIONS. A summary is below

Step tread depth (=> 10") (measured 12" from smaller side of irregular stair shapes such as triangular treads on curves or spirals) [Stair tread depth is the horizontal distance from the nose of the tread to the back edge of the tread (where a vertical riser or open space may be found).
Step tread depth uniformity (<= 3/8" variation)
Stair tread depth for winder stairs (>= 6" at smallest point)
Stair tread uniformity for winder stairs at the 12" walk-line (<= 3/8" variation)
Stair tread slope (out of level on walking surface) - (slope or "rise" must be <= 1 in 48) -- Source: IRC

Reader comment:

[The above specification of allowable variation in stair tread slope] was probably taken from the chapter on Means of Egress, in which case it is applicable to a means of egress, and not stairs outside the means of egress, like in a public way. It is very hard to maintain such tolerances for exterior sidewalks and public ways. At least I think that is the way it is in the IBC. I am not a code official, however, and I know they may see things differently. - J.M., AIA

Note: the above discusses stair treads and does not refer to sidewalks - Ed. CONTACT us to suggest building code citations or stair tread specifications that vary from these. Also Stair Tread Slope below

2008 New York State Stair Code R311.5.3.2: Tread depth.

The minimum [stair] tread depth shall be 9 inches (229 mm). The tread depth shall be measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of adjacent treads and at a right angle to the tread's leading edge. The greatest tread depth within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).

Winder treads shall have a minimum tread depth of 10 inches (254 mm) measured as above at a point 12 inches (305) mm from the side where the treads are narrower. Winder treads shall have a minimum tread depth of 6 inches (152 mm) at any point. Within any flight of stairs, the greatest winder tread depth at the 12 inch (305 mm) walk line shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm). (Courtesy Arlene Puentes).

Another Stair Code Example - Source BOCA 2001 stair construction code details:

Stair riser heights shall be 7 inches (178 mm) maximum and 4 inches (102 mm) minimum.
Stair tread depths shall be 11 inches (279 mm) minimum. The riser height shall be measured vertically between the leading edges of adjacent treads. The stair tread depth shall be measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of adjacent treads and at right angle to the tread's leading edge.

Stair Step Tread Nose

Details about stair step or tread nose specifications are at Stair tread nose dimensions. A summary is below

Tread nose projection past vertical riser below (3/4" to 1 1/2") required on stairs with solid risers (exceptions are below)
Tread nose projection uniformity (<= 3/8" variation)
Tread nose curve radius (=< 9/16")
Tread Nose not required if tread depth is => 11"
Tread Nose not required on open stair treads (open riser)

1009.3.2 Profile. The radius of curvature at the leading edge of the tread shall be not greater than 0.5 inch (12.7 mm). Beveling of nosings shall not exceed 0.5 inch (12.7 mm). Risers shall be solid and vertical or sloped from the underside of the leading edge of the tread above at an angle not more than 30 degrees (0.52 rad) from the vertical. The leading edge (nosings) of treads shall project not more than 1.25 inches (32 mm) beyond the tread below and all projections of the leading edges shall be of uniform size, including the leading edge of the floor at the top of a flight.

2008 New York State Stair Code R311.5.3.3: Stair Tread [nose] Profile.

The radius of curvature at the leading edge of the [stair] tread shall be no greater than 9 / 16 inch (14.3 mm). A nosing not less than 3/4 inch (19 mm) but not more than 1 1/4 inch (32 mm) shall be provided on stairways with solid risers.

The greatest [stair tread] nosing projection shall not exceed the smallest nosing projection by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) between two stories, including the nosing at the level of floors and landings.

Beveling of [stair tread] nosing shall not exceed 1 / 2 inch (12.7 mm). Risers shall be vertical or sloped from the underside of the leading edge of the tread above at an angle not more than 30 (0.51 rad) degrees from the vertical.

Open risers are permitted, provided that the opening between treads does not permit the passage of a 4-inch diameter (102 mm) sphere.

Exceptions [to stair tread nose requirements]:

A nosing is not required where the tread depth is a minimum of 11 inches (279 mm). >

The opening between adjacent treads is not limited on stairs with a total rise of 30 inches (762 mm) or less

(Courtesy Arlene Puentes).

Another Stair Code Example of stair tread nose profile and projection - BOCA 2001.

Stair tread nose projection missing or wrong dimension: (falling hazard on descending) or tread nose extends out too far over tread (risk splitting off or trip on climbing up). Example: A nosing not less than 0.75 inch (19.1 mm) but not more than 1.25 inches (32 mm) shall be provided on stairways with solid risers where the tread depth is less than 11 inches (279 mm). - BOCA 2001.

Clarification of Stair width, handrail height, handrail projection, stairway width

Clarification from Residential exit doors, stairways, landings, handrails and guards for New York:

Stairways are regulated by section R314 and include winders, spiral stairs, circular stairs, and bulkhead enclosure stairs. Stairways shall be not less than 36 inches in clear width at all points above the handrail height and the handrail may project no more than 4 ½ inches on either side of the stairway.

Thus, the minimum clear width of a stairway at or below the handrail, when one is required, is 31 ½ inches, and 27 inches where two are required. Stair trim, stringers and other features may reduce the stairway width as long as they do not extend beyond the allowable handrail projection. There is a width exception for spiral stairways. The maximum riser height is 8 ¼ inches and the minimum tread depth is 9 inches.

Open risers are permitted provided the vertical opening between treads does not permit the passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere in stairways which have a rise exceeding 30 inches. The minimum headroom is 6 feet, 8 inches measured vertically from a sloped plane along the tread nosings or from the floor or landing surface.

Stair Tread Slope, Drainage, & Stair Tread Anti-Slip or Coefficient of Friction Requirement for Safe Walking Surfaces

1009.5.1 Stairway walking surface. The walking surface of treads and landings of a stairway shall not be sloped steeper than one unit vertical in 48 units horizontal (2-percent slope) in any direction. Stairway treads and landings shall have a solid surface. Finish floor surfaces shall be securely attached.

Exception: In Group F, H and S occupancies, other than areas of parking structures accessible to the public, openings in treads and landings shall not be prohibited provided a sphere with a diameter of 1¹/₈ inches (29 mm) cannot pass through the opening.

Relevant to the slipperiness of stairs is this outside stair provision

1009.5.2 Outdoor conditions. Outdoor stairways and outdoor approaches to stairways shall be designed so that water will not accumulate on walking surfaces. In other than occupancies in Group R-3, and occupancies in Group U that are accessory to an occupancy in Group R-3, treads, platforms and landings that are part of exterior stairways in climates subject to snow or ice shall be protected to prevent the accumulation of same.

[Not found in NYS Code] - A walking-surface that provides a coefficient of friction of 1.02 dry and 0.98 wet will comply with ADA, OSHA, and most local building codes and insurance requirements. This requirement is reiterated in our summary of Canadian OSH stairway rules below.

Details about stair slip and trip hazards due to walking conditions are at Algae, Ice, Fungus, Wet Surfaces & Other Stair Slip, Trip & Fall Hazards. Also see Exterior Stair Falls for a catalog of causes of falls on stairs that includes surface conditions and other defects.

Stair Platform or Landing Specifications

Stair Landings are required at top and bottom (with exceptions at top of interior stairs or in garage if door swings in, away from the stairs)

See details about stair landing codes and specifications at Stairway landings. A summary is below.

Stair landing minimum size in direction of travel (<= 36")

Examples of Stair Platform or Landing Defects

Guardrail or handrail not secured or wrong height;
Stair platform missing where required (total rise between floors > 12' for example)
Stair platform improper size or location
Landing is pitched, sloped, or damaged (trip hazard)

Sketch courtesy Carson Dunlop Associates.

1009.4 Stairway landings. There shall be a floor or landing at the top and bottom of each stairway. The width of landings shall not be less than the width of stairways they serve. Every landing shall have a minimum dimension measured in the direction of travel equal to the width of the stairway. Such dimension need not exceed 48 inches (1219 mm) where the stairway has a straight run.

Clarification from Residential exit doors, stairways, landings, handrails and guards for New York:

Section R312 requires a floor or landing at the top and bottom of each stairway and on each side of each exterior door. The exception provides that on all exterior doors, except the required main exit door, where there are two or fewer risers, a landing is not required.

Section R312.1.2 also provides that at the required main exit door, the landing be no more than 1 ½ inches lower than the top of the threshold, while landings at all other exterior doorways may be as much as 8 ¼ inches lower than the threshold.

However, the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council amended this section in 19 NYCRR section 1220.3, effective July 10, 2003, as follows:

Landings at required exit doors. In lieu of compliance with section R312.1.2 of the Residential Code of New York State, an exit door required by section R311.1 of the Residential Code of New York State may have an exterior landing which is not more than 8 ¼ inches (209 mm) below the top of the threshold.

With this amendment, there is no longer a requirement that the level of the landing outside the required main exit door be limited to no more than 1 ½ inches below the threshold. Additionally, landings have to be at least as wide as the door or stairway and at least 36 inches long measured in the direction of travel.

And from the same document

Landings are required on the exterior side of a sliding glass door when served by a stair having more than two risers. A 6-0 x 6-8 sliding door (even if it is an emergency escape and rescue opening required in a sleeping room) is still a door and requires a landing per section R312.1.2. Considering only the operable part of the sliding door, the width of the landing does not need exceed 36 inches. It would also be permitted to install a guard on the exterior of the sliding door in lieu of the required landing and stairs when the door threshold is more than 30 inches above grade.

Building Code for Stairway Lighting Requirements

Stairway Lighting is Required, with light switches at top and bottom of the stairway if the stairs encompass more than three stair treads (Canada) or six stair treads (U.S.).

Details about lighting requirements and codes over stairs are at Lighting over Stairs.

Sketch courtesy Carson Dunlop Associates.

Code Specifications for Stairs that are Curved, Circular, Spiral, or Angled, & Winder Stairs

Sketch at above right, courtesy Carson Dunlop Associates.

Details about circular, spiral, and winder stairs and their code & construction requirements are at CIRCULAR & CURVED STAIRS

Alternating Tread Stair Definition & Codes

1009.10 Alternating tread devices. Alternating tread devices are limited to an element of a means of egress in buildings of Groups F, H and S from a mezzanine not more than 250 square feet (23 m2) in area and which serves not more than five occupants; in buildings of Group I-3 from a guard tower, observation station or control room not more than 250 square feet (23 m2) in area and for access to unoccupied roofs.

Definition of Alternating Tread Stairs or "Devices:

A device that has a series of steps between 50 and 70 degrees (0.87 and 1.22 rad) from horizontal, usually attached to a center support rail in an alternating manner so that the user does not have both feet on the same level at the same time. - IRC R-202 - [14a]

Open or Closed Stair Tread Codes

Closed stair treads using a solid riser are shown at the left of the sketch and open stair treads are shown at the right sketch.

Notice that the minimum stair tread thickness is increased when the stair tread is not supported by a solid riser.

Sketch courtesy Carson Dunlop Associates.

Exceptions:

1. Solid risers are not required for stairways that are not required to comply with Section 1007.3, provided that the opening between treads does not permit the passage of a sphere with a diameter of 4 inches (102 mm).
2. Solid risers are not required for occupancies in Group I-3.

Scissors Stairways

Definitionof Scissors Stair:

Two interlocking stairways providing two separate paths of egress located within one stairwell enclosure - IBC 1002 [14a]

Scissors stairways may be installed to avoid crowding or safety issues between people ascending and descending between building floors - where you may see an UP staircase marked separately from a DOWN staircase.

Stairway Height, Width, Headroom Code Specifications & Requirements

Stairway headroom (=> 6'8" over tread or landing) Stairways shall have a minimum headroom clearance of 80 inches (2032 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the edge of the nosings.

Such headroom shall be continuous above the stairway to the point where the line intersects the landing below, one tread depth beyond the bottom riser. T

he minimum clearance shall be maintained the full width of the stairway and landing. - NYS
Headroom is allowed to be reduced to 78" over spiral stairs in some codes such as New York State.
Stairway maximum height (<= 12' between floors - this means landings could be required)

Sketch showing stairwell width and landing details is provided courtesy Carson Dunlop Associates.

Stairwell width and stair landing platform requirements are summarized by this sketch.

The minimum recommended stair width is between 34" and 36" ACROSS.

The minimum recommended stair landing length is 36" (or a length and width sufficiently greater than the swing of the door if a wider door is present.

Notice that a stair top landing is not required if the door at the top of the stair opens away from the stairwell.

In these sketches required handrails have been omitted for clarity.

1009.1 Stairway width. The width of stairways shall be determined as specified in Section 1005.1, but such width shall not be less than 44 inches (1118 mm). See Section 1007.3 for accessible means of egress stairways.

Maximum Permitted Height for Stairways - between floors or landings

1009.6 Vertical rise. A flight of stairs shall not have a vertical rise greater than 12 feet (3658 mm) between floor levels or landings.

Stairway Fire Stopping Code Requirements

Stairway Lighting requirements (C) Carson Dunlop

Fire stopping for stairs is required to slow the spread of building fires between floors and to assist in emergency exit.

Sketch courtesy Carson Dunlop Associates.

Notes Comparing Building Codes Specifying Stair & Railing Requirements

Sample excerpts of sources which a building code compliance inspector would be expected to cite in support of requiring a properly-designed, properly-secured guard rail include but are not limited to the citations below.

2008 New York State Residential Building Code Stair Design Specifications

This building code update for stairway design specifications was provided courtesy Arlene Puentes.

R311.5.3.1 Stair Riser Height Codes

The maximum riser height shall be 8 1 / 4 inches (209 mm). The riser shall be measured vertically between leading edges of the adjacent treads. The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3 / 8 inch (9.5 mm).

R311.5.3.2 Stair Tread Depth Code Requirements

The minimum tread depth shall be 9 inches (229 mm). The tread depth shall be measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of adjacent treads and at a right angle to the tread's leading edge.

The greatest tread depth within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3 / 8 inch (9.5 mm). Winder treads shall have a minimum tread depth of 10 inches (254 mm) measured as above at a point 12 inches (305) mm from the side where the treads are narrower.

Winder treads shall have a minimum tread depth of 6 inches (152 mm) at any point. Within any flight of stairs, the greatest winder tread depth at the 12 inch (305 mm) walk line shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3 / 8 inch (9.5 mm).

R311.5.3.3 Stair Tread Nose Profile Code Requirements

The radius of curvature at the leading edge of the tread shall be no greater than 9 / 16 inch (14.3 mm). A nosing not less than 3 / 4 inch (19 mm) but not more than 1 1 / 4 inch (32 mm) shall be provided on stairways with solid risers.

The greatest nosing projection shall not exceed the smallest nosing projection by more than 3 / 8 inch (9.5 mm) between two stories, including the nosing at the level of floors and landings.

Beveling of nosing shall not exceed 1 / 2 inch (12.7 mm). Risers shall be vertical or sloped from the underside of the leading edge of the tread above at an angle not more than 30 (0.51 rad) degrees from the vertical. Open risers are permitted, provided that the opening between treads does not permit the passage of a 4-inch diameter (102 mm) sphere.

Exceptions to Stair Tread Nose Requirements:

1. A nosing is not required where the tread depth is a minimum of 11 inches (279 mm).

2. The opening between adjacent treads is not limited on stairs with a total rise of 30 inches (762 mm) or less

Stair Tread Anti-Slip or Coefficient of Friction Recommendations for Safe Walking Surfaces

[Not found in NYS Code]

A walking-surface that provides a coefficient of friction of 1.02 dry and 0.98 wet will comply with ADA, OSHA, and most local building codes and insurance requirements. Other sources (cited in the two articles listed just below) cite a coefficient of friction of 0.5 (OSHA) or 0.6 (ADA) as the minimum recommended COF to avoid slippery walking surfaces and stairways.

See Algae, Ice, Fungus, Wet Surfaces & Other Stair Slip, Trip & Fall Hazards for details. Also see Exterior Stair Falls for a catalog of causes of falls on stairs that includes surface conditions and other defects.

R311.5.8.1 Spiral Stairway Building Codes

Spiral stairways are permitted for interior use as a component of the means of egress from a habitable room, a basement or an attic, provided the minimum width shall be 26 inches (660 mm) with each tread having a 7 1 / 2 -inch (190 mm) minimum tread depth at 12 inches from the narrower edge.

All treads shall be identical, and the rise shall be no more than 9 1 / 2 inches (241 mm).

A minimum headroom of 6 feet 6 inches (1982 mm) shall be provided. A spiral stair is not permitted to be the only means of egress from a story of a building.

International Building Code 2000 (BOCA, ICBO, SBCCI) Stair & Railing Codes

1003.3.3.4 Stairway Landing Codes

There shall be a floor or landing at the top and bottom of each stairway. The width of landings shall not be less than the width of stairways they serve. Every landing shall have a minimum dimension measured in the direction of travel equal to the width of the stairway. Such dimension need not exceed 48 inches (1219 mm) where the stairway has a straight run.

1003.3.3.11.3 Handrail Grasp Ability (Graspability) Requirements

Handrail graspability demonstrastion (C) Daniel Friedman

Our photo (left) illustrates the author (DF) holding on to a secure, graspable handrail in a building in Bar Harbor, Maine. Also see

"The Elimination of Unsafe Guardrails, a Progress Report," Elliott O. Stephenson, Building Standards, March-April 1993
"Are Functional Handrails Within Our Grasp" Jake Pauls, Building Standards, January-February 1991

Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of at least 1.25 inches (32 mm) and not greater than 2 inches (51 mm) or shall provide equivalent grasp ability.

If the handrail is not circular, it shall have a perimeter dimension of at least 4 inches (102 mm) and not greater than 6.25 inches (159 mm) with a maximum cross-section dimension of 2.25 inches (57 mm). Edges shall have a minimum radius of 0.125 inch (3.2 mm).

100333.11.4 Handrail or Guardrail Continuity

Handrail-gripping surfaces shall be continuous, without interruption by newel posts or other obstructions.

1607.7 Loads on Handrails, guards, grab bars and vehicle barriers

1607.7.1.1 Concentrated Load on Railings

Handrail assemblies and guards shall be able to resist a single concentrated load of 200 pounds (0.89kN), applied in any direction at any point along the top, and have attachment devices and supporting structure to transfer this loading to appropriate structural elements of the building.

1607.7.1.2 Component of Railings and Guardrails

Intermediate rails (all those except the handrail), balusters and panel fillers shall be designed to withstand a horizontally applied normal load of 50 pounds (0.22 kN) on an area not to exceed one square foot (305mm2) including openings and space between rails.

BOCA National Property Maintenance Code 1993

PM-305.5 Stairs and Railings in Good Condition

all interior stairs and railings shall be maintained in sound condition and good repair.

Commentary: Handrails, treads and risers must be structurally sound, firmly attached to the structure, and properly maintained to perform their intended function safely. During an inspection the code official should inspect all stringers, risers, treads, and handrails.

PM-305.6 Handrails and guards

Every handrail and guard shall be firmly fastened and capable of supporting normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition.

Commentary: This section provides for the safety and maintenance of handrails and guards. See Section PM-702.9 for additional requirements.

PM-702.9 Stairways, handrails and guards

Every exterior and interior flight of stairs having more than four risers, and every open portion of a stair, landing or balcony which is more than 30 inches (762mm) high, nor more than 42 inches (1067mm) high, measured vertically above the nosing of the tread or above the finished floor of the landing or walking surfaces. Guards shall be not less than 30 inches (762mm) high above the floor of the landing or balcony.

Commentary: Handrails are required on all stairs more than four risers in height. Handrails cannot be less than 30 inches nor more than 42 inches above the nosing of the treads (see Figure PM-702.9).

Guards are required on the open side of stairs and on landings and balconies which are more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below. The guard must be at least 30 inches above the floor of the landing or balcony. Guards are to contain intermediate rails, balusters or other construction to reduce the chance of an adult or child from falling through the guard. If the guard is missing some intermediate rails or balustrades, it is recommended that the guard be repaired to its original condition if it will provide protection equivalent to the protection it provided when originally constructed.

OSHA Regulations for Temporary Stairs & Railings

STAIRWAYS - see OSHA at references

The following general requirements apply to all stairways used during the process of construction, as indicated:

Stairways that will not be a permanent part of the structure on which construction work is performed must have landings at least 30 inches deep and 22 inches wide (76 x 56 cm) at every 12 feet (3.7 m) or less of vertical rise.
Stairways must be installed at least 30 degrees, and no more than 50 degrees, from the horizontal.
Variations in riser height or stair tread depth must not exceed 1/4 inch in any stairway system, including any foundation structure used as one or more treads of the stairs.
Where doors or gates open directly onto a stairway, a platform must be provided that is at least 20 inches (51 cm) in width beyond the swing of the door.
Metal pan landings and metal pan treads must be secured in place before filling.
All stairway parts must be free of dangerous projections such as protruding nails.
Slippery conditions on stairways must be corrected.
Spiral stairways that will not be a permanent part of the structure may not be used by workers.

The following requirements apply to stairs in temporary service during construction:

Except during construction of the actual stairway, stairways with metal pan landings and treads must not be used where the treads and/or landings have not been filled in with concrete or other material, unless the pans of the stairs and/or landings are temporarily filled in with wood or other material. All treads and landings must be replaced when worn below the top edge of the pan.
Except during construction of the actual stairway, skeleton metal frame structures and steps must not be used (where treads and/or landings are to be installed at a later date) unless the stairs are fitted with secured temporary treads and landings.
Temporary treads must be made of wood or other solid material and installed the full width and depth of the stair.

OSHA Regulations for Stair Railings & Guardrails

STAIRRAILS AND HANDRAILS

The following general requirements apply to all stair rails and handrails:

Stairways having four or more risers, or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm) in height, whichever is less, must have at least one handrail. A stairrail also must be installed along each unprotected side or edge. When the top edge of a stairrail system also serves as a handrail, the height of the top edge must not be more than 37 inches (94 cm) nor less than 36 inches (91.5 cm) from the upper surface of the stairrail to the surface of the tread.
Winding or spiral stairways must be equipped with a handrail to prevent using areas where the tread width is less than 6 inches (15 cm).
Stairrail's installed after March 15, 1991, must not be less than 36 inches (91.5 cm) in height.
Mid rails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate structural members must be provided between the top rail and stairway steps of the stairrail system.
Mid rails, when used, must be located midway between the top of the stairrail system and the stairway steps.
Screens or mesh, when used, must extend from the top rail to the stairway step, and along the opening between top rail supports.
Intermediate vertical members, such as balusters, when used, must not be more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart.
Other intermediate structural members, when used, must be installed so that there are no openings of more than 19 inches (48 cm) wide.
Handrails and the top rails of the stairrail systems must be capable of withstanding, without failure, at least 200 pounds (890 n) of weight applied within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge in any downward or outward direction, at any point along the top edge.
The height of handrails must not be more than 37 inches (94 cm) nor less than 30 inches (76 cm) from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread.
The height of the top edge of a stairrail system used as a handrail must not be more than 37 inches (94 cm) nor less than 36 inches (91.5 cm) ⁽¹⁾ from the upper surface of the stairrail system to the surface of the tread.
Stairrail systems and handrails must be surfaced to prevent injuries such as punctures or lacerations and to keep clothing from snagging.
Handrails must provide an adequate handhold for employees to grasp to prevent falls.
The ends of stairrail systems and handrails must be constructed to prevent dangerous projections such as rails protruding beyond the end posts of the system.
Temporary handrails must have a minimum clearance of 3 inches (8 cm) between the handrail and walls, stairrails systems, and other objects.
Unprotected sides and edges of stairway landings must be provided with standard 42-inch (1.1 m) guardrail systems.

Canadian Occupational Safety Regulations - Stairways & Fall Prevention

Why do we need to worry so much about falls on stairs?

Stairs of all types have been used since ancient times, and because they are inherently hazardous, people have been falling on them, getting hurt or even killed in the process. In North America tens of people die and tens of thousand people get injured every year from the falls on stairs. The American National Council on Compensation Insurance estimated in 2001-2002 that the cost of such fall injuries was second only to those caused by motor vehicles.

The vast majority of stairway falls result from a loss of balance, just as falls are on the level. Please see the Canadian OSH Answers document on Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls.

A very common contributing factor is neglecting to use handrails. The consequences can be quite nasty.

Because stairway accidents can cause severe injury and even death, building codes for stairs and ramps are justifiably very rigorous. Good design can substantially reduce the potential for mis-stepping by providing us with the means to retrieve our balance, but even the best design cannot eliminate falling hazards entirely. The need for proper design also applies to ramps. The fact is that some incidents can be caused by inattention and unsafe behaviour.

The best approach to minimize the hazard of falling down stairs is to encourage the building of well-designed stairways, combined with training focused on raising our awareness of the potential for disaster.

What factors must we consider in designing safer stairs?

Stair dimensions - Canadian Rules

Figure 1 shows the recommended dimension ranges for all the important elements of stairways.

Figure 1: Legend

A - Optimal range: 30º-35º
B* - Handrail height: 80-96.5 cm
C* - Riser height: 12.5-20 cm
D* - Step width: 90 cm min.
E* - Tread depth: 23.5-35.5 cm

* Values are from the National Building Code of Canada (2005). Always check with your local jurisdiction as requirements are different in each area.

The maximum range for a stair slope is 20º-50º. However, because the majority of people prefer a slope of 30º-35º, this is the recommended range.

Steeper stairs change the way you climb them because the steeper they are the more effort you exert. The ratio of riser height and tread depth has to be adjusted accordingly. (See Figures 2 and 3)

Stair dimensions

From: Kodak's ergonomic design for people at work. 2nd ed. John Wiley & Sons, 2004. p.244

The dimension of risers or treads in a stairway should not vary more than 1 cm. When doors open directly into the stairwell, a 50 cm-wide platform should be provided beyond the swing of the door. The recommended maximum number of steps between landings is 18, with no more than two flights without a change of direction. The depth of any landing should be at least equal to the width of the stairs.

Stair surface - Canadian Rules

To reduce the risk of slipping on stairs, non-slippery surface on the whole steps or at least on the leading edges is crucial. Such a surface can be made of rubber, or metal or painted with special slip-resistant paint. Regular maintenance of the stairs in good repair plus good housekeeping can reduce hazards for tripping.

Stair handrails - Canadian Requirements

Attempts to design aesthetically pleasing stairways including handrails must not compromise functionality.

The prime function of the handrail is for holding as support while going up or down stairs.

It is therefore crucial to be able to grasp it quickly, easily and firmly if you should start losing your balance.

Figure 4 (left) shows the recommended cross-section and dimensions of a good handrail. Ideally the cross-section should be round (diameter 4-5 cm, with circumference of 12-14 cm) to allow for a good firm grip.

You should be able to run your hand smoothly along the entire length without having to adjust your grip. You should apply the so-called "tennis-racket grip" at all times when possible.

Guardrails of at least 40 cm above the surface of the stairs are needed to prevent falls off the side of the stairs that are not equipped with a banister.

Visibility on stairs

Improving visibility on stairs significantly reduces the risk for common mishaps caused by misjudging distances. Otherwise you can trip on a step or miss it completely. You can catch a heel on the edge of a step. Such mishaps are a routine cause of twisted ankles, sprained knees or more serious injuries incurred by a total fall.

Recommended illumination should be at the minimum 50 lux level. Use angular lighting and colour contrast to improve depth perception. Use matte finishes on the treads to avoid glare. Avoid patterned carpeting that may visually hide differences in depth.
Be very cautious on stairs if you are wearing bifocal glasses.

Work activity on stairs

Use any means to persuade people to grasp the handrail while both ascending or descending stairs. Avoid carrying objects with both hands.
Do not carry bulky objects that block your vision.

Housekeeping Requirements for Stairways

Good housekeeping is also vital to stair safety:

Nothing should be sticking out the surfaces of stairs, handrails or bannisters (like nails or splinters) that could cause a fall. Spills, wet spots, or any debris should be immediately cleaned up.
Broken or malfunctioning lighting should be repaired or replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about stair codes, design, construction, & safety

Question: Is the final stair rise from top thread to threshold of building considered a riser?

We have a back door onto a slab 4" patio. The door's threshold is ~20" above above grade. The slab is continous up to the house. Building a concrete stairway/flight to code will require 2 treads, to reach the threshhold.

Is the final rise from the top tread to the treshhold considered a riser, even though the stairway/flight has no such riser? To make the question more understandable, you build a stairway/flight and then position it against the house. If the elevation from the top tread to the threshhold considered a riser?

Also, is a footing required, even though the stairway/flight is on a 4" concrete slab? - dansbysa

Reply:

Dansbysa

As I read it, every vertical rise between stair treads is a "riser" - that is, every time a user has to lift a foot to the next level up, that's a riser. So what you call the "top tread" we call the next to last tread or step in that there is one more rise to climb to reach the finish floor height.

The requirement for a footing below stair stringers might be excused by your local code official if s/he accepts the stair bottom platform or 4" thick slab as adequate support against settlement of the stairway in the future.

Question: is an exception to step riser height uniformity allowed when using pre-fab stair stringters?

Is there an exception to the riser height variation for the very first step of the staircase? Let me attempt to clarify the question. I have a deck (exterior porch) for which the distance from the top of the deck to the slab which forms the footing for the set of stairs is just shy of the 5 steps within a pre-fabricated 5 step stair stringer which can be purchased at a Home Depot or Lowes, for example.

If I attach the pre-made stringer from the deck to the slab, ensuring that the top of the deck to the next stair down is the same height as the rest, then the riser height from the slab to the first stair is greater than a 3/8" variation from the rest of the riser heights by 1/8th of an inch (ie. it's 1/2 inch shorter than the rest of the stairs - I actually need to remove a half inch from the bottom most stair of the stringer to fit). If this is a violation of code, than it means I need to cut my own customer stringer. Just verifying. Any feedback is appreciated. - Dan

Reply: In short, no, but in this case you can adjust the stringer to meet code

Dan we answered this question previously in detail at Step riser dimensions - please take a look at that article. In short, because your step riser height variation at the first step is 1/2" shorter than the rest of the stairs, you can trim the top and bottom of the stair stringer to split that difference, making sure that the variation in step riser height is 1/4" or less - which meets code.

Question: stair weight capacity requirements: stair load design specifications

Is there a minimum weight capacity for wooden stairs? - Hendrick

Reply:

Hendrick: regarding stair load capacity, the best answer is to start by asking your local building department - the local code officials are the final authority on stair load capacity requirements.

Based on the 1997 Uniform Building Code (TM), the 2000 International Building Code (R), and the 2000 International Residential code (R) IRC, and looking at a popular stair construction bracket (the EZ-stair bracket), the allowable download on the bracket is 610-640 pounds (including snow loads on exterior stairs). Typical deck & post load numbers range from 650 to 1050 lbs/sqft.

Naturally all of the stair structural and other weight bearing components have to be constructed to handle the live and dead loads involved. And you can increase the load bearing capacity or weight carrying capacity of your stairs by increasing the size of the stair stringers.

Watch out: we have seen amateur-built stairs at which the stair stringers were cut so deeply to prepare notches for the treads and risers that the entire stairway was being supported by what amounted to a 2x3!!

Question: do I need to remodel stairs in a 1979 rental cabin to comply with current building codes

I purchased a cabin recently, the cabin was built in 1979, at that time the building code for stairs was different than the code today. I do rent the cabin. Do I need to remodeled the stair to be conform to the new building codes? - Mike Jones

Reply: requirement to update stairs to meet current building codes: no, sometimes yes, but ...

Mike, re: requirement to update stairs to meet current building codes:

While the final answer to your question is in the hands of your local building department, usually building owners are not required to change or update their building to keep up with building code updates.

But often a building owner can indeed find themselves obligated to update certain portions of the building or its mechanical systems to current building codes

when the property is being sold (as part of a "CO" update that may be required by the buyer or their mortgage lender),
or
when an addition or modification to the building is being constructed, for which building permits and code approvals are required.

In my OPINION, because stair falls are the greatest source of injuries and hospitalizations in North America after automobile accidents, it is worth making stairs, railings, landings, and guardrails as safe as possible. You didn't mention anything specific about your cabin stairs, but certainly as a landlord, renting the property, you have an extra level of responsibility to your tenants to make the building safe, and you certainly don't want someone to be injured. I'd be sure to pay attention to basic trip and fall hazards such as uneven risers or treads, and inadequate railings.

Question: Elecrical boxes intalled in stairway in the walking path - hazards and stair fall, injury report

Stair fall at roof access (C) D Friedman J Johnson

Is it against building code that electrail boxes mounted inches above top step at roof hatch on commercial building before entering roof? - Jimmy Johnson, 8 June 2012

Reply:

Jimmy: the question is unclear, but if the electrical boxes are an obstruction, trip hazard, or are going to be used as a walking surface, any of those would be an objectionable hazard.

I'd need to see some photos to have a more accurate opinion, but in general, if the boxes are a trip hazard in the walking path or if they are going to be stepped on I'm sure it'd be a bad practice.

Reader follow-up:

Here are some photos, trying to find out these boxes are mounted is a building code. Thanks - Jimmy

Reply:

Photo 1 - above, shows a steep roof access stair with a handrailing that ends well below the final step out over a hatch and onto the roof surface.

We can also see two electrical boxes protruding into the walking path at the top riser, and a very large opening between the topmost tread and the vertical riser formed by the roof access hatch wall.

Mr. Johnson's second photo (immediately at left) shows the opening between the last stair tread and the open riser space, as well as two electrical boxes installed on the face of the roof framing above the last step.

This photo (left) also suggests that there is a considerable variation in riser height from the top tread to step over the access hatch and onto the roof.

The third stair-injury photo (at left) gives additional view of the height of the roof access hatch. It appears again that this is a high step from the last or uppermost stair tread.

We can also see that there is no grab rail, nor handle for use by someone climbing up out of or down into the stairwell. Naturally the requirement for a closable roof access hatch cover precludes a permanent railing exctending the standard height above the stair walking surface.

These steps were most likely designed only for use by building maintenance personnel. As such, while there are OSHA rules governing workplace stairways, the requirements governing stairway pitch and tread design and handrails are different from those expressed in building codes pertaining to stairs intended for general or public use.

Jimmy in my OPINION, regardless of a possible third party interpretation of OSHA regulations or building codes, the stairway in your photos is unsafe for several reasons including

The opening between the top tread and the last riser is a place someone can step into and catch a foot
The electrical boxes project into the walking pathway and may be stepped on or may trip someone.
It also looks as if there is a taller rise out of the stairs onto the roof - I can't quite make out the design - are there grabrails or something? What is the actual expected access pathway on and off of the rooftop access stair?

Also in my OPINION, even if a local code official OK's the stair, if, heaven forbid, someone should be injured, you should not count on the code department to come to your defense, and an expert may agree with me that the stairs were a hazard, independent of any approvals.

Reader Follow-up:

Thanks for your help, I did fall, my pants leg got caught on the electrial box. [I have ] already had surgery on both shoulders and hadn'd even started on my back problems, Thanks again an I'll let you know what I find out

Reply:

Jimmy I am so sorry to read of your injuries, though not surprised. While I don't like being asked questions in any mysterious way, in this case, by astutely avoiding telling me anything about what happened to you when you asked my opinion, my answers form an unbiased and unimpeachible opinion that the stairs were a hazard. And if they have not been amended, the are still a hazard to others.

Particularly because of other details at that stairwell, the hazard is above average: there is no handrailing that one might grab onto at the point of entry to or exit from the stair - I alluded to that earlier, and also the stairs look to be steeper than those used for normal stairways (steeper stairs, even ladders are permitted by some codes for accessing certain areas not normally used by normal building occupants).

Unless you ask me to keep this information offline, I'd like to add the photos and comments to our stairfall articles, keeping your identity and such details totally private of course. Showing the hazard to others may help prevent other injuries. However if you are in the midst of legal actions I imagine that your attorney might prefer that we wait.

Reader Follow-up:

... as for the photos you can use them in any way cause I don't want anyone else to go through that I'm going through it's not worth it and I will let you know the outcome.

Since the doctors told me that I wouldn't be able to continue to work in my field, I was needing help to find something? Thanks again.

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Technical Reviewers & References

Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.

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Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss. John Wiley & Sons, 2006. ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, Hardcover: 320 pages, available from Amazon.com and also Wiley.com. See our book review of this publication.
Eric Galow, Galow Homes, Lagrangeville, NY. Mr. Galow can be reached by email: ericgalow@gmail.com or by telephone: 914-474-6613. Mr. Galow specializes in residential construction including both new homes and repairs, renovations, and additions.
[3] "The Elimination of Unsafe Guardrails, a Progress Report," Elliott O. Stephenson, Building Standards, March-April 1993
[4] "Are Functional Handrails Within Our Grasp" Jake Pauls, Building Standards, January-February 1991
[5] Access Ramp building codes:
- UBC 1003.3.4.3
- BOCA 1016.3
- ADA 4.8.2
- IBC 1010.2
[6] Access Ramp Standards:
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), Public Law 101-336. 7/26/90 is very often cited by other sources for good design of stairs and ramps etc. even where disabled individuals are not the design target.
- ANSI A117.4 Accessible and Usable buildings and Facilities (earlier version was incorporated into the ADA)
- ASTM F 1637, Standard Practice for Safe Walking Surfaces, (Similar to the above standard
[7] The Circular Staircase, Mary Roberts Rinehart
[8] Construction Drawings and Details, Rosemary Kilmer
[9] Falls and Related Injuries: Slips, Trips, Missteps, and Their Consequences, Lawyers & Judges Publishing, (June 2002), ISBN-10: 0913875430 ISBN-13: 978-0913875438
"Falls in the home and public places are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in the United States, but are overlooked in most literature. This book is unique in that it is entirely devoted to falls. Of use to primary care physicians, nurses, insurance adjusters, architects, writers of building codes, attorneys, or anyone who cares for the elderly, this book will tell you how, why, and when people will likely fall, what most likely will be injured, and how such injuries come about. "
[10] Mobile Home Inspections common defects unique to factory built housing, inspection methods
[11] The National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST (nee National Bureau of Standards NBS) is a US government agency - see www.nist.gov
- "A Parametric Study of Wall Moisture Contents Using a Revised Variable Indoor Relative Humidity Version of the "Moist" Transient Heat and Moisture Transfer Model [copy on file as/interiors/MOIST_Model_NIST_b95074.pdf ] - ", George Tsongas, Doug Burch, Carolyn Roos, Malcom Cunningham; this paper describes software and the prediction of wall moisture contents. - PDF Document from NI
[12] Slips, Trips, Missteps and Their Consequences, Second Edition, Gary M. Bakken, H. Harvey Cohen,A. S. Hyde, Jon R. Abele, ISBN-13: 978-1-933264-01-1 or ISBN 10: 1-933264-01-2, available from the publisher, Lawyers ^ Judges Publishing Company,Inc., www.lawyersandjudges.com sales@lawyersandjudges.com and also from the InspectAPedia Bookstore (Amazon.com)
[13] Slips, Trips, Missteps and Their Consequences, Gary M. Bakken, H. Harvey Cohen, Jon R. Abele, Alvin S. Hyde, Cindy A. LaRue, Lawyers and Judges Publishing; ISBN-10: 1933264012 ISBN-13: 978-1933264011
[14] The Stairway Manufacturers' Association, (877) 500-5759, provides a pictorial guide to the stair and railing portion of the International Residential Code. [copy on file as http://www.stairways.org/pdf/2006%20Stair%20IRC%20SCREEN.pdf ] -
[14a] "Visual Interpretation Of The International Residential Code (IRC) 2006 Stair Building Code", The Stairway Manufacturers Association, [Portions of this document reproduce sections from the 2006 International Residential Code, International Code Council, Falls Church, Virginia.},
The Stairway Manufacturers Association website stairways.org provides free downloads of stairway handrailing profiles and dimensions
[15] How to Clean Moldy Wood Framing & Sheathing How to clean/seal mold from/on exposed lumber or plywood subfloor or roof sheathing indoors - some suggestions based on our field and laboratory research
[16] Mold-Resistant Building Practices, advice from an expert on how to prevent mold after a building flood and how to prevent mold growth in buildings by selection of building materials and by anti-mold construction details.
[17] Steps and Stairways, Cleo Baldon & Ib Melchior, Rizzoli, 1989.
[18] The Staircase, Ann Rinaldi
[19] Common Sense Stairbuilding and Handrailing, Fred T. Hodgson
[20] The Art of Staircases, Pilar Chueca
[21] Building Stairs, by pros for pros, Andy Engel
[22] A Simplified Guide to Custom Stairbuilding, George R. Christina
[23] Basic Stairbuilding, Scott Schuttner
[24] The Staircase (two volumes), John Templar, Cambridge: the MIT Press, 1992
[25] The Staircase: History and Theories, John Templar, MIT Press 1995
[26] Steps and Stairways, Cleo Baldon & Ib Melchior, Rizzoli, 1989.
[27] "The Dimensions of Stairs", J. M. Fitch et al., Scientific American, October 1974.
[28] Stair & Walkway Standards for Slipperiness or Coefficient of Friction (COF) or Static Coefficient of Friction (SCOF)
- ANSI A1264.2
- ANSI B101
- ASTM D-21, and ASTM D2047
- UL-410 (similar to ASTM D-21)
- NSFI 101-B (National Floor Safety Institute)
- NSFI Walkway Auditing Guideline (WAG) Ref. 101-A& 101-B (may appear as ANSI B101.0) sets rules for measuring walkway slip resist
- OSHA - (Dept of Labor CFR 1910.22 does not specify COF and pertains to workplaces) but recognizes the need for a "qualified person" to evaluate walkway slipperiness
- ADA (relies on the ANSI and ASTM standards)
[29] A. Sacher, International Symposium on Slip Resistance: The Interface of Man, Footwear, and Walking Surfaces, Journal of Testing and Evaluation (JTE), ISSN: 1945-7553, January 1997 [more focused on slipperiness of polished surfaces
[30] Algae is widely recognized as a slippery surface - a Google web search for "how slippery is algae on steps" produced more than 15,000 results on 8/29/12)
[31] Slipperiness of algae on walking surfaces, warning, Royal Horticultural Society, retrieved 8/29/2012, original source: http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=418
[32] Slipperiness of algae: "Watch your step, wet rocks and algae are slippery" Oregon State University warning 1977 retrieved 8/29/2012, original source: http://www.worldcat.org/title/watch-your-step-wet-rocks-and-algae-are-slippery/oclc/663683915
[33] Coefficient of friction of algae on surfaces [like stair treads]: Delphine Gourdon, Qi Lin, Emin Oroudjev, Helen Hansma, Yuval Golan, Shoshana Arad, and Jacob Israelachvili, "Adhesion and Stable Low Friction Provided by a Subnanometer-Thick Monolayer of a Natural Polysaccharide", Langmuir, 2008 pp 1534-1540, American Chemical Society, retrieved 8/29/2012,
Abstract: Using a surface forces apparatus, we have investigated the adhesive and lubrication forces of mica surfaces separated by a molecularly thin, subnanometer film of a high-molecular-weight (2.3 MDa) anionic polysaccharide from the algae Porphyridium sp. adsorbed from aqueous solution. The adhesion and friction forces of the confined biopolymer were monitored as a function of time, shearing distance, and driving velocity under a large range of compressive loads (pressures). Although the thickness of the dilute polysaccharide was <1 nm, the friction was low (coefficient of friction = 0.015), and no wear was ever observed even at a pressure of 110 atm over 3 decades of velocity, so long as the shearing distances were less than twice the contact diameter. Atomic force microscopy in solution shows that the biopolymer is able to adsorb to the mica surface but remains mobile and easily dragged upon shearing. The adhesion (adsorption) of this polysaccharide even to negatively charged surfaces, its stable low friction, its robustness (high-load carrying capacity and good wear protection), and the weak (logarithmic) dependence of the friction force on the sliding velocity make this class of polyelectrolytes excellent candidates for use in water-based lubricant fluids and as potential additives to synovial fluid in joints and other biolubricating fluids. The physical reasons for the remarkable tribological properties of the ultrathin polysaccharide monolayer are discussed and appear to be quite different from those of other polyelectrolytes and proteins that act as thick “polymer brush” layers.
[34] Jinjin Li, Yuhong Liu, Jianbin Luo, Pengxiao Liu, and Chenhui Zhang, "Excellent Lubricating Behavior of Brasenia schreberi Mucilage" Langmuir 2012 28 (20), 7797-7802
[35] Jason R. Stokes, Lubica Macakova, Agnieszka Chojnicka-Paszun, Cornelis G. de Kruif, and Harmen H. J. de Jongh, "Lubrication, Adsorption, and Rheology of Aqueous Polysaccharide Solutions, Langmuir 2011 27 (7), 3474-3484
[36] "Coefficients of Friction for Ice", The Physics Factbook™, Glenn Elert, Ed., retrieved 8/29/12, original source: http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2004/GennaAbleman.shtml
[37] "Coefficients of Friction for Ice", The University of the State of New York Reference Tables for Physical Setting/Physics. New York: The State Education Department, 2002. Op. Cit.
[38] Serway Physics for Scientists and Engineers 4th edition (p. 126.)
[39] "How Slippery Is It", retrieved 8/29/12, original source http://www.icebike.org/Articles/howslippery.htm
[40] John E. Hunter, "Friction Values", The Source, Society of Accident Reconstructionists, Winter 1998. Study of frictional values of car tires involved in collisions on snow or ice covered roadways.
[41] Frictional Coefficients of some Common Materials and Materials Combinations, The Engineering Toolbox, retrieved 8/29/2012, original source: http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/friction-coefficients-d_778.html [copy on file as Friction and Coefficients of Friction.pdf ]
[42] Stairways and Ladders, A Guide to OSHA Rules, OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor, 3124-12R 2003 - Web Search 05/28/2010 original source: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3124.pdf. OSHA regulations govern standards in the construction industry and in the workforce Quoting from OSHA whose focus is on workplace safety and so excludes discussion of falls and stair-falls in private homes:

OSHA estimates that there are 24,882 injuries and as many as 36 fatalities per year due to falls from stairways and ladders used in construction. Nearly half of these injuries are serious enough to require time off the job--11,570 lost workday injuries and 13,312 non-lost workday injuries occur annually due to falls from stairways and ladders used in construction. These data demonstrate that work on and around ladders and stairways is hazardous. More importantly, they show that compliance with OSHA's requirements for the safe use of ladders and stairways could have prevented many of these injuries. -osha.gov/doc/outreachtraining/htmlfiles/stairlad.html
[43] International Building Code, Stairway Provisions, Section 1009: Stairways and Handrails, retrieved 8/29/12, original source: http://www.amezz.com/ibc-stairs-code.htm [copy on file as IBC Stairs Code.pdf]
[44] Model Building Code, Chapter 10, Means of Egress, retrieved 8/29/12, original source: http://www2.iccsafe.org/states/newjersey/NJ_Building/PDFs/NJ_Bldg_Chapter10.pdf, [copy on file as NJ_Bldg_Chapter10.pdf] adopted, for example by New Jersey. International Code Council, 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20001, Tel: 800-786-4452

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	Free Encyclopedia of Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair	Ask a Question or Search InspectAPedia

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Guide to Building Codes for Stairs & Railings, Stair Landings & Guardrails

Stairway, Stair Rail, Handrail, Guardrailing, & Landing Basic Dimensions & Rules

Stair Guardrail, Newell Post & Baluster Specifications

Outdoor Guardrails - on Double Retaining Walls

Balusters for Guards & Railings

Stair Railing Specifications - guards along stairways

Stair Handrail Dimensions & Shape Specifications

Clarification on Handrails and Guardrails

Stair Riser Specifications

Stair Step Risers - codes and specs

Example Building Code for Stair Treads & Risers

2007 NYS Stair Code: 1009.3 Stair treads and risers.

An exception to step riser height is permitted

Stair Stringer Slope - determines overall slope of the stair assembly

Stair Tread Specifications

Stair Step Treads

2008 New York State Stair Code R311.5.3.2: Tread depth.

Another Stair Code Example - Source BOCA 2001 stair construction code details:

Stair Step Tread Nose

2008 New York State Stair Code R311.5.3.3: Stair Tread [nose] Profile.

Another Stair Code Example of stair tread nose profile and projection - BOCA 2001.

Clarification of Stair width, handrail height, handrail projection, stairway width

Stair Tread Slope, Drainage, & Stair Tread Anti-Slip or Coefficient of Friction Requirement for Safe Walking Surfaces

Stair Platform or Landing Specifications

Building Code for Stairway Lighting Requirements

Code Specifications for Stairs that are Curved, Circular, Spiral, or Angled, & Winder Stairs

Alternating Tread Stair Definition & Codes

Definition of Alternating Tread Stairs or "Devices:

Open or Closed Stair Tread Codes

Scissors Stairways

Definitionof Scissors Stair:

Stairway Height, Width, Headroom Code Specifications & Requirements

Maximum Permitted Height for Stairways - between floors or landings

Stairway Fire Stopping Code Requirements

2008 New York State Residential Building Code Stair Design Specifications

R311.5.3.1 Stair Riser Height Codes

R311.5.3.2 Stair Tread Depth Code Requirements

R311.5.3.3 Stair Tread Nose Profile Code Requirements

Exceptions to Stair Tread Nose Requirements:

Stair Tread Anti-Slip or Coefficient of Friction Recommendations for Safe Walking Surfaces

R311.5.8.1 Spiral Stairway Building Codes

International Building Code 2000 (BOCA, ICBO, SBCCI) Stair & Railing Codes

1003.3.3.4 Stairway Landing Codes

1003.3.3.11.3 Handrail Grasp Ability (Graspability) Requirements

100333.11.4 Handrail or Guardrail Continuity

1607.7 Loads on Handrails, guards, grab bars and vehicle barriers

1607.7.1.1 Concentrated Load on Railings

1607.7.1.2 Component of Railings and Guardrails

BOCA National Property Maintenance Code 1993

PM-305.5 Stairs and Railings in Good Condition

PM-305.6 Handrails and guards

PM-702.9 Stairways, handrails and guards

OSHA Regulations for Temporary Stairs & Railings

OSHA Regulations for Stair Railings & Guardrails

Canadian Occupational Safety Regulations - Stairways & Fall Prevention

Why do we need to worry so much about falls on stairs?

What factors must we consider in designing safer stairs?

Stair dimensions - Canadian Rules

Stair surface - Canadian Rules

Stair handrails - Canadian Requirements

Visibility on stairs

Work activity on stairs

Housekeeping Requirements for Stairways

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about stair codes, design, construction, & safety

Question: Is the final stair rise from top thread to threshold of building considered a riser?

Reply:

Question: is an exception to step riser height uniformity allowed when using pre-fab stair stringters?

Reply: In short, no, but in this case you can adjust the stringer to meet code

Question: stair weight capacity requirements: stair load design specifications

Reply:

Question: do I need to remodel stairs in a 1979 rental cabin to comply with current building codes

Reply: requirement to update stairs to meet current building codes: no, sometimes yes, but ...

Question: Elecrical boxes intalled in stairway in the walking path - hazards and stair fall, injury report

Reply:

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