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Stair, railing, guardrail, handrail, landing & platform building codes & design specifications: stair code downloads - free PDFs.

Provides citations of stair and railing code & design specifications quoted from model building codes. For each stair specification & code citation, we include links to in-depth articles providing more details.

This article series lists all major 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 and we include explicit text & specifications from those building codes.

This page provides free PDF downloads of various model and adopted building codes & standards for stairs, handrails, guardrailings, and landings.

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Model Building Code Citations for Stairs & Railings + Full Code Texts, Dangers, Safety

Stairway Lighting requirements (C) Carson Dunlop Associates

Stair & Railing Codes, U.S. & Other Countries + Model stair codes

See the page-end RECOMMENDED ARTICLES list

See the page-end INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES for the full index

[Click to enlarge any image]

Sketches above provided courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates, a Toronto home inspection company, used with permission.

Model & International Stair Ramp & Railing Codes

Stair Ramp & Railing Codes by Country

U.S. Stair Codes

Also use your browser's on-page search function [ Ctrl-F ] to search our directory by state name or state two-letter abbreviation.

Note: if you click on one of the state codes given below and don't find that our page immediately takes you to that state, just post a request at the page bottom box and we'll be glad to add that information -

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Alaska State Stair Code

Alabama State Stair Code

Alaska State Stair Code

Arkansas

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California State Stair Code

Colorado State Stair Code

Florida State Building Codes - Stairs & Railings

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Georgia Stair & Railing Code

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Illinois Stair & Railing Code

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Kentucky Stair & Railing Code

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Maine Stair & Railing - Egress Code

Michigan Stair & Railing Code

Missouri Stair Code

Minnesota State Stair Code

Minnesota adopts the 2018 IRC Section R311.7, Stairways as shown in this example below

Mississippi

Montana State Stair Codes

Nebraska

New Hampshire

New Jersey Stair & Railing Codes

New Mexico

Nevada

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 FUNGS 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.

North Carolina

North Dakota Stair Code

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina Stair Code

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas Stair Codes

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington State Stair Codes

West Virginia

Wisconsin Stair Codes

Wyoming

BOCA National Property Maintenance Code

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.

CPSC Stair Guidelines

HUD Stair Rules

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

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.

Also see NEWEL POST CONSTRUCTION

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.

Full Text of IEBC International Existing Building Code & Definitions of Dangerous Building Conditions

By its definition of "existing buildings" this model building code incorporates standards and advice for structures built before current building codes.

Full Text of Adopted Building Codes 2006, 2012

The ICC has free, limited, live, online access to some of the latest codes, but I couldn't find the free link for IRC immediately.

The ICC has free, limited, live, online access to some of the latest codes.

Example Stair Code Details

2015/2018/2020 IRC International Residential Code

Also Florida Building Code up to 7th Ed (2020)

R311.7 Stairways

R311.7.1 Stairway Width

Stairways shall be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in clear width at all points above the permitted handrail height and below the required headroom height. The clear width of stairways at and below the handrail height, including treads and landings, shall be not less than 311/2 inches (787 mm) where a handrail is installed on one side and 27 inches (698 mm) where handrails are installed on both sides.

Exception: The width of spiral stairways shall be in accordance with Section R311.7.10.1.

R311.7.8 Handrails

Handrails shall be provided on not less than one side of each flight of stairs with four or more risers.

R311.7.8.1 Handrail Height

Handrail height, measured vertically from the sloped plane adjoining the tread nosing, or finish surface of ramp slope, shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm).

Exceptions:
The use of a volute, turnout or starting easing shall be allowed over the lowest tread.

Where handrail fittings or bendings are used to provide continuous transition between flights, transitions at winder treads, the transition from handrail to guard, or used at the start of a flight, the handrail height at the fittings or bendings shall be permitted to exceed 38 inches (965 mm).

R311.7.8.2 Handrail Projection

Handrails shall not project more than 41/2 inches (114 mm) on either side of the stairway.

Exception: Where nosings of landings, floors or passing flights project into the stairway reducing the clearance at passing handrails, handrails shall project not more than 61/2 inches (165 mm) into the stairway, provided that the stair width and handrail clearance are not reduced to less than that required.

R311.7.8.3 Handrail Clearance

Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 11/2 inches (38 mm) between the wall and the handrails.

R311.7.8.4 Handrail Continuity

Handrails shall be continuous for the full length of the flight, from a point directly above the top riser of the flight to a point directly above the lowest riser of the flight. Handrail ends shall be returned or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminals.

Exceptions:

Handrail continuity shall be permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at a turn in a flight with winders, at a landing, or over the lowest tread.
A volute, turnout or starting easing shall be allowed to terminate over the lowest tread.

R311.7.8.5 Handrail Grip Size

Required handrails shall be of one of the following types or provide equivalent graspability.

Type I. Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of not less than 11/4 inches (32 mm) and not greater than 2 inches (51 mm). If the handrail is not circular, it shall have a perimeter of not less than 4 inches (102 mm) and not greater than 61/4 inches (160 mm) and a cross section of not more than 21/4 inches (57 mm). Edges shall have a radius of not less than 0.01 inch (0.25 mm).

Type II. Handrails with a perimeter greater than 61/4 inches (160 mm) shall have a graspable finger recess area on both sides of the profile. The finger recess shall begin within 3/4 inch (19 mm) measured vertically from the tallest portion of the profile and have a depth of not less than 5/16 inch (8 mm) within 7/8 inch (22 mm) below the widest portion of the profile.

This required depth shall continue for not less than 3/8 inch (10 mm) to a level that is not less than 13/4 inches (45 mm) below the tallest portion of the profile. The width of the handrail above the recess shall be not less than 11/4 inches (32 mm) and not more than 23/4 inches (70 mm). Edges shall have a radius of not less than 0.01 inch (0.25 mm).

R311.8 Ramps

R311.8.1 Maximum Ramp Slope

Ramps serving the egress door required by Section R311.2 shall have a slope of not more than 1 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8.3-percent slope). Other ramps shall have a maximum slope of 1 unit vertical in 8 units horizontal (12.5 percent).

Exception: Where it is technically infeasible to comply because of site constraints, ramps shall have a slope of not more than 1 unit vertical in 8 units horizontal (12.5 percent).

R311.8.2 Ramp Landings Required

There shall be a floor or landing at the top and bottom of each ramp, where doors open onto ramps, and where ramps change directions. The width of the landing perpendicular to the ramp slope shall be not less than 36 inches (914 mm).

R311.8.3 Ramp Handrails Required

Handrails shall be provided on not less than one side of ramps exceeding a slope of one unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8.33-percent slope).

R311.8.3.1 Ramp Handrail Height

Handrail height, measured above the finished surface of the ramp slope, shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm).

R311.8.3.2 Ramp Handrail Grip Size

Handrails on ramps shall comply with Section R311.7.8.5.

R311.8.3.3 Ramp Handrail Continuity

Handrails where required on ramps shall be continuous for the full length of the ramp. Handrail ends shall be returned or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminals. Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 11/2 inches (38 mm) between the wall and the handrails.

Section R312 Guards Along Ramps

R312.1.1 Where Guards or Guardrailings Are Required

Guards shall be provided for those portions of open-sided walking surfaces, including stairs, ramps and landings, that are located more than 30 inches (762 mm) measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches (914 mm) horizontally to the edge of the open side. Insect screening shall not be considered as a guard.

R312.1.2 Guardrailing Height

Required guards at open-sided walking surfaces, including stairs, porches, balconies or landings, shall be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in height as measured vertically above the adjacent walking surface or the line connecting the nosings.

Exceptions:

Guards on the open sides of stairs shall have a height of not less than 34 inches (864 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the nosings.
Where the top of the guard serves as a handrail on the open sides of stairs, the top of the guard shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm) as measured vertically from a line connecting the nosings.

R312.1.3 Guardrail Opening Limitations

Required guards shall not have openings from the walking surface to the required guard height that allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter.

Exceptions:

The triangular openings at the open side of stair, formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail of a guard, shall not allow passage of a sphere 6 inches (153 mm) in diameter.

Guards on the open side of stairs shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 43/8 inches (111 mm) in diameter.

OSHA Regulations for Stair Railings & Guardrails

STAIR RAILS AND HANDRAILS

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

OSHA Regulations for Temporary Stairs & Railings

OSHA Stair, Rail & Guardrail Codes

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

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

R311.5.8.1 Spiral Stairway & Circular Stairway Building Codes

2006 IRC Spiral Stair Code Illustration (C) Inspectapedia.com adapted from Juneau AK publication

Above; minimum tread dimensions for a spiral stairway, adapted from the 2006 IRC as published by Juneau AK IRC R311.5. [Click to enlarge any image]

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.

Many codes require use of a guard or rail to prevent walking too close to the inside of a circular stair where the tread dimensions are too small for safe use.

Stair Codes for Spiral Stairs, Curved Stairs, Circular Stairs, Winder Stairs

Curved stair tread dimensions adapted from 2006 IRC as published by Juneau AK (C) InspectApedia.com

Above; minimum tread dimensions for a curved stairway, adapted from the 2006 IRC as published by Juneau AK IRC R311.5. [Click to enlarge any image]

Winder stair tread dimensions from 2006 IRC (C) InspectApedia.com adapted from Juneau AK code

Above; minimum tread dimensions for a Winder stairway, adapted from the 2006 IRC as published by Juneau AK IRC R311.5. [Click to enlarge any image]

 

 




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Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2021-01-29 by (mod) - Public Playground Safety: guards & rails at children's slides or sliding boards

Private play area childrens' slide (C) Daniel Friedman at InspectApedia.comDennis

I can't cite a national nor model building code that addresses playground slides but there are standards and safety recommendation such as found in this

Section 5 in this Public Playground Safety Handbook discusses platforms, guardrails, etc.

and there are pertinent ASTM standards that pertain to playground safety such as

F1148 Home Playground Equipment
F1292 Surfacing
F 355 Surfacing
F1487 Public Use Playground Equipment
F1816 Drawstrings on Children’s Clothing
F1918 Soft Contained Play Equipment
F1951 Testing for ADA Compliance for Surfacing and Equipment
F2049 Fencing
F2088 Infant Swings
F2075 Wood Fiber
F2223 Standard for Surfacing
F2373 Under 2

A copy of these standards may be purchased from ASTM International by calling 877-909-2786 or visiting www.astm.org.

In addition, depending on where you live your state or local building code officials may be able to give you more local standards and guidelines.

Also see

On 2021-01-28 by Dennis Lynch - code violation to install a playground slide that starts from the floor of a two story deck?

Is it a code violation to install a playground slide that starts from the floor of a two story deck. If it is not, what are the requirements as to the slide itself. Are there side rail height requirements.

Does the access area to the slide at the deck level need to have a gate, etc while it is not in use. Is a gate required at the top of the deck stairs

On 2020-08-22 by (mod) - handrail specifications for flat areas

Kevin:your local building code official is the final legal authority on what code officials will require of your handrails along flat walking surfaces.

But in general it would make sense to be sure that your handrails meet the height, graspability, and strength as well as continuity specifications in the model handrail codes such as

HANDRAILS & HANDRAILINGS

On 2020-08-22 by Kevin E. Corrigan - placing handrails on flat concrete egress areas leading to our entryways

Our condo board in Florida, is considering placing handrails on flat concrete egress areas leading to our entryways. These surfaces have less than a 5% rise and are non-elevated surfaces, level with surrounding earth surfaces. There are no steps or drop offs involved. These handrails are simply to provide residents with a handhold as they walk to and from the building.

What are the FBC requirements involving railings we would need to adhere? When I talk with the local municipality, they seem to feel that the railing requirements applicable, are the same as those for elevated surfaces, stairways, balconies, etc. Is this so?

On 2020-08-10 by (mod) - church exit doors and landings with no handrails

Anon: Once, with a client, I stood in front of an unsafe stair that lacked handrailings and guardrails and explained why the stairs were unsafe: as we spoke his wife stepped out of the building entry and fell down the stairs.

The people entering and leaving a public building like a church include those of all sorts of abilities, including some who literally depend on sound handrails to simply assist themselves in walking up and down stairs.

Others don't care and think they don't need handrails nor stair guards (guardrailings along stairs) until someone is actually falling: which is a bit too late in my opinion.

And in wet or freezing weather, the stair fall risk is very much increased.

Properly built handrails and guards reduce injuries by providing people with an opportunity to prevent, arrest, or reduce the severity of a fall.

In my opinion any competent, reasonable building manager who does not provide safe steps and rails, handrails, guardrails, lighting, etc. is simply not doing his or her job nor meeting a reasonable legal, moral or ethical obligation to their people and to the public.

On 2020-08-10 by Anonymous - Do I need to install hand railings?

I have an old church built in the 30's with two exit doors at never gets used with no hand rails. Each door has 3 steps, one is shallow other is steep.

I have an opportunity to have hand rails installed but I need to sell the idea to the elders.

Question: Do I need to install hand railings?

On 2019-01-24 by (mod) - Maximum Space for Balusters on stairs and balconies

typically 4" but see our handrailing, guardrail and baluster articles found in the ARTICLE INDEX for important additional details

On 2018-08-09 by Ray Houpt

Maximum Space for Balusters on stairs and balconies


...

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