, ramp or elevator) are not required to meet the Standards, but handrails must comply when stairs that are part of a means of egress are altered (§210. 23 (a) (2) Designed into or is an integral part of machines or equipment. - 10/27/1992. The OSHA catwalk handrail requirements are found in OSHA sections 1910. . 8. Height. 1052(c)(7) Dear Mr. Your concern is whether or not the standard requires that all permanent handrails be painted yellow. 44 inches (1. Steps are uniformly spaced and arranged, with a rise of not more than 10 inches (25 cm) and a depth of not less than 7 inches (18 cm). When such a railing would be impracticable or ineffective, other effective means shall be provided to prevent employees from falling into the water. Railing height for guard rail. This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only. Physical characteristics of handrail and railing, joints, and anchors. According to building code, handrails are required when there are four or more “risers,” referring to the vertical portion of a stair. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. The upright member of a step situated at the back of a lower tread and near the leading edge of the next higher tread. 5. 1052 states that stairway railings built after March, 1991 be 36 inches in height or between 30 and 37 inches high. The stairway must be at least 36 inches wide, measured above the handrail. requirements for when handrails and stair rail systems must be present on certain flights of stairs. This discussion serves as a quick and easy reference for use on job sites. Handrail height shall be uniform, not less than 30 inches and not more than 34 inches. Unified safety standards for fall protection. Normal use by employees. OSHA, however, opened a rulemaking proceeding in 1990 to revise Subpart D of Part 1910, including the current height requirements for stair railings and handrails. 29. 5, the minimum depth of the tread is 13 inches (330 mm) and not less than one handrail complying with Section 1014 is provided within 30 inches (762 mm) of the. Use internal couplings, Type 18-7, to maintain continuity. A ladder or stairway must be provided when the worksite has a break in elevation of 19” (48cm) or more, and there is no runway, ramp, embankment, or personal hoist for workers’ access. Handrails may not be mandatory under. __. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route (e. Stair Rails and Handrails. 10. The handrail is clearly a center. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. OSHA requires railings on open sides of stairwells and a handrail on at least on the side, preferably the right side descending at 42″ high. 8. The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. Rise. . Since they handle. 10/1/98. 23(e) because the height of the standard railing on the stair landing is less than 42 inches nominal. Stairways wider than 1000mm should have a handrail on each side. Under §1910. 15 Midrails. 500, GUARDRAILS, HANDRAILS & GUARDS [PDF] Standard Number 1926. CONTENTS SECTION 1 Introduction. Intermediate stair railings shall be spaced. (1) A top rail not less than 42 inches or more than 45 inches in height measured from the upper surface of the top rail to the floor, platform, runway or ramp. The International Building Code is a model code prepared under the umbrella of the ICC, and. At least one handrail must be provided for stairs with four or more risers or 30 inches of ascent. Handrails shall be at a consistent height above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. 23(e)(5)(ii). Stairways less than 44 inches (1118 mm) in width or stairways serving one individual dwelling unit in Group R, Division 1 or 3 Occupancy or a Group R, Division 3 congregate residence may have one handrail. The handrail must be continuous for the run of the stairs or ramp. Private stairways serving an occupant load of less than 10 may be 30 inches wide. OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal protective equipment in November 2016 that updated requirements for slip, trip and fall hazards. 44 in. Open sides of stairs require a stair rail, sometimes with a handrail ("stair rail system with handrail"), and (per the current text of the table) sometimes without ("stair rail system"). OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. 28(b)(11)(ii) states that a flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers must be equipped with stair rail system. Stairways and alternating tread stairs can both be descended face. Handrails Requirements for handrails are as follows: Handrails and top rails of the stair rail systems must be able to withstand, 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. standard handrails according to the requirements for stairways. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. Load-capacity of 1,000 lbs. 5” H. "Handrails are 30-38 inches. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route (e. Stairways less than 44 inches (1118 mm) in width or stairways serving one individual dwelling unit in Group R, Division 1 or 3 Occupancy or a Group R, Division 3 congregate residence may have one handrail. ”. 5. Rod Sapyta P. Under the previous standard, stairs with a handrail that doubles as a stair rail could have a rail height of 30 to. 3 (2000)). E* - Tread depth: 23. Handrails shall be at a consistent height above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. (1) Stairways shall be al least 24 inches in width and shall be equipped with stair rails, handrails, treads, and landings. 24. Go Back to General Industry Safety Orders, Group 1 Table of. 23 (e) (2), you are in compliance with §1910. IBC Stairs require guardrails of 42″ high and handrails of 34″ high on both sides of the stairwell. Mr. 1915. 25(f) beneath: 1910. 23 (b) (12) - Fall Protection Requirements for Fixed Ladders - 09/10/2021. 2. These systems may be mounted 36-38 inches high. 23 (d) (1)states: “Every flight of stairs having four or more risers shall be equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. R311. 5-20 cm. However, OSHA would consider the 36- to 37-inch height of the railing in the first drawing as a de minimis violation of the standard. "The employer must ensure each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1. The top of handrails and handrail extensions shall not be placed less. The U. The termination point may also be a newel post per FBC-R 311. Here are some basic pieces of information to bear in mind when constructing a handrail to comply with OSHA Standards. Handrail diameter between 1. §3214. 3 (2000)). All workers in the United States must abide by the occupational safety and health regulations set forth by Federal OSHA. Chad Holder. Design and construction of guardrails and stair handrails shall comply with SBC Code, OSHA Standards, and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. Quoting from the new text (note all is from the same section/page): The h. Rod Smith, P. Every step on your staircase needs to equal the same run and rise. Reach us at at 844-314. Stair Rails and Handrails. 23(e)(6) states: "All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or. Height. 3. This section has safety requirements for scaffolds. These. A handrail should be between 34 and 38 inches high. Regulatory Requirements 1. Table D-2 under section 1910. Balusters. • Ends must return to wall, post or safety terminalStair rails installed before Jan. Existing Table D–2 contains a. Question: Do light-use stairs greater than 88 inches wide require a center stair railing? Response: The. 5 inches, a minimum width of 26 inches, and a headroom clearance of 78 inches. Our photo (above) illustrates very challenging stairs with a high rise, climbing to over 230 feet at the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán outside of Mexico City. - 10/28/2004. Safety is Paramount when it comes to Stairways-Part M. Enforcement. The following definitions apply in this subpart: Alternating tread-type stair means a type of stairway consisting of a series of treads that usually are attached to a center support in an alternating manner such that an employee typically does not have both feet on the same level while using the stairway. Enforcement. Stair strength. In order to ensure compliance, the maximum allowable opening between the two handrails needs to be determined. S. ADA Chapter 5 Section 505. Handrails shall include the following features:OSHA stairs are required to be a minimum of 22 inches wide. If stairs are too steep, and they don’t have railings, or if screens and balustrades are not strong and secure. Minimum Tread Depth 9. (1) Stairways shall be al least 24 inches in width and shall be equipped with stair rails, handrails, treads, and landings. A handrail and a wall or OSHA Stair rail requirements - stair railings may serve as handrails, and vice-versa. 23 (e) (3) (ii) For pipe railings, posts and top and intermediate railings shall be at least 1 1/2 inches nominal diameter with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers. See figure D-13 Combination Handrail and Stair Rail. If the guard top rail is not used as a Handrail, it would not have graspability requirements. Reference definitions in 1910. OSHA regulations are pretty straightforward: “Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1. OSHA defines a ship stair in section 1910. 29 (f) (1) (iii) (A)) Platform Guardrail Height: The top edge of the top guardrail must be 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the. 5. Flat 2x4 and 2x6 handrails do not meet the requirements for graspable handrails. Governing codes shall be checked for their specific requirements, and government regulations, suchrequirements for when handrails and stair rail systems must be present on certain flights of stairs. - 08/30/1999. Minimum 8. Rauchut, This is in response to your letter of July 18, 2017, requesting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to address a specific question of whether any safety factor is required in the design of handrails and top rails. Osha alternating tread ships ladder standards. 29(k)(1), the new toeboard requirement needs to be at least 3. The key is to distinguish between the requirements for fall protection guards at open edges, and grabrails/handrails at stairways and ramps. OSHA requires stair landings to be at least the width of the stair and at least 30 inches in depth, measured in the direction of travel [OSHA 1910. 5˝ 11˝. 1- 1995, Safety Requirements for Workplace Floor and Wall Openings, Stairs, and Railing Systems, requires guardrail protection for the exposed sides of ladderway openings in any working/walking surface. 5″. The triangular openings at the open sides of a stair, formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail shall not allow passage of a sphere 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter. 24 inches in width, with. Learn the general and specific criteria for guardrail systems that meet the requirements of the OSHA Fall Protection Standards. 1926. (g) Ramps for wheelbarrows, if made of planking, must have an odd number of planks. (a) Stairways shall have handrails or stair railings on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate stair railing for each 88 inches of required. The standard prohibits using repaired wire. "Top rail of stair rail system can serve as handrail only when:Reply #2: Yes. 4. The Ontario Building Code | Handrails. The IBC commercial handrail code states that each stair is provided with a separate handrail or grabrail attached to the guardrail. 25″ and 2″. Stairways typically consist of: Landing Platform; Handrail or Stair Rail System; Steps (Risers)A stair with a single riser or with two risers and a tread is permitted at locations not required to be accessible by Chapter 11 where the risers and treads comply with Section 1011. In particular, toeboards used for falling object protection are as follows: Toe Board Height Requirements: 29 (k) (1) (ii): “have a vertical minimum height of 3. A stair rail does not necessarily require a handrail. 1917. The requirements of OSHA safety regulations for the safe use of ladders and stairs (Subpart X, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1926. All handrails and handrail extensions shall be marked with a solid andIf your warehouse office or other storage system features stairways, you will also need to install guardrails along the unprotected edges according to OSHA article 1910. Different requirements for children show a maximum height of 28″ with a minimum clearance of 9″ between the adult rail and the childrens’ rail, which is only a recommendation and not a requirement. . 17 Safety and Health ProgramHandrails shall be provided on both sides of ship ladders and shall comply with Section R311. The provision refers to existing Table D–2, Stairway Handrail. principal height standard: handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs. 451(e)(4)]Law and Regulations ; Federal Registers ; Open for Comment ; Regulatory Agenda ; Standard Interpretations ; Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. 114A. Always check with your local jurisdiction as requirements are different in each area. OSHA requirements for stairs also dictate that any spiral stair must have a handrail. Temporary Stairs. Law and Regulations ; Federal Registers ; Open for Comment ; Regulatory Agenda ; Standard Interpretations ; Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. This appendix serves as a non-mandatory guideline to assist employers in complying with these requirements. Be sure you review all of the general. Handrails should be placed on both sides of a staircase. surfaces and their access; workplace, floor, wall and . You indicated from our phone conversation that 1910. Under OSHA Section 1910. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1626. 1910. Stair Rails and Handrails. That part of §1910. 1910. Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements: Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway. Requirements for Ladders OSHA has reorganized separate rules for fixed ladders, portable wood ladders and portable. 6. OSHA is requesting updates to the handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard, according to a press release. ) (c) Rise and Run. For these stair rail systems, the top rail may serve as a handrail, provided the top rail is 36 to 38 inches in height (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail) and meets all other handrail requirements in §1910. 4. 0. The height must be uniform for the entire run of the handrail. 42˝ Min. This is the construction code and does have some. ) (h) Vertical Clearance. 28 and 1910. 23 (e) (11), which details the maximum openings for wall opening screens, would apply in the above situation. This specially designed Stair /. RAILINGS open-sided stairs < 44” require 1 stair rail/side; open-sided stairs > 44” require 1 stair rail and 1 separate handrail/side. It does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities in OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Risers (the vertical element connecting treads) that are no less than 6 inches in height and no more than 7. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-3326(g). 28(b)(11)(i) “Each employee. Riser Height and Tread Depth (IBC 1011. A guardrail is on top of the platform to guard against falls, while a handrail is what is along a staircase. 94 cm) 6 inches (15. principal height standard: handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs. 1 scope. 1926. HTML PDF: 296-24-935: Safety relief devices for cargo and portable tanks storing compressed gases. It stands to reason that stairways must be safe. Theatre galleries, balconies, or other such elevated seating locations, where a 42-inch railing would obstruct the sight lines, may be protected by a guardrail or other barrier of not less than 34 inches in height provided that a horizontal concave safety ledge not less than 6 inches in depth and not less than 36 inches in effective width is installed beyond the. By explaining the requirements and specific changes in the National Construction Code (NCC) Volume Two 2019, you will understand your obligations and the effects on. That part of §1910. 07 to 8. * Values are from the National Building Code of Canada (2005). 5. Handrails shall be permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at the turn. Stair rails before the date are not less than 30 inches. At least one handrail must be provided for stairs with four or more risers or 30 inches of ascent. Minimum 11 inch stair tread depth. Distance between a single stair railing and the opposite wall (with no stair railing) Guard railing minimum height. 5 and 107 cm* +. An enclosed stair requires one or more handrails, but no stair rails. My understanding is that there's two requirements here, IBC requires a handrail at 34"-38" (stairs) but requires guardrails at 42" minimum (with some exceptions). 1052 (c) - Top rail and handrail requirements for stairrail systems under the construction standards. Regarding handrails, there are two sets of regulations: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). 2Height. Enforcement. For example, ANSI standard A1264. height. The first proposed change would make clear that “a stair rail system with a. Subchapter 7. OSHA catwalk stair requirements. 23 (a) (2): Every ladderway floor opening or platform shall be guarded by a standard railing with standard toeboard on all exposed sides (except at entrance to opening), with the passage through the railing either provided with a. Essentially handrails are designed to provide guidance, support and safety for stairs and ADA ramps with a rise of 6 inches. Law and Regulations ; Federal Registers ; Open for Comment ; Regulatory Agenda ; Standard Interpretations ; Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. Law and Regulations ; Federal Registers ; Open for Comment ; Regulatory Agenda ; Standard Interpretations ; Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. REDD Team Flex-Step OSHA Stair – This Flex-Step OSHA Stair is an adjustable 28″or 35″ threshold stair designed for modular buildings, construction trailers and field offices that need to meet OSHA regulations. S. 5 inches, allowing for a comfortable and secure grip. 16 OSHA Assistance. Based on the height requirements for stair rails and handrails and the requirements in Table D-2, are both stair railsHandrail gripping surface shall be mounted between 34” and 38” with railing height above stair nosings; The ends of the handrails should be rounded or returned smoothly to the floor; The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created to assure safe and healthful working conditions for employees. 5 inches (9 cm) as measured from the top edge of the toeboard to the level of the. Railing height for guard rail. 75(f) Access to wing walls from floors of dry docks shall be by ramps, permanent stairways or ladders meeting the applicable requirements of § 1915. 5 inches (24 cm); andThe same height specifications apply to handrails on stairs. Code compliant products. 1052(c)(6) and 1926. Spiral stairways shall meet the following requirements: 1917. 9. Uniform angle of rise, riser height, and tread width; all within specified acceptable ranges. Haydl: This is in response to your letter of June 24, 2004 regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for heights for stair rails and handrails and corresponding building code requirements. The following requirements apply to all stairways as indicated: (1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm), whichever is less, shall be equipped with: (A) At least one handrail; and (B) A stair rail consisting of a top rail and mid-rail along each unprotected side or edge. The stair will be installed at a 70-degree angle or less. The OSHA rules aim to ensure a safe working environment for all employees. Stair Railing Height Requirements: 34 to 38 Inches Stair railing should be no less than 34 inches high and no more than 38 inches high. However, OSHA has omitted the requirement for a center stair rail for stairs greater than 88 inches wide in its proposed revisions of the general industry standards for Walking and Working Surfaces (55 FR 13396, April 10, 1990). The IBC defines the various design requirements for handrails, providing clear and concise specifications. Is it illegal not to have a handrail on stairs? Handrails are mandatory. OSHA roof guardrail requirements state that the top rails and the mid-rails of the guardrail system must bet at least one-quarter of an inch thick. So going back to rfied112's orginal question. §3217. §ïßMfk ±¢l ¶DôŸ9 r FÄÚy° i]0 é1,¸ ò·X¿ ?ré,‚Å & 6 A+V V× ô÷†ä—‡ «¾l &¯†i“ r€ïÍ ÐÅ á}§¥@Ú ¿³j‡lôHUSf^ —ÚÇ3Bgû Räo¨ç yߨœA+¨nEÀ. See full disclaimer at. 3. 1926. S. Not only are the treads generally deeper, but also there are usually more treads required. 1910. Suite 301 Chadds Ford, PA 19317. Hand Railing projection into stairs (<= 4. Treads (the horizontal stair element you step on) that are at least 10 inches in depth and no more than 14 inches. Design and Construction of Railings. Handrail design 26 14. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. OSHA has proposed changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify certain requirements related to handrail and stair rail systems. In North Carolina, four or more steps or an ADA ramp with a rise of 6 inches require handrails on both sides. Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 1 ½ inch between the wall and the handrails. However, it is still recommended to install handrails for safety purposes, especially if there are elderly individuals, children, or individuals with mobility limitations in the building. S. 28(b)(5)(ii)(A). Re: Stair rail and hand rail heights; §1926. 1910. Photo: Getty Images. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 5 of 12 DEFICIENCY 2 – UNIT: HANDRAIL IS NOT SECURE DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: There is movement in the anchors of the handrail. 5. 42˝ Min. Handrail is rail that provides a handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway or step ladder. The top member of railing usually serves as a handrail. 120 (b) (1) Fixed stairs installed after October 3, 1983 shall be positioned within the range of 30 degrees to 50 degrees to the horizontal with uniform riser height and tread width throughout each run and be capable of a minimum loading of 100 pounds per square foot (445 N) and a minimum concentrated load of 300 pounds (1,334 N) at the. The employer must ensure: ( 1) Walking-working surfaces are inspected, regularly and as necessary, and maintained in a safe condition; This section covers the general requirements for installing, using, and maintaining handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems on all stairways, except for some exceptions. 1, Ex. The employer must ensure: ( i) Each employee on a scaffold is protected from falling in accordance 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L; and. Distance. OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal. You should consider whether they: are well lit; have handrails at an appropriate height that contrasts with the surroundings; have good slip resistance properties, particularly at the leading edge;Further, OSHA standard 1910. Department of Labor’s OSHA Issues Rule to Revise Requirements in Safety and Health. If there are more than four stairs in a stairway, they must have fixed railings. (1) A stairway shall have a handrail on at least one side, and if 1 100 mm or more in width, shall have handrail s on both sides. In All Other Areas . February 13, 2015. OSHA fall protection requirements for general industry and construction are addressed in 29 CFR 1910. 3. + Note that handrails or guards used for. Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of closed stairways preferably on the right side descending. 1 It is our understanding that STD-01-01-010 was adopted in light of pre-OSHA General Industry practices. 4. Risers (the vertical element connecting treads) that are no less than 6 inches in height and no more than 7. 25 must be met, including the need for guardrails, handrails, vertical clearance of 6'-8", uniform treads/risers, etc. The Hilmerson Safety ® patented Stair / Slab Grabber solution is perfect for installing leading edge fall protection on concrete slabs and for securing handrails on stairs. The International Building Code (IBC) is a model code for commercial construction that provides minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare of the occupants of new and existing buildings and structures. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. 94 cm) 6 inches (15. Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. IBC stairs generally have a 7-inch closed riser and an 11-inch tread. Treads and Risers. 7. Box 483 Thonotosassa, FL 33592. The following requirements apply to all stairways as indicated: ( 1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm), whichever is less, shall be equipped with: ( ii) One stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. The agency notes in a press release that the proposed rule “does not reopen for discussion any of the regulatory decisions made in the 2016 rulemaking,” adding that it “focuses solely on clarifying some of the requirements for handrails and stair rail systems finalized in 2016, and on providing flexibility in the transition to OSHA’s newer. 25(f)(1) Have a series of treads includes at a slope a 50 to 70 degrees from the horizontal;OSHA published a proposed rule in May 2021 to clarify this. Minimum single stair railing distance. 1926. 5 inches for stands with a top height of 4 feet or more, 36 inches for stands with. SUMMARY: OSHA is proposing changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify which handrail and stair rail system requirements apply to new stair rail. 527. The Agency’s interpretations explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they do not create additional employer obligations. 5 times the vertical rise. Commercial stair handrail height must be between 34” and 38” inches as measured from the stair tread nosing. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. At least one handrail One stair rail system with handrail on open side. 31-1/2 inches. 8. 27 inches. 29 CFR 1910. STAIRS, LANDINGS, HANDRAILS, AND GUARDS. Basically, building one step 185mm high and the next 220mm high is illegal (due to all the accidents). Paragraph (h) says that standard railings must be provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair. OSHA requirements for standard stairs. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1620. The requirements of OSHA safety regulations for the safe use of ladders and stairs (Subpart X, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1926. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 3305 (b). 23 that addresses stair railings is subsection (e) (2) and not (e) (1). Click to view image. Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements: Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards. Every flight of stairs having four or more risers shall be equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (v) of this section, the width of the stair to be measured clear of all obstructions except handrails: (i) On stairways less than 44 inches wide having both sides enclosed, at. 1926. 1910. Finally, remember handrails must be between 30 and 38 inches as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. 851 (c) In a multistory building, when a stairwell is being used, it shall be properly illuminated by either natural or artificial means, and completely. 2 Christy Dr. Handrails shall be required at one side only for the following components: (1) Existing stairs (2) Existing ramps (3) New and existing stairs within dwelling units and within guest rooms (4) New and existing ramps within dwelling units and within guest rooms"See figure D-12 Handrail. Relationship of ramp gradient to the going of a flight 28 15. (2) If the required width of a ramp or f light of stairs is more than 2 200 mm, one or more intermediate handrail s continuous between landings shall be. (d) Designated areas.