Stairs

[As of] December 21, 2017, the Department of Justice has withdrawn and, where applicable, removed from ADA.gov [this] technical assistance document. [This] document is outdated and does not fully reflect current law or has been replaced by a more up-to-date document. Withdrawal of a guidance document does not change covered entities’ legal responsibilities, as reflected in the ADA, its implementing regulations, and other binding legal requirements and judicial precedent. The Department will continue to fully and fairly enforce all laws within its jurisdiction, including the ADA.

Note: This document, portion of document or referenced document was published prior to the 2010 ADA Standards, and is still applicable.

Stairs

Error/Omission:

Handrail extensions are not provided at the top and bottom risers.

Result:

People who use crutches or a cane or who have limited balance may fall at the top or bottom of the stairs because they have no railing to hold onto as they make the transition from the steps to the landing.

Requirement:

4.9.4(2) If handrails are not continuous, they shall extend at least 12 in (305 mm) beyond the top riser and at least 12 in (305 mm) plus the width of one tread beyond the bottom riser. At the top, the extension shall be parallel with the floor or ground surface. At the bottom, the handrail shall continue to slope for a distance of the width of one tread from the bottom riser; the remainder of the extension shall be horizontal (see Fig. 19(c) and (d)). Handrail extensions shall comply with 4.4.

Illustration showing the handrail extensions on the top and bottom sections of the stair.

Source: Withdrawn Technical Assistance: Common ADA Errors and Omissions in New Construction and Alterations by U.S. Department of Justice - published 06/1997

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Withdrawn Technical Assistance: Common ADA Errors and Omissions in New Construction and Alterations

Stairs

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