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David J. Carlson

Stair widths

General Comment or Question

David J. Carlson | March 20, 2019 at 9:03PM (edited)

There seem to be sections in CBC Chapter 10 that contradict each other regarding stair widths. Section 1009.3 states that in order to be a part of the accessible means of egress between stories, stairs shall have a clear width of 48" BETWEEN the handrails. However, 1014.8 discusses projections and allows projections into the required width of stairs up to 4 1/2" at or below the handrail height. I am having an issue on a project that has 42" high guardrails (due to a >30" drop off on either side) which are spaced exactly 48" apart. Any thoughts on whether a 36' high handrail mounted to the side of the guardrail is acceptable under these seemingly contradictory sections in the code?

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Andrew Burke

Re: Stair widths

General Comment or Question

Andrew Burke | April 04, 2019 at 4:04PM (edited)

I don't think this is a contradiction, just a higher standard for stairs which need to meet requirements for stairs which are considered part of the accessible means of egress.  The reason for the 48 inch requirement between handrails here is because people with mobility issues may require assistance down or up the stairs.  This 48 inches theoretically provides enough room for two or three people to carry a person with mobility issues down to the level of exit discharge.  Whereas exit access stair requirements are based on self rescue.

 

Ref. 2015 IBC Code and Commentary.  ( I am listing this here, because the current system only allows you to select from a list of previously entered references.  :-\ )

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