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So it's been awhile since I did rails on a commercial building, and i wanna make sure I'm interpreting IBC codes correctly. I have a few sets of stairs to do that are about 8 steps with a 5 foot long landing on top. I understand the landing on top needs a 42" guard rail.. Hand rail needs to be 34"-38".. But since the stair rail portion is also considered guard rail, do I need to have a secondary hand rail on the stair portion? Similar to this: http://www.tfco.com/CAD_drawings/pub...cess_new_2.gif I also find in the 2003 IBC revision the following regarding minimum height requirements for guardrail: 42" except where top rail also serves as a handrail it shall have a height not less than 34" and not more than 38". So can I build the whole rail between 34'' and 38''? Or does the landing not qualify as part of the "handrail" and need to be 42'' regardless?? I've done this with a goose neck or step at the top of the stair section but it looks funny.. Any input, discussions, experiences welcome.. Thanks!
Reply:I would check with the local building inspector in the town they will be installed. If its anything like here in NJ, the local code may have more requirements on top of the IBC.
Reply:I agree with FireForge1, check with the building inspector. It depends greatly on your location as to which edition of IBC is enforced and whether there are additional regulations. Also, you may have to consider OSHA compliance which is a different animal altogether. I usually submit one or more preliminary drawings to the inspector informally before I submit the formal stamped copy. If the inspector is willing to do this, it will greatly expedite the approval process. |
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