commercial railing codes in PA... Help DSW

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Hello all, We've recently taken on a small job that requires us to alter and existing commercial staircase so that it meets code. I'm having a very difficult time finding which codes need to be adhered to. It seems like there are a plethora of codes all from different governing bodies, all with different requirements. If anyone can point me in the right direction, that would be great. I was just going to mimic the existing railing. Pictures are included. They want the stairs to come straight out of the door and obviously the platform needs to be raised to meet the doorway. Attached Images
Reply:More pictures...
Reply:Need more info where you are. Usually if its a bigger city it will have its owner permit office where you can find what code. If its a smaller town they usually follow the county. Here are the basic IBC codes almost everyone follows...Stairways have to be at least 44" if you have an occupant load over 50 (and may be more if your occupant load is large). If under 50 occupants you can go to 36" width. There are other exceptions for spiral stairs, aisle stairs and incline stairs but these types will have to be covered in a later post.You need at least 80" of head height measured off the tread nosings and it needs to be maintained for one additional riser depth at the bottom of the stairs.The riser height must be between 4" and 7" and the treads must be at least 11" deep.If you have winders they need to be at least 11" deep when you're 12" in from the narrow edge and the minimum depth must be 10". You can't use winders in required stairways unless they are within a dwelling unit.The landings must be at least as deep as the stairs are wide (up to 4'-0") and you can’t go up more than 12′-0" vertically without a landing. Where a door opens into the landing it can't project more than 7" into the required depth of the landing.Handrails must be mounted between 34" and 38" above the tread nosings and landings. Where they are circular they need to be 1.25″ to 2″ in diameter. If the handrail isn't circular it needs to have a perimeter between 4" and 6.25" with a maximum cross section of 2.25". The handrail needs to be mounted a minimum of 1.5" off the wall.Handrails in IBC buildings need to return to a wall, a guard or the walking surface or continue to another handrail. The IBC requires that your handrail extend 12" past the top riser and one tread depth past the bottom riser. It important to note that the ADA will require you to go one tread depth plus 12" past the bottom riser so it generally overrides the IBC.Your handrails need to be on both sides of the stair and can't project more than 4.5" into the stair width on each side. On a very wide stair you need to space intermediate handrails no more than 60" apart.
Reply:Where I'm at the city planning and code officer must site which codes are in violation. I have never had an inspector just say, "this doesn't meet code, fix it."If you have the time and want the knowledge here is a good place to look for referencehttp://inspectapedia.com/Stairs/Stair_Codes.htm#H1Looks like a neat job!Some blue machinesSome red machineslots of heavy steel
Reply:Since so many of the local townships around here are using codes from different years, I always check with the local inspector to see exactly what they want and will require. Since they are the ones who will have the final say, I just get it in writing and give them what they ask for. Most are pretty reasonable about working with the contractor when questions arise.I've run into a few odd cases in the past. IIRC if the landing is less than 36" off the ground, you may not need any guard rails, or possibly even a hand rail. I think the requirement for a hand rail was 4 or more consecutive risers, irregardless of height. You might be able to get away with a single step at the door rather than having the door flush with the landing deck. That would drop one riser from the total. It's been a bit since I had to do a new rail to code, so I'd be sure to check what they want where you are working..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:+9 on check with local inspector to see exactly what version/flavor 'Code' they want things to meet.In addition to 'Code', there may also be ADA requirements as well.Ask what the locale 'requires' and get it in writing.And 'stairs' is almost always going to require a building permit, with 'plans' and $$ and inspections and whatnot.  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:all these guys are right check with the local inspector..hes the one you gotta please..mimicing the existing is never a good idea, if its wrong so are you..