ADA stairway

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I'm having a few problems with the architects drawings. Maybe I'm over thinking things, but isnt the guard rail supposed to be 42" off the tread nose? Also, he has it drawn for the tread width to be 36", while the rails are only 34.1875" apart and I thought those were supposed to be 36". Any info would be great. Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Reply:I'm no stair master but all the ones I have been apart of have been 36 for the grab rail and 42 for the guardrail. If our handrail guru wasn't on vacation I would ask him tomorrow for you.
Reply:Originally Posted by BrainfarthI'm having a few problems with the architects drawings. Maybe I'm over thinking things, but isnt the guard rail supposed to be 42" off the tread nose?
Reply:So what about the width between the hand rails?Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Reply:You need closed risers, 7" max stair height (ca), all stairs are exactlty the same. Hand rails must extend at least one tread width at top and bottom, They must also return to the post with a D or half circle on ramps, not sure on stairs.Pay attention to nosing profiles, there are requirements. You can go less then 36" for a while, but then back to 36". There are ADA apps for phones that help.  Calif is different than ADA, but they don't even know what the rules are.  I heard they went back to ADA but not sure if they know yet. They change rules on me each time.  Finally I took pics of their new hospital and used it as a book they couldn't argue with.
Reply:if he took his top rail up 1 3/8", and put a break to level in it at the same point as he did with the handrail, this would make a lot more sense. or just raise it up and let it end up long at the topbosses stuff:trailblazer 325maxstar 200my stuff:sa 200fronius transpocket 180100 amp Lincoln w/f97 f350 DITKevin
Reply:Originally Posted by BrainfarthSo what about the width between the hand rails?
Reply:After a few more minutes of doodling in autocad, I came up with new numbers. Good math, 92dlxman. Either I flatten out the rails towards the top, or raise the guard rail on the platform. The second option sounds a bit easier. Also, this added another rail in the guard rail to maintain the 4" maximum distance between them.I want to smack him for other job related reasons. This rail is nothing.I'll show off my work later this week.A white background looks a bit better.Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Reply:There are codes that need to be met for building commercial hand rails. 36" for the grab rail sounds correct as long as there is a 42" guard rail behind it.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:The user can't be raped by the extension at the bottom, so it is the one that needs to return after it's extension.  Still not sure if the top has to return but it can't extend that far without returning. He also doesn't spec railing dia which I believe is 1.5-2".  Each nose has to be painted yellow or have another nosing that blind people can see it (an oxymoron). Like I said CA changed many of theirs so we are out of the loop.  For instance we can't put the handicapped braille sign on the door in case the door is open an the blind guy squeezes the chest of Bruce Jenner or something.  Of course the hospital has theirs on the doors so the inspector let me off on that one on my last commercial shower project,.  The inside was that bumpy fiberglass FRP board, so I had the sign shop print up custom braile plaques that say "the views on th interior graffiti are not those of the management".  It may take twenty years for some one to get it, but some day there will be a blind guy rubbing the walls grumbling "Those GD vandals!"
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmI'd start by smacking the architect for taking a handrail spec out to four decimal places.
Reply:Stair tread width is a hard code to find, it usually say's "as required".  I've read tread width of 36", so the hand ra.il would intrude on that space, and I've read 36" opening between handrails.  I would think the latter would be best because if they are too wide you can't hold both sides.  It depends on height, is it meant for two-way traffic etc.  I assume you are building this to meet commercial code Attached Images
Reply:The real confusion is the terminology in this thread.  Tread width refers to the measure from nosing to nosing.
Reply:Clearance in more important than "width"/length of of tread, since posts can take up tread "width".
Reply:Originally Posted by BrainfarthSo what about the width between the hand rails?
Reply:If it is suggested to add 1/2" taller, then why would you risk 4" encroachment?   Ever seen that written?  I have built residential rails where because there wasn't enough space to mount the rails.  Then, I failed inspection for not enough clearance.  Finally, I wised up and realized contractors /designers are responsible for knowing the code too.  Thus,  dont work too hard to compensate for their oversight/nonsight.  At least get compensated for compensating.
Reply:To make it more confusing CA went to 3-1/2" opening requirement, ( I think they went back to four except for areas meant for toddlers) and the barrier could not be climbable like yours is. There are enough questions, I would ask the inspector or the designer. We have state and county codes that conflict in my county.
Reply:Check out this link. It covers the hand rail specs.http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/so...cipals-of-ada/Miller TrailBlazer 251Miller HF-250-1Miller MaxStar 150 STLHyperTherm PowerMax 380 plasmaLincoln PowerMig 180Millermatic 252Miller Diversion 180