Hand rail, mezzanine

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What are the spec's for a handrail on a mezzanine? 42" tall, center horizontal, 4" toe? How far apart on posts, five feet?That is what I measured on the existing rail, does this sound OK to duplicate?I did search but didn't find what I am looking for. Not much time between working,eating and sleeping. Any help here is appreciated and I will keep looking until bed time (soon).Thanks in advance.Tim.Tim Beeker.
Reply:Google handrail and bannister building codes   http://www.ideas-for-deck-designs.co...ng-height.htmllots of hits
Reply:Surely, the local codes office would have this information.  Might want to keep the "toe" closer than codes suggest to the ground so bottles can't roll off. You probably want to search for information on guardrails.
Reply:I have never seen a spec for distance between posts.  I have seen situations where inspectors have pushed against bannisters and not been happy about the flex and asked for stiffeners added to the posts.Also if the spaces between the vertical bars allows someone to insert their toe and boost themselves over the railing will be rejected. ( residential with children)
Reply:To get the correct answers you'll need to know how the structure is zoned (res, comm, ind) and how the mezzanine's space is defined (living, storage, mechanical) as well as the square footage. Take that info to your building and inspections dept. and they'll tell you what they want. You can hunt for the answers in the applicable code books but it's usually a time saver just to ask the inspectors. A note on newel post spacing. You probably will not find a spec on spacing, instead code will define the loads it needs to be able to resist. Usually around 250lb concentrated force in any direction and 50-150lbs per linear foot cumulative.Brian LeonardAppalachian Ironworks L.L.C.434 Long Branch Rd, Marshall, NC 28753828 649 9966828 702 [email protected]
Reply:dont necessarily copy the existing, it  could be wrong..
Reply:It sounds as though this may be a public facility.Handrails are required by every local code to follow ADA (Americans with Disibilities Act).Look under section 4.26http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htmThe access board also has a 1-800 number that anyone can call for clarifications or guidance.I'll see if I can find the actual federal rules for ADA....Hope this helps.
Reply:Thank you, everyone for the input.I should have given more info, just got in been a long day, everyone here knows how that is.Anyway, the mezzanine is in a large factory, pre-existing. The customer (plant manager) asked to have the original copied.I just want to be sure what is already there is sufficient. We will be adding 250 feet of new.Thank you again.TimTim Beeker.