A handrail, also called a banister, is the part of the staircase that people hold onto for support when going up and down the stairs. The handrail must provide stability and a continuous guide along the stair.26 feb 2021
Do my stairs need a handrail?
If your home has three or fewer steps, there's no need to install a handrail. However, homes having four or more stairs must have a rail mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. If one edge of the stairwell is open, that's where the handrail must be.
What is the purpose of a handrail?
A handrail is a rail that is designed to be grasped by the hand so as to provide safety or support. Handrails are commonly used while ascending or descending stairways and escalators in order to prevent injurious falls.
What is a handrail in navigation?
Handrails are features that you can follow easily (like a handrail on a staircase). ... Examples include shorelines, trails, roads, fences, streams, ditches, ridge lines, power lines, edges of fields, and other long, narrow features just as easily.10 oct 2018
What is a handrail required for stairs?
On a stair, since handrail must be between 34" and 38", the handrail and the top of the guard can be one and the same. In commercial applications, the IBC requires a minimum height of 42". On stairs, once there is a 30" drop, a handrail will be required and placed between 34" and 38" above the nosing.
What is the difference between a handrail and a stair rail?
Handrails and stair railings – they sound like pretty much the same thing. They're not. ... A stair railing, on the other hand, is mostly to prevent people from falling off the side of the stairs. They aren't asked to do much more – and they don't.18 mar 2019
What are the OSHA requirements for handrails?
The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910.29(f)(1)(ii)(B)) and the handrail must be 30 to 38 inches in height (§1910.29(f)(1)(i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail).23 sept 2019
What is code for porch handrails?
In most cases, you are required to have a railing when the floor of your porch is 30 inches or more above grade. However, 30 inches can be a long to fall; therefore some codes may require railings if your porch is 15 or 24 inches above grade. ... There may also be specific handrail requirements (width dimensions).
At what height does OSHA require guardrails?
42 inches
Where are OSHA guardrails required?
However, in OSHA applications, the elements are most likely horizontal rails. So, the term is appropriate. A guardrail is required once there is a 48-inch drop. As opposed to the requirements of handrail system, a guardrail must be 42 inches in height – plus or minus 3 inches above the walking surface.