Accessible Entry / Egress

[Ryan M]

Hello,

I have a project that has 2 entries / egress exits. The first door is at grade but the second door is 1'-0" above grade. Based on IBC 1105.1 both entries will be required to be accessible so I added a ramp to get to the second entry. Based on the flow of traffic we also wanted to add a stair to access this entry. Based on IBC 1003.5 exception 2 which says we have to provide a 13" tread and "not less than one handrail" as long as its not required to be accessible. Does this mean I only need 1 handrail? And it would not be required to be accessible since there is a ramp option that would fit all the exit capacity? I'm using a 1/20 ramp so I technically don't require any handrail but I'm using one in leu of a curb. I have attached a rendering to show the condition. We would love to avoid another handrail in front of the storefront if possible.

Thanks,

 

[arwat23]

Take this with a grain of salt since I use California Code and not IBC, but I think two handrails would be required since IBC 1011.11 exceptions don't seem to apply here. The "not less" doesn't negate any other requirements of code, so if another section would require it, it's required.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

The default code requirement for ramps and for stairs in all except IRC stairs is for two handrails. However, you have found an exception that allows one handrail on an egress stair (something I never expected to find in the code, but they're always surprising me). Since technically a 1:20 incline is a sloped walk rather than a ramp, the requirement for two handrails doesn't apply to your [non]ramp, either.

I think you're good to go.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Take this with a grain of salt since I use California Code and not IBC, but I think two handrails would be required since IBC 1011.11 exceptions don't seem to apply here. The "not less" doesn't negate any other requirements of code, so if another section would require it, it's required.

IBC 1011.11 was my immediate thought, too, but I read the exception the OP found to govern in the specific instance of an exterior stair with 13-inch treads.

 

[steveray]

Has to be <12" total rise...And great first post....Welcome to THE forum!

 

[Paul Sweet]

A single handrail has to be within 30 inches of the centerline of the normal path of egress travel on the stair