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Graspable handrails

alaskajoe

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Joined
May 22, 2019
Messages
54
Location
Alaska
I cant find it but is there any code that will call out the maximum distance horizontally from the edge of the stair tread where the graspable handrail must be?
 
Odd that it isn't based on required stairway width.

Is there an assumption that buildings built under IRC will always be of such low occupancy that a mid stair handrail is never required, regardless of width of stair? In fact, I think literally R311.7.8.2 prohibits mid-stair handrails, since they project far more than 4 1/2".

I'm guessing my building inspector will accept a single handrail in middle of 6' porch stairs, but we'll see. (not over 30" high).
 
Only one handrail is required by the IRC. You can always install one on each side if you want to. You can install a mid-stair if your stairs are wider than 72 inches. Nothing prohibits you from exceeding the minimum code requirements.
 
I cant find it but is there any code that will call out the maximum distance horizontally from the edge of the stair tread where the graspable handrail must be?
Depends on which way you are measuring?

The text has been questioned if the intent is 4-1/2" each-way from each edge on each side Or just 4 1/2" inward.

But here is the link to the 2024 IRC Model

 
If it's in the middle of the stair it is not projecting from the wall it's not attached to the wall it is a standalone rail. The language that I might be concerned with is in a residential setting the handrail must be on one side.
 
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