Handrails On Wide Steps

[Phil B]

Is a handrail required in the middle of a set of exterior 14' wide, 2-riser steps leading from a pedestrian way to a sidewalk? There are handrails on both ends.

This condition does not seemed to be governed by section 1014.9:

 

[RLGA]

You only need intermediate handrails if more than 60 inches of egress capacity is required.

 

[Phil B]

You only need intermediate handrails if more than 60 inches of egress capacity is required.

Thank you for both topics!

 

[redeyedfly]

So many inspectors read this section incorrectly!!

 

[Phil B]

So many inspectors read this section incorrectly!!

Including me

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

It depends on where the natural path of travel is. From the 2021 IBC Commentary:

 

[redeyedfly]

It depends on where the natural path of travel is. From the 2021 IBC Commentary:

View attachment 16357

Commentary is not code and the code says NOTHING about assumed natural path of travel.

 

[Phil B]

Commentary is not code and the code says NOTHING about assumed natural path of travel.

Amen! And it is very subjective. What do you do when the defendant says "Your Honor, I was naturally walking down the center of these wide stairs and lost my balance because was no handrail to grasp"?

 

[walker.t]

the code says NOTHING about assumed natural path of travel

2021 IBC 1017.3 Measurement (partial quote, emphasis added)
Exit access travel distance shall be measured from the most remote point of each room, area or space along the natural and unobstructed path of horizontal and vertical egress travel to the entrance to an exit.

 

[redeyedfly]

the code says NOTHING about assumed natural path of travel...in 1014.9.

 

[Paul Sweet]

When I was younger my natural path of travel was down the center, 2 steps at a time. Now it's at the railings.

 

[Joe.B]

My natural path of travel depends on how many beers I've had.