1012.6 Handrail returns in corridors

[100eyeballs]

Handrails are not required in corridors. Where handrails are installed, do all provisions of 1012 Handrails apply, including 1012.6 Handrail Extensions which indicates handrails shall return to a wall, guard or the walking surface... ? The main question is if handrail returns are are required for corridor handrails? The only place referenced in the code is under Handrail Extensions which usually apply to ramps and stairs and the commentary also does not specifically address corridors.

 

[100eyeballs]

One thing to add. "Handrail" defined as: A horizontal or slopping rail intended for grasping by the hand for guidance or support. The commentary goes on to say "Handrails are provided along walking surfaces that lead from one elevation to another, such as ramps and stairways." By this definition the horizontal rail along a corridor that is not changing levels is not technically defined as a handrail and therefore does not need returns.

 

[fatboy]

Call it a tall chair rail.

Personally, I think the hazard of the rail catching clothing, handbags and such is still present, but it would be difficult to enforce.

 

[JCraver]

I would require returns, and cite 1012.6 as my reason. If you provide them, and they're going to be used as a handrail, then they need to comply with the handrail requirements.

Just for my curiosity, what does installing them without returns gain you? Is it an aesthetic concern, or is there some other issue?

 

[jdfruit]

Have seen handrails in corridors for medical occupancies like hospitals and clinics. Here on the left (and very dry) coast, CA State Code requires handrails in halls and corridors for licensed medical buildings and references returns directly in the State Code. I recommend checking the Michigan statutes to see if there is something similar.

 

[ICE]

Section 1012 applies to required handrails and no other.

 

[steveray]

Just make sure this does not get you....

1003.3.3 Horizontal projections. Structural elements, fixtures or furnishings shall not project horizontally from either side more than 4 inches (102 mm) over any walking surface between the heights of 27 inches (686 mm) and 80 inches (2032 mm) above the walking surface.

 

[mark handler]

Personally, I think the hazard of the rail catching clothing, handbags and such is still present, but it would be difficult to enforce.

I agree.

Code is a minimum.

If you exeed the code by adding additional items they need to meet the code intent.

The intent of retuning the rail to the wall or post is just that, preventing a clothing trap.

I would ask for the "return".

 

[ICE]

1012.1 Where required. Handrails for stairways and rampsshall be adequate in strength and attachment in accordance

with Section 1607.8. Handrails required for stairways by Section

1009.15 shall comply with Sections 1012.2 through

1012.9. Handrails required for ramps by Section 1010.9 shall

comply with Sections 1012.2 through 1012.8.

The code is specific in that the code applies to required handrails. As much as I stretch code and even invent code it is a bit too obvious that a handrail in a corridor is not required and therefor Section 1012 can't be enforced.