Edge protection at ramp vs. walk

[Chris_Sanders]

Good afternoon-

I'm looking at a design where a walkway (1:20 slope) consists of precast planks, supported by steel below. The top of walk isn't very far from the top of adjacent grade (less than 30"). Design has handrails flush w/ the vertical plane of the outside edge of the walk.

I see in the IBC where ramps require edge protection for this type of situation. I don't see where the IBC requires walks to provide the same protection, even though in this scenario the only difference between the two is the slope of the walking surface. Is the rationale that you'll slip more easily on a greater slope, thus the need for edge protection only at ramps?

Thanks in advance for your help and insight!

 

[JBI]

Why are they providing a handrail? Sounds like the intended purpose is a ramp and they are staying under the radar with it, but I could be mistaken. Is it part of an accessible route?

 

[Chris_Sanders]

Yes, it's part of an accessible route. I don't think the rail is required, but it's being provided as a courtesy.

On further review, I found pretty much the exact same discussion in this thread: http://www.thebuildingcodeforum.com/forum/accessibility/9407-handrails-edge-protection-walking-surfaces-not-defined-ramp.html. I think the ultimate outcome of this discussion was that edge protection is not required in this situation.

Sorry for rehashing this issue without first checking the archives!

 

[steveray]

Correct...not required at a "sloped walking surface" until 30", as an owner liability issue the rail might help prevent some accidents from happening.

 

[Paul Sweet]

It might not be required by IBC, but I would still recommend providing something to prevent crutch tips from slipping off the edge of the walk (ADASAD 405.9). A lower bar on the handrail would be easy and inexpensive to provide.