Exception to Handrails

[walker.t]

Based on the logic that a pedicure platform requires a handrail, do you think the code also requires a handrail to step into an elevated dining booth like this?

For the booths that are close to the edge of the riser, a person doesn’t step up onto the riser to sit on the booth seat - they sit on the edge of the booth seat, rotate their legs under the table, and slide away from the edge of the booth. So their feet don’t leave the main floor until their butt is on the booth seat. In this case, it’s not a riser where I person is intended to step up to the floor surface under the table. And if you did try to add a handrail, where would the handrail extensions go? Extensions extend over landings, there is no landing.

How about this one, where the booth is set back from the step?

For the booths that are set back from the edge of the riser, a person must step up onto the elevated floor below the tables then sit down on the booth seating. I’m thinking this configuration fails because there is not enough space between the riser and booths for:

1. A 48” landing per IBC 1011.6.
2. A minimum 36” wide accessible route per A117.1 403.5.
3. Maybe a turning space to allow the server to turn around and step off the riser while facing in the direction of travel or to allow a patron to turn around without first sitting down.

Regarding a handrail at this booth configuration, here’s a quote from a similar thread on the forum:

IBC 2018 1011.11 requires handrails on "Flights of Stairways", both flight and stairways are defined in chapter 2.

A single change in elevation is not a flight nor a stairway as defined by the model IBC, thus single changes in elevation do not require handrails, the IBC even has an exception that says so, not sure why, but it does.

 

[steveray]

And where is the accessible pedi chair?

 

[Sifu]

And where is the accessible pedi chair?

They provided a clear space for a wheelchair at one of the stations from the ground floor.

 

[bill1952]

For the booths that are close to the edge of the riser, a person doesn’t step up onto the riser to sit on the booth seat - they sit on the edge of the booth seat, rotate their legs under the table, and slide away from the edge of the booth. So their feet don’t leave the main floor until their butt is on the booth seat. In this case, it’s not a riser where I person is intended to step up to the floor surface under the table. And if you did try to add a handrail, where would the handrail extensions go? Extensions extend over landings, there is no landing.

I see people fall frequently when leaving this kind of booth. I'd put handrail in line with seat back. When they rotate to get out, it will be within easy reach. More of a stanchion tuna a handrail. Could just be a big handle. They work well. It's a step in the means of egress. As far as extention, is use the assembly seating exception that permits no extension. I'd like to do anything possible to minimize falls.

 

[steveray]

. I'd like to do anything possible to minimize falls.

I can never remember Jake Paul's name....until I do.....

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

I would agree.

In my opinion we are talking about a single riser is the only way that exception 2 applies.

Check out the IBC Commentary. There's a photo of a curved walkway with multiple "changes of elevation" that they use as an example of Exception #2. But it's not really a "stairway" -- the "treads" are sections of walk at least four or five feet long.

 

[tbz]

Happy New Year All,

I will Limit my comments to the IBC, not other standards for accessibility, as this is posted under the commercial building codes section and references 1011.11, not A117 nor 2010ADA.

• In order to decide if a handrail is required you first have to establish you have a "Flight"
  • A single landing to landing change of elevation in the IBC is a stair, not a flight,
    • Even if you have a succession of multiple single risers, lets say 4 for this comment, all having landings over the minimum required depth of 48-inches between them. You have not created nor met the definition of a flight, as you still have no treads.
  • As to exception #2 this has been and is still debated both ways as discussed.
    • For reference here the IBC definition for a type of "walkway" is listed as, "Walkway, Pedestrian"
      • "A walkway used exclusively as a pedestrian trafficway."
  • Looking at the newer OP question, that reopened this topic,
    • Are the chairs permanent installation, I am guessing so if they have running hot and cold water with drains
      • If permanent not sure the plumbing fixture section covers these types of chairs, not in my baily wick
        • But IMO that is the place to start before handrails even hit the questions
      • if the chairs are not classified as permanent fixtures, hence the space could be used for something else, then you look at it as a single change in room elevation without the chairs even in the review IMO.
• As to the handrails being required or not
  • if you don't have a minimum landing area, then you have an large size tread leading into a seating fixture
  • the code notes that a minimum tread size must be 11-inches, it does not have a maximum limit,
    • thus a "tread" is a minimum of 11-inch and can be a maximum of 47.99999-inches in depth before it becomes a landing.
  • As to post #23 and the question
    • Booth picture #1
      • has a rise up and I don't see the conflict per the IBC
    • Booth picture #2
      • has a single tread leading into the booth,
        • is a single tread allowed per the IBC to be used in this situation is the question.

So here is the question that is on the fence for the 2nd OP's question.

• Is this a raised walking surface leading to a chair or a single tread being used to access the fixture?

 

[steveray]

As to exception #2 this has been and is still debated both ways as discussed.

Maybe delete that in 2030 to eliminate the confusion...?

 

[bill1952]

Is this a raised walking surface leading to a chair or a single tread being used to access the fixture?

Definition of a stair - 1 or more risers. So definitely a stair, but I conclude not a stairway.

End of the day, single rise stairs are among the most dangerous and designing to code is a necessary condition but sometimes or often not sufficient.

 

[Sifu]

So here is the question that is on the fence for the 2nd OP's question.

• Is this a raised walking surface leading to a chair or a single tread being used to access the fixture?

Not sure how to answer that. Maybe I will refer to it as a raised seating surface. It is a platform, on which sits three chairs with an area in front of each chair for the foot rest. The entire platform is raised 6" across the width. Clueless about how these things work, and want to remain that way. The drawing indicates a chair towards the rear of the 6' deep platform, and some other type of footrest towards the front of the platform. The only circulation is to step up and take the seat. The first proposal was 18", this one is 6". Apparently it is important to them to have the worker be lower than the foot, but not so much that they wanted to stay with 18" and 3 risers. It is not a part of the MOE for anyone other than those getting worked on.

 

[steveray]

Employee accessibility?

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Within the past 18 months, we have permitted at least three salons with multiple pedicure stations in each. None of them had the pedicure chairs on raised platforms. IMHO they need to seriously consider the ADA / accessibility implications.

 

[Sifu]

I think it may fall under an employee workspace...maybe employee ergonomics?
I have searched high and low for guidance on accessibility to these elements in a salon. The most specific I could find is providing clear spaces and accessible routes. Everything else seems to be a best practices issue.

 

[steveray]

Not sure if it meets 1103.2.2 and/ or 1104.3.1

1103.2.2​

Spaces and elements within employee work areas shall only be required to comply with Sections 907.5.2.3.1, 1009 and 1104.3.1 and shall be designed and constructed so that individuals with disabilities can approach, enter and exit the work area. Work areas, or portions of work areas, other than raised courtroom stations in accordance with Section 1109.4.1.4, that are less than 300 square feet (30 m2) in area and located 7 inches (178 mm) or more above or below the ground or finished floor where the change in elevation is essential to the function of the space shall be exempt from all requirements.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

It looks the step from the tables is the means of egress from the seating area in a restaurant which may be a "A" or "B" occupancy. Wouldn't this be covered in exception 3 if just the aisle had a handrail? Not sure how a handrail in the aisle would work.

2018 IBC
1003.5 Elevation change. Where changes in elevation of less
than 12 inches (305 mm) exist in the means of egress, sloped
surfaces shall be used. Where the slope is greater than one
unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope), ramps
complying with Section 1012 shall be used. Where the difference
in elevation is 6 inches (152 mm) or less, the ramp shall
be equipped with either handrails or floor finish materials
that contrast with adjacent floor finish materials.
Exceptions:
1. A single step with a maximum riser height of 7
inches (178 mm) is permitted for buildings with
occupancies in Groups F, H, R-2, R-3, S and U at
exterior doors not required to be accessible by
Chapter 11.
2. A stair with a single riser or with two risers and a
tread is permitted at locations not required to be
accessible by Chapter 11 where the risers and treads
comply with Section 1011.5, the minimum depth of
the tread is 13 inches (330 mm) and not less than
one handrail complying with Section 1014 is provided
within 30 inches (762 mm) of the centerline of
the normal path of egress travel on the stair.
3. A step is permitted in aisles serving seating that has
a difference in elevation less than 12 inches (305
mm) at locations not required to be accessible by
Chapter 11, provided that the risers and treads comply
with Section 1029.14 and the aisle is provided
with a handrail complying with Section 1029.16.
Throughout a story in a Group I-2 occupancy, any change
in elevation in portions of the means of egress that serve
nonambulatory persons shall be by means of a ramp or sloped
walkway.

 

[walker.t]

I think it may fall under an employee workspace

I wouldn’t think so based on the definition of “Employee Work Area”:

2018 IBC Partial Definition of “Employee Work Area” (emphasis added)
All or any portion of a space used only by employees and only for work.

The person stepping up onto the riser platform and sitting in the chair is a customer, not an employee.

The most specific I could find is providing clear spaces and accessible routes.

Regarding an accessible route to the chairs:
1. A117.1 403.4, changes in level shall comply with Section 303.
2. A117.1 303, changes in level greater than 1/2” in height shall be ramped.