Exterior stair set in hill/sloped grade

[Nat]

Hi everyone,
I am working on a project with an existing exterior stair that essentially follows the incline of a shallow hill. It's basically a stepped concrete sidewalk (4 risers), with a handrail running down the center. It's 6'-0" wide and each "tread" is about 7' or 8' long. There is really no drop since the adjacent grade of the hill aligns with the stairs... there might be some places where the earth has settled, but it's never more than one riser (7").

The existing handrail running down the center is more like a guardrail, with the top rail being used as the handrail. The top rail is 37" high.

My question is whether or not railings are required on each side of the stairs?

Thanks in advance.

 

[tbz]

where is the stair situated on the property and what does it serve?

 

[Nat]

The stair connects the main entrance of a commercial building to the sidewalk.

 

[Nat]

Could section 1011.11 exception 3 apply? Decks, patios, and walkways that have a single change in elevation where the landing depth on each side of the change in elevation is greater than what is required for a landing do not require handrails.

It's more like a series of individual elevation changes as part of a walkway than a stair. You take a step up then walk several steps before you take another step up.

 

[tbz]

Could section 1011.11 exception 3 apply? Decks, patios, and walkways that have a single change in elevation where the landing depth on each side of the change in elevation is greater than what is required for a landing do not require handrails.

It's more like a series of individual elevation changes as part of a walkway than a stair. You take a step up then walk several steps before you take another step up.

So, you don't have any treads, they are floor elevations/landings with a riser in between.

Exception 2 1011.11 in the MI. 2015 IBC, and the 2018 Model IBC could apply, if it is not within the designated moe.

However, what does the walkway server and is this a secondary stair flight with a compliant ramp for the moe elsewhere or is this a primary exit?

what is the occupancy load for the exit the stairs serve?

 

[Nat]

Could section 1011.11 exception 3 apply? Decks, patios, and walkways that have a single change in elevation where the landing depth on each side of the change in elevation is greater than what is required for a landing do not require handrails.

It's more like a series of individual elevation changes as part of a walkway than a stair. You take a step up then walk several steps before you take another step up.

 

[Nat]

The total occupant load for that exit is about 200 occupants. There is a ramp directly adjacent to the stairs in question. Actually, it's a sloped walkway as the inclination is less than 5%.

 

[steveray]

It's existing, so likely the handrails are not required...If you were building it new, the discussion with Tom is on the right track...

 

[JPohling]

We have used that exception 1011.11 (3) for hardscape walkways to eliminate handrails.