Mr. Inspector
SAWHORSE
Last winter I failed an inspection on grate type steps. The openings were less than 1/2". They where being used to go into a basement under a oil changing grarge. There were open pits in the floor that whent thru the floor so you could get under the cars from the basement. I thought it was a good idea because the workers could have oily shoes. But IBC 1009.6.1 says stairway treads and landings must be solid. So they fastened 1/4 ply wood onto the treads and also used the plywood to close the risers. Then I passed it. I'm sure the plywood is off by now.
These stairs also had to be accessable. ANSI 504.4 says tread surface for accessible stairs must comply by ANSI 302 which does not say a solid surface but lets openings less than 1/2". It made me think that if you had accessible stairs where only handicap people would use them you could use the grate type stairs.
Now I am looking at plans for a accessible grate type ramp. Don't know how big the openings are yet. Nothing in the IBC about solid surface. IBC 1010.7.1 only says ramp surface must be slip resistant. ANSI 405.4 sends you to ANSI 302(opening less than 1/2" are ok)
So ramps and their landings are ok with a grate type surface (openings less than 1/2) but stairs and their landings must be solid.
Am I looking at this right?
These stairs also had to be accessable. ANSI 504.4 says tread surface for accessible stairs must comply by ANSI 302 which does not say a solid surface but lets openings less than 1/2". It made me think that if you had accessible stairs where only handicap people would use them you could use the grate type stairs.
Now I am looking at plans for a accessible grate type ramp. Don't know how big the openings are yet. Nothing in the IBC about solid surface. IBC 1010.7.1 only says ramp surface must be slip resistant. ANSI 405.4 sends you to ANSI 302(opening less than 1/2" are ok)
So ramps and their landings are ok with a grate type surface (openings less than 1/2) but stairs and their landings must be solid.
Am I looking at this right?