Handrail on Stairs - Run and Extension Same Direction

[tbz]

So I have a Client who was presented the following plan view to fabricated a pair of handrails as part of a project they are working on.

Both the fabricator and myself are of the position that the current Virginia IBC, as adopted does not allow the handrail extensions on handrails to change direction.

Thus the handrail on the wall on the left below is ok, but the handrail on the right would need to parallel the handrail on left in a manner to keep the extensions inline with the ascending handrail going up the stair flight.

I am not saying the handrails must be the same or parallel, just saying that each handrail must run straight with the extensions.

Looking to verify, if the inspectors and plan reviewers agree that the handrail ascending up the right side with the changes in direction is not compliant or is it?

 

[instantmessenger]

It looks strange the way it’s drawn but I don’t think the way it’s positioned isn’t compliant. However, I did notice that the extensions are not compliant because they are too short. The extensions must be 12” past the top and bottom risers and because they are not perpendicular to the risers they must extent further to achieve the 12”.

 

[tbz]

It looks strange the way it’s drawn but I don’t think the way it’s positioned isn’t compliant. However, I did notice that the extensions are not compliant because they are too short. The extensions must be 12” past the top and bottom risers and because they are not perpendicular to the risers they must extent further to achieve the 12”.

So, you don't see an issue with the handrail extensions turning? I posted the code section below for refence: The handrail does not follow the stair flight per say, but at a minimum the handrail extensions could be argued they do, but the handrail is in a different plane than the extensions.

2015 Virginia Construction Code Section 1014.6

1014.6 Handrail Extensions.
Handrails shall return to a wall, guard or the walking surface or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent flight of stairs or ramp run. Where handrails are not continuous between flights, the handrails shall extend horizontally not less than 12 inches (305 mm) beyond the top riser and continue to slope for the depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser. At ramps where handrails are not continuous between runs, the handrails shall extend horizontally above the landing 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beyond the top and bottom of the ramp runs. The extensions of handrails shall be in the same direction of the flights of stairs at stairways and the ramp runs at ramps.

Exceptions:
1. Handrails within a dwelling unit that is not required to be accessible need extend only from the top riser to the bottom riser.
2. Handrails serving aisles in rooms or spaces used for assembly purposes are permitted to comply with the handrail extensions in accordance with Section 1029.15.
3. Handrails for alternating tread devices and ships ladders are permitted to terminate at a location vertically above the top and bottom risers. Handrails for alternating tread devices are not required to be continuous between flights or to extend beyond the top or bottom risers.

CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS - 2015 VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION CODE

ICC Digital Codes is the largest provider of model codes, custom codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures.

codes.iccsafe.org

 

[instantmessenger]

So, you don't see an issue with the handrail extensions turning? I posted the code section below for refence: The handrail does not follow the stair flight per say, but at a minimum the handrail extensions could be argued they do, but the handrail is in a different plane than the extensions.

2015 Virginia Construction Code Section 1014.6

1014.6 Handrail Extensions.
Handrails shall return to a wall, guard or the walking surface or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent flight of stairs or ramp run. Where handrails are not continuous between flights, the handrails shall extend horizontally not less than 12 inches (305 mm) beyond the top riser and continue to slope for the depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser. At ramps where handrails are not continuous between runs, the handrails shall extend horizontally above the landing 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beyond the top and bottom of the ramp runs. The extensions of handrails shall be in the same direction of the flights of stairs at stairways and the ramp runs at ramps.

Exceptions:
1. Handrails within a dwelling unit that is not required to be accessible need extend only from the top riser to the bottom riser.
2. Handrails serving aisles in rooms or spaces used for assembly purposes are permitted to comply with the handrail extensions in accordance with Section 1029.15.
3. Handrails for alternating tread devices and ships ladders are permitted to terminate at a location vertically above the top and bottom risers. Handrails for alternating tread devices are not required to be continuous between flights or to extend beyond the top or bottom risers.

CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS - 2015 VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION CODE

ICC Digital Codes is the largest provider of model codes, custom codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures.

codes.iccsafe.org

Interesting, but I didn’t see anything that says the rails and extensions needs to be aligned perfectly within a specific degree range of tolerance. They are going in the same general direction as the stairs. Note that there is nothing that says these must be placed exactly at 90 degrees to the stairs in the code. Without having any other details, the rails looks like they are against the walls, not sure though.

 

[mark handler]

So, you don't see an issue with the handrail extensions turning?

The reason behind it is, with forward momentum, a person can break their wrist when the wrist reaches the change in direction in the stair. It has happened.