Pre-Existing Tenant Entry - Handrail Added (R-2)

[tbz]

Ok,

Let me start with this is a pre-WWII R-2 structure and on each floor level has 4 plus dwellings.

Each dwelling has (2) steps [3risers] from the lobby floor in to the condo.

Now, they are looking to replace and add missing handrails to the existing premises.

Since the entrances are pre-existing and not changing, adding handrails is being done for most reasonable placement. Based on the below photo, would one considered this reasonable placement to comply with the intent of the handrail, for this entry?

And if not, please expand and explain.

(2009 IBC) for reference:

 

[fatboy]

I could probably over look the lack of extensions, although the bottom could be accommodated easily enough, but the top termination doesn't sit well with me. When using the stair, the handrail is useless for the top rise, as you are either reaching for, or taking your hand off the rail while using the top rise. Take it to the inside, and terminate it to the end of the wall, so at least it is at, or slightly past the nosing at the top rise. JMHO

 

[ICE]

Looks too flimsy to be of much use in a fall.

 

[tbz]

I could probably over look the lack of extensions, although the bottom could be accommodated easily enough, but the top termination doesn't sit well with me. When using the stair, the handrail is useless for the top rise, as you are either reaching for, or taking your hand off the rail while using the top rise. Take it to the inside, and terminate it to the end of the wall, so at least it is at, or slightly past the nosing at the top rise. JMHO

Fatboy, the top riser is the door, thus if the handrail is moved in to the small 1.5" recess area, you reduce the width of the doorway. You can just see the door handle on the green paint on the door at the top left of the picture.

Thus, I don't think that will fly blocking the door opening.

The lower portion of the handrail terminating over the bottom riser, rather than extending out on to the lobby floor? Any additional thoughts on that?

Thanks - Tom

 

[tbz]

Looks too flimsy to be of much use in a fall.

ICE, it is currently just showing proposed placement, based on the condo owners choice of location. The mounting has not been finalized for supporting the handrail currently.

What about placement with regards to location and use on the pre-existing stairs, just for the record the treads are different sizes also.

Tom

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Better than nothing but since this is in the lobby and not the unit there should be one on each side.

 

[ADAguy]

If so tbz and if there is enough room in the corridor to do so, consider "properly" moving the first tread forward at the same level of the upper floor to provide at least one level tread or deeper when you step out and reframing the risers.
Attach the handrail to the diagonal side wall for stronger support and it would be much better from a risk management stand point.

 

[steveray]

If we can forgo the extensions here:
1012.6 Handrail extensions. Handrails shall return to a wall,
guard or the walking surface or shall be continuous to the handrail
of an adjacent stair flight or ramp run. Where handrails are
not continuous between flights, the handrails shall extend horizontally
at least 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
ramp runs. The extensions of handrails shall be in the same
direction of the stair flights 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.

Then I could probably accept it in a "making it better" situation where full compliance is not possible...Once you get to the top you may be holding the door handle to get in anyway.

 

[tbz]

If so tbz and if there is enough room in the corridor to do so, consider "properly" moving the first tread forward at the same level of the upper floor to provide at least one level tread or deeper when you step out and reframing the risers.
Attach the handrail to the diagonal side wall for stronger support and it would be much better from a risk management stand point.

This is a pre WW2 building, the steps to each unit are cast in place, there is no moving the stairs without major renovations to the entry to the owners condo, the goal here is to add handrails at the doors, per the private owners request, The handrails are not required by code, per the existing buildings built date and design. Thus, what can we add, were compliance with new codes will not fit and be reasonable.

If you ever been in the floor lobby of an old NYC building like this, there is no room, I tried for decades to understand why one would add steps to get in an apartment from the hallway in the design of these buildings. On the other side of the door you have a small landing and then a 90 degree turn and up 5 steps to the apartment floor level. Thus it was explained to me that these units were never designed and built for easy entry, they were designed more with security in mind, making it hard to bust in the door working from steps and the lower landing with the turn creates a man trap. Thus our mind set today is far different than those that built these buildings close to 100 years ago.

 

[tbz]

If we can forgo the extensions here:
1012.6 Handrail extensions. Handrails shall return to a wall,...
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.

Then I could probably accept it in a "making it better" situation where full compliance is not possible...Once you get to the top you may be holding the door handle to get in anyway.

The key here is anything is better than nothing, simply does it make it safer?

From my take, going in you more than likely put one foot up on the step, reach in and unlock the door, then grab the knob pull up and push open as you walk in. I am not sure going in it helps, i look at it more exiting..