Square base to circular column a tripping hazard?

[gnarkill283]

We need to have square bases for our circular columns. The bases are 1' high and 2" longer in length than the diameter of the columns. Is this acceptable? If not what can be done to make it acceptable? Raise the height of the base or transition the square into the circular column shape? Thanks

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Nothing in the code would make you change it

 

[Beniah Naylor]

It's detectable with a cane, I don't think there are any issues.

 

[classicT]

Code does not address... it is a minimum standard.

Should you address... maybe. You seem to think it will be a trip hazard. You can fur out the columns to match the pedestal dimensions.

 

[steveray]

Does it reduce the required egress width?

 

[tmurray]

Can you drop the bases into whatever they bear on so that the top is flush with the floor?

Not so much a code issue as it is an insurance issue.

 

[ICE]

Here ya go Jeff. This thread needs a free picture.

 

[bill1952]

A lot of entasis might solve it.

 

[Yikes]

As stated elsewhere, not a code problem.

There are other portions of the codes (such as ADAS 307.2) developed in such a way that might imply that people generally tend to stay at least 4" away from walls, posts, etc. as they travel, so the 2" might not be a problem. But nothing you can "hang your hat on".

 

[bill1952]

Found an example at my local pharmacy today. I think allowed, but feel the taller the base the better.

 

[ICE]

We need to have square bases for our circular columns. The bases are 1' high and 2" longer in length than the diameter of the columns. Is this acceptable? If not what can be done to make it acceptable? Raise the height of the base or transition the square into the circular column shape? Thanks

An inch of base sticking past the column is acceptable. I’m not sure why you would ask…..

 

[bill1952]

It's an inch at the minimum. At the corners it's considerably more. A 12" diameter column on a 14" square base would project nearly 3.9" at the corners.

 

[ICE]

It seems to me that if one were to be tripped by that 4" corner they would have run into the column. I don't see that as a hazard. It probably wouldn't hurt to chamfer the top of that corner ..... soften the blow if a drunk slams his head into it.... but other than drunk people, where's the problem?

 

[steveray]

It seems to me that if one were to be tripped by that 4" corner they would have run into the column. I don't see that as a hazard. It probably wouldn't hurt to chamfer the top of that corner ..... soften the blow if a drunk slams his head into it.... but other than drunk people, where's the problem?

Hey hey hey.....I resemble that remark....