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Viewing Platform/Step for kids

M

MArch

Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2014
Messages
11
Location
North Carolina
I have to provide a viewing platform/step for children to view (through glass) the production of doughnuts at a doughnut chain restaurant. (A2) The platform is 14" above the finish floor. (2) steps.

Questions:

Does it have to be egress width? or can it simply be a very wide step?

Will it require a handrail?

Thanks in advance.
 
Pretty sure it would need at least 2 handrails......Not sure what you mean on the width....

1009.12 Handrails. Stairways shall have handrails on each side and shall comply with Section 1012. Where glass is used to provide the handrail, the handrail shall also comply with Section 2407.

Exceptions:

1. Handrails for aisle stairs are not required where permitted by Section 1028.13.

2. Stairways within dwelling units, spiral stairways and aisle stairs serving seating only on one side are permitted to have a handrail on one side only.

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

4. In Group R-3 occupancies, a change in elevation consisting of a single riser at an entrance or egress door does not require handrails.

5. Changes in room elevations of three or fewer risers within dwelling units and sleeping units in Group R-2 and R-3 do not require handrails.
 
It is not a means of egress component so the width is not a code issue. I would think from a liability issue you would want some kind of handrail/guards for the children to rely upon. I also believe the lower 34 inch handrail height would work best for the children using the platform.
 
Per the 2015 IBC, a stair is defined as one or more risers (section 202), and a stairway is defined as one or more flights of stairs. So the single step would be stairway, and all stairways are required to have a handrail (1012). The top step would be required to be a landing (1009.8) at least 48" deep. Which makes sense since you have to figure the kids are going to be bounching around, so you don't want then to fall off the top. Hope this helps.
 
Thanks everyone for the replies.

As for the width....if it isn't an egress component does that mean I can get away with it being less than 36" (min egress width with less than 50 occupants.)

Thanks in advance.
 
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