Is it a legal requirement to have a handrail on stairs UK?

If stairs are more than 1000mm wide it must have a handrail on both sides. For domestic properties, there are no restrictions as to the length of a flight up to 36 risers. Above 36 risers there should be a change of direction of at least 30°.

What is the height of a stair handrail?

Answer: Section 1926.1052 (Stairways) states: (c) Stairrails and handrails. (6) The height of handrails shall be not more than 37 inches (94 cm) nor less than 30 inches (76 cm) from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread.

Is it illegal to not have a handrail on stairs?





Handrails are mandatory. Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than one metre wide, and on both sides if wider than this. Handrails should be placed between 900mm and 1000mm above the highest point on the staircase steps.

What is the British standard for handrails?

The centre line of all handrails should be between 900mm and 975mm above the stair or ramp pitch line. For balustrades guarding landing areas and balconies the barrier should be a minimum of 1100mm above FFL, while centreline of the handrail should be between 900mm and 1100mm above Finished Floor Level (FFL). 6.

Can a 2×4 be used as a handrail?

According to the IRC (2018), you can use a 2×4 to make a handrail, but you must cut finger recesses along both sides of the board and position the lumber lengthwise on its end. Using a 2×4 as a handrail laid vertically is not allowed.

Where should a handrail start and stop?

The railing must be continuous, starting at the nosing of the upper landing and extending at a minimum to the nosing of the lowest step or “riser”. For optimal safety, whenever possible the handrail should run the entire length of the Nosing Line.

How far apart should brackets be on a handrail?





36 to 48 inches apart

We recommend spacing the Brackets 36 to 48 inches apart. In most cases, it is desirable to transition the Handrail past the last stair with a horizontal rail of 6 to 12 inches. Some local codes require this extension be 12 inches.

Do I need handrails on both sides of stairs?

Handrail is required to both sides of the stair/ramp, with a minimum of 1000mm clearance between both handrails. Therefore, a stairwell needs to be at least 1160-1200mm wide in order to allow for 1000mm clearance, 30-50mm handrail on each side (60-100mm) and 50mm clearance from the wall on both sides (100mm).

Does a handrail have to be round?

Handrail must be between 1-¼ inch to 2-inch diameter. Shapes, other than round, are permissible if they meet the ADA’s definition of Equivalent graspability.

Do you need a continuous handrail?



Any flight of steps that consists of two or more risers should be provided with a continuous handrail on each side. If any stairway consists of two or more flights, separated by a landing or landings, each handrail should, if feasible, be continuous throughout the series of flights.

What side of stairs does handrail go on?

From ground floor to first floor the wall mounted handrail is on the LEFT, From first floor to second floor the handrail with the balustrade is on the RIGHT.

Can a handrail switch sides?

The handrail can be on either side of the staircase. It is required to run the entire length of the stairs as any breaks can cause a distraction that may cause a loss of footing and end in a fall. Breaks are allowed if the stairs are either changing directions or have enclosed landings.

Where should stair handrails be placed?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And 34 inches off the nose of the tread i'm going to put the level tight against the stair holding it plumb i'm going to mark the top of the stair tread.

What is the maximum distance a handrail can stick out into the staircase?

Terminology: Stair Railing and Stair Guards

Stair Railing Building Code
Maximum Projection of Railing From Wall 4-1/2 inches
Minimum Hand Clearance From Wall 1-1/2 inches
Minimum Distance Between Two Railings 27 inches
Minimum Railing Distance, One Railing 31-1/2 inches

How many steps can you take without a handrail?

Building Codes



The building code does not refer to the number of “steps” but it does require a handrail when there are two or more “risers”. For clarification, a “riser” is the vertical portion of a stair. The “tread” is the top of a step. A two riser minimum would translate to two steps.

What are the OSHA requirements for handrails?

The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910.29(f)(1)(ii)(B)) and the handrail must be 30 to 38 inches in height (§1910.29(f)(1)(i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail).

How many steps require a handrail OSHA?



Stairways with four or more risers, or that rise more than 30 inches (76 cm) in height— whichever is less—must have at least one handrail.