When Stairways Have Four Or More Risers, Or Rise More Than 30 Inches In Height, What Must They Have?

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When Stairways Have Four or More Risers, or Rise More Than 30 Inches in Height, What Must They Have?

When it comes to designing and building stairways, there are several key factors to consider in order to ensure safety and compliance with building codes. One of the most important considerations is the height and number of risers on a stairway. In this article, we will explore the requirements for stairways that have four or more risers, or rise more than 30 inches in height.

According to the International Building Code (IBC), stairways with four or more risers, or those that rise more than 30 inches in height, must meet certain requirements. These requirements are designed to ensure that stairways are safe and accessible for users.

Riser Height and Tread Depth

One of the key requirements for stairways with four or more risers, or those that rise more than 30 inches in height, is that the riser height and tread depth must be consistent throughout the stairway. The IBC requires that the riser height be between 4 inches and 7 inches, and the tread depth be between 11 inches and 16 inches.

Riser Height and Tread Depth Requirements

  • Riser Height: The riser height must be between 4 inches and 7 inches.
  • Tread Depth: The tread depth must be between 11 inches and 16 inches.
  • Consistency: The riser height and tread depth must be consistent throughout the stairway.

Handrail Requirements

Another key requirement for stairways with four or more risers, or those that rise more than 30 inches in height, is that they must have handrails. The IBC requires that handrails be installed on both sides of the stairway, and that they be at least 34 inches above the nosing of the treads.

Handrail Requirements

  • Installation: Handrails must be installed on both sides of the stairway.
  • Height: Handrails must be at least 34 inches above the nosing of the treads.
  • Grip: Handrails must have a grip that is at least 1.5 inches in diameter.

Guardrail Requirements

In addition to handrails, stairways with four or more risers, or those that rise more than 30 inches in height, must also have guardrails. The IBC requires that guardrails be installed at the open sides of the stairway, and that they be at least 42 inches high.

Guardrail Requirements

  • Installation: Guardrails must be installed at the open sides of the stairway.
  • Height: Guardrails must be at least 42 inches high.
  • Spacing: Guardrails must be spaced no more than 4 inches apart.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the requirements mentioned above, stairways with four or more risers, or those that rise more than 30 inches in height, must also meet certain additional requirements. These requirements include:

  • Landings: Stairways must have landings at least 36 inches wide and 36 inches deep at each floor level.
  • Stairway Width: Stairways must be at least 36 inches wide.
  • Headroom: Stairways must have a minimum headroom of 80 inches.

In conclusion, stairways with four or more risers, or those that rise more than 30 inches in height, must meet certain requirements in order to ensure safety and compliance with building codes. These requirements include consistent riser height and tread depth, handrails, guardrails, landings, stairway width, and headroom. By understanding these requirements, designers and builders can create stairways that are safe and accessible for users.

  • International Building Code (IBC)
  • American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
  • Q: What is the maximum riser height for a stairway?
  • A: The maximum riser height is 7 inches.
  • Q: What is the minimum tread depth for a stairway?
  • A: The minimum tread depth is 11 inches.
  • Q: What is the minimum handrail height for a stairway?
  • A: The minimum handrail height is 34 inches.
  • Q: What is the minimum guardrail height for a stairway?
  • A: The minimum guardrail height is 42 inches.
    Frequently Asked Questions: Stairway Requirements =====================================================

In our previous article, we discussed the requirements for stairways with four or more risers, or those that rise more than 30 inches in height. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about stairway requirements.

Q: What is the maximum riser height for a stairway?

A: The maximum riser height is 7 inches. According to the International Building Code (IBC), the riser height must be between 4 inches and 7 inches.

Q: What is the minimum tread depth for a stairway?

A: The minimum tread depth is 11 inches. The IBC requires that the tread depth be between 11 inches and 16 inches.

Q: What is the minimum handrail height for a stairway?

A: The minimum handrail height is 34 inches. Handrails must be installed on both sides of the stairway, and they must be at least 34 inches above the nosing of the treads.

Q: What is the minimum guardrail height for a stairway?

A: The minimum guardrail height is 42 inches. Guardrails must be installed at the open sides of the stairway, and they must be at least 42 inches high.

Q: Do I need to install handrails on both sides of the stairway?

A: Yes, handrails must be installed on both sides of the stairway. This is a requirement of the IBC.

Q: Can I use a single handrail on a stairway with a narrow width?

A: No, handrails must be installed on both sides of the stairway, regardless of the width.

Q: Do I need to install guardrails on the open sides of the stairway?

A: Yes, guardrails must be installed at the open sides of the stairway. This is a requirement of the IBC.

Q: Can I use a single guardrail on a stairway with a narrow width?

A: No, guardrails must be installed at the open sides of the stairway, regardless of the width.

Q: What is the minimum headroom for a stairway?

A: The minimum headroom is 80 inches. Stairways must have a minimum headroom of 80 inches.

Q: Do I need to install landings at each floor level?

A: Yes, stairways must have landings at least 36 inches wide and 36 inches deep at each floor level.

Q: Can I use a landing that is smaller than 36 inches wide and 36 inches deep?

A: No, landings must be at least 36 inches wide and 36 inches deep at each floor level.

Q: What is the maximum number of risers allowed on a stairway?

A: There is no maximum number of risers allowed on a stairway, but the riser height must be between 4 inches and 7 inches.

Q: Can I use a stairway with a non-uniform riser height?

A: No, the riser height must be consistent throughout the stairway.

Q: Do I need to install a handrail on a stairway with a non-uniform tread depth?

A: Yes, handrails must be installed on both sides of the stairway, regardless of the tread depth.

Q: Can I use a stairway with a non-uniform tread depth?

A: No, the tread depth must be consistent throughout the stairway.

In conclusion, stairway requirements can be complex and confusing. However, by understanding the requirements and answering the frequently asked questions, you can ensure that your stairway is safe and compliant with building codes.

  • International Building Code (IBC)
  • American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)