code loophole?

[Bruce A. King]

Does this count as only three risers or do you count the others past the triangular landing?

In other words, does code require no handrail here, a short handrail or a continuos handrail?

[James H. Bushart]

Code does....and if it didn't, common sense would, IMO.

[Michael Larson]

James could be a bit more clear.

Code requires the hand rail to begin at the edge of the first step.

[tbloore]

Originally Posted by jbushart

Code does....and if it didn't, common sense would, IMO.

I would agree.

If you start off tumbling with the first steps...what good is a handrail that you can't reach.

[Doug Edwards]

I believe the requirement is for 4 or more risers (2006 IRC) pg. 8. Here is a link to the document. Downloadable for future reference.

http://www.stairways.org/pdf/2006%20...C%20SCREEN.pdf

[James H. Bushart]

IRC (2006) 311.5.6 Calls for a continuous handrail for "each continuous run" of treads....but code or no code, it's the right thing to do.

[Ed Bancroft]

That does not appear to be deep enough to even be a landing, aren't they all steps?

[Doug Edwards]

You can't just make up what you want to whether it is right or wrong, particularly when you base your assumptions on written codes. The only ones who can add to or take away are the AHJ. However, you CAN recommend anything when you deem something to be unsafe or when it is a gray area.

R311.5.6 Handrails.
Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of
each continuous run of treads or flight with four or
more risers.

[Bruce A. King]

Originally Posted by dedwards

You can't just make up what you want to whether it is right or wrong, particularly when you base your assumptions on written codes. The only ones who can add to or take away are the AHJ. However, you CAN recommend anything when you deem something to be unsafe or when it is a gray area.

R311.5.6 Handrails.
Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of
each continuous run of treads or flight with four or
more risers.

Doug, do you consider the top section as another flight or part of a continuous run?

[Larry D. Kage]

It is a continuous run and needs a continuous railing, IMO...

[Bruce A. King]

Scroll half way down and see info about winders....

http://www.inspectapedia.com/interiors/Stair_Codes.htm

[Christopher Currins]

That does not qualify as a landing. It needs a handrail.

Uniform width of stairs and

A flight of stairs shall not have a vertical rise
greater than 12 feet (3658 mm) between floor levels
or landings.
The width of each landing shall not be less than
the stairway served. Every landing shall have
a minimum dimension of 36 inches (914 mm)

measured in the direction of travel.


http://www.stairways.org/pdf/2006%20...C%20SCREEN.pdf

[Bob Elliott]

I would count a short separate section as being in spirit of code.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by ebancroft

That does not appear to be deep enough to even be a landing, aren't they all steps?

My thought also... I don't see a landing.

[rbero]

Those are winders and the hand rail should start at the top step