Opinions--Interior Staircase

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

I think we have all seen this where there is an open staircase, no handrail at the top of the staircase...but...what say ya'll about no handrail at the bottom??? (home built in 1890...Flipper Reno in 2007)

Thank you in advance for your opinions

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Absolutely needs a hand & guard rail - assuming there are four or more risers in that staircase. . .

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by jpope

Absolutely needs a hand & guard rail - assuming there are four or more risers in that staircase. . .

Thanks Jeff...my thoughts exactly...has 14 risers.

[pdickerson]

Hand rail, yes. It looks to me like the highest step visible in the photo is less than 30" off the floor. Would it need a guardrail, and if so, why?

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by pdickerson

Hand rail, yes. It looks to me like the highest step visible in the photo is less than 30" off the floor. Would it need a guardrail, and if so, why?

Highest (unprotected) step is 22 inches...

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Would it need a guardrail, and if so, why?

That's how I read it. . .

R312.1 Guards. Porches, balconies, ramps or raised floor surfaces located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in height. Open sides of stairs with a total rise of more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 34 inches (864 mm) in height measured vertically from the nosing of the treads.