Comment for loft stairs

[Ralph Brady]

Anyone care to share their comment for loft stairs. Are there any standards (codes) for them.

I just say something like: Loft stairs are not intended for regular/everday use. Exercise caution when using these stairs.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

I think if there are stairs in a home that are not suitable "for regular/everyday use" then that is a big problem. There are no separate standards for "loft stairs". There are just stair standards (IRC R311.5)

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by rbrady

Anyone care to share their comment for loft stairs. Are there any standards (codes) for them.

I just say something like: Loft stairs are not intended for regular/everday use. Exercise caution when using these stairs.

Ralph...

Just to be clear...

Are you referring to a "loft" such as in a cabin/vacation retreat/barn etc..., where the "stairs" are more of a "ladder"...

OR

A "loft" such as in a "condo" in the "big city"???????

(Got pictures) ???

Jeff

[Ralph Brady]

I see these types of stairs once in a while. I have even seen them to a 'bedroom'. It is typically in a smaller house. This particular small house (with no dedicated bedroom) was going for about $450K. The loft was pretty small.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by rbrady

Attachment 22697

I see these types of stairs once in a while. I have even seen them to a 'bedroom'. It is typically in a smaller house. This particular small house (with no dedicated bedroom) was going for about $450K. The loft was pretty small.

The low height of the guards and railings and the steepness of the stairs are a safety hazard.

[Barry Adair]

If I don't at least comment that the stair/ladder in question does not meet current standards, does pose a safety concern, and advise client of a "Safety enhancement upgrade" the first time something "accident" occurs guess who gets the call/letter to pay the medical/lost time/mental-physical anguish/legal fees...bills.

Inspector, Error and Omission by not reporting...imo

but I have to say, from what I can see, the stairs are trying to be aesthetically correct for that loft design and probably wont get changed...the guard rail also appears short and the treads appear to be triangular, right foot, left foot only orientation...weird and very unsafe!!!

designed by LSD, lost sense of direction

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

I've never seen stairs like that. Almost a ladder. They need to put in an elevator.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

...They need to put in an elevator.

An open design, cast iron/wrought steel, circular staircase would also be an option... to maintain the area used, and would enhance the wood interior.

Jeff

[James F. McKee]

almost looks like some kind of sick twisted sobriety test to me...can You imagine trying to negotiate that after a couple ????

[Ralph Brady]

I'm sure that it could be argued that the loft is similar to an attic storage area. Those stairs might be OK for that type of use.

I hadn't seen the triangle shaped steps before. It actually was pretty nice becuase you had more room in the center of the steps (as long as you kept your steps/feet in the right order )

I recently did a house where they had some good quality pull down attic stairs in the garage going to a room with kids beds in it . That one got my attention.

[Doug Edwards, CMI]

In order to use those handrails you will need to be on your knees going up, on your butt going down.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Ships ladders are very common around here for camps and log cabins.

It provides limited access to small areas as a bunk room or a loft as it is called. It is not meant for full access for all.
The stair design is OSHA approved when built accordingly.
There are no specific code requirement that I can find other than this here.



The stair should be within the parameters of 50-70 degrees from the horizontal.

The side rails should extend beyound the floor level above by 3'.

The one in the picture supplied to us in the above photo is a safety hazard. And that includes the guard rail as Barry mentioned in his post.

This type of ladder is used quite often in the Commercial Sector for Mezzanine equipment rooms etc.

Hope this helps.

Marcel

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

OSHA doesn't "approve" anything. They set specifications. Semantics, perhaps, but a definite distinction.

OSHA has no authority whatsoever when it comes to home design or construction. They govern employee safety only. While this ladder might meet OSHA specs for employees (I doubt it...notice the treads and how they seem to oscillate...never saw anything like that) meeting building c0des comes under a different authority.

Hey...let's not beat it to death. They aren't going to change it. Just warn that it doesn't meet today's standards for new construction and move on to the next house.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

OSHA doesn't "approve" anything. They set specifications. Semantics, perhaps, but a definite distinction.

Joe, I did not say they did, they just approve the schematics that I provided.

OSHA has no authority whatsoever when it comes to home design or construction. They govern employee safety only. While this ladder might meet OSHA specs for employees (I doubt it...notice the treads and how they seem to oscillate...never saw anything like that) meeting building c0des comes under a different authority.

If anyone knows of OSHA's authority, I do.

Hey...let's not beat it to death.I did not plan on it. Just trying to help any way I can. I do have an opinion too.
They aren't going to change it. Just warn that it doesn't meet today's standards for new construction and move on to the next house.

I did state that the one in the picture is not a safe access.

I agree with you that it will not be changed.

I agree with you to move on. No problem.

Questions for you?

Are all Codes compliant with safety?

Are all Safety issues compliant with code?

Marcel

[jkogel]

Hey, it's a beach cottage in Eureka, CA. I'm surprised they got a home inspection at all. Maybe their astrologer recommended they get one.
At that angle, I think the ship's ladder would be safer.