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SECTION
1012 HANDRAILS
1012.1
Where required. Handrails for stairways and ramps shall
be adequate in strength and attachment in accordance with
Section 1607.7. Handrails required
for stairways by Section 1009.10
shall comply with Sections 1012.2 through 1012.8. Handrails
required for ramps by Section 1010.8
shall comply with Sections 1012.2 through 1012.7.
1012.2
Height. Handrail height, measured above stair tread nosings,
or finish surface of ramp slope shall be uniform, not less
than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm).
1012.3
Handrail graspability. Handrails with a circular cross-section
shall have an outside diameter of at least 1.25 inches (32
mm) and not greater than 2 inches (51 mm) or shall provide
equivalent graspability. If the handrail is not circular,
it shall have a perimeter dimension of at least 4 inches (102
mm) and not greater than 6.25 inches (160 mm) with a maximum
cross-section dimension of 2.25 inches (57 mm). Edges shall
have a minimum radius of 0.01 inch (0.25 mm).
1012.4
Continuity. Handrail-gripping surfaces shall be continuous,
without interruption by newel posts or other obstructions.
Exceptions:
1. Handrails within dwelling units are permitted to be interrupted
by a newel post at a stair landing.
2. Within a dwelling unit, the use of a volute, turnout
or starting easing is allowed on the lowest tread.
3. Handrail brackets or balusters attached to the bottom
surface of the handrail that do not project horizontally
beyond the sides of the handrail within 1.5 inches (38 mm)
of the bottom of the handrail shall not be considered obstructions.
For each 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) of additional handrail perimeter
dimension above 4 inches (102 mm), the vertical clearance
dimension of 1.5 inches (38 mm) shall be permitted to be
reduced by 0.125 inch (3 mm).
1012.5
Handrail extensions. Handrails shall return to a wall,
guard or the walking surface or shall be continuous to the
handrail of an adjacent stair flight or ramp run. At stairways
where handrails are not continuous between flights, the handrails
shall extend horizontally at least 12 inches (305 mm) beyond
the top riser and continue to slope for the depth of one tread
beyond the bottom riser. At ramps where handrails are not
continuous between runs, the handrail shall extend horizontally
above the landing 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beyond the top
and bottom ramps.
Exceptions:
1. Handrails within a dwelling unit that is not required
to be accessible need extend only from the top riser to
the bottom riser.
2. Aisle handrails in Group A occupancies in accordance
with Section 1025.13.
1012.6
Clearance. Clear space between a handrail and a wall or
other surface shall be a minimum of 1.5 inches (38 mm). A
handrail and a wall or other surface adjacent to the handrail
shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements.
1012.7
Projections. On ramps, the clear width between handrails
shall be 36 inches (914 mm) minimum. Projections into the
required width of stairways and ramps at each handrail shall
not exceed 4.5 inches (114 mm) at or below the handrail height.
Projections into the required width shall not be limited above
the minimum headroom height required in Section
1009.2.
1012.8
Intermediate handrails. Stairways shall have intermediate
handrails located in such a manner so that all portions of
the stairway width required for egress capacity are within
30 inches (762 mm) of a handrail. On monumental stairs, handrails
shall be located along the most direct path of egress travel.
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