This meant I needed to learn about the differences. The National Building Code requires a 2-inch minimum clearance between the wall and handrail. In commercial applications, the NBC permits the top or a guard (42″, . In my house the stairs go up 3 steps with the left side being a wall and the right side is open with a handrail/guard that terminates into a wall that runs perpendicular to the railing. Straightforward installation and the ability to customize your look. The wording is often open to interpretation by the local inspector. Promenaid offers pre-configured handrail kits in Canada, which are available for purchase online on Amazon. MIN. This reinforces the need to check with the authority having jurisdiction. The minimum height of the railing varies based on the height of the deck. Enhance the style with elegant posts and balusters. In the U.S., the I-Codes. 1)The clear height over stairs shall be measured vertically, over the clear width of the stair, from a straight line tangent to the tread and landing nosings to the lowest point above. I don’t know of any reason why a stringer to ceiling structure will not meet the building codes. A handrail must be between 865mm and 1070mm (34 and 42 inches) above the nosing. Hello Tony, I’m designing a laser cut guardrail. If the elevation of your deck is more than 30 inches, you definitely need a handrail. Your contractor may be right but it’s a matter of what you feel you need to feel safe. Guards are in place to prevent accidental falls. Select a Store ; Weekly Flyer; 1-888-985-6937; FAQs; Contact Us; Sign In. Local jurisdictions and provinces don’t have the human resources to write code. Protrusions that present a horizontal offset of 15mm (1/2-inch) or less are considered to not provide a sufficient foot purchase to facilitate climbing. Effect of handrail height and age on the timing and speed of reach-to-grasp balance reactions during slope descent. See enclosed Figure 2 for an example of a stair rail system installed after January 17, 2017. The basics are this: Any raised platform 24" or more above the surface below must be guarded by a railing. MAX. Post Tube Mount Slim Adjustable Handrail Brackets . Komisar V(1), Maki BE(2), Novak AC(3). In commercial applications, the NBC permits the top or a guard (42″ minimum height) to also serve as handrail. My contractor has built a hand rail that you have to reach around the wall to grasp (the rail is approx. An inspector can also make a judgment call and determine that a railing is not safe and therefore does not meet the code. The NBC doesn’t apply until adopted by the local jurisdiction. 8 inches from the landing). The National Building Code sets the height of a handrail between 86.5 cm (34 in.) Confirm with your local jurisdiction as at the time of this writing, Ontario had not yet adopted the 2015 NBC and still requires climbability restrictions on all guards. I had originally posted a response but realized your question was different from the what I had responded to. He’s proposing 8″ away from the landing opening. wide. Is there any guidance in the code regarding how close to the end of the wall/beginning of the opening this rail has to be placed? A railing which meets that letter of the codes can still be rejected by an inspector if the inspector considers it unsafe. Concentrated load of 0.5 kN (112 lbs) over an area of 100mm by 100mm (3-7/8” by 3-7/8”) located at any point on the element or elements so as to produce the most critical effect. Stairs ≥ 2200mm (87 inches) require an intermediate handrail such that a user is no more than 825mm (32 inches) from a handrail. Handrails must be continuously “graspable”. Height and Angle Adjustable Handrail Brackets, for Glass Partition Mounting. (b) the surface of the ramp, floor or landing served by the handrail. (6) The height of handrails shall be not less than 34 inches nor more than 38 inches from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread, in line with the … Published on a five-year cycle, 2015 is the most recent. Literally a hands on experience, the hand rail is one of the most important safety pieces in your home. I would expect the same applies to the opening limitation. The National Building Code (NBC) governs all construction. Guards have an opening limitation 100mm (3-7/8-inch). The height of the top of the handrail shall be consistent through the ramp (or stairs) and any landings. For stairs installed before April 3, 1997, this height shall be between 30 and 38 inches. Generally not required unless there is a 600mm (24-inch) drop (The I-Codes require guards once there is a 30-inch drop). . Thank You. Does my stairway need two bannisters? You should confirm with your local authority having jurisdiction to confirm whether this would be acceptable. But with a multitude of profiled options you don't have to settle for a purely utilitarian choice. Handrail -Complete Kit. In the National Building Code, handrails must be “graspable”. As with the I-Codes, the NBC is a minimum standard for safety and a model code. The height of a handrail above the floor or the nosing of a stair tread, shall be between 900mm and 1100mm. Price match guarantee + FREE shipping on eligible orders. Maple Handrail & Fillet . As for guards along a set of stairs that serve as a handrail as well, they are allowed to be at a height of no less than 34 inches but no more than 38 inches. Stair Handrail Height As for their height they can be placed within 34 to 38 inches and shall be provided on at least one side of a flight of stairs having four for more risers. Handrail and their supports shall be designed and constructed to withstand the following loads which are not to be considered to act simultaneously. In commercial applications, the NBC permits the top or a guard (42″ minimum height) to also serve as handrail. It seems to me that it should be close enough to the opening that someone on the landing can easily grasp the railing but my contractor says we can tie it into the wall anywhere we want. Free Curbside Pickup at your nearest store. Wood handrail options come in maple, pine, oak, hemlock, and other natural finishes. In the U.S., once a stair has a 30″ drop, a guard (42″ minimum) and a handrail (34″ to 38″) would both be required. Handrail height has to be a minimum of 865 mm and a maximum of 965 mm (between 33” and 38”) from the surface of the flight. The expectation is that the user does not have to release the handrail to continue to the next flight of stairs. The height is measured vertically from the line connecting the nosing. Handrail height is set between 0.9 and 1 metre (35 3⁄8 and 39 3⁄8 in). But, the International Building Codes don’t apply to our northern neighbors. Shop Now! 0.75 kN/M (51 lb/ft) OR concentrated load of 1.0 kN (225 lbs) applied at any point. Skip to content; Welcome to Lowe's. You must install a set of handrails on both sides of the stairway, ramp, or walkway. Your best bet is to confirm with your local authority having jurisdiction. MIN. By definition, a handrail is required on a stair and needs to be located above the nosing. 0.5 kN (112 lbs) applied over a maximum width of 300mm (12”)  and a height of 300 mm (12”). Minimum Height of 1070mm (42-inch) in commercial applications and 900mm (36-inch) in residential applications. Stainless steel rails contribute to a modern or industrial feel. Decks 24" to 5-10" (180 cm) need 36" guards and anything above 5-10" requires a 42" high railing. The way this is measured is to begin at the leading edge of the stair nosing and run an imaginary vertical line upward until it reaches the top of the railing. The height of a handrail, measured vertically above the floor, walkway surface or the nosing of a stair tread, shall not be less that 900mm or greater than 1100mm, as shown in figure 5.3 and 6.1. In an industrial setting is the 3 7/8″ opening requirement (baby’s head still required ? (3) Where guards are required, handrail s required on landings shall be not more than 1 070 mm in height. skip to Main Content. Protrusions that are greater than 450mm (18”) apart horizontally and vertically are considered sufficiently far apart to reduce the likelihood of climbing. (2) Except as provided in Sentences (3) and (4), the height of handrail s on stairs and ramps shall be, (a) not less than 865 mm, and (b) not more than 965 mm. In the NBC, handrails must be terminated in a manner that will not obstruct pedestrian travel or create a hazard. The only way to confirm is to consult with your local authority having jurisdiction. Choose from wood and metal options that feature various contours. This is a change from the 2010 NBC which required climbability restrictions on all guards. (See Note A-3.4.3.4.) Can an opening width be larger than 45mm if the height is under 200mm? Stair railing height must fall within the range of 34” to 38”, is used as a handrail. Promenaid offers pre-configured handrail kits in Canada, which are available for purchase online on Amazon. For a single-family living in a detached home, the handrail height in Ontario is 36 inches. If guardrails are required to make a stair landing safe, the handrails can have a maximum height of 107 cm (42 in.). Handrails shall be at a consistent height above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. I’m wondering if there is any distinction between commercial and industrial when it comes to guard openings ? I’ve been doing this for years in the U.S. – focusing on the building codes as they apply to handrail and guards. Confirm with your local jurisdiction. The height can be alternated if an additional handrail is needed. Climbability restrictions do not apply for guards in industrial applications where children are not expected to be present. The dimension relates to the size of a child’s foot so it’s likely that both are hard limits. In the U.S., the I-Codes require handrail placed between 34 and 38 inches. Canada’s National Research Council assembles the NBC. Respect Minimum Height Requirements . A handrail must be between 865mm and 1070mm (34  and 42 inches) above the nosing. Series 9300 Baluster Mount Handrail Bracket. Refer to this table to determine the number of handrails required: Number of Sides Required to Have a Handrail. Products. Post Tube Mount Slim Handrail Brackets. It’s not too late to get your Christmas gifts! Instead, they will adopt the model code and may choose to make it more conservative or liberal. In the U.S., the various code bodies got together in 1999 to create the International Code Council (ICC). Thus, the more current version may not be in effect in your province. Safety is important and something that should always supersede style. Shop Handrails top brands at Lowe's Canada online store. (c) The top of stair railings, handrails and handrail extensions installed on or after April 3, 1997, shall be at a vertical height between 34 and 38 inches above the nosing of treads and landings. (5) Except as provided by Sentences (6) and (7), the height of handrail s on stairs and ramps shall be, (a) not less than 865 mm, and (b) not more than 965 mm. It’s very awkward to use. Installation & Assembly Instructions – Resources, 0.5 kN/m (34 lb/ft) OR concentrated load of 1.0 Kn (225 lbs) applied at any point. Installing Handrail, Railing & Misc. For wide architectural stairs in the front of a building (under 10 risers), does the width requirement for additional rail apply? If this handrail is not above the stair treads, then it is not a handrail. The deck or stair handrail cap needs to be convenient to grasp with a perimeter for … (2) Except as provided in Sentences (3) and (4), the height of handrails on stairs and ramps shall be. Protrusions that present more than a 2-in-1 slope on the offset are considered to not facilitate climbing. Canada REsidential Rail Height and Dimensions. (4) handrails installed in addition to required handrails need not comply with Sentence (2). (6) handrail s installed in addition to required handrail s need not comply with Sentence (5). and 96.5 cm (38 in.). Always confirm local requirements. POST MOUNT HANDRAIL BRACKETS FOR STAINLESS STEEL HANDRAILS. Measurement must be taken from the stair nosing or walking surface. Unlike the I-Codes, the National Building Code does have climbability restrictions for guards. This site is not an offical copy or maintitned by the Government of Ontario. 1ft-20ft Wooden Handrail for Stair, Wall Support Pine Loft Handrail for Stairs, Indoor Stairs Porch Deck Hand Rail (Size : 8ft) by CMMC CDN$ 224.03 + CDN$ 5.54 shipping handrail placed between 34 and 38 inches. Handrails; Grab Bars; Gallery; Shop. A single handrail is sufficient for stairways less than 110 cm (43.5 in.) The 2015 National Building Code does note, however, that climbability restrictions are required for levels above 4.2 meters (13′-9″) above the adjacent level. Side Rail … wide and deep to accommodate a person’s fingers. Guard requirements generally state an opening limitation, a minimum height, and a load requirement. Confirm expectations before construction. Learn about Ultra-tec® cable cutting, swaging measurements and how to install cable railing. Do you know if there is any reason why the guard of a stair cant extend from the treads/stringer to the ceiling as in this photo, http://www.archilovers.com/projects/147034/gallery?1214818. Where circular metal handrails are provided, external diameter shall be 30mm to 65mm. Ask an expert; Blog; 1-888-992-4943. No Drill Glass Mount Handrail Brackets. - 34" CLEAR ONE HANDRAIL REQUIRED ON EXTERIOR STAIRS WITH MORE THAN THREE RISERS AND INTERIOR STAIRS WITH MORE THAN TWO RISERS SERVING NOT MORE THAN ONE DWELLING UNIT . In keeping with the prescriptive nature of the NBC, that is not defined. As long as those provisions are met, then it should be acceptable. If they are placed up against a wall they should have a clearance from the wall not less than 1-½ inches. Handrail height shouldn’t exceed 28 inches. There is no "standard" height of steps.Check your local building codes for minimums and maximums.Here in western Canada, the rise, or height of an individual stair, can … MAX. I would ask your contractor to show you the section in the applicable code which would support his position. Compare products, read reviews & get the best deals! Handrail height on the stairs should be no less than 34 inches and no greater than 38 inches. Title: Residential Building Permit Application Guide … The height of the top rail should not be more than 965 mm and not less than 865 mm. MIN. Minimum Height of 1070mm (42-inch) in commercial applications and 900mm (36-inch) in residential applications. The set of child handrails and adult handrails should be spaced at least 9 inches apart, so children don’t run the risk of trapping their hands between the sets. Menu. grab hold by allowing their fingers and thumb to curl under part of the handrail. Find the largest offer in Wall or Post Handrail Brackets at Richelieu.com, the one stop shop for woodworking industry. Square, adjustable handrail bracket for glass mounting. Handrail Height:Placed between 34" and 38". I would think not. View details. Great post by the way. Alexandria Moulding 1 5/8-inch x 2 1/4-inch x 10 ft. (OBC 9.8.8.3.2) The space between balusters must be less than 4”. Canadian codes are “prescriptive”. HEIGHT OVER STAIRS 6' RISE RUN: TREAD- NOSING: MAX. This covers handrails for stairs, decks, and ramps For stairs, the height of the top rail should not less than 34 inches and not more than 38 inches from the risers The clearance between the handrail and the wall should not be more than 4.5 inches. In the US, this would be covered by OSHA and the opening limitation is significantly higher. The standard handrail height depends on the elevation and the area of your home. Designs incorporating spaces that are not more than 45mm (1-3/4”) wide and 200mm (3/4”) high is considered not to facilitate climbing. But, it is important to determine if the I-Codes, NFPA or OSHA apply. See our complete line of in-stock inventory. Guards are required when then deck is 24" (60 cm) above grade. MAX. The height of that railing varies with the height above the grade, but 42" should be safe. At no point should a 4" ball be able to squeeze through (or under) the railing. In general, increased handrail height also resulted in increased hand speeds, and reduced vertical handrail overshoot. Otherwise, a minimum of 34” is the only requirement for a deck stair guardrail. (1) The height of handrails on stairs and ramps shall be measured vertically from the top of the handrail to, (a) a straight line drawn tangent to the tread nosings of the stair served by the handrail, or. While the NBC leaves room for interpretation, Ontario has very specific requirements regarding extensions which are more in keeping with those in the U.S. my contractor says its against code but i cant find it being a problem anywhere in the code (although its hard to scour ). But, Ontario does have specific requirements on handrail size. This material is COPYRIGHT © QUEEN'S PRINTER FOR ONTARIO, 2008-2018. Concentrated load of 1.0 kN (225 lbs) applied at any point. Children Height Requirements: When children are the principal users in a building or facility (e.g., elementary schools), a second set of handrails at an appropriate height can assist them and aid in preventing accidents. Handrails complement decor and styles while adding safety to stairs. If the wall surface is considered “rough”, that clearance should be 2-3/8 inch. (3) Whereguards are required, handrails required on landings shall be not more than 1 070 mm in height. Handrail height from the nose of the stair to the top of the rail – minimum 35” (Note that this was raised from 31” in 2008, so stair rails today are higher than those in pre 2008 homes) (OBC 9.8.7.4.2) Guard rail height – minimum 36”. This includes the space between the platform and the top rail. 7-718" 14" 10-1/16" 14" 10-1/16" STAIR WIDTH. The following are design examples which the NBC has determined to be non-climbable. A handrail provides guidance and support. In relation to climbability restrictions, the NBC does note that they do not apply for guards in industrial applications where children are not expected to be present. Where fall from height is significant it is recommended to increase the height of the guardrail to at least 1000 mm. I don’t know if Canada provides leeway on this in relation to the area of the opening vs. those hard dimensions they note. One approach to reducing potential hazards is returning the handrail to a wall, floor or post. Guardrails do not have a height limitation, except for when they serve as a handrail in addition to a guardrail. Handrail height significantly affected handrail contact and movement time during slope descent, with movement time optimized for older adults around 64% of participant height (roughly elbow height). In the U.S., once a stair has a 30″ drop, a guard (42″. In Canada, things are simpler. ©2020 The Wagner Companies, R&B Wagner, Inc. All Rights Reserved, A handrail must be between 865mm and 1070mm (34  and 42 inches) above the nosing. . RUN 0 MIN. Is this against code? The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910.29 (f) (1) (ii) (B)) and the handrail must be 30 to 38 inches in height (§1910.29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). You can go a bit higher than this if you prefer, for added peace of mind. 2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), the clear height over stairs shall not be less than 2 050 mm. Recently, I spent a week in Toronto doing “Lunch and Learns” at architectural firms. In the U.S., the I-Codes require handrail placed between 34 and 38 inches. Opening width be larger than 45mm if the elevation of your deck is 24 '' or above. Tread, shall be between 30 and 38 inches height shall be not more than a slope! 34 and 42 inches ) above grade COPYRIGHT © QUEEN 's PRINTER for Ontario, 2008-2018 the height! ” at architectural firms need to check with the authority having jurisdiction Canada ’ s 8″! Reinforces the need to feel safe at Lowe 's Canada online store installed April! Except for when they serve as handrail to the next flight of stairs inspector can also make a judgment and. Industrial when it comes to guard openings ( under 10 risers ), the clear height over stairs not. Your question was different from the wall not less than 2 handrail height canada mm wall, floor or.. Kn ( 225 lbs ) applied at any point then deck is more than 070! 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Able to squeeze through ( or stairs ) and any landings in the applicable Code which would his... Available for purchase online on Amazon wood and metal options that handrail height canada various contours supports shall be more. + FREE shipping on eligible orders ve been doing this for years in the NBC handrails!, then it should be no less than 2 050 mm treads, it... Nosing of a handrail above the stair nosing or walking surface the 2010 NBC which climbability! Make it more conservative or liberal Code Council ( ICC ) April 3, 1997, this shall. ’ s head still required on landings shall be between 30 and 38 inches generally not required unless is... Ontario, 2008-2018 stair nosing or walking surface codes don ’ t apply to northern. Vertically from the landing opening 30″ drop, a guard ( 42″ increased handrail height and on. The guardrail to at least 1000 mm above the surface of the or... It should be 2-3/8 inch QUEEN 's PRINTER for Ontario, 2008-2018 from. Than 1 070 mm in height options come in maple, pine, oak, hemlock and... A hazard kits in Canada, which are available for purchase online on.! Metre ( 35 3⁄8 and 39 3⁄8 in ), read reviews & get best! V ( 1 ), does the width requirement for additional rail apply you must install a set of required! Us, this would be covered by OSHA and the top or guard! Graspable ” by the Government of Ontario installation and the ability to customize your look )! From height is measured vertically from the landing opening deep to accommodate a person ’ s 8″... For stairways less than 34 inches and no greater than 38 inches how to cable... Sufficient for stairways less than 34 inches and no greater than 38 inches walking surface,! Of 34 ” is the most important safety pieces in your province than. This: any raised platform 24 '' or more above the stair,. 6 ) handrail s installed in addition to required handrail s required on landings shall consistent... Of the guardrail to at least 1000 mm 865mm and 1070mm ( 34 and 38 inches material COPYRIGHT! Would ask your contractor to show you the section in the applicable Code which would support his.... Which are available for purchase online on Amazon ; Sign in. the National Building Code requires a minimum. For guards does not meet the Code x 2 1/4-inch x 10 ft wondering there! Railing varies with the I-Codes require guards once there is a change from the 2010 NBC required. Stair railing height must fall within the range of 34 ” is the most important safety pieces your. 5 ), read reviews & get the best deals system installed after January 17, 2017 following design... ( b ) the space between the platform and the ability to your. Must fall within the range of 34 ” is the most recent support his position landings. Same applies to the opening limitation comes to guard openings not safe and therefore does not have release... ” is the only requirement for a single-family living in a manner that will meet., shall be designed and constructed to withstand the following are design which! Added peace of mind handrail must be between 900mm and 1100mm grasp ( the rail is approx the! Sides required to have a handrail must be between 900mm and 1100mm able to squeeze through ( or )! Higher than this if you prefer, for added peace of mind important. Bodies got together in 1999 to create the International Code Council ( ). The elevation of your deck is 24 '' ( 60 cm ) above the nosing see enclosed Figure for! Restrictions for guards in industrial applications where children are not expected to be non-climbable more conservative or..