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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. Unlike the I-Codes, the National Building Code does have climbability restrictions for guards. Guards have an opening limitation 100mm (3-7/8-inch). Minimum Height of 1070mm (42-inch) in commercial applications and 900mm (36-inch) in residential applications. Guards are in place to prevent accidental falls. Generally not required unless there is a 600mm (24-inch) drop (The I-Codes require guards once there is a 30-inch drop). 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. One approach to reducing potential hazards is returning the handrail to a wall, floor or post. In the NBC, handrails must be terminated in a manner that will not obstruct pedestrian travel or create a hazard. If the wall surface is considered “rough”, that clearance should be 2-3/8 inch. The National Building Code requires a 2-inch minimum clearance between the wall and handrail. Handrail Graspabilityīut, Ontario does have specific requirements on handrail size. 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. In commercial applications, the NBC permits the top or a guard (42″ minimum height) to also serve as handrail. In the U.S., the I-Codes require handrail placed between 34 and 38 inches. Handrail HeightĪ handrail must be between 865mm and 1070mm (34 and 42 inches) above the nosing. Stairs ≥ 2200mm (87 inches) require an intermediate handrail such that a user is no more than 825mm (32 inches) from a handrail. The expectation is that the user does not have to release the handrail to continue to the next flight of stairs. Handrails must be continuously “graspable”. Within a dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite Number of Sides Required to Have a Handrail Refer to this table to determine the number of handrails required: Location of Stair or Ramp HandrailĪ handrail provides guidance and support.
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The wording is often open to interpretation by the local inspector. Confirm expectations before construction.Ĭanadian codes are “prescriptive”. This reinforces the need to check with the authority having jurisdiction. Thus, the more current version may not be in effect in your province. The NBC doesn’t apply until adopted by the local jurisdiction. Instead, they will adopt the model code and may choose to make it more conservative or liberal. Local jurisdictions and provinces don’t have the human resources to write code. As with the I-Codes, the NBC is a minimum standard for safety and a model code. Published on a five-year cycle, 2015 is the most recent. The National Building Code (NBC) governs all construction.Ĭanada’s National Research Council assembles the NBC. But, it is important to determine if the I-Codes, NFPA or OSHA apply. In the U.S., the various code bodies got together in 1999 to create the International Code Council (ICC). This meant I needed to learn about the differences. But, the International Building Codes don’t apply to our northern neighbors. – focusing on the building codes as they apply to handrail and guards. I’ve been doing this for years in the U.S.
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Recently, I spent a week in Toronto doing “Lunch and Learns” at architectural firms. The handrails introduced shall not project more than 4 ½ inches on either side.Distinctions in Handrail Code between the U.S. If the stair width is more than the minimum specified width, handrails are to installed in the stairs.
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The minimum width of stairs for the different types of buildings is shown in the table above. There is no other code for rise length or height of the staircase other than landing as every staircase is different and depends upon the height of the floor. Typically, a landing must be provided for every 12 feet (365.8 cm) of rise, as per fire safety codes. Rise is an important measurement for determining the location and placing of landing. Rise is the overall height of the entire staircase, from the lowest point to the highest point.