Stair Code

[Bodybagger]

I am on the warpath on bad stairs today because I had to correct someone's non-compliant stairs that caused a fall and injury.

This is a very concise guide to stair requirements from the Stairway Manufacturers Association.

http://www.arcways.com/pdfs/IRC2006.pdf

It's not just an idea or a better way. It's code. It's not flexible and if it doesn't meet it, it is wrong.

[Desertrider33]

They're a little bit outdated on some of their standards, for California anyways.

Balcony & stair rail height is no longer 34"-36", it's now 42".

I believe the minimum balcony height a rail is required on is no longer 30", it's now 18", if I remember correctly.

[nikodell]

Seems to me if your building stairs the IRC or IBC guide book would be a reasonable purchase. It definitely pays for its self in time saved repairing substandard work and possible resultant lawsuits. 18" sounds correct.

[Sonora Iron]

If it’s residential you better follow your county codes! Or you’ll never pass inspection!
Commercial, FED OSHA is a good start.

[walker]

That is an awesome guide. That information is hard to decipher from the IBC, and there are no pictures, so to have it all spelled out in one place with pictures diagrams is great.

[bikemonster]

I am on the warpath on bad stairs today because I had to correct someone's non-compliant stairs that caused a fall and injury.

This is a very concise guide to stair requirements from the Stairway Manufacturers Association.

http://www.arcways.com/pdfs/IRC2006.pdf

It's not just an idea or a better way. It's code. It's not flexible and if it doesn't meet it, it is wrong.

Thanks for the link. I'm curious why you seem to be upset. It seems to me that you got a job (repairing someone elses noncompliant work) and that is good. Someone being injured is bad, but getting work where and when you can should make you happy.

[quivadclo]

I accept with information: That information is hard to decipher from the IBC, and there are no pictures

[bretsk2500]

They're a little bit outdated on some of their standards, for California anyways.

Balcony & stair rail height is no longer 34"-36", it's now 42".

I believe the minimum balcony height a rail is required on is no longer 30", it's now 18", if I remember correctly.

you sure about that... 42" above the nose of the tread? That's fricking high! Here in Maine, there is no "state" code like there is in NH... Here every town adopts their own building code which can be a severe pain in the ass, especially the ones who adopted IBC2000....

[kcstott]

In california rail height is 42" minimum and if it's in and industrial setting it must have a toe board.

FYI check with the local fire dept. as they govern paths of egress.

[Desertrider33]

In california rail height is 42" minimum and if it's in and industrial setting it must have a toe board.

FYI check with the local fire dept. as they govern paths of egress.

The toe board is new to me. What do they define as 'industrial setting' ? What are the dimensions of the toe board?