The requirements for the exterior ramp have much of the same code as the internal stairs (same climbing and profile dimensions, etc.), except that the composite materials used for the deck stairs must comply with ASTM standards. The code for climbing and running stairs is a maximum height of 7-3/4 inches of climb with a minimum stroke of 10 inches. There should also be no more than 3/8 inch difference between steps and risers. OSHA and BAC define different types of stairs and ladders that are not classified as standard stairs. Here is a list of the different types of stairs. We hope this guide helps you understand stair codes for commercial and industrial stair applications. If you are still confused, the folks at Lapeyre Stair can help you with all your questions. After all, we are the experts in metal stairs. The ramp height code on IRC indicates that the minimum height is 34 inches and the maximum height is 38 inches.
The top of the handrail is measured from the stairs as if you were drawing a diagonal line at the top of the stairs. This guide helps stair designers understand the many building codes and standards for stairs. It provides a detailed summary of commercial stair code requirements, industrial stair code requirements, OSHA stair requirements, and many other standards for stairs. IBC defines requirements and standards for all stairs used as an exit in any of these building types. CCI also develops and publishes the International Mechanical Code, which addresses the safety of HVAC systems. The Code addresses access to equipment and equipment on roofs or elevated structures primarily by establishing standards for the design and use of platforms, ladders and stairs for access to equipment. The International Residential Code is updated every 3 years. Always remember that your state`s and county`s or city`s stair code almost always takes precedence over IRC, unless IRC has been fully adopted. The codes define many different stair components than stairs. The codes also determine how different types of stairs can be used in different applications.
The following is a list of definitions of stair components. What is a stair step and stair lift? Tread and riser are mentioned in all building codes. The step of the staircase is the horizontal part of the staircase that people walk on, the staircase is the vertical part of the staircase between each step. Stair steps and stair steps can be made from a variety of materials, with treads often having a partial or total surface area with some non-slip properties for a safe exit. NFPA is a global non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating deaths, injuries, property, and economic losses caused by fire, electrical and related hazards. She created and published the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, a standard for buildings widely used in the United States. Section 101B Exit routes for buildings and structures deals with stair design criteria. QRFS people have more to say about NFPA and ICC. This rule will be more problematic with the older homes I inspect, and they are usually built into existing code because of their age. I recently did a home inspection on an old house with many additions.
The stairs to the basement had a ceiling sill that was probably about 5 feet high, and I hit my head several times on top. IRC is a model code standard that has been adopted by many U.S. states for residential real estate. While most building codes are based on the International Residential Code, some sites may not have adopted the latest version of the IRC. There are differences from city to city and state to state, so check with your local building manager. If you are building a staircase or renovating an existing staircase, you should know the following: Exit stairs are managed by IBC, NFPA, ADA and ANSI/ICC 117.1. Alternatively, there are also regulations on commercial stairs that must be followed. There are small differences in the size of the stair profile for residential and commercial buildings.
The International Building Code establishes the commercial building code for stairs. IBC stair codes are slightly different from those defined by IRC. For example, the maximum stair climb height is 7 inches and the minimum height is 4 inches. The requirements for the stair profile code are also slightly different, with a minimum depth of 11 inches. For both codes, the maximum permissible difference in height and depth is 3/8 of an inch, just like for residential stair code measurements. Another section of the stair specifications of IBC commercial stair codes is that no stair step nose is required as long as the minimum depth is 11 inches. For load requirements, OSHA 1910.25(b)(6) requires that each staircase be able to support at least five times the expected normal payload, but never less than a concentrated load of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) at any point. IBC Chapter 16, Section 1607 requires stairways to carry payloads of 100 cf.
ft. uniform load and 300 pounds concentrated load. The IBC lists exceptions to stair design requirements for certain industrial building occupancy classifications. The exceptions apply to buildings in the following occupancy categories: stairs are only safe if you can see where you are going, so lighting is important and part of building codes. The United States Access Board develops and updates design guidelines known as ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), which are then used to establish enforceable ADA standards for the public to follow. The ADA ensures access to the built environment for people with disabilities. ADA standards set out design requirements for the construction and modification of facilities subject to the Act. These enforceable standards apply to public places, commercial entities, and state and local government entities. To really have the final say on a housing code, you should always go to the actual source like the IRC site.
However, keep in mind that state, county, or city codes can replace IRC. The IBC stair code for commercial buildings is the most widely used stair code. The Commercial Code applies to all stairs except those listed in the classification of the occupancy of industrial or residential buildings. That means it applies to any general commercial building: IBC is the most widely used commercial building code in the United States. The International Code Council (ICC) develops and publishes the IBC Code, which is updated every 3 years. ICC is committed to meeting or exceeding the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Housing Act (FHA) and incorporates all updates to the ADA accessibility requirements into IBC updates. Chapter 10 of the IBC deals with stairs used as part of an exit path from the building. The regulatory requirements for IBC stairs for industrial stairs differ from those for commercial stairs in that they are less stringent for ramp openings, risers and tread openings. All other requirements are the same. The codes also address other general safety features of stair construction. Building regulations for stairs are primarily intended to protect occupants, prevent injury, and allow for rapid evacuation in the event of fire or other emergencies. The IBC code for commercial handrails indicates that each staircase has a separate handrail or handrail attached to the guardrail.
Another thing to consider when building or modifying a staircase is the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA protects people with disabilities in many aspects of their lives, including ensuring that all buildings are safe and meet acceptable standards. The ADA states that all stairs and stairs must have uniform climbing heights and profile widths. A section also indicates that stair treads cannot protrude more than 1/2″ beyond the stair riser and must be bent or beveled to prevent falls from a step. IBC`s Handrail Code requirements for commercial stair railings are very important to home inspectors, and I have named many stairs that violate the handrail code, such as missing handrails.