Regulatory Requirements

American Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)

4.26 Handrails, Grab Bars, and Tub and Shower Seats.

4.26.1* General. All handrails, grab bars, and tub and shower seats required to be accessible by 4.1, 4.8, 4.9, 4.16, 4.17, 4.20 or 4.21 (click here to view these sections) shall comply with 4.26. Appendix Note

4.26.2*Size and Spacing of Grab Bars and Handrails. The diameter or width of the gripping surfaces of a handrail or grab bar shall be 1-1/4 in to 1-1/2 in (32 mm to 38 mm), or the shape shall provide an equivalent gripping surface. If handrails or grab bars are mounted adjacent to a wall, the space between the wall and the grab bar shall be 1-1/2 in (38 mm) (see Fig. 39(a), (b), (c), and (e)). Handrails may be located in a recess if the recess is a maximum of 3 in (75 mm) deep and extends at least 18 in (455 mm) above the top of the rail (see Fig. 39(d)). Appendix Note

4.26.3 Structural Strength. The structural strength of grab bars, tub and shower seats, fasteners, and mounting devices shall meet the following specification:

1. Bending stress in a grab bar or seat induced by the maximum bending moment from the application of 250 lbf (1112N) shall be less than the allowable stress for the material of the grab bar or seat.
2. Shear stress induced in a grab bar or seat by the application of 250 lbf (1112N) shall be less than the allowable shear stress for the material of the grab bar or seat. If the connection between the grab bar or seat and its mounting bracket or other support is considered to be fully restrained, then direct and torsional shear stresses shall be totaled for the combined shear stress, which shall not exceed the allowable shear stress.
3. Shear force induced in a fastener or mounting device from the application of 250 lbf (1112N) shall be less than the allowable lateral load of either the fastener or mounting device or the supporting structure, whichever is the smaller allowable load.
4. Tensile force induced in a fastener by a direct tension force of 250 lbf (1112N) plus the maximum moment from the application of 250 lbf (1112N) shall be less than the allowable withdrawal load between the fastener and the supporting structure.
5. Grab bars shall not rotate within their fittings.

4.26.4 Eliminating Hazards. A handrail or grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent to it shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements. Edges shall have a minimum radius of 1/8 in (3.2 mm).

4.8.5* Handrails. If a ramp run has a rise greater than 6 in (150 mm) or a horizontal projection greater than 72 in (1830 mm), then it shall have handrails on both sides. Handrails are not required on curb ramps or adjacent to seating in assembly areas. Handrails shall comply with 4.26 and shall have the following features:

1. Handrails shall be provided along both sides of ramp segments. The inside handrail on switchback or dogleg ramps shall always be continuous.
2. If handrails are not continuous, they shall extend at least 12 in (305 mm) beyond the top and bottom of the ramp segment and shall be parallel with the floor or ground surface (see Fig. 17).
3. The clear space between the handrail and the wall shall be 1 - 1/2 in (38 mm).
4. Gripping surfaces shall be continuous.
5. Top of handrail gripping surfaces shall be mounted between 34 in and 38 in (865 mm and 965 mm) above ramp surfaces.
6. Ends of handrails shall be either rounded or returned smoothly to floor, wall, or post.
7. Handrails shall not rotate within their fittings. Appendix Note

4.9.4* Handrails. Stairways shall have handrails at both sides of all stairs. Handrails shall comply with 4.26 and shall have the following features:

1. Handrails shall be continuous along both sides of stairs. The inside handrail on switchback or dogleg stairs shall always be continuous (see Fig. 19(a) and (b)).
2. If handrails are not continuous, they shall extend at least 12 in (305 mm) beyond the top riser and at least 12 in (305 mm) plus the width of one tread beyond the bottom riser. At the top, the extension shall be parallel with the floor or ground surface. At the bottom, the handrail shall continue to slope for a distance of the width of one tread from the bottom riser; the remainder of the extension shall be horizontal (see Fig. 19(c) and (d)). Handrail extensions shall comply with 4.4.
3. The clear space between handrails and wall shall be 1-1/2 in (38 mm).
4. Gripping surfaces shall be uninterrupted by newel posts, other construction elements, or obstructions.
5. Top of handrail gripping surface shall be mounted between 34 in and 38 in (865 mm and 965 mm) above stair nosings.
6. Ends of handrails shall be either rounded or returned smoothly to floor, wall or post.
7. Handrails shall not rotate within their fittings.

ICC/ANSI

The following information is from ICC/ANSI A117.1-1998. [see http://www.iccsafe.org/ps/pdf/1998_ICC_ANSI.pdf for full guidelines and updates]

405 Ramps

405.1 General. Walking surfaces on accessible routes with a running slope steeper than 1:20 are ramps and shall comply with Section 405.

405.8 Handrails. Ramps with a rise greater than 6 inches (150mm) shall have handrails complying with Section 505. Handrails shall not reduce the required clearances of a ramp run or landing.

504 Stairways

504.1 General. Stairs required to be accessible shall comply with 504.

Advisory 504.1

Although these requirements do not mandate handrails on stairs that are not part of a means of egress, State or local building codes may require handrails.

504.2 Treads and Risers. All steps on a flight of stairs shall have uniform riser heights and uniform tread depths. Risers shall be 4 inches (100 mm) minimum in height and 7 inches (180 mm) maximum in height. Treads shall be 11 inches (280 mm) minimum in depth, measured from riser to riser.

504.3 Open Risers. Open risers are not permitted.

504.4 Tread Surface. Stair treads shall comply with 302. Changes in level are not permitted.

EXCEPTION: Treads shall be permitted to have a slope not steeper than 1:48.

504.5 Nosings. The radius of curvature at the leading edge of the tread shall be 1/2 inch (13 mm) maximum. Nosings that project beyond vertical risers shall have the underside of the leading edge curved or beveled. If not vertical, risers shall slope under the tread at an angle of 30 degrees maximum from vertical; however, the permitted projection of the nosing shall be 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) maximum beyond the rear of the tread below.

504.6 Handrails. Stairs shall have handrails complying with Section 505.

504.7 Wet Conditions. Landings subject to wet conditions shall be designed to prevent the accumulation of water.

505 Handrails

505.1 General. Handrails required by Section 405 at ramps or Section 504 at stairs shall comply with Section 505.

505.2 Where Required. Handrails shall be provided on both sides of stairs and ramps.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Handrails are not required on both sides of aisle stairs and aisle ramps provided with a handrail at either side or within the aisle width.
2. Handrails are not required on ramps with a rise of 6 inches (150 mm) maximum

505.3 Continuity. Handrails shall be continuous within the full length of each stair flight or ramp run.

EXCEPTION: Handrails are not required to be continuous in aisles serving seating.

505.4 Height. Top of gripping surfaces of handrails shall be 34 inches (865 mm) minimum and 38 inches (965 mm) maximum vertically above stair nosings and ramp surfaces. Handrails shall be at a consistent height above stair nosings and ramp surfaces.

Advisory 505.4

The requirements for stair and ramp handrails in this document are for adults. When children are the principle 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. A maximum height of 28 inches (710 mm) measured to the top of the gripping surface from the ramp surface or stair nosing is recommended for handrails designed for children. Sufficient vertical clearance between upper and lower handrails, 9 inches (230 mm) minimum, should be provided to help prevent entrapment.

505.5 Clearance. Clearance between handrail and wall shall be 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) minimum.

505.6 Gripping Surface. Gripping surfaces shall be continuous, without interruption by newel posts, other construction elements, or obstructions.

EXCEPTION:

Handrail brackets or balusters attached to the bottom surface of the handrail shall not be considered obstructions provided they comply with the following:

1. not more than 20 percent of the handrail length is obstructed;
2. horizontal projections beyond the sides of the handrail occur 2-1/2 inches (64 mm) minimum below the bottom of the handrail; and
3. edges have a 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) minimum radius.

505.7 Cross Section. Handrails shall have a circular cross section with an outside diameter of 1-1/4 inches (32 mm) minimum and 2 inches (51 mm) maximum, or shall provide equivalent graspability in accordance with 505.7.1.

505.7.1 Non-Circular Cross Sections. Non-circular cross sections shall have a perimeter dimension of 4 inches (100 mm) minimum and 6-1/4 inches (160 mm) maximum, and a cross-section dimension of 2-1/4 inches (57 mm) maximum.

505.8 Surfaces. Handrails and any wall or other surfaces adjacent to them shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements. Edges shall have a 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) minimum radius.

505.9 Fittings. Handrails shall not rotate within their fittings.

505.10 Handrail Extensions. Handrails shall extend beyond stair runs and ramp runs in accordance with 505.10.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Extensions are not required for continuous handrails at the inside turn of switchback or dogleg stairs and ramps.
2. Extensions are not required for handrails in aisles serving seating where the handrails are necessarily discontinuous to provide access to seating and to permit crossovers within the aisle.
3. In alterations, full extensions of handrails shall not be required where such extensions would be hazardous or impossible due to plan configuration.

505.10.1 Top and Bottom Extension at Ramps. Ramp handrails shall extend horizontally above the landing for 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beyond the top and bottom of ramp runs. Such extension shall return to a wall, guard, or the walking surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent ramp run.

505.10.2 Top Extension at Stairs. At the top of a stair flight, handrails shall extend horizontally above the landing for 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beginning directly above the first riser nosing. Such extension shall return to a wall, guard, or the walking surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stair flight.

505.10.3 Bottom Extension at Stairs. At the bottom of a stair flight, handrails shall extend at the slope of the stair flight for a horizontal distance equal to one tread depth beyond the last riser nosing and an additional 12 inches (305 mm) minimum horizontally at a height equal to that of the sloping portion of the handrail as measured above the stair nosings. Such extension shall return to a wall, guard, or the walking surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stair flight.

Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards