Handrails and Stair Rail Systems
A handrail is a horizontal or sloping rail intended for grasping by the hand for guidance or support. A stair rail is a guard along the open side or sides of a stairway.
The employer must ensure:
Height Criteria
- Handrails are not less than 30 inches (76 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm), as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the handrail.
- The height of stair rail systems meets the following:
- The height of stair rail systems installed before January 17, 2017 is not less than 30 inches (76 cm) from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail; and
- The height of stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017 is not less than 42 inches (107 cm) from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail.
The top rail of a stair rail system may serve as a handrail only when:
- The height of the stair rail system is not less than 36 inches (91 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm) as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail; and
- The top rail of the stair rail system meets the other handrail requirements above.
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2-9. What is the minimum height of the top rail of a stair rail system installed after January 17, 2017?
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