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7.8.1: Handrail height is to be measured vertically from the tread of the step at the bottom of a staircase to the landing above the topmost step.7.8: Handrails must be provided on at least one side of a flight of stairs (four or more steps).Here are IRC Codes for deck railings and deck stair handrails.
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Keep in mind that municipal codes may include additional standards or have varying measurements concerning the areas for which they are established. You can use the link to find the codes for your state. For example, here are the standards for handrails and guards found in the current Michigan Residential Code, located in the IRC. Most states use or follow IRC codes in their state codes. Handrails help users keep their balance going up and down the stairs, which minimizes the chance for falling.įor more information on the IRC, see the International Codes Council (ICC) website here. Having deck rails prevents people and animals from falling at various heights and acts as a safeguard against the wind.
#Hand rails for deck steps code
As a result, standards are set in place to protect the health and welfare of all people, and codes for residential decks and their rails are no exception.ĭeck railing and handrails are required by the International Residents Code (IRC) to establish a secure environment around the deck and the deck stairs. History has revealed the various issues, such as property damage and fatalities, that can occur when certain precautions are ignored or overlooked. There are several reasons why builders have and must abide by codes, such as building integrity, integrating modern and efficient technologies and consistency-but at the core of it all is safety. Why Have Deck Railing and Handrail Codes?
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