3.3.2.8A — Handrails in Aisles with Steps

(1) At least one handrail shall be provided on straight flights that are less than 1 100 mm in width. (2) One handrail shall be provided on each side of, (a) straight flights that are 1 100 mm or more in width, (b) curved flights, and (c) ramps. (3) In addition to Sentence (2), intermediate handrails shall be provided so that, (a) a handrail is reachable within 825 mm of all portions of the required exit width, and (b) at least one portion of the stair or ramp between two handrails is the required exit width for stairs or ramps as described in Sentences 3.4.3.2. (7) and 3.4.3.4. (4). (4) Where a stair or ramp is wider than its required exit width, handrails shall be located along the most direct path of travel. (5) Handrails shall be continuously graspable along their entire length, shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements, and shall have, (a) a circular cross-section with an outside diameter not less than 30 mm and not more than 43 mm, or (b) any non-circular cross-section with a perimeter not less than 100 mm and not more than 125 mm and whose largest cross-sectional dimension is not more than 45 mm. (6) The height of handrails on stairs, on aisles with steps and on ramps shall be measured vertically from the top of the handrail to, (a) a straight line drawn tangent to the tread nosings of the stair served by the handrail, or (b) the surface of the ramp, floor or landing served by the handrail. (7) Except as provided by Sentence (8) and Clause 3.8.3.4. (1)(e), the height of handrails on stairs, on aisles with steps and on ramps shall be, (a) not less than 865 mm, and (b) not more than 1070 mm. (8) Handrails installed in addition to required handrails need not comply with Sentence (7). (9) Required handrails shall be continuous throughout the length of, (a) a ramp, and (b) a flight, from the bottom riser to the top riser. (10) Except as required by Sentence (16) and except where interrupted by doorways or newels at changes in direction, at least one handrail shall be continuous throughout the length of a stair or ramp, including at landings. (11) Handrails shall be terminated in a manner that will not obstruct pedestrian travel or create a hazard. (12) At least one handrail shall, (a) in the case of a stair, extend horizontally at the required height, not less than 300 mm beyond the top riser, and continue to slope for a depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser followed by a 300 mm horizontal extension, and (b) in the case of a ramp, extend horizontally at the required height, not less than 300 mm beyond the top and bottom edges of the incline. (13) The clearance between a handrail and any surface behind it shall be not less than, (a) 60 mm, if the surface behind the handrail is rough or abrasive, or (b) 50 mm, in all other cases. (14) Handrails and their supports shall be designed and constructed to withstand the loading values specified in Sentence 4.1.5.14. (7). (15) A ramp shall have handrails on both sides. (16) In a long-term care home, a Group B, Division 3 occupancy and a retirement home, a continuous handrail shall be provided on both sides of a stair throughout the length of the stair, including landings, except where a handrail is interrupted by doorways or newels at changes in direction.