What you need to know about STAIRS

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Stairs are can be one of the trickier parts of a building. You’ll want to follow basic guide lines when designing accessible buildings.

Stair Configurations: 10′ x 20′ is a good starting point for a rule of thumb for a stairwell size.

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NFPA 101 Life Safety Code requires 44 inches min. width and 36 inches where total occupant load is less than 50.

Door Clearance requirement at stair landing (source: IBC commentary, 2006)

Stair where 48″ controls the means of egress (usually an area of refuge requiring a 30″ x 48″ clear floor area)

stairs- headroom requirement

stairways shall have min headroom clearance of 80″ – measured vertically from a line connecting the edge of the nosings.

Stair Nosings

tread and riser dimensions

stair with open tread requirements

Handrails

handrails-code-ansi-117

Handrail Height range, and distance handrail from wall.

Handrail Extensions, required on accessible routes.

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