BCAB #1214 - 3.3.1.15.(3), Direction of Travel on Stairs

July 20, 1990

BCAB #1214

Re: 3.3.1.15.(3), Direction of Travel on Stairs

Project Description

A set of stairs within a dwelling unit. The stairs turn ninety degrees at a landing six risers from the bottom. The handrail for the bottom six risers is not at right angles to the front of the treads but is nineteen degrees to the right (ascending) of a line at right angles to the front of the treads. This project involves stairs within a dwelling unit but the requirement in question applies to all stairs.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 3.3.1.15.(3) requires the front edge of all treads to be at right angles to the direction of travel on the stairs. This is illustrated in Appendix item A-3.3.1.15.(3).

Appellant's Position

The stair design is not hazardous. A person does not necessarily climb the stairs parallel to the handrail and in this case it is quite easy to climb the stairs at right angles to the front of the treads and still conveniently grasp the handrail. The appellant is prepared to add a handrail to the opposite (wall) side of the stair which would be at right angles to the front of the treads.

Building Official's Position

The building official has rejected the stair because he feels it does not comply with Sentence 3.3.1.15.(3). He agrees with the appellant that an additional handrail on the wall side of the stair will help to alleviate the problem.

Appeal Board Decision #1214

The Board does not consider the stair in question to be in conformance with Sentence 3.3.1.15.(3) because the front edge of the treads are not at right angles to the direction of travel.

The provision of another handrail on the opposite side of the stair could be considered under Section 2.5, Equivalents. The acceptance of equivalents is the sole responsibility of the authority having jurisdiction.

George R. Humphrey, Chair