BCAB #1288 - Ramp Handrails, Sentences 3.3.1.10.(1) and 3.4.7.5.(2)

August 19, 1992

BCAB #1288

Re: Ramp Handrails, Sentences 3.3.1.10.(1) and 3.4.7.5.(2)

Project Description

The subject of this appeal is pedestrian ramps within a retail shopping centre. The ramps are the full width of a 30 foot wide public corridor (mall) and are 14 feet long with a gradient of 1:14.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 3.3.1.10.(1) requires ramps in an access to exit to conform to Subsection 3.4.7. Sentence 3.4.7.5.(2) requires intermediate handrails where the required width of the ramp exceeds 2 200 mm (86.6 in) and such handrails shall be not more than 1 650 mm (65 in) apart.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that the ramps in question are considerably wider than required strictly for egress purposes and, therefore, only the handrails on each side of the ramp are necessary.

Building Official's Position

The Board did not receive any comments from the building official but the appellant indicates the building official has requested intermediate handrails spaced in accordance with Sentence 3.4.7.5.(2).

Appeal Board Decision #1288

It is the determination of the Board that only the width of the ramp or stair required by the Code is to be considered when applying the handrail requirements of Sentence 3.4.7.5.(2).

George R. Humphrey, Chair