BCAB #1305 - Handrail on Stair in Single Family Dwelling - Sentence 9.8.7.1.(2)

May 19, 1993

BCAB #1305

Re: Handrail on Stair in Single Family Dwelling - Sentence 9.8.7.1.(2)

Project Description

The project in question is a stair between two floors of a single family dwelling. The stair has two risers followed by a landing to turn the stair 90 degrees and then 13 risers to the second floor.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 9.8.7.1.(2) of the 1992 B.C. Building Code exempts the requirement for a handrail on an interior stair of less than 3 risers.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends this exemption applies to the first part of his stair because it only has two risers between the first floor and the landing. He feels this situation is no different than steps to a sunken living room or garage.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that the stair includes the landing and as there are more than two risers in this stair it must have a handrail throughout its length.

Appeal Board Decision #1305

The definition of "stairway, stairs" in A-3.3.1.15., Appendix of the B.C. Building Code, indicates a stair includes all flights and intermediate landings. As these terms are not defined in Section 1.1 of the code, the Board has used Appendix item A3.3.1.15. for clarification of their meaning.

It is the determination of the Board that the two flights and the landing constitute a single stair (stairway). Therefore, a handrail is also required on the lower flight of this stair.

George R. Humphrey, Chair