BCAB #1502 - Handrail Extensions, Sentence 3.4.6.4.(7)

March 15, 2000

BCAB #1502

Re: Handrail Extensions, Sentence 3.4.6.4.(7)

Project Description

This appeal concerns the requirements for handrail extensions on stairs in a new Part 3 office/retail/restaurant building.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 3.4.6.4.(7) requires "... one handrail ... shall extend horizontally not less than 300 mm beyond the top and bottom of the stairway ..."

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that the stairway ends at the bottom riser and the handrail is only required to extend horizontally 300 mm beyond the riser.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that the stairway ends at the bottom "tread" below the bottom riser and the handrail must extend horizontally 300 mm beyond the bottom "tread."

Appeal Board Decision #1502

It is the determination of the Board that the handrail must extend far enough past the bottom riser before the horizontal extension is added such that the handrail height remains within the minimum and maximum requirements of the code. For the handrail height to remain uniform it will need to extend one tread width beyond the bottom riser. The current BC Building Code is based on the 1995 National Building Code (NBC). An illustration in the User’s Guide to Part 3 of the NBC implies the tread-width continuation is required for the handrail to conform with intent of the code.

George R. Humphrey, Chair