STATE BUILDING CODE INTERPRETATION NO. 96-10
 
CODE: 1994 State Regulations for Barrier-Free Facilities
SECTION:  Sections 1106.9 Stairways, 1006.9, 1103.2.2 and Exception 1103.2.2
QUESTION:  When the second exception to the first paragraph of Section 1103.2.2 is used, is it the intent of Section 1006.9 to require two handrails and to require one handrail to extend in the direction of the stair run not less than 12" beyond the top riser nor less than a length equal to one tread depth plus 12" beyond the bottom riser; or,

Are two handrails required and both of them required to extend 12" beyond the top riser and not less than the length equal to one tread depth plus 12" beyond the bottom riser?

ANSWER:  The intent of the code, as provided in Section 1101.1, is to provide standards equivalent to the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).

Where exception 2 to Section 1103.2.2 is used, it is the intent that stairways be provided with two handrails and that both of those handrails comply with the extension requirements.

Please note: The extensions are only necessary when the handrails are not continuous.

See also Interpretation No. 93-35.

SUPERSEDES: None 
REQUESTED BY:  City of Ferndale