Does Attic Access Require Handrails
Just because a railing exists doesn t mean it will pass fha standards.
Does attic access require handrails. See section m1305 1 3 for access requirements where mechanical equipment is located in attics. No extensions or overhangs. Defective unsafe folding stairs pull down. Steps and stairs allow nearly any able bodied person to walk to higher levels of a dwelling sports stadium or outdoor venue.
What is the requirement for attic access and attic stairways. Railings must meet a 200 lb concentrated load. 1910 29 b 7 the ends of top rails and midrails do not overhang the terminal posts except where the overhang does not pose a projection hazard for employees. Any smooth surface railing that can withstand the load requirements.
In alterations stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route e g ramp or elevator are not required to meet the standards but handrails must comply when stairs that are part of a means of egress are altered 210 1 ex. To pull down folding stairs to ladders to open hatches that must be accessed by a temporary ladder. The higher the stairs the more the need for safety rails to keep pedestrians from falling. 1910 29 b 9 top rails and midrails are at least 0 25 inches 0 6 cm in diameter or in thickness.
I think you are ok because i have seen many attics in my career that have plywood laid on top of the joists and nothing at all for a handrail. What codes apply to the provision of attic stairs pull down stairs or attic access hatches. Conditions that may make a railing unsafe include termite damage lead paint that no longer meets safety standards railings on only one side of an open staircase or railings too rickety to serve the intended purpose. Typically no room for a handrail.
1910 29 b 8 steel banding and plastic banding are not used for top rails or midrails. Attic pull down stair hazards basement hazards. Osha railing requirements for load. When do stairs require handrails.
When the access is located in a ceiling minimum unobstructed headroom in the attic space shall be 30 inches 762 mm at some point above the access measured vertically from the bottom of ceiling framing members. By kirk maltbee stairs have requirements on handrails. Attic space is not livible space for purposes of bedrooms in most jurisdictions because of fire egress issues. Attic access stairs range from a normally pitched stairway with railings even landings headroom lighting etc.
Attic stair railing guardrail landing tread and step specifications codes. Although building codes differ from.