R409 — Handrails

R409.1 General. Handrails required at ramps and stairs, and handrails provided on pedestrian circulation paths shall comply with R409. R409 does not apply to curb ramps. R409.2 Where Required. Handrails shall be provided on both sides of ramps and stairs. R409.3 Continuity. Handrails shall be continuous within the full length of each ramp run or stair flight. Inside handrails on switchback or dogleg ramps and stairs shall be continuous between ramp runs or stair flights. R409.4 Height. The top of gripping surfaces of handrails shall be 34 inches (865 mm) minimum and 38 inches (965 mm) maximum vertically above walking surfaces, ramp surfaces, and stair nosings. Handrails shall be at a consistent height above walking surfaces, ramp surfaces, and stair nosings. R409.5 Clearance. Clearance between handrail gripping surfaces and adjacent surfaces shall be 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) minimum. R409.6 Gripping Surface. Handrail gripping surfaces shall be continuous along their length and shall not be obstructed along their tops or sides. The bottoms of handrail gripping surfaces shall not be obstructed for more than 20 percent of their length. Where provided, horizontal projections shall occur 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) minimum below the bottom of the handrail gripping surface. R409.7 Cross Section. Handrail gripping surfaces shall have a cross section complying with R409.7.1 or R409.7.2. Where expansion joints are necessary for large spans of handrails, the expansion joint cross section is permitted to be smaller than the specified cross section diameters for 1 inch (25 mm) maximum in length. R409.7.1 Circular Cross Section. Handrail gripping surfaces with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of 1 1/4 inches (32 mm) minimum and 2 inches (51 mm) maximum. R409.7.2 Non-Circular Cross Section. Handrail gripping surfaces with a non-circular cross section shall have a perimeter dimension of 4 inches (100 mm) minimum and 6 1/4 inches (160 mm) maximum, and a cross-section dimension of 2 1/4 inches (57 mm) maximum. R409.8 Surfaces. Handrail gripping surfaces and any surfaces adjacent to them shall be free of sharp or abrasive elements and shall have rounded edges. R409.9 Fittings. Handrails shall not rotate within their fittings. Where expansion joints are necessary for large spans of handrails, the expansion joint is permitted to rotate in its fitting. R409.10 Handrail Extensions. Handrail gripping surfaces shall extend beyond and in the same direction of ramp runs and stair flights in accordance with R409.10. Handrail extensions shall not extend into the roadway or pedestrian circulation path. In alterations, if handrail extensions complying with R409.10 would reduce the clear width of a pedestrian access route, they shall extend as far as possible without reducing the clear width of the pedestrian access route. Exception: Extensions shall not be required for continuous handrails at the inside turn of switchback or dogleg ramps and stairs. R409.10.1 Top and Bottom Extension at Ramps. Ramp handrails shall extend horizontally above the landing for 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beyond the top and bottom of ramp runs. Extensions shall return to a wall, guard, or the landing surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent ramp run. R409.10.2 Top Extension at Stairs. At the top of a stair flight, handrails shall extend horizontally above the landing for 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beginning directly above the first riser nosing. Extensions shall return to a wall, guard, or the landing surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stair flight. R409.10.3 Bottom Extension at Stairs. At the bottom of a stair flight, handrails shall extend at the slope of the stair flight for a horizontal distance at least equal to one tread depth beyond the last riser nosing. Extensions shall return to a wall, guard, or the landing surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stair flight.