1014.3 Handrail Graspability

Required handrails shall comply with Section 1014.3.1 or shall provide equivalent graspability.

Exception: In Group R-3 occupancies; within dwelling units in Group R-2 occupancies; and in Group U occupancies that are accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy or accessory to individual dwelling units in Group R-2 occupancies; handrails shall be Type I in accordance with Section 1014.3.1, Type II in accordance with Section 1014.3.2 or shall provide equivalent graspability.

Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of not less than 1¹/₄ inches (32 mm) and not greater than 2 inches (51 mm). Where the handrail is not circular, it shall have a perimeter dimension of not less than 4 inches (102 mm) and not greater than 6¹/₄ inches (160 mm) with a maximum cross-sectional dimension of 2¹/₄ inches (57 mm) and minimum cross-sectional dimension of 1 inch (25 mm). Edges shall have a minimum radius of 0.01 inch (0.25 mm).

Handrails with a perimeter greater than 6¹/₄ inches (160 mm) shall provide a graspable finger recess area on both sides of the profile. The finger recess shall begin within a distance of ³/₄ inch (19 mm) measured vertically from the tallest portion of the profile and achieve a depth of not less than ⁵/₁₆ inch (8 mm) within ⁷/₈ inch (22 mm) below the widest portion of the profile. This required depth shall continue for not less than ³/₈ inch (10 mm) to a level that is not less than 1³/₄ inches (45 mm) below the tallest portion of the profile. The width of the handrail above the recess shall be not less than 1¹/₄ inches (32 mm) to not greater than 2³/₄ inches (70 mm). Edges shall have a minimum radius of 0.01 inch (0.25 mm).