1114A.6 Ramp Handrails

Handrails shall be provided at each side of ramps when the slope exceeds 1 unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope).

Exceptions:

1. Curb ramps.
2. Ramps that serve an individual dwelling unit may have one handrail, except that ramps open on one or both sides shall have handrails provided on the open side or sides.
3. Ramps at exterior door landings with less than 6 inches (152 mm) rise or less than 72 inches (1829 mm) in length.

The top of handrails shall be 34 to 38 inches (864 to 965 mm) above the ramp surface.

Handrails on all ramps shall be continuous within the full length of each ramp run. Inside handrails on switchback or dogleg ramps shall be continuous between ramp runs.

Handrails shall extend a minimum of 12 inches (305 mm) horizontally above landings, beyond the top and bottom of the ramp runs. Extensions shall return to a wall, guard, or the walking surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent ramp run. Handrail extensions shall be in the same direction as the ramp runs. (See Figure 11A-5A.)

Handrails projecting from a wall shall have a space of 1¹/₂ inches (38.1 mm) minimum between the wall and the handrail.

Handrails may be located in a recess if the recess is a maximum of 3 inches (76.2 mm) deep and extends at least 18 inches (457 mm) above the top of the rail. Any wall or other surface adjacent to the handrail shall be free of sharp or abrasive elements. (See Figure 11A-6B.)

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. When provided, horizontal projections shall occur 1¹/₂ inches (38 mm) minimum below the bottom of the handrail gripping surface. The distance between horizontal projections and the bottom of the gripping surface shall be permitted to be reduced by ¹/₈ inch (3.2 mm) for each ¹/₂ inch (12.7 mm) of additional handrail perimeter dimension that exceeds 4 inches (102 mm).

Handrail gripping surfaces and any surfaces adjacent to them shall be free of sharp or abrasive elements, and shall have rounded edges.

Exception: Where handrails are provided along walking surfaces with slopes not steeper than 1 unit vertical in 20 units horizontal, the bottoms of handrail gripping surfaces shall be permitted to be obstructed along their entire length where they are integral to crash rails or bumper guards.

Handrail gripping surfaces shall comply with this section, or the shape shall provide equivalent gripping surface.

1. Circular cross section. The handrail gripping surfaces with a circular cross section shall not be less than 1¹/₄ inches (31.75 mm) nor more than 2 inches (50.8 mm) in cross-sectional dimension.
2. Noncircular cross section. Handrail gripping surfaces with a noncircular cross section shall have a perimeter dimension of 4 inches (102 mm) minimum and 6¹/₄ inches (159 mm) maximum, and a cross-section dimension of 2¹/₄ inches (57 mm) maximum.

Handrails shall not rotate within their fittings.