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Any stairway of _____ or more risers should have a handrail on at least one side

User Akond
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2 Answers

7 votes

Final answer:

A stairway with four or more risers is required to have a handrail on at least one side for safety, guidance, and accessibility purposes, according to common building codes and safety standards.

Step-by-step explanation:

Any stairway of four or more risers should have a handrail on at least one side. This is a safety measure to ensure that individuals have something to hold onto during their ascent or descent, which helps in preventing falls and injuries. Moreover, the handrail serves as a guide for those with visual impairments, contributing to the overall accessibility of the staircase.

Local building codes typically specify the minimum requirements for staircase safety features, including the height and placement of handrails. In some contexts, such as in public buildings or where more stringent safety standards are upheld, handrails might be required on both sides of the stairway.

User Edralph
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8.2k points
4 votes

Final answer:

Stairways with four or more risers should have at least one handrail to ensure safety during further ascent or descent.

Step-by-step explanation:

Any stairway of four or more risers typically should have a handrail on at least one side to ensure safety and provide support for people as they ascend or descend the stairs. This requirement comes from building codes that are intended to minimize the risk of falls and injuries. The presence of a handrail can significantly contribute to the safe and comfortable further ascent or descent of a stairway.

For example, consider the Shaker style staircase in Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, which was likely designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. A staircase following modern safety standards would certainly include a handrail for a stairway of this size for added safety.

User Rob Johnston
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