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Are handrails required in Massachusetts?

Are handrails required in Massachusetts?

The owner of all dwellings shall provide: (A) A safe handrail for every stairway that is used or intended for use by the occupant as required by 780 CMR: Massachusetts State Building Code. (B) A wall or guardrail on the open side of all stairways no less than 30 inches in height.

What is the code for railing height in Massachusetts?

Any platforms and/or constructed scenery exceeding 30” in height will require a Massachusetts State building code compliant guardrail system. The guardrail shall be 42” in height with balusters or solid material such that a sphere with a four (4”) diameter cannot pass through any opening.

How high can a deck be without a railing in Massachusetts?

You can go up to a max height of 30″ before railings need to be installed on a deck. If you have more than two risers you will need a handrail. Railings will need to be 36″ in height and you will need a top and bottom but no intermittent rail.

Do I need a handrail for 3 steps in Massachusetts?

Building Codes The building code does not refer to the number of “steps” but it does require a handrail when there are two or more “risers”. For clarification, a “riser” is the vertical portion of a stair. The handrail must be between 1-1/4″ and 2″ in diameter or provide equivalent graspability.

What height does a deck require a railing?

36 inches
According to the IRC, deck guardrails must be installed on any deck higher than 30 inches above grade. The deck guardrail height should be a minimum of 36 inches, as measured from the surface of the deck to the top of the rail.

What is code for railing spindles?

Guards, spindles, or balusters must be 34” to 38” when measured from the nose of a 10-inch deep tread. Balusters, or other options of vertical guards that support a handrail, should be able to support 50lbs over a 1-square-foot area. This is a 125-pound minimum testing force. The strength depends on the posts.

What height deck needs a railing?

36″
What Is Code For Deck Railing Height? The IRC requires guardrails to be at least 36″ in height measured from the deck surface to the top of the rail. Commercial decks attached to multifamily buildings regulated under the International Building Code (IBC) require 42″ high guardrails.