What makes a handrail ADA compliant?

This guide explains requirements in the ADA Standards for stairways.

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Required Compliance

[§210]

Interior and exterior stairs that are part of a required means of egress must meet the Standards. Compliance is required for all stairs on required egress routes, including those comprised of a single riser. The Standards do not apply to stairways that are not part of a required means of egress nor to alternating tread devices and &#;ship&#;s ladders.&#; The Standards exempt aisle stairs in assembly areas, stairs in non-public areas of detention and correctional facilities, and stairs of play components.

Alterations

In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route (e.g., ramp or elevator) are not required to meet the Standards, but handrails must comply when stairs that are part of a means of egress are altered (§210.1, Ex. 2).

Stairways

[§504]

Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails.

Recommendation:  Providing visual contrast (light-on-dark or dark-on-light) on the top and bottom steps that is approximately 2 inches wide and located either on nosings or at the leading edges of treads is helpful for people with low vision.

Handrails

[§504.6]

Handrails are required on both sides of stairs and must be continuous within the full length of each stair flight. Inside handrails on switchback or dogleg stairs must be continuous.

Stairway Handrails

Recommendation:  In facilities that primarily serve children, a second set of stairway handrails 28 inches high maximum above stair nosings is advisable. A vertical clearance 9 inches minimum between upper and lower handrails will help prevent entrapment.

Handrail Extensions

[§505.10]

Handrail extensions at the top and bottom must return to walls, guards, or floors and horizontal portions must comply as protruding objects. The length is measured to the start of the return radius.

Handrail Clearance and Cross Section

[§505.5]

Surface requirements and clearances facilitate a power grip along the length of handrails. Handrails can have circular or non-circular cross-sections, but must have rounded edges. The gripping surface and adjacent surfaces must be free of abrasive or sharp elements. Wall-mounted handrails with leading edges higher than 27&#; cannot protrude more than 4½&#; into circulation paths (§307.2).

Circular Cross Section and Clearance

Non-Circular Cross Section and Clearance

Recommendation:  Projecting objects above handrails can impact their usability. Keep wall surfaces above handrails free of any protrusions.

Escalators

The ADA Standards address escalators in rail and fixed guideway stations (§810.9) but not those provided in other types of facilities. Escalators must have a clear width of at least 32 inches and meet specific provisions in the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. The referenced ASME criteria require steps to be demarcated by yellow lines 2 inches wide maximum along the back and sides (§6.1.3.5.6) and specify at least 2, but no more than 4, flat steps at escalator entrances and exits (§6.1.3.6.5).

Recommendation:  Apply the requirements for escalators in rail and fixed guideway stations to escalators provided in other types of facilities.

Want more information on accessible handrails? Feel free to contact us.

Common Questions

Are stairs that are not part of means of egress required to comply with the Standards?

No, interior or exterior stairs that are not part of a required means of egress do not have to meet the Standards.

Are exterior stairs required to comply with the Standards?

The Standards apply to both exterior and interior stairs that are part of a required means of egress. This includes exterior stairs that are part of exit discharge (i.e., the path from an exit to a public way such as a street or alley).

Is there a minimum number of risers a stairway must have for it to be covered?

No, the Standards apply to any stairs that are part of a means of egress regardless of the number of risers.

Are stairs in residential dwelling units covered by the Standards required to comply?

Yes, stairs that are part of a means of egress must comply in mobility accessible residential dwelling units covered by the Standards. Egress stairs of residential facilities that are located outside individual dwelling units also must comply.

Can stair treads and risers be perforated?

Stair treads must meet requirements for floor or ground surfaces which specify that surface openings not allow passage of a sphere more than ½ inch in diameter (§302.3). Risers cannot be open, but perforations or openings in riser surfaces that prohibit passage of a sphere not more than ½ inch in diameter are acceptable.

Can handrail extensions wrap or turn?

Handrail extensions must be in the same direction as the stair flight, but continuous handrails can wrap at the inside turn of switchback or dogleg stairways. In alterations where the required extension would project into circulation paths and pose a hazard, they can turn, wrap, or be shortened as necessary.

Can handrails overlap door maneuvering clearances?

No, door maneuvering clearances must be free of any overlapping objects, even those providing knee and toe clearance, which can interfere with maneuvering at doors and doorways. However, door maneuvering clearances can be offset up to 8&#; from the face of the door or gate to accommodate wall thickness, casework, shelves, or other elements adjacent to doorways, including handrails. The door maneuvering clearance must be measured from the leading edge of such elements so that the full clearance is free of any obstruction.

Can handrails be attached to guard rails?

Yes, handrails can be installed on guard rails if all applicable requirements are met.

Is a center handrail required at wide stairways?

No, a center handrail at stairs is not required by the Standards. If a center handrail is provided, compliance with the handrail specifications, while advisable, is not required.

Is color contrast required for stair nosings?

Visual contrast on stair nosings or the leading edges of treads is helpful for people with low vision, but it is not required by the Standards except at escalators in rail and fixed guideway stations which must meet the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. The ASME A17.1 code requires escalator steps to be demarcated by yellow lines 2&#; wide maximum along the back and sides.

Can guards or collars be attached to handrails to prevent skateboard traffic?

No, handrail gripping surfaces at egress stairs subject to the Standards must be unobstructed on the top and sides and free of sharp or abrasive elements so that users can maintain a continuous grip along the full length (§505.6 and §505.8).

Last Updated: June 13,

Handrails and stairs are like peanut butter and jelly or french fries and ketchup: a perfect pair. In slick and slippery winter weather, handrails prevent us from taking painful and embarrassing falls. Even if you don&#;t use a particular handrail for balance, you likely appreciate its presence (in case the worse should happen). Plus, for the disabled and elderly, handrails are crucial; they can be the difference between a comfortable walk up the stairs and a terrible injury. To ensure that handrails are built with safety and consistency in mind, and to guarantee that railings are accessible to people with disabilities, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) created a set of compliance standards. To learn more about ADA compliant handrails, please scroll down.

What Is the ADA?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in and was amended in . According to the ADA National Network, &#;The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications.&#;

The law prohibits public accommodations and commercial facilities from discriminating against people with disabilities and sets standards for accessibility. Don&#;t think of the ADA standards as building code requirements; they are a part of a civil rights legislation that establishes accessibility standards.

Requirements of ADA Compliant Handrails

ADA compliant handrails are required in all new commercial buildings and remodeled buildings in the United States. In order to make the grade and receive ADA compliance certification, handrail products must follow a number of strict rules:

• The railing must be continuous and smooth. Someone who is disabled may require the constant support of the handrail. By providing a handrail with a continuous gripping surface, you&#;re ensuring that anyone using it has constant and reliable support. In addition, a smooth railing ensures that users can maintain a consistent grip on it and easily run their hand along it if needed.
• A railing must be located on both sides of the stairway, ramp, etc. No matter which side of a stairway or ramp a person chooses to use, they should have the support of an ADA compliant handrail. There must also be at least 36 inches of space between the two railings to allow wheelchairs and people to pass through.
• The railing must be 34-38 inches high. This height ensures that most people can comfortably use the handrail. If the principal users of the handrail are children, however, the handrail should be no more than 28 inches from the ground.
• The clearance between the handrail and the wall (or any other obstruction) must be 1.5 inches or more. This allows users&#; hands to fully grip the handrail without being impeded by the wall or other obstructions.
• The handrail must not rotate in its fitting. A handrail that rotates in its fitting is not secure and therefore not safe for users who rely on it for stability.
• The end of the handrail must either be rounded or return smoothly into the floor, wall, or a post. This prevents any sort of protruding edge at the end of the railing, which someone might unintentionally bump into.

While these aren&#;t all of the requirements of ADA compliant handrails, they give you a good idea of what&#;s obligatory when it comes to meeting ADA standards. To ensure that your own building is ADA compliant, we encourage you to consult an expert who is familiar with ADA standards.

Where to Install ADA Compliant Handrails

So where should you install ADA compliant handrails? They can be used for both interior and exterior applications, including all of the following and more:

Commercial Uses for ADA Compliant Handrails

• Stairs
• Ramps
• Porches
• Decks
• Balconies
• Docks
• Walkways
• Hiking Trails

When building a commercial space, local building codes and ADA requirements must both be considered. To find the perfect ADA compliant continuous handrail, look for a handrail that is strong, long-lasting, versatile, easy to install, and fits within your budget. It should also come from a reliable company that offers great customer service. In choosing such a handrail, you will be investing your money in a worthwhile product, ensuring that your building is lawful, and (most importantly) assisting those who need the help.

Purchasing ADA Compliant Handrails

If you&#;re interested in purchasing ADA compliant handrails, be sure to check out MMC Fencing & Railing. In our online store, you&#;ll find the aluminum continuous handrail, an ADA compliant system that comes with a lifetime limited warranty. It&#;s durable and reliable, and it complements a number of different railing systems. You can purchase this continuous railing in a custom color or AAMA color if you like, but the standard color/texture options are as follows:

• Black Fine Texture
• Satin Black
• Bronze Fine Texture
• Ninety Bronze
• Chocolate
• Speckled Walnut
• Sandy Shore
• Gloss Beige
• Silver
• Gloss White
• White Fine Texture

The handrail uses an extremely durable powder coating that requires no maintenance whatsoever. The powder is applied using an electrostatic charge and then heated until cured. It will not blister, peel, rust, or crack, and it&#;s designed to stand up to all types of weather. Plus, it&#;s more environmentally friendly than liquid paint coatings, which emit dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and waste water.

To learn more about this ADA compliant, continuous handrail system, please check out the product brochure, the installation instructions, and the PDF line drawings of the parts. And if you have any questions about this or any other railing system we offer, please give us a call at 1-866-931- or click here to request a quote. We look forward to hearing from you!

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