9.8.7.1.Required Handrails

(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (4), handrails shall be installed on stairs and ramps in conformance with Table 9.8.7.1. (2) Where a stair or ramp is required to be at least 2 200 mm wide due to the occupant load, a handrail shall be installed such that no position on the stair or ramp is more than 825 mm from a handrail. (See Note A-9.8.7.1.(2)) (3) Handrails are not required for stairs and ramps serving a single dwelling unit, where (a) interior stairs have not more than 2 risers, (b) exterior stairs have not more than 3 risers, or (c) ramps rise not more than 400 mm. (4) Only one handrail is required on exterior stairs having more than 3 risers provided such stairs serve not more than one dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite. (5) Except for stairs with winders, where a flight of stairs within a dwelling unit consists of tapered treads, or a mix of tapered treads and rectangular treads, one handrail shall be installed along the narrow end of the treads. Table 9.8.7.1. Number of Sides of Stair or Ramp Required to Have a Handrail Forming Part of Sentence 9.8.7.1.(1) Handrails Serving Stairs Handrails Serving Ramps Stairs  1 100 mm Ramps < 1 100 mm Ramps  1 100 mm Location of Stair or Stairs < 1 100 mm Wide Wide Wide Wide Ramp Straight Curved All Straight or Curved All Number of Sides Required to have a Handrail Within a dwelling unit or a house with a 1 1 1 1 2 secondary suite All other locations 1 2 2 2 2