Stairway Safety
Stairs may be the most dangerous
area of your home.  Falls account
for the most injuries around the
home and many of those are related
to stairs.  The rules and
requirements related to stairs,
handrails, guardrails, etc are very
complex.  This page is intended to
give a brief overview of some of the
more common issues.  These rules
are based on buildings with a load
occupancy of less than 10 people.  
Alternate recommendations are in
parentheses.
Brady Home
Inspection
Eureka, CA

707
444-9922
ralph@bradyinspects.com
Terminology
  • Tread - The horizontal step surface
  • Riser - The vertical height component between steps
  • Landing - A flat surface at least as wide as the stairway (or doorway) by at
    least 36" long
  • Handrail - A graspable rail along the stairway
  • Guardrail - The barrier along the edge of a stairway, landing, hallway or deck.
  • Baluster - The vertical components of a guardrail
Basic Safety Guidelines:
  • The risers should not exceed 8" (7 3/4") and should not vary by more than 3/8"
  • The treads should be at least 9" deep and should not vary by more than 3/8"
  • Headroom should be at least 6' 8"
  • A graspable handrail should be installed at any location with 4 or more risers
  • A guardrail should be installed at any location more than 24" (30") off the floor/ground
  • The space between guardrail components should not exceed 4"
  • A landing should be installed at the top and bottom of the stairs (if more than 2 stairs)
  • A door or gate should not open over the stairs or a landing (screen door is OK)
  • The step down onto a landing outside a door should not exceed 8" (main egress door max = 1 1/2")
  • Lighting should be installed over stairways with a switch at the top and bottom of the stairs