1) This Section applies to the design and construction of
interior and exterior stairs, steps, ramps, handrails and guards.
1) Where a stair, ramp or landing forms
part of an exit, the appropriate requirements in Sections 9.9. and 9.10. shall also apply.
1) Escalators and moving walkways shall conform to the appropriate requirements in Part 3.
1) Required exit stairs and public stairs shall have a width of not less than 900 mm.
2) At least one stair between each floor level within a
dwelling unit, and exterior stairs serving a single dwelling unit except required exit stairs, shall have a width of not less than 860 mm.
1) The clear height over stairs,
measured vertically from a line drawn through the
leading edges of the treads, shall be not
less than
a)1 950 mm for stairs within dwelling units, and
b)2 050 mm for stairs not within dwelling units.
1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), stairs shall consist of
a)straight-run flights, or
b)curved flights.
2) Stairs within dwelling units shall consist of
a)straight-run flights,
b)curved flights, or
c)straight runs with winders.
3) Only one set of winders described in Sentence (2) shall be permitted between floor levels.
1) Except for stairs within a dwelling unit, at least 3 risers shall be provided in interior flights.
1) The vertical height of any flight of stairs shall not
exceed 3.7 m.
1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), risers shall be of uniform height in any one
flight, with a maximum tolerance of
a)6 mm between adjacent treads or landings, and
b)6 mm between the tallest and shortest risers in a flight.
2) Except for required exit stairs, where the top or bottom riser in a stair adjoins a sloping
finished walking surface, such as a garage floor, driveway
or sidewalk, the height of the riser across the stair shall
vary by not more than 1 in 12.
3) Treads shall have a uniform run and tread depth,
with a maximum tolerance of
a)6 mm between adjacent treads, and
b)6 mm between the deepest and shallowest runs and treads in a flight.
4) Where angled treads or winders are incorporated
into a stair, the treads in all sets of angled treads or
winders within a flight shall turn in the same direction.
5) Cross-slope of treads shall not exceed 1 in 100.
1) Risers shall conform to Table 9.8.4.2.
| Table 9.8.4.2. Riser Height, Run and Tread Depth for Rectangular Treads Forming Part of Sentences 9.8.4.2.(1) and 9.8.4.3.(1) | ||||||
| Stair Type | All Steps | Rectangular Treads | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rise, mm | Run, mm | Tread Depth, mm | ||||
| Max. | Min. | Max. | Min. | Max. | Min. | |
| Service(1) | No limit | 125 | 355 | No limit | 355 | No limit |
| Private(2) | 200 | 125 | 355 | 210 | 355 | 235 |
| Public(3) | 200 | 125 | 355 | 230 | 355 | 250 |
| Notes to Table 9.8.4.2. | |
|
|
|
| (1) | Service stairs serve areas only used as service rooms or service spaces. |
| (2) | Private stairs are stairs within dwelling units, including stairs in attached garages, and exterior stairs serving a single dwelling unit. |
| (3) | Public stairs are all stairs not described as service stairs or private stairs. |
1) The run and tread depth of rectangular treads shall
conform to Table 9.8.4.2.
2) The depth of a rectangular tread shall be not less
than its run and not more than its run plus 25 mm.
1) Angled treads in required exit stairs shall conform to the requirements in Article 3.4.6.8.
2) Except as provided in Article 9.8.4.5., angled treads in other than required exit stairs shall have an average run of not less than 200 mm and a minimum
run of 150 mm.
3) The depth of an angled tread shall be not less
than its run at any point and not more than its run at any
point plus 25 mm.
1) Stairs within dwelling units may contain winders provided
a)the winders turn through an angle of not more than 90°,
b)individual treads turn through an angle of 30° with no deviation above or below 30°, or
c) individual treads turn through an angle of 45° with no deviation above or below 45°
d)the run, measured at a point 200 mm from the narrow end, conforms to the run requirements for a private stair in Table 9.8.4.2., and
e)the run at the narrow end is not less than 150 mm.
2) Where winders are incorporated into a stair, each set
shall not turn through more than 90°.
1) Leading edges of treads that are bevelled or rounded
a)shall not reduce the required tread depth by more than 15 mm,
b)shall not, in any case, exceed 25 mm horizontally, and
c)except for dwelling units,
i)shall have no abrupt angles on the underside, and
ii)shall not project more than 38 mm.
(See Appendix A.)
1) Except for stairs within or serving a dwelling unit, exit stairs not normally used for access purposes and fire escapes, stairs shall be provided with tactile warning strips conforming to Article 3.8.3.11.
1) This Subsection applies to pedestrian ramps, except ramps in an accessible path of travel.
2) Ramps providing access shall conform to the requirements in Section 3.8.
1) Except for required exit ramps, public ramps shall have a width of not less than 900 mm.
2) Ramps within dwelling units, and exterior ramps serving a single dwelling unit except required exit ramps, shall have a width of not less than 860 mm.
1) The clear height over ramps shall be not less than
a)1 950 mm for ramps within dwelling units, and
b)2 050 mm for ramps not within dwelling units.
1) The slope of ramps shall be not more than
a) 1 in 10 for exterior ramps,
b)1 in 10 for interior ramps serving residential occupancies,
c)1 in 6 for mercantile or industrial occupancies, and
d)1 in 8 for all other occupancies.
1) Where the slope of the ramp is greater than 1 in
12, the maximum rise between floors or landings shall be 1
500 mm.
1) This Subsection applies to landings,
except landings for ramps in an accessible path of travel.
2) Landings for ramps in an accessible path of travel shall conform to the requirements in Section 3.8.
3) Finished floors, and ground surfaces with
a slope not exceeding 1 in 100, at the top and
bottom of stairs or ramps shall be considered as
landings.
1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (4) and Sentence 9.9.6.6.(2), a landing shall be provided
a)at the top and bottom of each flight of interior and exterior stairs, including stairs in garages,
b)at the top and bottom of every ramp with a slope greater than 1 in 50,
c)where a doorway opens onto a stair or ramp,
d)where a ramp opens onto a stair, and
e)where a stair opens onto a ramp.
2) Where a door at the top of a stair within a dwelling unit swings away from the stair, no landing is required between the doorway
and the stair.
3) A landing may be omitted at the top of an
exterior flight serving a secondary entrance to a
single dwelling unit, [ ... ] including entrances from attached
garages, provided
a)the stair does not contain more than 3 risers,
b) the principal door is a sliding door or swings away from the stair, and
c) only a storm or screen door, if any, swings over the stair and is equipped with hardware to hold it open.
[Rev. 1, B.C. Reg. 108/2007.]
4) A landing may be omitted at the bottom of an
exterior stair or ramp provided there is no obstruction,
such as a gate or door, within the lesser of the width of
the stair or ramp or
a)900 mm for stairs or ramps serving a single dwelling unit, and
b)1 100 mm for stairs or ramps not serving a single dwelling unit.
1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (4), the width and length of landings shall comply with Table 9.8.6.3. (See Appendix A.)
2) Where stair flights or ramps of different widths
adjoin a single landing, the width of the landing shall be
a)where one or more of the stair or ramp widths do not exceed their respective required widths, not less than the greater required stair or ramp width, or
b)where all of the widths of the stairs or ramps exceed their respective required widths, not less than the lesser actual stair or ramp width.
3) Where a door swings toward a stair, the full arc of
the swing shall be over the landing.
4) Where a doorway or stairway opens onto the side of
a ramp, the landing shall extend for a distance of not less
than 300 mm on either side of the doorway or stairway,
except on a side abutting an end wall.
| Table 9.8.6.3. Dimensions of Landings Forming Part of Sentence 9.8.6.3.(1) |
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| Landing Configuration | Minimum Width, mm | Length, mm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stairs and ramps serving a single dwelling unit | In straight-run stair or ramp, or landing turning through less than 30°, within a dwelling unit | Width of stair or ramp | Not less than 860 |
| In straight-run exterior stair or ramp, or exterior landing turning through less than 30° | Width of stair or ramp | Not less than 900 | |
| Landing turning through an angle of 30° or more, but less than 90° | Width of stair or ramp measured at right angle to path of travel |
|
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| Landing turning through not less than 90° | Width of stair or ramp measured at right angle to path of travel | Not less than width of landing | |
| Stairs and ramps serving other than single dwelling units | In straight-run stair or ramp, or landing turning through less than 30° | Width of stair or ramp | Lesser of required width of stair or ramp, or 1 100 |
| Landing turning through 30° or more | Width of stair or ramp measured at right angle to path of travel | Not less than width of stair or ramp | |
1) The clear height over landings shall be not less than
a)1 950 mm for landings within dwelling units, and
b)2 050 mm for landings not within dwelling units.
1) Except as permitted in Sentences (2) and (3), a handrail shall be provided
a)on at least one side of stairs or curved ramps less than 1 100 mm in width,
b)on 2 sides of curved stairs or curved ramps of any width, except curved stairs within dwelling units, and
c)on 2 sides of stairs or ramps 1 100 mm in width or greater.
2) Handrails are not required for
a)interior stairs having not more than 2 risers and serving a single dwelling unit,
b)exterior stairs having not more than 3 risers and serving a single dwelling unit,
c) ramps with a slope of less than 1 in 12, or
d)ramps rising not more than 400 mm.
3) Only one handrail is required on exterior stairs
having more than 3 risers provided such stairs serve not more
than one dwelling unit.
1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), at least one required handrail shall be
continuous throughout the length of the stair or
ramp, including landings, except where interrupted by
a)doorways, or
b)newel posts at changes in direction.
2) For stairs or ramps serving a single dwelling unit, at least one required handrail shall be continuous
throughout the length of the stair or ramp,
except where interrupted by
a)doorways,
b)landings, or
c)newel posts at changes in direction.
1) Handrails shall be terminated in a manner that will
not obstruct pedestrian travel or create a hazard. (See Appendix A.)
2) Except for stairs and ramps serving
only one dwelling unit, at least one handrail at the sides of a stair or
ramp shall extend horizontally not less than 300 mm beyond the
top and bottom of each flight or ramp. (See Appendix A.)
1) The height of handrails on stairs and ramps shall be
measured vertically from the top of the handrail
to
a)a line drawn through the leading edge of the stair treads served by the handrail, or
b)the surface of the ramp, floor or landing served by the handrail.
2) Except as provided in Sentence (3), the height of handrails on stairs and ramps shall be
a)not less than 800 mm, and
b)not more than 965 mm.
3) Where guards are required, handrails required on landings
shall be not more than 1 070 mm in height.
1) A clearance of not less than 50 mm
shall be provided between a handrail and any
surface behind it.
2) All handrails shall be constructed so as to be
continually graspable along their entire length with no
obstruction on or above them to break a handhold, except where
the handrail is interrupted by newels at changes in direction.
(See Appendix A.)
1) Handrails and constructions below handrails, including
handrail supports and stair stringers, shall not project more
than 100 mm into the required width of a stair or ramp.
(See also Articles 9.8.2.1. and 9.8.5.2.)
1) Handrails and any building element that could be used as a handrail hall be designed and attached in such a manner as to resist
a)a concentrated load at any point of not less than 0.9 kN, and
b)for handrails other than those serving a single dwelling unit, a uniformly distributed load of 0.7 kN/m.
2) Where a handrail serving a single dwelling unit is attached to wood studs or blocking, the attachment
shall be deemed to comply with Sentence (1) where
a)the attachment points are spaced not more than 1.2 m apart,
b) the first attachment point at either end is located no more than 300 mm from the end of the handrail, and
c)the fasteners consist of not less than 2 wood screws at each point, penetrating not less than 32 mm into solid wood.
1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), every surface to which access is provided for other than maintenance purposes, including but not
limited to flights of steps and ramps, exterior
landings, porches, balconies, mezzanines, galleries and raised walkways, shall be protected by a guard on each side that is not protected by a wall for the length
where
a)there is a difference in elevation of more than 600 mm between the walking surface and the adjacent surface, or
b) the adjacent surface within 1.2 m of the walking surface has a slope of more than 1 in 2.
2) Guards are not required
a)at loading docks,
b)at floor pits in repair garages, or
c)where access is provided for maintenance purposes only.
3) Where an interior stair has more than 2 risers or an
interior ramp rises more than 400 mm, the sides of the
stair or ramp and the landing or floor level around the
stairwell or ramp shall be protected by a guard on each side that is not protected by a wall.
1) Guards shall be designed to resist the specified loads prescribed
in Table 9.8.8.2.
2) Where the width and spacing of balusters in guards within dwelling units and in exterior guards serving not more than 2 dwelling units is such that 3 balusters can be engaged by a load imposed over a 300 mm width, the load
shall be imposed so as to engage 3 balusters.
3) None of the loads specified in Table 9.8.8.2. need be considered to act simultaneously.
4) For guards within dwelling units and for exterior guards serving not more than 2 dwelling units, Table 9.8.8.2. need not apply where the guard construction used has been demonstrated to provide effective performance.
| Table 9.8.8.2. Specified Loads for Guards Forming Part of Sentence 9.8.8.2.(1) |
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| Location of Guard | Minimum Design Loads | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Horizontal Load Applied Inward or Outward at any Point at the Top of the Guard | Horizontal Load Applied Inward or Outward on Elements Within the Guard, Including Solid Panels and Pickets | Evenly Distributed Vertical Load Applied at the Top of the Guard | |
| Guards within dwelling units and exterior guards serving not more than 2 dwelling units | 0.5 kN/m OR concentrated load of 1.0 kN applied at any point(1) | 0.5 kN applied over a maximum width of 300 mm and a height of 300 mm(2) | 1.5 kN/m |
| Guards serving access walkways to equipment platforms, contiguous stairs and similar areas | Concentrated load of 1.0 kN applied at any point | Concentrated load of 0.5 kN applied at any point on individual elements | 1.5 kN/m |
| All other guards | 0.75 kN/m OR concentrated load of 1.0 kN applied at any point(1) | Concentrated load of 0.5 kN applied at any point on individual elements | 1.5 kN/m |
| Notes to Table 9.8.8.2. | |
|
|
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| (1) | The load that creates the most critical condition shall apply. |
| (2) | See Sentence (2). |
1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (4), all guards shall be not less than 1 070 mm high.
2) All guards within dwelling units shall be not less than 900 mm high.
3) Exterior guards serving not more than one dwelling unit shall be no less than 900 mm high where the walking
surface served by the guard is not more than 1 800 mm above the finished ground level.
4) Guards for flights of steps, except in required exit stairs, shall be not less than 900 mm high.
5) The height of guards for flights of steps shall be measured vertically from the top of the guard to a line drawn
through the leading edge of the treads served by the guard.
1) Except for floors of garages referred to in Section 9.35., where garage floors or ramps are 600 mm or more above the
adjacent ground or floor level, every opening through a garage
floor and the perimeter of floors and ramps that have no
exterior walls shall be provided with
a)a continuous curb not less than 150 mm in height, and
b)a guard not less than 1 070 mm above the floor level.
1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), openings through any guard that is required by Article 9.8.8.1. shall be of a size that will prevent the
passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 100 mm unless
it can be shown that the location and size of openings that
exceed this limit do not represent a hazard. (See
A-9.8.8.5.(1) and (2) in Appendix A.)
2) Openings through any guard that is required by Article 9.8.8.1. and that is installed in a building of industrial occupancy shall be of a size that will prevent the passage of a spherical
object having a diameter of 200 mm unless it can be shown that
the location and size of openings that exceed this limit do not
represent a hazard. (See A-9.8.8.5.(1) and (2) in Appendix A.)
3) Unless it can be shown that the location and size of
openings that do not comply with the following limits do not
represent a hazard, openings through any guard that is not required by Article 9.8.8.1. and that serves a building of other than industrial occupancy, shall be of a size that:
a)will prevent the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 100 mm, or
b)will permit the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 200 mm.
(See Appendix A.)1) Guards required by Article 9.8.8.1., except those in industrial occupancies and where it can be shown that the
location and size of openings do not represent a
hazard, shall be designed so that no member, attachment
or opening will facilitate climbing.
2) Guards shall be deemed to comply with Sentence (1) where any elements protruding from the vertical
and located within the area between 140 mm and 900 mm above
the floor or walking surface protected by the guard
a)are located more than 450 mm horizontally and vertically from each other,
b)provide not more than 15 mm horizontal offset,
c)do not provide a toe-space more than 45 mm horizontally and 20 mm vertically, or
d)present more than a 1-in-2 slope on the offset.
1) Glass in guards shall be
a)safety glass of the laminated or tempered type conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.1-M, “Tempered or Laminated Safety Glass,” or
b)wired glass conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, “Wired Safety Glass.”
1) Except as specified in Articles 9.8.9.3. and 9.8.9.4., stairs and ramps shall be designed for strength and rigidity under uniform loading criteria to
support specified loads of
a)1.9 kPa for stairs and ramps serving not more than one dwelling unit, and
b)4.8 kPa for other stairs and ramps.
1) Exterior concrete stairs with more than 2 risers and 2
treads shall be
a)supported on unit masonry or concrete walls or piers not less than 150 mm in cross section, or
b)cantilevered from the main foundation wall.
2) Stairs described in Sentence (1), when cantilevered from the foundation wall, shall be constructed and installed in conformance with Subsection 9.8.10.
3) The depth below ground level for foundations for exterior steps shall conform to the requirements in Section 9.12.
1) Exterior wood steps shall not be in direct contact
with the ground unless suitably treated with a wood
preservative.
1) Wooden stair stringers shall
a)have a minimum effective depth of 90 mm, measured perpendicularly to the bottom of the stringer at the point of minimum cross-section, and an overall depth of not less than 235 mm,
b)be supported and secured top and bottom,
c)be not less than 25 mm actual thickness if supported along their length and 38 mm actual thickness if unsupported along their length, and
d)except as permitted in Sentence (2), be spaced not more than 900 mm o.c. for stairs serving not more than one dwelling unit and 600 mm o.c. in other stairs.
2) For stairs serving not more than one dwelling unit where risers support the front portion of the tread, the space between
stringers shall be not more than 1 200 mm.
1) Stair treads of lumber, plywood or O-2 grade OSB
within dwelling units shall be not less than 25 mm actual thickness, except that if
open risers are used and the distance between stringers exceeds
750 mm, the treads shall be not less than 38 mm actual
thickness.
2) Stair treads of plywood or OSB that are not
continuously supported by the riser shall have their face grain
or direction of face orientation at right angles to the
stringers.
1) The finish for treads and landings of interior stairs
in dwelling units, other than stairs to unfinished basements, shall consist of hardwood, vertical grain softwood, resilient flooring or other material providing
equivalent performance.
2) Treads and landings of interior and exterior stairs
and ramps, other than those within dwelling units, shall have a slip-resistant finish or be provided with slip-resistant
strips that extend not more than 1 mm above the surface.
1) Exterior concrete steps and their anchorage system
that are cantilevered from a foundation wall shall be designed and installed to support the loads to which they may be subjected.
1) Cantilevered concrete steps referred to in Article 9.8.10.1. shall be anchored to concrete foundation walls not less than 200 mm thick.
1) Suitable precautions shall be taken during backfilling
and grading operations to ensure that subsequent freezing of the
soil will not cause uplift forces on the underside of cantilevered concrete steps to
the extent that the steps or the walls to which they are
attached will be damaged.