Division B
Acceptable Solutions

Part 9 — Housing and Small Buildings

Section 9.8. Stairs, Ramps, Handrails and Guards

9.8.1. Application

9.8.1.1. General

1) This Section applies to the design and construction of interior and exterior stairs, steps, ramps, handrails and guards.

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1) This Section applies to the design and constructionconstruction of interior and exterior stairs, steps, ramps, handrails and guards.

9.8.1.2. Stairs, Ramps, Landings, Handrails and Guards in Garages

1) Where stairs, ramps, landings, handrails or guards are installed in garages that serve a single dwelling unit, the garage shall be considered to be part of the dwelling unit and the requirements for stairs, ramps, landings, handrails and guards within dwelling units shall apply.

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1) Where stairs, ramps, landings, handrails or guards are installed in garages that serve a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, the garage shall be considered to be part of the dwelling unit and the requirements for stairs, ramps, landings, handrails and guards within dwelling units shall apply.

9.8.1.3. Exit Stairs, Ramps and Landings

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.

9.8.1.4. Escalators and Moving Walkways

1) Escalators and moving walkways shall conform to the appropriate requirements in Part 3.

9.8.2. Stair Dimensions

9.8.2.1. Stair Width

1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), required exit stairs and public stairs serving buildings of residential occupancy shall have a width of not less than 900 mm.

2) Exit stairs serving a single dwelling unit shall have a width of not less than 860 mm.

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2) Exit stairs serving a single dwelling unitor a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall have a width of not less than 860 mm.

3) Required exit stairs and public stairs serving buildings of other than residential occupancy shall have a width of not less than the greater of

a) 900 mm, or

b) 8 mm per person based on the occupant load limits specified in Table 3.1.17.1.

4) 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.

9.8.2.2. Height over Stairs

1) The clear height over stairs shall be measured vertically, over the clear width of the stair, from a straight line tangent to the tread and landing nosings to the lowest point above. (See A-3.4.3.4. in Appendix A.)

2) Except as permitted by Sentences (3) and (4), the clear height over stairs shall not be less than 2 050 mm.

3) The clear height over stairs serving a single dwelling unit shall not be less than 1 950 mm.

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3) The clear height over stairs serving a single dwelling unitor a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall not be less than 1 950 mm.

4) Reserved.

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4) Reserved.The clear height over stairs that are located under beams and ducting in secondary suites shall not be less than 1 850 mm.

9.8.3. Stair Configurations

9.8.3.1. Straight and Curved Runs in Stairs

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.

9.8.3.2. Minimum Number of Risers

1) Except for stairs within a dwelling unit, at least 3 risers shall be provided in interior flights.

9.8.3.3. Maximum Height of Stairs

1) The vertical height of any flight of stairs shall not exceed 3.7 m.

9.8.4. Step Dimensions

9.8.4.1. Dimensions for Risers

1) Except for stairs serving areas only used as service rooms or service spaces, the rise, which is measured as the vertical nosing-to-nosing distance, shall comply with Table 9.8.4.1.

Table 9.8.4.1. Rise for Rectangular Treads Forming part of Sentence 9.8.4.1.(1)
Stair Type	All Steps
	Rise, mm
	Max.	Min.
Private(1)	200	125
Public(2)	180	125

Notes to Table 9.8.4.1.:
(1)	Private stairs are exterior and interior stairs that serve single dwelling units or that serve garages that serve single dwelling units.
(2)	Public stairs are all stairs not described as service stairs or private stairs.

9.8.4.2. Dimensions for Rectangular Treads

1) Except for stairs serving areas only used as service rooms or service spaces, the run, which is measured as the horizontal nosing-to-nosing distance, and the tread depth of rectangular treads shall comply with Table 9.8.4.2.

Table 9.8.4.2. Run and Tread Depth for Rectangular Treads Forming part of Sentence 9.8.4.2.(1)
Stair Type	Rectangular Treads
	Run, mm		Tread Depth, mm
	Max.	Min.	Max.	Min.
Private(1)	355	210	355	235
Public(2)	No limit	280	No limit	280

Notes to Table 9.8.4.2.:
(1)	Private stairs are exterior and interior stairs that serve single dwelling units or that serve garages that serve single dwelling units.
(2)	Public stairs are all stairs not described as service stairs or private stairs.

2) The depth of a rectangular tread shall be not less than its run and not more than its run plus 25 mm.

9.8.4.3. Dimensions for Angled Treads

1) Angled treads in required exit stairs shall conform to the requirements in Article 3.4.6.9.

2) Except as provided in Article 9.8.4.5., angled treads in other than required exit stairs shall have an average run, which is measured as the horizontal nosing-to-nosing distance, 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, measured as the horizontal nosing-to-nosing distance, at any point and not more than its run at any point plus 25 mm.

9.8.4.4. Uniformity and Tolerances for Risers and Treads

1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), risers shall be of uniform height in any one flight, with a maximum tolerance of

a) 5 mm between adjacent treads or landings, and

b) 10 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 with a maximum tolerance of

a) 5 mm between adjacent treads, and

b) 10 mm between the deepest and shallowest 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) The slope of treads shall not exceed 1 in 50.

9.8.4.5. Winders

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

i) an angle of 30° with no deviation above or below 30°, or

ii) an angle of 45° with no deviation above or below 45°,

c) 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

d) the run at the narrow end is not less than 150 mm.

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1) Stairs within dwelling units may contain winders providedIndividual treads in winders that converge on a centre point shall turn through an angle of

a) the winders turn through an angle of not more than 90°,

b) individual treads turn through

i) an angle of 30° with no deviation above or below 30°, or

ii) an angle of 45° with no deviation above or below 45°,

a) 30° with no deviation above or below 30°, or

c) 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

d) the run at the narrow end is not less than 150 mm.45° with no deviation above or below 45°.

2) Where winders are incorporated into a stair, each set shall not turn through more than 90°.

9.8.4.6. Tread Nosings

(See Appendix A and A-9.8.4. in Appendix A.)

1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), the top of the nosings of stair treads shall have a rounded or bevelled edge extending not less than 6 mm and not more than 14 mm measured horizontally from the front of the nosing.

2) If resilient material is used to cover the nosing of a stair tread, the minimum extension of the rounded or bevelled edge required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be reduced to 3 mm.

9.8.4.7. Tactile Warning

1) Stairs shall be provided with tactile warning strips conforming to Article 3.8.3.11., except for

a) stairs within or serving a dwelling unit,

b) exit stairs not normally used for access purposes, and

c) fire escapes.

9.8.5. Ramps

9.8.5.1. Application

1) This Subsection applies to pedestrian ramps, except ramps in an accessible path of travel.

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1) This Subsection applies to pedestrian ramps, except ramps in anaaccessible barrier-free path of travel.

2) Ramps in an accessible path of travel shall conform to the requirements in Section 3.8.

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2) Ramps in anaaccessible barrier-free path of travel shall conform to the requirements in Section 3.8.Article 3.8.3.4.

9.8.5.2. Ramp Width

1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), exit ramps and public ramps serving buildings of residential occupancy shall have a clear width of not less than 870 mm.

2) All ramps serving a single dwelling unit shall have a width of not less than 860 mm.

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2) All ramps serving a single dwelling unitor a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall have a width of not less than 860 mm.

3) Exit ramps and public ramps serving buildings of other than residential occupancy shall have a clear width of not less than the greater of

a) 870 mm, or

b) 8 mm per person based on the occupant load limits specified in Table 3.1.17.1.

9.8.5.3. Height over Ramps

1) The clear height over ramps shall be not less than 2 050 mm.

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9.8.5.3. Height over Ramps

1) The Except as permitted by Sentence (2), the clear height over ramps shall be not less than 2 050 mm.

2) The clear height over ramps serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall be not less than 1 950 mm.

9.8.5.4. Slope

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.

9.8.5.5. Maximum Rise

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.

9.8.6. Landings

9.8.6.1. Application

1) This Subsection applies to landings, except landings for ramps in an accessible path of travel.

NC2010  2010-01-01 R1

1) This Subsection applies to landings, except landings for ramps in anaaccessiblebarrier-free path of travel.

2) Landings for ramps in an accessible path of travel shall conform to the requirements in Section 3.8.

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2) Landings for ramps in anaaccessiblebarrier-free 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 50, at the top and bottom of stairs or ramps shall be considered as landings.

9.8.6.2. Required 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 is not required at the top of an exterior flight serving a secondary entrance to a single dwelling unit 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.

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3) A landing is not requiredmay be omitted at the top of an exterior flight serving a secondary entrance to a single dwelling unit 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.

3) A landing is not requiredmay be omitted at the top of an exterior flight serving a secondary entrance to a single dwelling unitor a house with a secondary suite, 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.

4) A landing is not required 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.

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4) A landing is not requiredmay 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.

9.8.6.3. Dimensions of Landings

1) Except as provided in Sentences (3) to (6), the width and length of landings shall comply with Table 9.8.6.3. (See Appendix A.)

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1) Except as provided in Sentences (3) to (6), the width and length of landings shall comply with Table 9.8.6.3. (See Appendix A.)

2) Reserved.

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2) Reserved.Widths and lengths of landings serving a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall comply with the requirements in Table 9.8.6.3. that apply to dwelling units.

Table 9.8.6.3. Dimensions of Landings Forming part of Sentence 9.8.6.3.(1)
	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	Not less than 230 measured at the inside edge of the landing, and Not less than 370 measured 230 mm from inside edge of landing or handrail
	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 stair or ramp 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 clear width of ramp	Lesser of required width of stair or clear width of ramp, or 1 100
	Landing turning through 30° or more	Width of stair or clear width of ramp measured at right angle to path of travel	Not less than width of stair or clear width of ramp

3) Where stair flights or ramps of different widths adjoin a single landing, the minimum 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.

4) Where a door swings toward a stair, the full arc of the swing shall be over the landing.

5) The slope of landings shall not exceed 1 in 50.

6) 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.

9.8.6.4. Height over Landings

1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), the clear height over landings shall be not less than 2 050 mm.

2) The clear height over landings within dwelling unit shall be not less than 1 950 mm.

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2) The clear height over landings within serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall be not less than 1 950 mm.

9.8.7. Handrails

9.8.7.1. Required Handrails

1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (4), handrails shall be installed on stairs and ramps in accordance with Table 9.8.7.1.

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)
Location of Stair or Ramp	Handrails Serving Stairs			Handrails Serving Ramps
	Stairs < 1 100 mm Wide		Stairs ≥  1 100 mm Wide	Ramps < 1 100 mm Wide	Ramps ≥  1 100 mm Wide
	Straight	Curved	All	Straight or Curved	All
	Number of Sides Required to Have a Handrail
Within a dwelling unit	1	1	1	1	2
All other locations(1)	1	2	2	2	2

2) Where a stair or a 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.

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.

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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.

9.8.7.2. Continuity of Handrails

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.

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2) For stairs or ramps serving a single dwelling unitor a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, 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.

9.8.7.3. Termination of Handrails

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.)

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2) Except for stairs and ramps serving only one dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, 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.)

9.8.7.4. Height of Handrails

1) The height of handrails on stairs and ramps shall be measured vertically from the top of the handrail to

a) a straight line drawn tangent to the tread nosings of the stair served by the handrail, or

b) the surface of the ramp, floor or landing served by the handrail.

2) Except as provided in Sentences (3) and (4), the height of handrails on stairs and ramps shall be

a) not less than 865 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.

4) Handrails installed in addition to required handrails need not comply with Sentence (2).

9.8.7.5. Ergonomic Design

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.)

9.8.7.6. Projections into Stairs and Ramps

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.)

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1) Handrails and constructionsconstructions 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.)

9.8.7.7. Design and Attachment of Handrails

1) Handrails and any building element that could be used as a handrail shall 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.

9.8.8. Guards

9.8.8.1. Required Guards

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.

4) Doors in buildings of residential occupancy, where the finished floor on one side of the door is more than 600 mm above the floor or other constructed surface or ground level on the other side of the door, shall be protected by

a) a guard, or

b) a mechanism capable of controlling the free swinging or sliding of the door so as to limit any clear unobstructed opening to not more than 100 mm.

5) Except as provided in Sentence (6), openable windows in buildings of residential occupancy shall be protected by

a) a guard, or

b) a mechanism capable of controlling the free swinging or sliding of the openable part of the window so as to limit any clear unobstructed opening to not more than 100 mm measured either vertically or horizontally where the other dimension is greater than 380 mm.

(See Appendix A.)

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5) Except as provided in Sentence (6), openable Openable windows in buildings of residential occupancy shall be protected by

a) a guard, or

b) a mechanism capable of controlling the free swinging or sliding of the openable part of the window so as to limit any clear unobstructed opening to not more than 100 mm measured either vertically or horizontally where the other dimension is greater than 380 mm.

(See Appendix A.)

5) Except as provided in Sentence (6), openable windows in buildings of residential occupancy shall be protected by

a) a guard, or

b) a mechanism capable of controlling the free swinging or sliding of the openable part of the window so as to limit any clear unobstructed opening to not more than 100 mm measured either vertically or horizontally where the other dimension is greater than 380 mm.

(See Appendix A.)

6) Windows need not be protected in accordance with Sentence (5), where

a) the windows serve a dwelling unit that is not located above another suite,

b) Reserved.

c) openings greater than 100 by 380 mm are

i) located more than 900 mm above the finished floor on one side of the window, and

ii) construction below the opening does not facilitate climbing,

d) windows are designed such that

i) the only opening greater than 100 mm by 380 mm is a horizontal opening at the top of the window,

ii) the opening is at least 450 mm above the window sill, and

iii) the window sill is located more than 450 mm above the finished floor on one side of the window, or

e) the window is located in a room or space with the finished floor described in Clause 9.8.8.1.(6)(d) located less than 1 800 mm above the floor or ground on the other side of the window.

(See A-9.8.8.1.(5) in Appendix A.)

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6) Windows need not be protected in accordance with Sentence (5), whereDeleted.

a) the windows serve a dwelling unit that is not located above another suite,

b) Reserved.

c) openings greater than 100 by 380 mm are

i) located more than 900 mm above the finished floor on one side of the window, and

ii) construction below the opening does not facilitate climbing,

d) windows are designed such that

i) the only opening greater than 100 mm by 380 mm is a horizontal opening at the top of the window,

ii) the opening is at least 450 mm above the window sill, and

iii) the window sill is located more than 450 mm above the finished floor on one side of the window, or

e) the window is located in a room or space with the finished floor described in Clause 9.8.8.1.(6)(d) located less than 1 800 mm above the floor or ground on the other side of the window.

(See A-9.8.8.1.(5) in Appendix A.)

6) Windows need not be protected in accordance with Sentence (5), where

a) the windows serve a dwelling unit that is not located above another suite,

b) Reserved.

c) openings greater than 100 by 380 mm are

i) located more than 900 mm above the finished floor on one side of the window, and

ii) construction below the opening does not facilitate climbing,

c) the only opening greater than 100 mm by 380 mm is a horizontal opening at the top of the window,

d) windows are designed such that

i) the only opening greater than 100 mm by 380 mm is a horizontal opening at the top of the window,

ii) the opening is at least 450 mm above the window sill, and

iii) the window sill is located more than 450 mm above the finished floor on one side of the window, or

d) the window sill is located more than 450 mm above the finished floor on one side of the window, or

e) the window is located in a room or space with the finished floor described in Clause 9.8.8.1.(6)(d) located less than 1 800 mm above the floor or ground on the other side of the window.

(See A-9.8.8.1.(5) in Appendix A.)

6) Windows need not be protected in accordance with Sentence (5), where

a) the windows servewindow serves a dwelling unit that is not located above another suite,

b) Reserved.

c) openings greater than 100 by 380 mm are

i) located more than 900 mm above the finished floor on one side of the window, and

ii) construction below the opening does not facilitate climbing,

b) the window serves a house with a secondary suite,

d) windows are designed such that

i) the only opening greater than 100 mm by 380 mm is a horizontal opening at the top of the window,

ii) the opening is at least 450 mm above the window sill, and

iii) the window sill is located more than 450 mm above the finished floor on one side of the window, or

c) the only opening greater than 100 mm by 380 mm is a horizontal opening at the top of the window,

d) the window sill is located more than 450 mm above the finished floor on one side of the window, or

e) the window is located in a room or space with the finished floor described in Clause 9.8.8.1.(6)(d) located less than 1 800 mm above the floor or ground on the other side of the window.

(See A-9.8.8.1.(5) in Appendix A.)

7) Except as provided in Sentence (8), glazing installed over stairs, ramps and landings that extends to less than 1 070 mm above the surface of the treads, ramp or landing shall be

a) protected by guards, in accordance with this Subsection, or

b) non-openable and designed to withstand the specified lateral loads for balcony guards as provided in Article 4.1.5.14.

8) In dwelling units, glazing installed over stairs, ramps and landings that extends to less than 900 mm above the surface of the treads, ramp or landing shall be

a) protected by guards, in accordance with this Subsection, or

b) non-openable and designed to withstand the specified lateral loads for balcony guards as provided in Article 4.1.5.14.

9) Glazing installed in public areas that extends to less than 1 m from the floor and is located above the second storey in buildings of residential occupancy shall be

a) protected by guards in accordance with this Subsection, or

b) non-openable and designed to withstand the specified lateral loads for balcony guards as provided in Article 4.1.5.14.

10) Swimming pools greater than 450 mm deep shall be enclosed within a sturdy fence no less than 1.22 m in height, with no openings in it greater than 100 mm, and with no member, attachment, or opening located between 100 mm and 900 mm above ground level which could facilitate climbing, except that heavy gauge chain link fencing with a maximum opening size of 35 mm square may be considered acceptable fencing for this purpose. (See Appendix A.)

11) The fence described in Sentence (10)

a) shall enclose the pool and the principle building on the premises, except that the fence may enclose the pool separately if the pool is entirely visible from the principle building or through the fence, and

b) shall be continuous, except for points of access which shall be equipped with a self-closing gate, secured by a spring lock located no less than 1 070 mm above grade, and only openable from the pool side of the fence.

9.8.8.2. Loads on Guards

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.

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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 construction used has been demonstrated to provide effective performance.

9.8.8.3. Height of Guards

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.

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2) All guards within dwelling units or within houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall be not less than 900 mm high.

3) Exterior guards serving not more than one dwelling unit shall be not 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.

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3) Exterior guards serving not more than one dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall be not 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.

9.8.8.4. Guards for Floors and Ramps in Garages

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.

2) Vehicle guardrails shall be designed for a concentrated horizontal load of 22 kN applied outward at any point 500 mm above the floor surface. (See A-4.1.5.14. and 4.1.5.15.(1) in Appendix A.)

9.8.8.5. Openings in Guards

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.)

9.8.8.6. Design of Guards to Not Facilitate Climbing

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 present a hazard, shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening facilitates climbing.

2) Guards shall be deemed to comply with Sentence (1) where all 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 conform to at least one of the following Clauses:

a) they are located more than 450 mm horizontally and vertically from each other,

b) they provide not more than 15 mm horizontal offset,

c) they do not provide a toe-space more than 45 mm horizontally and 20 mm vertically, or

d) they present more than a 2-in-1 slope on the offset.

(See Appendix A.)

9.8.8.7. Glass in Guards

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.”

9.8.8.8. Glass Guards

1) All glass guards shall have a top rail capable of transferring the guard loads to adjacent glass panels or, in the event of the failure of a glass panel, to the structural component of the building.

9.8.9. Construction

9.8.9.1. Loads on Stairs and Ramps

1) Except as specified in Articles 9.8.9.4. and 9.8.9.5., 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.

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1) Except as specified in Articles 9.8.9.4. and 9.8.9.5., 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 or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, and

b) 4.8 kPa for other stairs and ramps.

9.8.9.2. Exterior Concrete Stairs

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.

9.8.9.3. Exterior Wood Steps

1) Exterior wood steps shall not be in direct contact with the ground unless suitably treated with a wood preservative.

9.8.9.4. Wooden Stair Stringers

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. in stairs serving not more than one dwelling unit and 600 mm o.c. in other stairs.

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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. in stairs serving not more than one dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, 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.

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2) For stairs serving not more than one dwelling unitor a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, where risers support the front portion of the tread, the space between stringers shall be not more than 1 200 mm.

9.8.9.5. Treads

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.

9.8.9.6. Finish for Treads and Landings

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.

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2) Treads and landings of interior and exterior stairs and ramps, other than those within dwelling units or within houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces, shall have a slip-resistant finish or be provided with slip-resistant strips that extend not more than 1 mm above the surface.

9.8.10. Cantilevered Precast Concrete Steps

9.8.10.1. Design

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.

9.8.10.2. Anchorage

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.

9.8.10.3. Prevention of Damage Due to Frost

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.