Handrailing Codes

OSHA Handrailing Codes Should Always Be Followed

An alternative to simply buying and installing prefabricated handrailings is to build your own on site. In the interest of safety, there are specific building codes for this that must be adhered to by the carpenter. Handrailing codes are set by OSHA and may vary by location, so it is advised that you check with your local building commission for the codes in your area. For the purpose of this reading, we will use the cones that are in force in my area.

Determine The Handrail Span

The first thing you need to do is determine the overall length (span) of the handrail. In this area, the maximum spacing between the spindles is four inches. That will be the measurement between the inside edges of two adjacent spindles. The average width of the spindles is 1.5” giving you a max of 5.5” from the OUTside of one spindle to the OUTside of the next one. This is called the “total set”.

Spindle Spacing

To figure how many spindles are required for this handrail, you take the span divided by the total set. For this example, that is 52” / 5.5” which equals about 9.45 spindles. Round that number down to 9 and that tells you that you will end up with nine spindles with ten spaces. Now you have to figure the total space taken up by the spindles in the span in order to space them evenly while meeting the handrailing codes.

So add the width of all the spindles together (9 x 1.5” = 13.5”) and subtract that from the span (52”). That gives you 38.5”. This is the total amount of space you have to evenly space the spindles along the span. Divide that by the number of spaces you will have and that gives you a 3.85” spacing which falls right in line with the 4” handrail codes. To simplify, take that number down to 3 7/8” so you don’t need to mess with metrics and such.



Hand Railing Height

The other thing to consider when following the handrailing codes is the height of the railing. Here in the area where I work, that is between 34” and 38” for handrails that are alongside staircases. Handrailings that act as dividers or as balustrades overlooking a foyer may be different. I like to make those at a height of 40” but you will want to inquire locally for the handrail codes that apply where you are working.



OSHA Codes

It is always important to follow your local building codes when constructing interior handrails. Handrailing codes contain minimum and maximum dimensions for all interior handrails. These dimensions include height, width, maximum length, angle of stair inclination, the height of newel posts, spacing between spindles, etc…The handrailing codes are intended to secure the safety of those using the handrail after it is built.

To find out the proper building codes for all new construction in your area, visit your local building commission offices or request a copy of the codes from them. Many times, these codes are available online or as a PDF download. It simply depends on the area you work in and what they have to offer.

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