ADAAG Manual

Handrails [4.8.5]

Handrails are required on both sides for ramps with a rise more than 6 inches or a horizontal length more than 72 inches. They are not required along ramps adjacent to seating in assembly areas.

ADAAG shows a diameter of 1¼ to 1½ inch for handrails. A standard IPS pipe designated as 1¼ to 1½ inch is acceptable. Since 1½ inch pipe has an outside diameter close to 2 inches, it is important that handrails mounted to walls still provide the 1½ inch (absolute) knuckle clearance. This clearance allows space for knuckles while preventing entrapment for people who lean on rails with their forearm. Handrails can be mounted to guardrails or on top of walls consistent with ADAAG specifications. The height of a guardrail (to prevent falling off the edge) is not specified by ADAAG; local building codes do, however, commonly regulate the minimum height of a guardrail at 42 inches. Because, in ADAAG, the maximum height of a handrail is 38 inches, a handrail must be installed in addition to the guardrail.

Extensions

Handrails that are not continuous must have horizontal extensions at both the top and bottom of the ramp at least 12 inches long that are rounded or returned smoothly to walls, posts, or floors. Inner handrails on switchback ramps must be continuous. Handrail extensions are required on all new ramps but need not project into perpendicular circulation paths in alterations. ADAAG (Figure 17) illustrates returns to post that comply as protruding objects.