Hallways, Stairways and Ramps

Question 1

Hallway Width
Minimum Requirement
Hallways must be at least 36 inches wide.
✅ Flashcard Question: What is the minimum hallway width required?

Answer 1

A:36 inches

Question 2

Ramp Slope
Standard Slope
The maximum slope for a ramp is 1:12 (which equals an 8.3% incline).
✅ Flashcard Question: What is the maximum slope for a ramp?

Answer 2

A: 1:12 (8.3%)

Question 3

Slope Exception
A steeper 1:8 slope (12.3% incline) is allowed only when a 1:12 slope is not feasible.
✅ Flashcard Question: What is the exception to the 1:12 ramp slope?

Answer 3

A: The maximum slope can be 1:8 (12.3%).

Question 4

Ramp Landings
Placement of Landings
A 3x3-foot landing is required:
At the top of the ramp
At the bottom of the ramp
At door openings
Where the ramp changes direction
✅ Flashcard Question: Where should a 3x3-foot landing be installed on a ramp?

Answer 4

A:
1. At the top of the ramp
2. At the bottom of the ramp
3. Where doors open onto ramps
4. Where ramps change direction

Question 5

Ramp Handrails
Handrail Requirement
A handrail is required on a ramp when the slope exceeds 1:12.
✅ Flashcard Question: When is a handrail required on a ramp?

Answer 5

A: When the slope is greater than 1:12.

Question 6

Ramp Handrails
Handrail Height
The required height for ramp handrails is between 34 and 38 inches.
✅ Flashcard Question: What is the required handrail height for a ramp?

Answer 6

A: Between 34 and 38 inches.

Question 7

Ramp Handrail Height
Q: What is the required height range for a ramp handrail?

Answer 7

A:
- Minimum: 34 inches (86.4 cm)
- Maximum: 38 inches (96.5 cm)

Question 8

Ramp Handrail Requirements
Handrail Continuity
Handrails must be continuous for the entire length of the ramp.
✅ Flashcard Question: How long should a ramp handrail be?

Answer 8

A: It should be continuous for the full length of the ramp.

Question 9

Handrail Termination
Handrails should end at a newel post, wall, or safety terminal.
✅ Flashcard Question: Where should a ramp handrail end?

Answer 9

A: At a newel post, wall, or safety terminal.

Question 10

Handrail Clearance
The space between a handrail and the wall must be at least 1-1/2 inches (38 mm).
✅ Flashcard Question: What is the minimum clearance between a ramp handrail and the wall?

Answer 10

A: 1-1/2 inches (38 mm).

Question 11

Stairway Safety
General Stairway Safety
Stairways are one of the most hazardous areas in a home.
Falls on stairways can be fatal.
✅ Flashcard Question: Why are stairways considered hazardous?

Answer 11

A: Because falls on stairways can be fatal.

Question 12

Stairway Handrails
Q: When is a handrail required on a stairway in the US?

Answer 12

A: When a stairway has 4 or more risers.

Question 13

Stairway Handrail Height
Q: What is the required handrail height for stairways in the US?

Answer 13

A: 34 inches minimum, 38 inches maximum (measured from tread nosing).

Question 14

Stairway Handrail Continuity
Handrails should be continuous for the full length of the stairs.
US Exception: A newel post at a turn may interrupt continuity.
✅ Flashcard Question: Should stairway handrails be continuous?

Answer 14

A: Yes, for the full length of the flight of stairs.

Question 15

Stairway Handrail Continuity
Q: What exceptions exist for handrail continuity?

Answer 15

A: A newel post at a turn may interrupt continuity.

Question 16

Handrail Termination
Q: Where should a stairway handrail end?

Answer 16

A: At a newel post or wall.

Question 17

Handrail Clearance
Q: What is the minimum required clearance between a handrail and the wall?

Answer 17

A: 1-1/2 inches

Question 18

Handrail Attachment Load
US: Must withstand 200 pounds of force applied at any point in any direction.

✅ Flashcard Question: How much force should a handrail attachment withstand?

Answer 18

A: 200 pounds applied at any point in any direction.

Question 19

Stairway Width Requirements
US:
Minimum stairway width: 36 inches at all points above the handrail height.
Spiral stairways: Minimum 26 inches wide, measured at and below the handrail.

✅ Flashcard Question: What is the minimum required width for a stairway in the US?

Answer 19

A: 36 inches at all points above the handrail height.

Question 20

Stairway Width
Q: What is the required width for a spiral stairway in the US?

Answer 20

A: 26 inches measured at and below the handrail.

Question 21

Handrail Projections & Other Stairway Projections
Handrail Projections:
US: Handrails cannot project more than 4-1/2 inches into the stairway.

✅ Flashcard Question: How far can a handrail project into a stairway?

Answer 21

A: No more than 4-1/2 inches on either side.

Question 22

Other Stairway Projections
Q: What is the rule for other stairway projections (e.g., trim, stringers)?

Answer 22

A: Projections below the handrail cannot exceed 4-1/2 inches.