Spheres and Handgrips Flashcards
Means of Egress in Residential Dwelling Units
Spheres (Guard and Stair Openings)
Q: What is the maximum sphere size that can pass through horizontal guards in the US?
A: Openings in guards at raised floor areas, balconies, and porches should not allow passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere.
4 inches
Spheres (Guard and Stairs Openings)
Q: What is the maximum sphere size that can pass through open risers in the US?
A:Open risers should not allow the passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere.
Exception: On stairs with a total rise of 30 inches or less, the size of the open riser is not limited.
Spheres (Guard and Stairs Openings)
Q: What is the maximum sphere size allowed in the triangular area between a tread, riser, and guard in the US?
A: A 6-inch diameter sphere should not be able to pass through this triangular opening.
Spheres (Guard and Stairs Openings)
Q: What is the maximum sphere size that can pass through the openings at guards on the sides of stair treads in the US?
A: A 4-3/8-inch diameter sphere should not be able to pass through these openings.
HANDGRIP (Handrail Requirements)
Q: What are the general requirements for a handrail’s handgrip?
A:
- The handrail should be graspable along its entire length.
It should provide a secure, natural grip without twisting the fingers or requiring release.
- The shape can be circular or non-circular as long as it meets graspability requirements.
Circular Handgrip Requirements
Q: What are the US requirements for a circular handgrip?
A:
- The minimum cross-section diameter is 1-1/4 inches.
- The maximum cross-section diameter is 2 inches.
- All handrails should be equivalently graspable to a 2-inch circular handrail.
Non-Circular Handgrip Requirements
Q: What are the US requirements for a non-circular handgrip?
A:
- If the perimeter is between 4 inches and 6-1/4 inches, the maximum cross-section should be 2-1/4 inches.
- If the perimeter is greater than 6-1/4 inches, the handrail should have a graspable finger recess on both sides.
