Stairs and Ramps Without Handrails in Renovated Hotel
Stairs and Ramp in Renovated Hotel without Handrails
Recently on a road trip through Texas I stayed in a hotel that was recently renovated. During the brief stay, I noticed some issues that should have been part of the renovation. Specifically, the interior ramps and step systems for the lobby did not have handrails. See the photo on the right. This lobby has three levels. The photo is showing one of the step systems leading up to the second level from the lower level. The ramp is on the right. Note that there are four steps in the step system, so the vertical rise of the steps and the ramp is about 28 inches. A similar installation was observed connecting the 2nd level to the 3rd level of the lobby. Where are all the handrails?
2010 ADA Standard 405.8, [Ramps] Handrails, states, “Ramp runs with a rise greater than 6 inches (150 mm) shall have handrails complying with [Standard] 505.” This ramp has a rise of about 28 inches, so handrails should be installed on both sides of the ramp. The photo below shows the ramp looking from the top down. Note that the sides to the ramp do not qualify as graspable handrails.
Hotel Lobby Ramp Without Handrails
The stair system did not have handrails either. 2010 ADA Standard 504.6, [Stairways] Handrails, states, “Stairs shall have handrails complying with [Standard] 505.” Although stairs are not considered part of an accessible route, they can be part of an egress route. So when installed, they should have graspable handrails on both sides.
2010 ADA Standard 505.2, [Stairways, Handrails] Where Required, states, Handrails shall be provided on both sides of stairs and ramps.”
2010 ADA Standard 505.7.1, [Stairways, Handrail] Circular Cross Section, states, “Handrail gripping surfaces with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of 1¼ inches (32 mm) minimum and 2 inches (51 mm) maximum.” The graphic below is representative of this Standard.
Round Handrail Cross Section
2010 ADA Standard 505.7.2, [Stairways, Handrails] Non-Circular Cross Sections, states, “Handrail gripping surfaces with a non-circular cross section shall have a perimeter dimension of 4 inches (100 mm) minimum and 6¼ inches (160 mm) maximum, and a cross-section dimension of 2¼ inches (57 mm) maximum.” The graphic below is representative of this Standard.
Non-Circular Handrail Cross Section
SUMMARY: All stair systems and ramps that exceed 6 inches in vertical change must have handrails on both sides, for most installations. Stair systems are one of the most dangerous installations in any facility. Handrails make stair systems safer. Ramps that change elevation by more than 6 inches are difficult for individuals who are disabled to use. Handrails help disabled individuals tremendously on ramps. When this hotel was recently renovated, handrails should have been included for most stair systems and most ramps.
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