Table 5.22 – Handrails Current Guidelines: 4.8.5 Handrails. If a ramp run has a rise greater than 6 in (150 mm) or a horizontal projection greater than 72 in (150 mm), than it shall have handrails on both sides. . . . Handrails shall comply with 4.26 and shall have the following features: . . . (2) If handrails are not continuous, they shall extend at least 12 in (305 mm) beyond the top and bottom of the ramp segment and shall be parallel with the floor or ground surface (see Fig. 17). (3) The clear space between the handrail and the wall shall be 1½ in (38 mm). (4) Gripping surfaces shall be continuous. 4.9.4 Handrails. Stairways shall have handrails at both sides of all stairs. Handrails shall comply with 4.26 and shall have the following features: . . . (2) If handrails are not continuous, they shall extend at least 12 in (305 mm) beyond the top riser and at least 12 in (305 mm) plus the width of one thread beyond the bottom riser. (3) The clear space between handrails and wall shall be 1½ in (38 mm). (4) Gripping surfaces shall be uninterrupted by newel posts, other construction elements, or obstructions. 4.26.2 Size and Spacing of Grab Bars and Handrails. The diameter or width of gripping surfaces of a handrail or grab bar shall be 1¼ in to 1½ in (32 mm to 38 mm), or the shape shall provide an equivalent gripping surface. If handrails or grab bars are mounted adjacent to a wall, the space between the wall and grab bar shall be 1½ in (38 mm) (see Fig. 39(a), (b), (c), and (e)). 4.26.4 Eliminating Hazards. A handrail or grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent to it shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements. Edges shall have a minimum radius of ? in (3.2 mm). Final Revised Guidelines: 505.5 Clearance. Clearance between handrail gripping surfaces and adjacent surfaces shall be 1½ inches (38 mm) minimum. 505.6 Gripping Surface. Handrail gripping surfaces shall be continuous along their length and shall not be obstructed along their tops or sides. The bottoms of handrail gripping surfaces shall not be obstructed more than 20 percent of their length. Where provided, horizontal projections shall occur 1½ inches (38 mm) minimum below the bottom of the handrail gripping surface. Exceptions: . . . 2. The distance between the horizontal projections and the bottom of the gripping surface shall be permitted to be reduced by ? inch (3mm) for each ½ inch (13 mm) of additional handrail perimeter dimension that exceeds 4 inches (100 mm). 505.7 Cross Section. Handrail gripping surfaces shall have a cross section complying with 505.7.1 or 505.7.2. 505.7.1 Circular Cross Section. 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. 505.7.2 Non-Circular Cross Section. 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. 505.8 Surfaces. Handrail gripping surfaces and any surfaces adjacent to them shall be free from sharp or abrasive elements and shall have rounded edges. 505.10 Handrail Extensions. Handrail gripping surfaces shall extend beyond and in the same direction of stair flights and ramp runs in accordance with 505.10. Exceptions: . . . 3. In alterations, full extensions of handrails shall not be required where such extensions would be hazardous due to plan configuration. 505.10.3 Bottom Extension at Stairs. At the bottom of a stair flight, handrails shall extend at the slope of the stair flight for a horizontal distance at least equal to one tread depth beyond the last riser nosing. . . . Model Codes & Standards IBC 2000: Section 1003.3.3.11 has similar requirements for handrails. IBC 2003: Section 1009.11 has similar requirements for handrails. ICC/ANSI A117.1-1998: Section 505 has similar requirements for handrails.