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A 4 inch round sphere cannot pass through the
guard railing. There are some exceptions in some building codes, but as
a general rule of thumb a 4 inch round sphere shouldn't be able to pass
through any section of the stair guard railing. You don't need a 4 inch
ball, simply use your measuring tape to make sure that no areas of the
guard railing, including the balusters don't have any spaces that are
more than 4 inches.
The reason for the maximum 4 inch spacing in between
the balusters and other stairway parts is to prevent small infants from
getting their heads stuck in the stairway. When I first started working
in construction, the building code requirement was 6 inches, but they
were having problems with young children, getting their heads stuck in
between the balusters. This force them to change the building code. When
ever building codes change, there is probably a good reason behind it.
Remember most of Building Departments (building code enforcers) are
called Building and Safety Departments, for a reason.
Commercial and industrial buildings (no public) might
require a maximum baluster spacing of 12 inches. I'm sure that the
thought behind this building code has something to do with the fact that
there wouldn't be unattended small children running around.
Attention: Don't forget to check with your local
building department to verify any building codes on this website. This
information could be incorrect or outdated. Building codes are updated
regularly and to some building departments have different
interpretations for certain building codes.
Lower Guardrail Problem
Baluster Spacing Building Code Gray Area
Grip Able
Handrail Building Code
Grip Able Handrail
Height
Handrail Ends
Grip Able Stair
Banisters
Adding
Balusters To Over Spaced Handrailing |
