Access is an essential feature of any commercial or industrial facility, especially for people with mobility problems. It is essential to ensure that people with different abilities can access your facility by installing quality access systems such as aluminum stairs. In addition, the access systems must be ADA and IBC compliant to ensure safety. REDD Team manufactures quality access systems for businesses, municipal, and industrial facilities in the U.S.
Compliance Requirements
ADA and IBC requirements set safety standards for access systems and other products. For instance, for a stair system to be compliant, it must have a riser of between four and seven inches tall. The height of a riser refers to the vertical space between two stair treads, and ADA requirements dictate uniform height between the steps in a stair system. Failure to comply with ADA standards may lead to the manufacture of products that may cause falls and other accidents.
ADA requirements also determine stair tread. The standard for stair tread is 11 inches deep between risers. In addition, the stair tread from one side of the step to the other must be uniform. This standard aims to create a uniform walking pattern to enhance safety when using the stairs.
Stair nosing must also comply with ADA and IBC standards. Stair nosing refers to the leading edge of the stair tread. On some stairs, the nosing hangs over the riser. ADA requirements dictate that stair nosing projecting beyond the stair riser must have curved or beveled edges. The stir nosing must not project more than 1.5 inches past the riser.
The ADA requires continuous handrails on both sides, including stairs with inside handrails. In addition, the handrail must have a consistent height on the stairs’ entire length. The stair height includes the distance from the base of the stair to the top of the gripping surface. An ADA-compliant stairs height must be between 34 and 38 inches, with a 1.5-inch clearance between the wall and handrail.
For stairs to be ADA compliant, they must have landings on the top and bottom of each stair set and for every 12 feet of vertical rise. In addition, the width of the landing must be double that of the staircase. Also, the landing’s length must be equal to or greater than the width.
Importance of ADA and IBC Guidelines
ADA and IBC set guidelines for access systems to ensure user safety and accessibility for people with disabilities. Building owners must ensure their access systems comply with ADA, OSHA, and IBC standards. Building codes are set in place to ensure everyone uses stairs safely. To ensure compliance, the ADA measurements for tread depth, rise height, and stair landing must be factored in the design and manufacture of access systems. Uniformity is an essential feature of quality access systems. In addition, uniformity in the design and manufacture of stairs helps reduce the risk of safety hazards.
When you order REDD Team stairs, rest assured that their construction was well thought out. All our access products must meet and exceed safety standards before being shipped to our clients. However, many clients often do not understand the safety standards that stairs should comply with.
The compliance standards of a set of stairs vary depending on their intended use and the environment where they will be installed. Stairs for commercial and industrial applications have specific criteria that they must meet. Call REDD Team today to understand whether you need to order ADA or IBC-compliant stairs.
