Focus: Fire-Life Safety / Column

Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Handrails

Brad Keyes discusses regulations for handrails

By Brad Keyes / Special to Healthcare Facilities Today


Q: We are installing new handrails and I assumed they would extend a couple of inches from the wall for gripping purposes. However, my maintenance man ordered the flush mount type and while they look awesome, I was wondering if this will pose a problem per regulations? They are about 5 inches wide and extend about one inch from the wall. Is this okay? We are a skilled nursing facility located in North Carolina.

A: It depends where they are located… In a stairwell? On a ramp? In the corridor?

If it is a required handrail (such as for stairs or ramp) then section 7.2.2.4.4.5 of the 2012 LSC requires the handrails to have a clearance of at least 2¼ inches from the wall. Sounds like you need to add some spacers to extend the handrail out away from the wall.

Brad Keyes, CHSP, is the owner of KEYES Life Safety Compliance, and his expertise is in the management of the Life Safety Program, including the Environment of Care and Emergency Management programs.

 



October 30, 2019


Topic Area: Regulations, Codes & Standards


Recent Posts

ISSA Introduces Healthcare Platform to Advance Safer, Cleaner Patient Environments

This new resource integrates training, research and cross-sector collaboration to raise care standards and improve patient outcomes.


Third-Party Tracking Settlement is a Compliance Wake-Up Call for Healthcare Facilities Managers

Mount Sinai Health System agrees to a $5.3 million settlement to resolve claims it improperly shared patient data with Facebook through tracking tools.


ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Facility

The new facility features 144 beds and a healing environment for behavioral health patients.


Aspire Rural Health System Reports Data Security Incident

Upon detecting the unauthorized activity, Aspire immediately worked to contain the incident and launched a thorough investigation.


Fatal Flaws: Strategies for Active Attackers

Anything that goes wrong with the response is the liability exposure of the organization — not the employee and not the police.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.