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Building Codes

Is Cable Railing Code Compliant?

According to the International Building Code there is no restriction on the use of Horizontal Cable Railing, but there are guidelines and regulations that apply to all railing systems, and they must be followed.

In 2001 the ICC (International Code Council) removed the ladder effect restriction on horizontal railings and the questions of safety were revisited recently in a three year study concluded in 2008. The ICC concluded that the most current documentation shows no indication that a problem exist with climbable guard rails and that there has not been sufficient justification established to mandate a higher level of climb-ability restriction on guard rails than what is currently required in the 2006 ICC codes. In summary the current ICC developed codes, The International building Code, does not prohibit climbable or horizontal railings.
 
It is still the prerogative of each state and municipality to adopt fully or partially the International Building Code as their own, but most do exactly that. Please check with your local building department before building as they may have different requirements.
 
The complete ICC report is available on the International Code Council website
 
To insure our systems are compliant with building codes we submitted our railing systems to an outside agency for testing against the requirements of the International Building Code and we have the completed reports available for building departments to review.
 
We space our cable between 3 and 2.75 inches depending on the distance between intermediate post in a rail system. This appropriate spacing is necessary to restrict deflection enough to reject a 4" sphere from passing between cables when applied with reasonable force.
 

Code Issues with ADA Handicap Railings

Wheelchair Ramp Specs: Slope and Rise

Ramp slopes between 1:16 and 1:20 are preferred. The ability to manage an incline is related to both its slope and its length. Wheelchair users with disabilities affecting their arms or with low stamina have serious difficulty using inclines.
 
Most ambulatory people and most people who use wheelchairs can manage a slope of 1:16. Many people cannot manage a slope of 1:12 for 30 ft (9 m).
 
Therefore, to build according to wheelchair ramp specs, the least possible slope shall be used for any ramp. The maximum slope of a ramp in new construction shall be 1:12. The maximum rise for any run shall be 30 in (760 mm).
 
No alteration shall be undertaken which decreases or has the effect of decreasing accessibility or usability of a building or facility below the requirements for new construction at the time of alteration.
 

Wheelchair Ramp Specs: Clear Width

The minimum clear width of a ramp shall be 36 in (915 mm).
 

Wheelchair Ramp Specs: Landings

Level landings are essential toward maintaining an aggregate slope that complies with ADA guidelines. A ramp landing that is not level causes individuals using wheelchairs to tip backward or bottom out when the ramp is approached.
 
Therefore, ramps shall have level landings at bottom and top of each ramp and each ramp run. Landings shall have the following features:
 
  • The landing shall be at least as wide as the ramp run leading to it.
  • The landing length shall be a minimum of 60 in (1525 mm) clear.
  • If ramps change direction at landings, the minimum landing size shall be 60 in by 60 in (1525 mm by 1525 mm).
  • If a doorway is located at a landing, then the area in front of the doorway shall comply with the ADA wheelchair ramp specs shown in this illustration (click here). Entry doors to acute care hospital bedrooms for in-patients shall be exempted from the requirement for space at the latch side of the if the door is at least 44 in (1120 mm) wide.
 

Wheelchair Ramp Specs: Handrails

The requirements for stair and ramp handrails in this guideline are for adults. When children are principal users in a building or facility (e.g. elementary schools), a second set of handrails at an appropriate height can assist them and aid in preventing accidents.
 
A maximum height of 28 inches measured to the top of the gripping surface from the ramp surface or stair nosing is recommended for handrails designed for children.
 
Sufficient vertical clearance between upper and lower handrails (9 inches minimum) should be provided to help prevent entrapment.
 
If a ramp run has a rise greater than 6 in (150 mm) or a horizontal projection greater than 72 in (1830 mm), then it shall have handrails on both sides.
 
Handrails are not required on curb ramps or adjacent to seating in assembly areas. Handrails shall have the following features:
 
  • Handrails shall be provided along both sides of ramp segments. The inside handrail on switchback or dogleg ramps shall always be continuous.
  • If handrails are not continuous, they shall tend 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.
  • The clear space between the handrail and the wall shall be 1 - 1/2 in (38 mm).
  • Gripping surfaces shall be continuous.
  • Top of handrail gripping surfaces shall be mounted between 34 in and 38 in (865 mm and 965 mm) above ramp surfaces.
  • Ends of handrails shall be either rounded or returned smoothly to floor, wall, or post.
  • Handrails shall not rotate within their fittings.
 

Cross Slope and Surfaces

The cross slope of ramp surfaces shall be no greater than 1:50. Ramp surfaces shall comply with ADA standards for ground and floor surface.
 

Wheelchair Ramp Specs: Edge Protection

Ramps and landings with drop-offs shall have curbs, walls, railings, or projecting surfaces that prevent people from slipping off the ramp. Curbs shall be a minimum of 2 in (50 mm) high.
 

Ramp Specs: Outdoor Conditions

Outdoor ramps and their approaches shall be designed so that water will not accumulate on walking surfaces.
 
It is still the prerogative of each state and municipality to adopt fully or partially the International Building Code as their own, but most do exactly that. Please check with your local building department before building as they may have different requirements.