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The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities. The ADA’s requirements and regulations protect the civil rights of those with disabilities, and these requirements vary across different types of organizations, including rules for employers, state and local government services, public transit, and businesses open to the public. One of the many ways the ADA protects nationwide accessibility is with construction requirements for commercial and residential buildings, including regulations for ADA-compliant handrails. The ADA code for handrails describes what criteria must be met for handrails in commercial and residential settings. 

Following the ADA Code for Handrails

The ADA is designed to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including workplaces, transportation systems, and public buildings, many of which require handrails. Not only do ADA requirements help to make public spaces more navigable for people with disabilities, but they also contribute to greater safety and inclusivity for all. Put another way: the same ADA-compliant handrails that make a business or public space more accessible for those with mobility impairments also make that space more accessible for children, pregnant women, older adults, or anyone who could use extra support. ADA guidelines, including the ADA code for handrails, protect us all.

The ADA code for handrails outlines the requirements for handrail compliance in both commercial and residential settings. ADA regulations cover everything from handrail height to continuity to slope requirements.

Where Does the ADA Code for Handrails Apply?

According to the ADA, any stairs or graded surfaces with slopes steeper than 1:20 require handrails on both sides. Handrails are required on ramp runs with a rise greater than 6” and on certain stairways.

Installation Requirements

Generally, the top of a handrail’s gripping surface must be between 34” (minimum) and 38” (maximum) above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. Handrails must also remain at a consistent height above these surfaces. 

The ADA also suggests that in buildings or facilities where children are the primary users, such as elementary schools, a second set of handrails at a child-appropriate height (maximum 28”) may help prevent accidents. A minimum vertical clearance of 9” between the two sets should be provided to avoid entrapment when installing a second set of handrails designed for children.

Surface Requirements

Handrails must be smooth and free of sharp edges or rough surfaces that could hinder a person’s grip. An ADA-compliant handrail’s gripping surface should remain consistent throughout its length and may not have any obstructions. Handrail gripping surfaces (and adjacent surfaces) should have rounded edges.

Graspability

ADA handrails must also be graspable. For handrails with a circular cross-section, the ADA stipulates that the handrail’s outside diameter must be between 1.25” and 2”. For handrails with a non-circular cross-section, the perimeter dimension should be between 4” and 6.25”, and the maximum cross-section dimension must be 2.25”.

Continuity

Handrails must be installed on both sides of stairs or ramps and be continuous for the entire length of a stair flight or ramp run, meaning that they may not break anywhere within the bounds of the stairs or ramp. These requirements also apply to switchback or dogleg stairs and ramps, which must remain continuous between flights or runs. 

Extension Requirements

Handrail extensions at the top and bottom of stairs should return to walls, guards, or floors. Handrail extensions must extend in the same direction as the stair flight, though ADA-compliant handrails may wrap around inside turns on switchback or dogleg stairways.

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While the ADA outlines different requirements for different kinds of spaces, one thing is clear: The right ADA-compliant system should make railing design and installation easy, regardless of any code requirements.

MMC Fencing & Railing offers ADA-compliant handrails in our online shop. When you need an expert to help with ADA-compliant railings and more, MMC Fencing & Railing is here. No matter what you’re looking for and no matter how large or small your budget, you’re sure to find something beautiful to make your space accessible for all visitors. Contact us today to get started or ask about installation options.

We look forward to hearing from you!