Table 

3-8.  Overview of Stairway Code Requirements

IBC 2015, Sections IBC 2015, Section 1011, Less than 50 OSHA Standards 1910.25/.28/.29 and
Requirement 1011, 1014 and 1015 Occupants, Group I-3, F, S, H 1910.36 for Means of Egress
Stairway Requirements
Minimum width 44 in. (1011.2) 36 in. (1011.2, Exception 1) 22 in. [1910.25(c)(4)] or 28 in. [1910.36(g)(2)]
Projections into minimum width 42 in. at or below the handrail height each side maximum (1014.8)
Minimum headroom at nosing edge 80 in. (1011.3) 80 in. [1910.25(b)(2)]
Risers, vertically between nosings 7 in. maximum, 4 in. minimum (1011.5.2) 92 in. maximum [1910.25(c)(2)]
Treads, horizontally between nosings 11 in. minimum (1011.5.2) 92 in. minimum [1910.25(c)(3)]
Group I-3 has exception for certain
a-in. variation in tread depth or riser height within cases, otherwise conform to typical Uniform riser heights and tread depths
Dimensional uniformity
stair flight (1011.5.4) requirements. between landings [1910.25(b)(3)]
30° minimum to 50° maximum from horizontal
Maximum angle from the horizontal 32.47° (based on rise over run limits)
[1910.25(c)(1)]
Closed (solid) riser Required (1011.5.5.3) Not required (1011.5.5.3, Exception 2)
Landing width Matching stair width (1011.6) Matching stair (platform) [1910.25(b)(4)]
Landing length Straight run 48 in. (1011.6) 30 in. in direction of travel [1910.24(b)(4)]
Solid required (openings up to 1a‑in.
Solid required (openings up to 2-in. diameter
Treads (solid/grating) diameter maximum) (1011.7.1,
maximum) (1011.7.1, Exception 1)
Exception 2)
Vertical rise between landings 12 ft maximum (1011.8)
Guard and Handrail Requirements
Stairway guard minimum height
42 in. (1015.3) 42 in. [1910.29(f)(1)(ii)(B)]
measured from the nose vertically
Landing/platform guard
42 in. (1015.3) 42 in. ± 3 in. [1910.29(b)(1)]
minimum height
<4-in. sphere from base to 36 in. high
<4a-in. sphere from 36 in. to 42 in. 19 in. maximum at least dimension
Maximum openings <21-in. sphere (1015.4 Ex. 4)
<6-in. sphere at triangular opening formed by riser, [1910.29(f)(4)]
tread and bottom rail (1015.4; Ex. 1; Ex. 2)
Varies—refer to Table D-2 OSHA Standard
Handrail location Required at each side of stair (1011.11)
1910.28(b)(11)(ii)
30 in. minimum to 38 in. maximum
Handrail height from nosing line 34 in. minimum to 38 in. maximum (1014.2)
[1910.29(f)(1)(i)
Fingerclearance between handrail and any
Type I (1014.3.1)
other object is 2-1/4 in. [1910.29(f)(2)]
Circular cross section: 1.25 in. minimum to 2 in. maximum
Smooth surface to protect from injury and
Not circular section: perimeter of 4 in. minimum to 6.25 in. maximum, cross-section
Handrail graspability/construction prevent snagging of clothing
dimension of 1 in. minimum to 2.25 in. maximum
[1910.29(f)(3)]
Type II (1014.3.2)
Shape a  nd dimension necessary to grasp
Larger than type I but requires additional graspable finger recess
handrail firmly [1910.29(f)(5)]
Must return to wall, guard, walking surface, or adjacent stair run
The ends of handrails and stair rail systems do
Extend 12 in. horizontally past top riser
Handrails extensions not present any projection hazard
Extend one tread length horizontally past bottom riser (may be sloping or 34 in. minimum
[1910.29(f)(6)]
height running horizontal) (1014.6)
Note: Refer to IBC 2015 (ICC, 2015a) and OSHA Standards 1910.25/.28/.29/.36 (OSHA, 2014; 2016) for additional requirements, exceptions and detailed information.

AISC DESIGN GUIDE 34 / STEEL-FRAMED STAIRWAY DESIGN / 19