These features further enhance the safety and comfort of the user as they ascend or descend from the stairs.
#Spiral staircases code
In addition to dimensional restrictions, spiral stairs used for egress need to provide other safety features to meet code standards. Likewise, the riser height can be between 7.1 inches (180 mm) and 4.9 inches (125 mm). For example, the tread can measure 5.9 inches (150 mm) minimum as long as it averages 7.9 inches (200 mm) in depth. For spiral stairs that are not required as a means of egress, the dimensions vary slightly. These requirements apply to spiral stairs that serve as a required exit. Measured from top of tread or landing to 3/4 turn of stair Measured from top tread to top of next treadĬlear dimension from the post to the face of the handrail Measured 12 inches from the narrow end of the tread Below is a chart illustrating the minimum or maximum required dimensions for an egress spiral stair.ĭimensional Restrictions for Spiral Stair Used for Egress They also need to provide protection from slipping and guard rails to prevent falling from the ends. Spiral staircases are generally considered to be safe and code compliant, as long as they meet certain requirements for width and height. This path should lead directly to an egress door without requiring travel through a garage. The IRC refers to this as a “continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel” (R311.1 Means of egress).
These elements provide a means of escape in the event of a fire.Įgresses are required by law to be present on every level of your home and may not be obstructed by items such as furniture or toys. This can include a stair or horizontal exit that leads to a safe area of refuge or to the exterior. As it pertains to buildings, egress can refer to both physical exits and also the path that people take when evacuating a space.Įgress in a house can be provided by either emergency escape and rescue openings, typically doors or windows, or by a circulation path, referred to in the code as a path of egress. The term typically refers to any means of escape from danger including fire and natural hazards such as floods or earthquakes. What is Egress in a House?Įgress is the process of exiting a building, or part of a building, in an emergency. But first, let’s take a look at what is meant by “egress” from a code perspective. Keep reading as we’ll cover some of those requirements in more detail. However, it is important that the spiral stair meets all height and width requirements and that the treads of the stair are within the tolerance range allowed by code. Spiral stairs can be used for egress throughout most of the U.S., but only within a dwelling unit, or from a space not more than 250 square feet (23.25 meters squared) in area and serving not more than five occupants according to the International Residential Code (IRC). One question that often comes up during the design of a home is whether spiral stairs can be included as a means of egress since they are difficult to climb or descend from quickly. Planning for and providing emergency egress is a critical part of building design.
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