Slip and fall accidents are numerous and common. If you want to avoid personal injuries and lawsuits for slip and fall accidents that may occur on your stairs, follow the following standards in the construction of your residential stairs and handrails.
According to Section 1003.3.3 of the
California Building Code the standard construction of the stairs and handrails must meet the following requirements:
1. The rise must be at least 4 inches but no more than 8 inches in height.
2. The run must at least be 9 inches wide.
3. Except for winding circular and spiral stairs, the largest tread run shall not exceed the smallest one by more than 3/8 of an inch.
4. The greatest riser height shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 of an inch.
5. The headroom must at least be 6 feet and 8 inches height.
6. Handrail must have a minimum height of 34 inches and a maximum height of 38 inches above the nosing of the threads and must be returned to the wall.
7. Handrail required on one side and whenever stairs have more than 3 risers.
If you follow the above standard requirements, it will at least minimize your risk of lawsuits from accidents caused by slip, trip and fall accidents.
