The Ontario Building Code | Required Handrails

9.8.7.1. Required handrails

(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (4), a handrail shall be installed on stairs and ramps in conformance with Table 9.8.7.1.

Table 9.8.7.1.
handrails for Stairs and Ramps

Forming Part of Sentence 9.8.7.1.(1)

Item	Column 1	Column 2	Column 3	Column 4	Column 5	Column 6
	Location of Stair or Ramp	handrails Serving Stairs			handrails Serving Ramps
		Stairs < 1 100 mm Wide		Stairs 1 100 mm Wide	Ramps < 1 100 mm Wide	Ramps 1 100 mm Wide
		Straight	Curved	All	Straight or Curved	All
		Number of Sides Required to have a handrail
1.	Within a dwelling unit	1	1	1	1	2
2.	All other locations	1	2	2	2	2

(2) Where a stair or a ramp is required to be at least 2 200 mm wide due to the occupant load, a handrail shall be installed such that no position on the stair or ramp is more than 825 mm from a handrail.

(3) A handrail is not required for stairs and ramps serving a single dwelling unit, where,

Note: On July 1, 2017, Sentence 9.8.7.1.(3) of Division B of the Regulation is amended by striking out "single dwelling unit" in the portion before Clause (a) and substituting "house or an individual dwelling unit". (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 83)

(a) interior stairs have not more than two risers,

(b) exterior stairs have not more than three risers, or

(c) ramps rise not more than 400 mm.

(4) Only one handrail is required on exterior stairs having more than three risers, provided such stairs serve a single dwelling unit.

Note: On July 1, 2017, Sentence 9.8.7.1.(4) of Division B of the Regulation is amended by striking out "single dwelling unit" and substituting "houseor an individual dwelling unit". (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 83)