The Ontario Building Code | Continuity of Handrails
9.8.7.2. Continuity of handrails
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), at least one required handrail shall be continuous throughout the length of the stair or ramp, including landings, except where interrupted by,
(a) doorway ="http://thehandyforce.com/doors/" title ="Toronto Door installer">doorways, or
(b) newel posts at changes in direction.
(2) For stairs or ramps serving a single dwelling unit, at least one required handrail shall be continuous throughout the length of the stair or ramp, except where interrupted by,
Note: On July 1, 2017, Sentence 9.8.7.2.(2) 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) doorway ="http://thehandyforce.com/doors/" title ="Toronto Door installer">doorways,
(b) landings, or
(c) newel posts at changes in direction.
In Plain Language
Handrails must be continuous along the length of a stair or ramp as set out in this article, since a gap in the handrail removes support exactly where someone might need it most.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.