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Handrails Used by Persons with Disabilities

New 2009 Study Released – TYPE II Handrails are PREFERRED! The Stairway Manufacturers’ Association has funded a comparative study of persons with disabilities using handrails on stairs and ramps. The need for such a study has been cited in the proceedings of the ICC/ANSI A117 Committee and the International Building Code® pertaining to proposed changes that would allow additional handrail shapes. This study is the first of its kind to show preference of handrail shapes in the actual use of stairs and ramps and reveals several interesting properties of handrails related to shape. Persons in four different categories of impairments affecting mobility compare the performances of three distinctive handrail shapes.

CLICK HERE for the full Study Report

In correlation with other SMA funded studies referenced in this document this represents the very best evidence available related to prescribing the shapes of handrails. Although each of the participants in this study are described as having various degrees of disability it might be reasoned that all users have varying degrees of disability or…ability. On this basis SMA funded research provides proof of reasonable advantages for all users. It further proves assumed disadvantages to adding additional handrail shape options based only on opinion lack merit.

In 1986 the landmark study “Hands on Architecture” by Ed Steinfeld, et.al*. provided cornerstone information for the development of access standards used today. Hand anthropometrics, Biomechanics, and Psychomotor Abilities of 130 persons with disabilities were focused upon to provide a database for the design of products manipulated by the hand that are used in buildings. This study never tested the use of handrails called "assists" in the study.

CLICK HERE for additional information

Presentation as given to the A117.1 Standard Committee

Understanding Graspability
Decades ago, a study of just 20 subjects changed the face of the stair industry. While restrained in a standing position, pushing and pulling forces on a handrail were measured and the subjects’ opinions recorded. This lead to the conclusion that a certain round shape, among those tested, provided a grasping surface against which subjects generally could generate high pushing and pulling forces.

Even though the researcher Dr Brian Maki warned of the study’s static limitations and approximations, the study was in fact used to restrict the shape of handrails. click here for full story

Understanding the Handrail Codes Issues               

What is a Type II Handrail
Why are Type II handrails needed
Why we need the Type II standard

SMA FUNDED – INDEPENDENT HANDRAIL TESTING AND RESEARCH

Research and Testing

Influence of Handrail Design on Postural Stabilization                                   
            
Video of Handrail Testing by Dr. Brian Maki as cited and shown in the A117.1 Standard Committee presentation above.
           
        Video 1 - coming soon
        Video 2 - coming soon
        Video 3 - coming soon

2006 Visual Interpretation of the International Residential Code NOW AVAILABLE. 

The new visual Interpretation is now available for download from link below . It will soon be available to members in printed form through the SMA office for a nominal fee that is substantially less than printing it in house. Our highly acclaimed visual interpretations are becoming the staircase reference tool and are being used in code education programs for building officials, contractors, and architects.  By distributing the SMA Visual interpretations you show professional interest in code compliance and education, as well as support for the ICC code development mission to have one model code throughout the US. Not to mention your support of the SMA.

Download the 2006 Visual Interpretation of the International Residential Code Here .pdf format

INCLUDES:
ICC Stair Term Definitions
New TYPE II Rail Test Template

In addition we now list all the stair related definitions from the ICC codes and include a handy Type II rail test template that can be clipped out and laminated as an easy measuring gauge to assure consistent interpretation.We hope that the IRC 2006 VI will prove to be just as valuable a tool as our other visual interpretations and would appreciate your feedback.

IRC Visual Code Interpretations
View the IRC 2006 Visual Code Interpretation
- printed versions are available by contacting the SMA office at 877-500-5759

View the IRC 2003 Visual Code Interpretation
- printed versions are available by contacting the SMA office at 877-500-5759

View the IRC 2000 Visual Code Interpretation
- printed versions are available by contacting the SMA office at 877-500-5759

View the 2002 New York State Residential Building Code Interpretation

View the 2003 Connecticut Visual Code Interpretation

View the 2003 Rhode Island Visual Code Interpretation

View the 2004 Florida (with amendments) Visual Code Interpretation

CODE AND STANDARD CHANGE PROPOSALS

In accordance with the Mission of the SMA the Code and Research committee works with the Code Development Representative to formulate and implement changes to the building codes that incorporate the input of our membership.  These proposed changes represent the SMA in action as a valued contributor to the development of codes and standards.  To learn more about the code development process see the articles on the Code and Research Committee page.  In addition to submitting code change proposals the SMA participates as a member of the following committees and task groups:

Accredited Standards Committee ICC/ANSI A117.1 Committee "Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities"

ICC Code Technology Committee, Climb Resistant Guard Study Group

ICC/ANSI Residential Task Group, Visitablility Study Group

International Building Code

International Residential Code

Proposals for the 2007-2008 ICC code development cycle will be posted mid September 2007

ICC/ANSI Standard A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities

A117.1 Standard Comment adding Functional Profiled Rails