See section m1305 1 3 for access requirements where mechanical equipment is located in attics.
Does attic access require handrails.
Steps and stairs allow nearly any able bodied person to walk to higher levels of a dwelling sports stadium or outdoor venue.
Just because a railing exists doesn t mean it will pass fha standards.
What codes apply to the provision of attic stairs pull down stairs or attic access hatches.
Conditions that may make a railing unsafe include termite damage lead paint that no longer meets safety standards railings on only one side of an open staircase or railings too rickety to serve the intended purpose.
Attic access stairs range from a normally pitched stairway with railings even landings headroom lighting etc.
Attic pull down stair hazards basement hazards.
Unsafe railings can be required to be repaired or replaced as a condition of insuring the loan.
Given this load requirement it is highly unlikely that you can achieve a 6 foot span for a wood railing or an 8 foot span on steel or pipe railings.
By kirk maltbee stairs have requirements on handrails.
Although building codes differ from.
Defective unsafe folding stairs pull down.
1910 29 b 8 steel banding and plastic banding are not used for top rails or midrails.
Attic stair railing guardrail landing tread and step specifications codes.
To pull down folding stairs to ladders to open hatches that must be accessed by a temporary ladder.
The higher the stairs the more the need for safety rails to keep pedestrians from falling.
What is the requirement for attic access and attic stairways.
When do stairs require handrails.
Railings must meet a 200 lb concentrated load.
Osha railing requirements for load.
1910 29 b 7 the ends of top rails and midrails do not overhang the terminal posts except where the overhang does not pose a projection hazard for employees.
Any smooth surface railing that can withstand the load requirements.
No extensions or overhangs.
Attic space is not livible space for purposes of bedrooms in most jurisdictions because of fire egress issues.
In alterations stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route e g ramp or elevator are not required to meet the standards but handrails must comply when stairs that are part of a means of egress are altered 210 1 ex.
I think you are ok because i have seen many attics in my career that have plywood laid on top of the joists and nothing at all for a handrail.
1910 29 b 9 top rails and midrails are at least 0 25 inches 0 6 cm in diameter or in thickness.