Did you know there are building code requirements for bleachers — both permanent and temporary? As much as building codes can feel like a burden, they exist for a good reason: keeping people safe.
Building codes are long and difficult to read. We’ve summarized the 2022 Ontario Building Code update as it applies to bleachers, so you can get the key information without wading through the full document.
The 2022 Ontario Building Code update increased the requirements for handrails on bleachers.
The short version: you need handrails on your bleacher stairs. If your aisle is wider than 3.6 feet (1100 mm), the handrail needs to be in the centre of the aisle.
Here is a simplified summary of what you need to know, broken into the two key sections of the code that apply to bleachers:
(Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility / Safety Within Floor Areas / Assembly Occupancy / Guards)
Aisles with steps are required to have handrails meeting the following guidelines:
If your aisle is less than 1100 mm (3.6 feet) wide, you need a continuous handrail located on the side of the aisle opposite the seats
If your aisle is 1100 mm or wider, you need a centreline handrail
The handrail must have gaps of no less than 560 mm and no more than 915 mm wide, measured horizontally, at intervals not exceeding five rows of seats
The handrail must have an intermediate rail located 305 mm below the principal handrail
(Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility / Exits / Types of Exit Facilities)
At least one handrail must be provided on straight flights of stairs that are less than 1100 mm wide
One handrail must be provided on each side of straight flights that are 1100 mm or more in width
Intermediate handrails must be provided so that a handrail is reachable within 825 mm of all portions of the required exit width
Handrails must be continuously graspable along their entire length, free of sharp or abrasive elements, and must have:
A circular cross-section with an outside diameter between 30 mm and 43 mm, OR
A non-circular cross-section with a perimeter between 100 mm and 125 mm, whose largest cross-sectional dimension is no more than 45 mm
The height of handrails on aisles with steps must be no less than 865 mm and no more than 1070 mm
Handrails must be terminated in a manner that will not obstruct pedestrian travel or create a hazard
We know — that’s a lot of technical language! Here’s the summary:
You need handrails on your bleacher stairs. If your aisle is wider than 3.6 feet, the handrail needs to run down the centre. There are also specific requirements for handrail height, grip diameter, spacing, and how they terminate at the top and bottom of the stairs.
Whether you are renting or purchasing bleachers for your event or facility, always confirm they meet current Ontario Building Code requirements. Code-compliant bleachers help keep your visitors safe, reduce your liability, and can make a difference when it comes to renewing your event insurance policy.
For the full 2022 Ontario Building Code revision document: 👉 Ontario Building Code — Stairs, Guards and Handrails
To learn more about bleacher safety requirements, explore our full Bleacher Safety Series:
Citation: Ontario.ca — Changes to the 2012 Building Code: Stairs, Guards and Handrails
Krista is the co-founder of Bleacher Rentals and co-organizer of the Norfolk Pro Rodeo. She loves to share her knowledge on event planning, temporary seating solutions, and bleacher safety gained from years of experience supporting rodeos, fairs, festivals, and sporting events.