Ontario Building Code – 2022 Update Regarding Handrails
Did you know there are building code requirements for bleachers (both permanent and temporary)?
As much as building codes can be a pain, they do serve a purpose … keeping people safe.
Building codes are long and hard to read, so we have summarized a recent update to the Ontario Building Code as it pertains to bleachers, that you may not yet be aware of.
The Ontario Building Code updates made in 2022 increased the requirements for handrails on bleachers.
“Coles Notes” … you need handrails on your bleacher stairs! If the aisle is wider than 3.6 feet, it needs to be in the center of the aisle.
2022 Ontario Building Code updates Re: Handrails
Here is a summary of what you need to know about handrails on bleachers, as simplified as I was able to get it:
3.3.2.8A: Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility/ Safety Within Floor Areas/ Assembly Occupancy/ Guards/ Handrails in Aisles with Steps
Aisles with steps are required to have handrails following these guidelines:
– If your aisle is less than 1100 mm (1.1 meter or 3.6 feet) wide, you need a continuous handrail, located on the side of the aisle opposite the seats. If your aisle is more than 1100 mm wide, you need to have a center line handrail.
–The handrail must have gaps not less than 560 mm and not 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.
3.4.6.5: Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility/ Exits/ Types of Exit Facilities/Handrails
–At least one handrail must be provided on straight flights of stairs that are less than 1100 mm
–One handrail shall be provided on each side of straight flights that are 1100 mm or more in width
–In addition, intermediate handrails shall 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, be free of any sharp or abrasive elements, and must have a circular cross-section with an outside diameter between 30 mm and 43 mm, or any non-circular cross-section with a perimeter between 100 mm and 125 mm, whose largest cross-sectional dimension is not more than 45 mm.
-The height of handrails on aisles with steps must be not less than 865 mm, and not more than 1070 mm.
–Handrails shall be terminated in a manner that will not obstruct pedestrian travel or create a hazard.
Ok… I tried my best to put this into easier wording to read, but it’s so technical!
In summary… you need handrails on your bleacher stairs! If the aisle is wider than 3.6 feet, it needs to be in the center of the aisle.
Whether you are renting or buying bleachers for your event or facility, always make sure they meet current building code requirements. Ensuring your seating is code compliant will help keep your visitors safe, limit your liability and help when it comes to renewing your insurance policy.
If you want to read the full document on the changes that were made in the 2022 code revision, it can be found here:
https://www.ontario.ca/document/changes-2012-building-code/stairs-guards-and-handrails
If you are interested in learning more about bleacher safety requirements, check out our blog series all about bleacher safety:
https://bleacherrentals.com/blog/bleacher-safety-series-intro/
https://bleacherrentals.com/blog/bleacher-safety-series-stairs-on-bleachers/
https://bleacherrentals.com/blog/bleacher-safety-series-railings/
https://bleacherrentals.com/blog/bleacher-safety-series-risers-and-footboards/
Citation:
https://www.ontario.ca/document/changes-2012-building-code/stairs-guards-and-handrails