Deck stair hand rails

[RSW]

I've mentioned the lack of handrails in reports before and left it to the UW and what has happenned a couple times is that I get a stip stating I either need to call for a repair OR take the comment out of the report entirely. Anyone else get that responce ever?

In order to cover myself, I usually comment on missing handrails in the cosmetic section of the report if they are not a safety issue. That way they know I addressed it but I am not requiring it a MPR item.

 

[David Beasley]

does the Building Code (if one exists) require the railing to prevent potentional healthy & safety issues?

That's the snag around here. IIRC the local code says steps, stoops, porches and decks are not *required* to have suitable railing around them until they exceed 30" above grade. I try to go by that guideline any time I find missing or damaged railing, on everything from FNMA to FHA and VA, and have never had an issue with it. Usually tho, it is clear cut, the deck or porch is usually either "just off" the ground (no issue), or way on up in the air (genuine safety issue), and the call is pretty easy to make. It is these "in betweeners" that get touchy sometimes.

I'd say to the OP, mention it in the report and just move on. I wouldn't require a repair on it unless you are 100% certain that your local code/ordinance would demand the railing.

 

[RSW]

That's the snag around here. IIRC the local code says steps, stoops, porches and decks are not *required* to have suitable railing around them until they exceed 30" above grade. I try to go by that guideline any time I find missing or damaged railing, on everything from FNMA to FHA and VA, and have never had an issue with it. Usually tho, it is clear cut, the deck or porch is usually either "just off" the ground (no issue), or way on up in the air (genuine safety issue), and the call is pretty easy to make. It is these "in betweeners" that get touchy sometimes.

I'd say to the OP, mention it in the report and just move on. I wouldn't require a repair on it unless you are 100% certain that your local code/ordinance would demand the railing.

Just a couple of points:

You bring up a good point about finding missing or damaged railing. I would call for repair of damaged railing if they were to the point of if someone tried to use them and they might break and cause the person to fall. If they were missing I would not call for repair.

The other point is:

We are not code inforcers and HUD/FHA does not want us to be code inforcers.