N.J. Admin. Code § 5:10-7.7 - Railings

(a) Handrails: All interior stairways having three or more risers, and all exterior steps having a drop of at least 24 inches to ground level or having at least four risers, shall have handrails which are to be securely fastened to walls or guard rails, and, unless continuous, shall be returned to the enclosure walls or posts at the end of the stairs.

1. All stairways 44 inches or more in width shall have continuous handrails on both sides; stairs less than 44 inches wide may have a handrail on one side only. In assembly occupancies, when the stairway width exceeds 88 inches, the stairways shall be provided with intermediate handrails dividing the stairway in approximately equal widths with a maximum lateral spacing of 66 inches.

2. The height of the handrail shall not be less than 30 inches and shall not project more than 34 inches above the nosing of treads.

3. Handrails shall provide a finger clearance of 1 1/2 inches and shall not project more than 3 1/2 inches into the required stair width.

(b) Guard rails shall be provided on exterior corridors, balconies, landings, or porches having more than a three-foot drop to the adjoining level and on the exposed side of any interior or exterior stairway. The height of the guard rail shall not be less than 30 inches.

1. In an instance of a rail protecting a level 35 feet or less above exterior grade and where a special case can be made that the existing rail is sufficient to protect the safety of persons, the Department may grant an exception pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:10-1.15 to allow a rail less than 30 inches in height.

2. Guards shall be constructed so that the area in the plane of the guard, from the top of the tread to the top of the guard, is subdivided or filled in one of the following methods:

i. A sufficient number of intermediate longitudinal rails constructed so that the clear distance between rails (measured at right angles to the rail) does not exceed 16 inches (measured vertically) from the tread nosing; or

ii. Balusters spaced not more than eight inches apart; or

iii. Panels of wire mesh, or expanded metal, or ornamental grills which provide protection equivalent to that provided by the intermediate rails or balusters specified in the two preceding paragraphs; or

iv. Walls; or

v. Any combination of the foregoing.

Notes

N.J. Admin. Code § 5:10-7.7

Amended by R.1993 d.464, effective 9/20/1993.
See: 25 N.J.R. 2627(a), 25 N.J.R. 4482(a). Amended by 55 N.J.R. 1687(a), effective 8/7/2023