1607.8 Loads on Handrails and Guards

Florida Building Code Chapter 16 – Structural Design

Handrails and guards shall be designed and constructed for the structural loading conditions set forth in Section 1607.8.1. Grab bars, shower seats, and accessible benches shall be designed and constructed for structural loading conditions set forth in Section 1607.8.2.

1607.8.1 Handrails and Guards

Handrails and guards shall be designed to resist a linear load of 50 pounds per linear foot (plf) (0.73 kN/m) in accordance with Section 4.5.1 of ASCE 7. Glass handrail assemblies and guards shall also comply with Section 2407.

Exceptions:

  1. For one- and two-family dwellings, only the single concentrated load required by Section 1607.8.1.1 shall be applied.
  2. In Group I-3, F, H and S occupancies, for areas that are not accessible to the general public and that have an occupant load less than 50, the minimum load shall be 20 pounds per foot (0.29 kN/m).

1607.8.1.1 Concentrated Load

Handrails and guards shall be designed to resist a concentrated load of 200 pounds (0.89 kN) in accordance with Section 4.5.1 of ASCE 7.

1607.8.1.2 Intermediate rails.

Intermediate rails (all those except the handrail), balusters and panel fillers shall be designed to resist a concentrated load of 50 pounds (0.22 kN) in accordance with Section 4.5.1 of ASCE 7.

1607.8.3 Vehicle Barriers

Vehicle barriers for passenger vehicles shall be designed to resist a concentrated load of 6,000 pounds (26.70 kN) in accordance with Section 4.5.3 of ASCE 7. Garages accommodating trucks and buses shall be designed in accordance with an approved method that contains provisions for traffic railings.