9.8.7.2. Continuity of Handrails

 This Article indicates where handrails must be continuous and where they can be interrupted. Continuous handrails provide directional cues for sight-impaired persons and reduce the risk of falls for persons with mobility impairment who rely on handrails for support. The guidance and support provided by handrails is particularly important at the beginning and end of ramps and flights of stairs, and at changes in direction, such as at landings and winders. 

For stairs and ramps serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite (including their common spaces), handrails must be continuously graspable throughout the length of ramps and flights of stairs, from the bottom riser to the top riser, but are permitted to start from a newel post or volute installed on the bottom tread (Figure 9.8.-13). For other stairs and ramps, at least one required handrail must be continuous throughout the length of the stair or ramp, including at landings except where interrupted by doorways. 

Quoted from Illustrated User's Guide - NBC2015

9.8.7. Handrails

Handrails are intended to reduce the risk of falling on stairs and ramps. They must be located so that they can be reached by users at any position on the stair or ramp.

9.8.7.1. Required Handrails 

This Article indicates where handrails are required and states some exceptions to these requirements. Handrails on stairs and ramps provide additional support for the physically impaired and guidance for the sight-impaired. They have a different purpose than guards and guardrails, which are primarily intended to prevent people from falling off the side of a stair or ramp.

Quoted from Illustrated User's Guide - NBC2015

9.8.6.3 Dimensions of Landings

This Article establishes minimum dimensions for landings, and addresses the various situations that have an impact on the minimum dimensions, such as doors opening onto landings, and stairs with different widths ending on the same landing. These minimum dimensions are intended to provide enough room to accommodate door swing and to allow safe passage.

A landing should provide sufficient room for a person to stand while opening or closing a door. The general rule is that the landing should be as wide and as long as the width of the stair or ramp that it serves.

Quoted from Illustrated User's Guide - NBC2015