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9.8.7.1.(1)
ApplicationIntent
OS3
ObjectiveOS3 Safety in Use
Attribution
[F30-OS3.1] [F10-OS3.7]
Application
Application 1: 
Number and location of handrails for stairs and ramps, including curved stairs and curved ramps, in buildings to which Part 9 applies [see Sentence 1.3.3.3.(1) of Division A for application of Part 9].
Exceptions: 
except as stated in:
  • Sentence 9.8.7.1.(2), which applies to
    • interior stairs having not more than 2 risers and serving a single dwelling unit
    • exterior stairs having not more than 3 risers and serving a single dwelling unit,
    • ramps with a slope of less than 1 in 12, and
    • ramps rising not more than 400 mm,
  • Sentence 9.8.7.1.(3), which applies to exterior stairs having more than 3 risers and serving not more than one dwelling unit, and
  • Clause 3.8.3.4.(1)(e), which applies to barrier-free design in buildings described in Sentence 3.8.1.1.(1) [see Sentence 9.5.2.1.(1)].
Application 2: 
This also applies to handrails for stairs and ramps within dwelling units in buildings to which Part 3 applies [see Sentence 1.3.3.2.(1) of Division A for application of Part 3], as stated in Sentence 3.3.4.7.(1).
Exceptions: 
except as stated in:
  • Clause 9.8.7.1.(2)(a), which applies to stairs within a dwelling unit having not more than 2 risers,
  • Clause 9.8.7.1.(2)(b), which applies to exterior stairs having not more than 3 risers and serving a single dwelling unit,
  • Clause 9.8.7.1.(2)(c), which applies to ramps with a slope of less than 1 in 12, and,
  • Clause 9.8.7.1.(2)(d), which applies to ramps rising not more than 400 mm.
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Intent
Intent 1: 
To limit the probability of an inadequate means of maintaining balance and arresting falls:
  • on stairs and ramps that accommodate individual users,
  • on stairs and ramps that are sufficiently wide to allow users to pass each other on the stairs, and
  • on stairs and ramps that have a configuration that is inherently more difficult to negotiate.
This is to limit the probability of:
  • persons falling, or
  • persons falling in an emergency, which could lead to delays in the evacuation or movement of persons to a safe place.
This is to limit the probability of harm to persons.
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