WAC 51-19-440   Other safety features.  (1)(a) The largest tread run within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than three-eighths inch. The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than three-eighths inch.

EXCEPTION:

Existing spiral and circular stairs shall be exempt from the variance in tread size requirement.

     (b) Every stairway shall have at least one handrail.

EXCEPTION:

A handrail is not required for existing stairs having less than four risers.

     Spiral and winding stairways shall have a handrail on the outside perimeter.

     (2) All unenclosed floor and roof openings, open and glazed sides of stairways, landings and ramps, balconies or porches which are more than thirty inches above grade or floor below, and roofs used for other than service of the building shall be protected by a guardrail.

EXCEPTION:	Guardrails need not be provided at the following locations:
	(a) On the loading side of loading docks.
	(b) On the auditorium side of a stage or enclosed platform.
	(c) On private stairways thirty inches or less in height.

     Existing guardrails, other than guardrails located on the open side of a stairway, which are at least thirty-six inches in height shall be permitted to remain. Guardrails lower than thirty-six inches in height shall be augmented or corrected to raise their effective height to thirty-six inches. Guardrails for stairways, exclusive of their landings, may have a height which is not less than thirty inches measured above the nosing of treads.

     The spacing between existing intermediate railings or openings in existing ornamental patterns in significant historical staircases may be accepted; otherwise the Building Code shall apply. Missing elements or members of a guardrail may be replaced in a manner which will preserve the historic appearance of the building or structure.

     (3) The installation or replacement of glass shall be as required for new construction by the Building Code and the requirements for energy conservation in Part VIII of this code.

     (4) All wires and equipment, and installations thereof, that convey electric current, in, on, or about buildings or structures shall be in strict conformity with chapter 19.28 RCW, the statutes of the state of Washington, and the rules issued by the Washington state department of labor and industries.

     (5) Leaking drain or supply lines shall be repaired or replaced. All unsafe conditions shall be corrected. Any cross connections or siphonage between fixtures shall be corrected.

     (6) Mechanical systems shall have any unsafe conditions corrected.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.120 and 19.27.074. 91-01-103, § 51-19-440, filed 12/18/90, effective 7/1/91.]