Section 296-96-02530. What requirements apply to the size and location of car handrails?

A handrail must provide coverage lengthwise at least ninety percent from wall to wall.

(1) A handrail must be installed on all car walls not used for normal exits. The handrails must be:

(a) Attached to the wall at a height of between thirty-two and thirty-five inches from the floor to the top of the handrail;

(b) Attached to the wall with a 1-1/2 inch space between the wall and the rail;

(c) Constructed with the hand grip portion not less than 1-1/4 inches but not more than two inches wide;

(d) Constructed with a cross-section shape that is substantially oval or round;

(e) Constructed with smooth surfaces and no sharp corners. Approaching handrail ends on a blank wall in the interior corners of a car do not have to return to the wall. However, if the handrail is located on the closing door wall of a single-slide or two-speed entrance elevator and it projects an abrupt end towards people entering the car, the handrail end must return to the wall.

(2) Residential elevators must have at least one handrail. The handrail must be installed on a car wall not used for normal exits.

EXCEPTION:	Special purpose elevators are exempt from this section.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.87 RCW. WSR 13-24-066, § 296-96-02530, filed 11/27/13, effective 1/1/14; WSR 07-24-041, § 296-96-02530, filed 11/30/07, effective 1/1/08.]

Chapter 70.87 RCW. WSR 13-24-066, § 296-96-02530, filed 11/27/13, effective 1/1/14; WSR 07-24-041, § 296-96-02530, filed 11/30/07, effective 1/1/08.