Stairs & Railings Inspection

All risers must be same height (within 3/8"). All treads same depth. Maximum riser 7-3/4". Minimum tread 10". Handrail on at least one side.

1. Measure every riser height — maximum 7-3/4", and all must be within 3/8" of each other

2. Measure every tread depth — minimum 10" from nosing to nosing

3. Check handrail height — 34" to 38" measured from stair nosing

4. Test handrail grip — should be graspable (1-1/4" to 2" diameter)

5. Verify handrail returns to wall at top and bottom (no open ends to catch clothing)

6. Check nosings — consistent projection (3/4" to 1-1/4"), rounded edges

7. Measure headroom — minimum 6'8" at all points above stair

8. Check stair width — minimum 36" clear

- Inconsistent riser heights (most common cause of stair falls — the #1 trip hazard)

- Risers too tall or treads too shallow

- Missing handrail (required on at least one side for 4+ risers)

- Handrail not graspable (flat top rails don't count)

- Open handrail ends (catch clothing, injure)

- Insufficient headroom (head hits structure above)

Balusters must be spaced so a 4" sphere cannot pass through. No climbable horizontal elements. Guard height minimum 36" on stairs, 36-42" on landings.

1. Test 4" sphere rule — try to fit a 4" ball between any two balusters

2. Check openings between bottom rail and tread — 4" sphere should not pass

3. Check triangular opening at tread-riser-bottom rail — 6" sphere should not pass

4. Push firmly on railing — should resist 200 lbs without significant flex

5. Check baluster attachment — each should be firm (not loose or rotated)

6. Verify no climbable horizontal elements (no ladder-like rails)

7. Guard height on landings — 36" minimum (42" in some jurisdictions)

- Balusters too far apart (child entrapment hazard)

- Open triangular areas at treads (child can fall through)

- Wobbly balusters (improper attachment)

- Railing too flexible (inadequate posts or connections)

- Horizontal rails children can climb

- Guard too short on upper landing