Sound stair railings in multi-family dwellings are a necessity. Because if a tenant falls or is otherwise injured going up or down a set of stairs in your building, not only will your tenant be hurt, but you could be sued. However, if your stairs are up to code, then there can be room for debate on who’s fault the accident was which also gives you a clear conscience. To help with this, the International Building Code provides a code of construction and design for all buildings and different structures which fall under this code. It addresses both the design and the installation of commercial railings which emphasizes the required performances of the products used. This is the code you would follow when installing the needed railings for your rental properties.
For example, each exterior and interior flight of stairs which has more than four risers needs handrails. The handrails should be on one side of the stair and on every open portion of a stair. This would include landings, balconies, decks, ramps or any other surfaces where people walk that are more than 30 inches above the floor. For more safety, a handrail can be installed on both sides for extra grip.
Commercial railing is used specifically for commercial properties. These properties would include multi-family dwellings, apartment buildings, motels and condos. Anywhere there would be a balcony that requires a safety barrier also. So, if your building has a balcony, commercial safety railing must be used so that the person in the apartment or condo is safe when venturing out onto a balcony.
Safety railings don’t just protect the people using them too, but they also protect the property owner as well from legal action. So, if you’re buildings are up to code, then you can know that you’ve done everything that you need to do to be within the law which makes you a good landlord.
Keeping your buildings up to code is one way to avoid accidents.