Square Tubing Size Requirements for Handrails 1

[mechengr12]

Does anyone have a link or some information on the strengths of square tubing along with requirements of meeting OSHA standards. I am putting up handrails in my plant and have tons of 1" square tubing. OSHA requires the strength below;
c) Guardrail must withstand 200-pound force with no more than 3" deflection.

They give size requirements of;
1910.23(e)(3)(ii)
For pipe railings, posts and top and intermediate railings shall be at least 1 1/2 inches nominal diameter with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers.
1910.23(e)(3)(iii)
For structural steel railings, posts and top and intermediate rails shall be of 2-inch by 2-inch by 3/8-inch angles or other metal shapes of equivalent bending strength with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers.

The requirements also listed other shapes and sizes can be used as long as they meet several requirements, but the strength is my main concern. Can anyone help me on this with some general information?

 

[EngineeringEric]

Sounds like a job for a Structural Engineer! There are more factors than the tubing outside size. like thickness, grade, spacing of posts, attachment detailing...

 

[JAE]

...attachment detailing at the base of the verticals....exactly.


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[KootK]

This is the dominant reference I believe: Link.

The manual is light on base connection information however. As Eric and JAE have mentioned, that can be a critical issue, particularly with concrete substrates.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[racookpe1978]

OSHA and the ADA/Building Codes go into great detail about "hand grip" requirements on the UPPER grasping surface of stairs. Read those paragraphs and links first.

Thus, a 1-1/2 inch "pipe" and a 1-1/4 dia "pipe" (round copper or brass tubing or round wood the same OD) all meet the requirement. A more ornate carved wooden handrail (the grasping part) also is legal, but only because it has a particular shape and outline your square tubing has to have. BUT! Once the outside of the square tubing is acceptable - and there will be no deviations or exceptions allowed - then the choice of wall thickness is never written down

Other than the fact that nobody ever uses square tubing for handrails. I assume because it "feels" harsh as you slide your hand along the rail.

Remember, you have handrails and guard rails - the requirements are different and they are at different heights.

 

[Splitrings]

Vermont has adopted NFPA 101 for handrails. Here is VT's code sheet.

http://firesafety.vermont.gov/sites/firesafety/files/pdf/Code Info Sheets/2012_handrail -guards.pdf

 

[JStephen]

We do use square tubing for handrails- it's A500 material that has a considerable radius on the corners. Cold-rolled stuff can have a very sharp corner, though.

The rules are unfortunately not so clear for handrails. OSHA, MSHA, and the building codes all have different requirements. OSHA also has two different conflicting sets of rules out on handrails as well.

 

[SAIL3]

I have been using this lately...2x2 sq tubes for posts, 1 1/2 sch 40 pipe top h/r, 1 1/4 sch 40 pipe for intermediate rail...by using 2x2 tubes for posts one can space the posts further apart and one does not have to cope the intermediate rail...

 

[XR250]

I have 1 1/2"x1 1/2" x 1/4" sq. tube guardrails in my house and they feel fine on the hands. 1/4" wall has a nice radius.

 

[mechengr12]

Thanks for the input. I will close this thread.