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Understanding Graspability
Decades ago, a study of just 20 subjects changed the face of the stair industry. While restrained in a standing position, pushing and pulling forces on a handrail were measured and the subjects’ opinions recorded. This lead to the conclusion that a certain round shape, among those tested, provided a grasping surface against which subjects generally could generate high pushing and pulling forces.

Even though the researcher Dr Brian Maki warned of the study’s static limitations and approximations, the study was in fact used to restrict the shape of handrails. click here for full story

Understanding the Handrail Codes Issues               

What is a Type II Handrail
Why are Type II handrails needed
Why we need the Type II standard

SMA FUNDED – INDEPENDENT HANDRAIL TESTING AND RESEARCH

Research and Testing
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Research Papers

Influence of Handrail Design on Postural Stabilization                                   
Presentation as given to the A117.1 Standard Committee
            
Video of Handrail Testing by Dr. Brian Maki as cited and shown in the A117.1 Standard Committee presentation above.
           
        Video 1 - coming soon
        Video 2 - coming soon
        Video 3 - coming soon

2006 Visual Interpretation of the International Residential Code NOW AVAILABLE. 

The new visual Interpretation is now available for download from link below . It will soon be available to members in printed form through the SMA office for a nominal fee that is substantially less than printing it in house. Our highly acclaimed visual interpretations are becoming the staircase reference tool and are being used in code education programs for building officials, contractors, and architects.  By distributing the SMA Visual interpretations you show professional interest in code compliance and education, as well as support for the ICC code development mission to have one model code throughout the US. Not to mention your support of the SMA.

Download the 2006 Visual Interpretation of the Internation Residential Code Here .pdf format

INCLUDES:
ICC Stair Term Definitions
New TYPE II Rail Test Template

In addition we now list all the stair related definitions from the ICC codes and include a handy Type II rail test template that can be clipped out and laminated as an easy measuring gauge to assure consistent interpretation.We hope that the IRC 2006 VI will prove to be just as valuable a tool as our other visual interetations and would appreciate your feedback.

IRC Visual Code Interpretations
View the IRC 2006 Visual Code Interpretation
- printed versions are available by contacting the SMA office at 877-500-5759

View the IRC 2003 Visual Code Interpretation
- printed versions are available by contacting the SMA office at 877-500-5759

View the IRC 2000 Visual Code Interpretation
- printed versions are available by contacting the SMA office at 877-500-5759

View the 2002 New York State Residential Building Code Interpretation

View the 2003 Connecticut Visual Code Interpretation

View the 2003 Rhode Island Visual Code Interpretation

View the 2004 Florida (with amendments) Visual Code Interpretation

CODE AND STANDARD CHANGE PROPOSALS

In accordance with the Mission of the SMA the Code and Research committee works with the Code Development Representative to formulate and implement changes to the building codes that incorporate the input of our membership.  These proposed changes represent the SMA in action as a valued contributor to the development of codes and standards.  To learn more about the code development process see the articles on the Code and Research Committee page.  In addition to submitting code change proposals the SMA participates as a member of the following committees and task groups:

Accredited Standards Committee ICC/ANSI A117.1 Committee "Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities"

ICC Code Technology Committee, Climb Resistant Guard Study Group

ICC/ANSI Residential Task Group, Visitablility Study Group

International Building Code

International Residential Code

Proposals for the 2007-2008 ICC code development cycle will be posted mid September 2007

ICC/ANSI Standard A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities

A117.1 Standard Comment adding Functional Profiled Rails