Survey of Stair Construction Codes in New York City

摘要

Forensic investigations of slip, trip, and fall incidents on stairs often involve the study of the applicable codes and standards that were in effect at the time of construction, at the time of subsequent renovation, and at the time of the incident. Similarly, the rehabilitation of existing stairs following a fire, flood, or collapse, as well as the change in building use, or change in occupancy, may prompt a similar study. Navigating the various editions of the codes and design parameters can be challenging. This paper aids in that effort. This paper surveys the Building Codes of the City of New York, its adopted reference standards, other related industry standards, and is a guide for navigating the historical editions and identifying the various provisions pertaining to the design parameters, such as illumination, signs, headroom, slip resistance, guards, handrails, doors, landings, and treads and risers, etc.