Handrail height is measured from which surface?

Handrail height is measured from which surface?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Measured from the floor
• D. Measured from the top of the railing

Answer: (A)

Handrail height is defined by the vertical distance from the walking/working surface up to the top of the handrail. In practice, that means you measure from the surface employees actually step on—the tread on stairs, the floor on landings or ramps—up to the highest point of the railing. This reference keeps the height within the required range (for example, typically around 30–38 inches on stairs) regardless of staircase or ramp geometry. Measuring from the floor is not universal enough for stairs with different tread levels, and measuring from the top of the railing would not reflect the actual distance employees’ hands need to reach from the walking surface.

Handrail height is defined by the vertical distance from the walking/working surface up to the top of the handrail. In practice, that means you measure from the surface employees actually step on—the tread on stairs, the floor on landings or ramps—up to the highest point of the railing. This reference keeps the height within the required range (for example, typically around 30–38 inches on stairs) regardless of staircase or ramp geometry. Measuring from the floor is not universal enough for stairs with different tread levels, and measuring from the top of the railing would not reflect the actual distance employees’ hands need to reach from the walking surface.