About this video:
Stairway inspections play an important role in providing safe access throughout a building, from the exterior to the interior. While the level of inspection can vary, at a minimum, inspectors should focus on stairways that are part of the means of egress and their key features.
To learn more about inspecting commercial stairways and means of egress, take the self-paced Inspecting Commercial Fire and Life Safety Systems Online Course and the Inspecting Commercial Building Exteriors Online Course.
Key features to inspect include:
- Treads should be at least 11 inches wide, and risers must be uniform, with a height between 4 and 7 inches.
- Handrails must be graspable and between 34 and 38 inches high.
- Handrails need to extend at least 12 inches beyond the last tread and return to the wall at the top and bottom.
For a complete checklist of stairway inspections, visit Inspecting Stairways, Railings, and Guards at Commercial Buildings.
Additional Resources for Commercial Property Inspections: