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Handrails and Guards
Below are some of the basic tenents of the building code; Please consult your local authority to confirm all information.
Handrails. Handrails having minimum and maximum heights of 34 inches and 38 inches (864 mm and 965 mm), respectively, measured vertically from the nosing of the treads, shall be provided on at least one side of stairways. All required handrails shall be continuous the full length of the stairs with four or more risers from a point directly above the top riser of a flight to a point directly above the lowest riser of the flight. Ends shall be returned or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminals. Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 1.5 inches (38mm) between the wall and the handrail.
o Exceptions:
o 1. Handrails shall be permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at a turn.
o 2. The use of volute, turnout, or starting easing is allowed over the lowest tread. NOTE: South Carolina Amendment # 2006-09 allows the handrail minimum height to be 30-inches.
Handrail grip size: The handgrip portion of handrails shall have a circular cross section of 1 -1/4-inch minimum to 2-5/8-inch maximum. Other handrail shapes that provide an equivalent grasping surface are permissible. Edges shall have a minimum radius of 1/8-inch.
Guards Required: Porches, balconies and raised floor surfaces located more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 36 inches in height. Open sides of stairs withn a total rise of more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 34 inches in height measured vertically from the nosing of the tread. 
Guard Opening Limitations: Required guards on open sides of stairways, raised floor areas, balconies, and porches shall have intermediate rails or ornamental closures that do not allow the passage of a 4-inch sphere.
Exception #1: The triangular openings formed by the riser, tread, and bottom rail of a guard at the open side of a stairway are permitted to be of a size such that a sphere 6-inches cannot pass through.
Exception # 2: Openings for required guards on the sides of stair treads shall not allow a sphere 4-3/8 inches (107 mm) to pass through.
