5.1 Metal railing systems and rails for buildings usually are designed, manufactured, and installed to withstand forces potentially exerted by the building users.

5.2 The metal railing systems and rails shall not be considered a part of the structural system of the building unless this is expressly provided for in the design.

This specification covers permanent metal railing systems (such as guard, stair, and ramp-rail systems) and rails (such as hand, wall, grab, and transfer rails) for use in agricultural, assembly, commercial, educational, industrial, institutional, recreational, and residential buildings. Also covered in this specification are basic design requirements and considerations, and minimum criteria for load and deflections; however, it does not cover design criteria for specific field conditions. Railing systems and rails shall be manufactured with major structural components made of metal and secondary components made of metal, wood, plastics, or glass, and shall withstand forces that may potentially be exerted by building users. Tests for static loading and deflection shall be performed and shall conform to the requirements specified.

1.1 This specification2 covers permanent metal railing systems (guard, stair, and ramp-rail systems) and rails (hand, wall, grab, and transfer rails) installed in and for agricultural, assembly, commercial, educational, industrial, institutional, recreational, and residential buildings. However, this standard does not cover metal railing systems installed in and for industrial, commercial, and other non-residential workplace occupancies where normally only adults will be present or have access, and for which guardrail or handrail requirements are specified by occupational safety and health safety regulations and standards. This standard does not cover ballasted railing systems.

1.2 This specification is intended to be applied to permanent metal railing systems for buildings and to such railing systems and rails having major structural components made of metal, with their secondary components made of metal or other materials such as wood, plastics, and glass.

1.3 This specification considers that today's and tomorrow's overall outlook is based on the health and safety of all potential users of buildings. The criteria incorporated in this specification provide for normal and anticipated building uses, but not for abuses for which the building and its components are not designed.

1.4 This specification establishes basic minimum requirements and criteria that lead to satisfactory products under normal use conditions and does not give consideration to design criteria for specific field conditions, the establishment of which is the prerogative and responsibility of the designer, specification writer, and code agencies.

1.5 Sources of supportive information are listed in the Reference section (1-28).3

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.