Location Requirements
IRC 2000	Handrails required on at least one side of ramps exceeding a slope of 1:12.   Handrail required on at least one side of stairway
IRC 2001	Handrail required on at least one side of stairway with two or more risers.
IRC 2003	Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of each continuous run of   treads or flight with four or more risers.
IBC 2000	Handrails required on both sides of stairs and ramps.
IBC 2001	Amended to add the following:  Aisle stairs complying with Section 1008   provided with a center handrail need not have additional handrails.
IBC 2003	1009.11 Handrails. Stairways shall have handrails on each side. Handrails   shall be adequate in strength and attachment in accordance with Section   1607.7. Handrails for ramps, where required by Section 1010.8, shall comply   with this section.        Exceptions:                  1. Aisle stairs complying with Section 1024 provided with a center                 handrail need not have additional handrails.                  2. Stairways within dwelling units, spiral stairways and aisle stairs                 serving seating only on one side are permitted to have a handrail                 on one side only.                  3. Decks, patios and walkways that have a single change in                 elevation where the landing depth on each side of the change of                 elevation is greater than what is required for a landing do not                 require handrails.                  4. In Group R-3 occupancies, a change in elevation consisting of a                 single riser at an entrance or egress door does not require handrails.                  5. Changes in room elevations of only one riser within dwelling                 units and sleeping units in Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies do not                 require handrails.
ANSI A117.1	Handrails required on both sides of stairs and ramps. EXCEPTION:   Aisle stairs and aisle ramps provided with a handrail either at the side   or within the aisle width.
ADAAG	Ramps - both sides, if rise exceeds 6 inches or a horizontal length   more than 72 inches. Not required next to seating in assembly areas.   Stairs - both sides.
Intermediate Handrail Requirements
IRC 2000	All portions of the stairway width required for egress capacity are within   30" of a handrail.
IRC 2003	Intermediate handrails are required so that all portions of the stairway   width required for egress capacity are within 30 inches (762 mm) of a   handrail. On monumental stairs, handrails shall be located along the   most direct path of egress travel.
Height Requirements, Minimum for Handrails
IRC 2000	Measured vertically above stair nosings and ramp surfaces: 34"   minimum; 38" maximum.
IRC 2003	Handrail height, measured vertically from the sloped plane adjoining the   tread nosing, or finish surface of ramp slope, shall be not less than 34   inches (864mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm).
IBC 2000	Guards not less than 42 inches with Exception: For Group R-3, and   within individual dwelling units in R-2, whose top rail also serves as   handrail shall have a height not less than 34 inches and not more than   38 inches.
ANSI A117.1	Measured vertically above stair nosings and ramp surfaces: 34"   minimum; 38" maximum.
ADAAG	38" maximum  ADAAG Advisory:    The requirements for stair and ramp handrails in this document are for   adults. When children are the principle users in a building or facility   (e.g., elementary schools), a second set of handrails at an appropriate   height can assist them and aid in preventing accidents. A maximum   height of 28 inches (710 mm) measured to the top of the gripping   surface from the ramp surface or stair nosing is recommended for   handrails designed for children. Sufficient vertical clearance between   upper and lower handrails, 9 inches (230 mm) minimum, should be   provided to help prevent entrapment.
End Details, Handrails
IRC 2000	Ends shall return or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminals.
IBC 2000	Return to wall, guard or the walking surface or continuous to the   handrail of an adjacent stair flight.
ANSI A117.1	Return to wall, guard or the walking surface or continuous to the   handrail of an adjacent stair flight.
ADAAG	Return smoothly to walls, posts or floors.
Wall Clearance
IRC 2000	1-1/2 inch minimum.
IRC 2003	1-1/2 inch (38mm) minimum between wall and the handrail.
IRC 2000	1-1/2 inch minimum.
IRC 2003	Clear space between a handrail and a wall or other surface shall be a   minimum of 1.50 inches (38mm). A handrail and a wall or other surface   adjacent to the handrail shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements.
ANSI A117.1	1-1/2 inch minimum.
ADAAG	1-1/2 inch minimum.
Project From Wall
IBC 2000	4.50" maximum.
IBC 2003	4.50" maximum.
Uniform