Forensic Engineering Investigations Of Guards Handrails And Stairs

Authors

  • Norman L. Cooper

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51501/jotnafe.v21i1.629

Keywords:

Guards, handrails, stairs

Abstract

There Are More Accidental Deaths From Falls In The United States Than From Fire, Drowning, And Air Travel Combined. The Following Summarizes Forensic Engineering Investigations (In Several Of The United States) Of Guards, Handrails, And Stairs, Most Following Falls Resulting In Injury Or Death. The Fundamental Issue Is Whether The Guards, Handrails, And Stairs Complied With The Applicable Building Code. Liability, Advocacy, And Unsafe Structure Requirements Are Discussed. Many Example Cases Are Cited Involving Code Noncompliance Including: Guards: Omission, Strength, Gap, Height, And Ladder Effect; Handrails: Omission, Height, Grip, Length, Strength, Return, And Continuity; Stairs: Omission, Obstruction, Strength, Riser Height, Tread Length, Uniformity, Tread Slope, Riser Gap, And Lighting. Case Outcomes Are Discussed And Recommendations Made.

Published

2004-01-01

How to Cite

Cooper, Norman L. 2004. “Forensic Engineering Investigations Of Guards Handrails And Stairs”. Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers 21 (1). https://doi.org/10.51501/jotnafe.v21i1.629.

Issue

Section

Articles