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MEMO
#1005: Handrails Reminder - 9/12/02
This memo
is just a reminder to you about bidding to repair or replace
missing or unsafe handrails.
As you
know, if an existing handrail is loose and unsafe, it should
be secured to protect health and safety. If a handrail is
entirely missing from a stairway and the absence of the handrail
poses a threat to health and safety, a temporary replacement
for the handrail should be constructed. If there is no obvious
or immediate threat to health and safety (for example, if
there is no drop-off potential), the temporary replacement
is not required.
As noted
in Laurie Magianno's January 8, 2002 HUD Memo entitled "Conveyance
Policy Reminders," (attached) mortgagees are not required
to install handrails on stairways that did not have handrails
as part of their original construction.
When bidding
handrails, contractors should always include the dimensions
of the handrail, the location of the handrail, and the number
of steps for the stairway. Contractors should provide a statement
on their update indicating that the handrail is being bid
because the existing condition poses a threat to health and
safety.
Once again,
we thank you for your ongoing cooperation with our efforts
to provide our clients with the best in mortgage field services.
If you have any questions regarding handrails or any other
preservation issue, please contact your regional coordinator.
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