Ensuring Safety and Quality in Welded Staircases and Railings
Ensuring Safety and Quality in Welded Staircases and Railings
Staircases and railings may seem like simple architectural features, but when welding is involved, their safety and reliability depend on much more than appearance. In Canada, these structures must meet both building code and welding standard requirements to ensure they can perform safely for years to come.
A recent article in Canadian Fabricating and Welding explores how the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) and CSA welding standards -- including CSA W47.1, W47.2, W59, and W59.2 -- work together to guide the fabrication and inspection of welded stairs and railings.
The NBCC sets the core requirements for stair and railing construction, including strength, dimensions, and installation. Provincial codes and CSA welding standards ensure welded components meet strict safety and performance expectations. Standards such as CSA W59, W47.1, W47.2, and W59.2 govern weld quality, testing, and workmanship, supported by regular audits and third-party procedure reviews.
Working with CWB-certified companies and personnel helps guarantee compliance, covering everything from load requirements and dimensional rules to connection strength and material selection. A final safeguard comes through inspection, where CWB-certified visual welding inspectors verify that completed welds meet both code and design requirements.
Welded stairs and railings are safety-critical infrastructure. Each step in the fabrication and inspection process protects public safety and builds trust in the finished product. When fabrication follows CSA standards and involves certified professionals, the result is greater reliability, sustained compliance, and enhanced public protection over the lifetime of the structure.
Read the full article in Canadian Fabricating and Welding.