North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

What is the required minimum headroom clearance for stairways?

1. 6 inches

2. 7 inches

3. 4 inches

4. 8 inches

The correct answer is: 7 inches

The required minimum headroom clearance for stairways is 7 inches. This measurement is crucial for ensuring safety and comfort in the use of stairways. Adequate headroom allows individuals to navigate stairs without the risk of bumping their heads, which can lead to injury. The standard typically stipulates that the headroom must be measured vertically from the nosing of the treads to the ceiling above at all points of the stairway. A minimum of 7 inches is considered adequate to accommodate most users comfortably while allowing for various head heights. Meeting this code requirement is essential for compliance with building safety standards and regulations. It ensures a safe and accessible pathway in a building, particularly for homes, commercial buildings, and public spaces. Such building codes are enforced to promote the safety of occupants and to minimize the risk of accidents associated with inadequate clearance.