MCAB 3F 3 Rows Outdoor Metal Grandstand Aluminum Bleacher With Wheels Tribune Seating

The Current Bleacher Code
1.Why are three and four row bleachers not required to have double footboards and riserboards?
The International Building Code (IBC) requires that a 4” sphere cannot pass through openings per the following:
IBC CODE SECTION 1008
You do not need double footboards and riserboards on three and four row bleachers because they are not higher than 30”. Five rows or higher have to have the extra footboard and riser.
Section 1008.14 Bleacher footboards. Bleacher footboards shall be provided for rows of seat above the third row or being at such a point where the seating plank is more than 24 inches above the ground or floor below. Where footboards are more than 30 inches above grade, openings between the seat and footboards shall not allow the passage of a sphere greater than 4 inches.
Summary: Double footboards and a 6” riser provide for openings of less than 4.

2.Why are three and four row bleachers not required to have a guardrail system?
The International Building Code (IBC) requires that guardrails be provided if the rear of the bleacher is higher than 30”
IBC CODE SECTION 1003
Section 1003.2.12 Guards. Guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, platforms and landings which are located more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below. Guards shall also be located along sides of stairways and landings that are located more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below
IBC CODE SECTION 1008
Section 1008.13.3 Guards at the end of aisles. A fascia or railing system complying with the guard requirements of Section 1003.2.12 shall be provided for the full width of the aisle where the foot of the aisle is more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below. The railing shall be a minimum of 36 inches high and shall provide a minimum 42 inches between the top of the rail and the nosing of the nearest tread.
Summary: If the rear of the bleacher is higher than 30” then you must have a guardrail system. The rear height of all bleachers 5 rows or more are higher than 30” and therefore have to have railings.The rear height of 3 and 4 row bleachers is less than 30” and therefore does not have to have a guardrail system.
3.Why are three and four row bleachers not required to have an aisle?
The International Building Code (IBC) has an Exception to the aisle rule.
IBC CODE SECTION 1008
Section 1008.8, Exception. An aisle is not required in seating facilities where all of the following conditions exist:
1).Seats are without backrests.
2).The rise from row to row does not exceed 6 inches per row.
3).The row spacing does not exceed 28 inches.
4).The first seating board is not more than 12 inches above the ground.
5).Seat boards have a continuous flat surface.
6).Seat boards provide a walking surface with a minimum width of 11 inches.
7).Seating is not restricted by rails or guards.
Summary: If the rear of the bleacher is less than 30 inches in height then you don’t have to have a guardrail system which meets the #7 criteria. To meet #1 – 6 you decrease the standard rise from 8” to 6”, decrease the height of the first seat from a standard of 17” to 12” and increase the seat board width from 10” to 12”. By doing the above a three and four row bleacher does not need an aisle.