Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Model Lead Based Paint Risk Assessor Practice Test

What is a riser in the context of a step?

1. The horizontal part where the foot is placed.

2. The vertical part of a step.

3. The entire stairway structure.

4. The safety barrier at the top of a staircase.

The correct answer is: The vertical part of a step.

In the context of a step, a riser refers to the vertical component of a staircase that connects one step to another. It is the part that extends upward from the front edge of one step to the front edge of the step above it. The height of the risers is an important aspect of stair design, as it impacts the ease of use and safety of the staircase. A proper riser height ensures that the steps are comfortable to climb and descend, reducing the risk of tripping. The horizontal part where the foot is placed describes the tread, which is distinct from the riser. The entire stairway structure includes both the treads and risers along with the framework, which is broader than what just the riser represents. The safety barrier at the top of a staircase usually refers to guardrails or handrails, which serve a different function entirely by providing support and preventing falls, separating them from the definition of a riser.