1003. A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs. Both handrails and guardrails must be capable of withstanding a minimum of 200 pounds of pressure applied from any direction at any point along the rails. OSHA publishes a final rule. The top of handrails and handrail extensions shall not be placed less than 34” (864 mm) nor more than 38 inches (965 mm) above landings and the nosing of treads. Question: Do light-use stairs greater than 88 inches wide require a center stair railing? Response: The. standard requirements explanatory information (not part of american national standard a1264. OSHA is requesting updates to the handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard, according to a press release. Projections into the required width of stairways and ramps at each handrail shall not exceed 41/2 inches (114 mm) at. A proposed rule announced by OSHA on May 20 would update certain handrail and stair rail system requirements for the agency’s general industry walking-working surfaces standard. 5” Minimum tread astuteness of 9. Minimum width of 22”. Circular Cross Section and Clearance (§505. 120 (b) (1) Fixed stairs installed after October 3, 1983 shall be positioned within the range of 30 degrees to 50 degrees to the horizontal with uniform riser height and tread width throughout each run and be capable of a minimum loading of 100 pounds per square foot (445 N) and a minimum concentrated load of 300 pounds (1,334 N) at the. 1052 (a) (1) - Scaffold step unit towers when used for access to locations other than scaffold platforms. The International Building Code is a model code prepared under the umbrella of the ICC, and. 23 (a) (2) Designed into or is an integral part of machines or equipment. Exception: These requirements shall not apply to sloping portions of handrails between the top and bottom riser of stairs and above the ramp run. , measured from the line connecting tread nosings—the same as the minimum height for handrails. OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal protective equipment in November 2016 that updated requirements for slip, trip, and fall hazards. HTML PDF: 296-24-74010: Standard stairs. Haydl: This is in response to your letter of June 24, 2004 regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for heights for stair rails and handrails and corresponding building code requirements. Minimum 11 inch stair tread depth. 23(e) because the height of the standard railing on the stair landing is less than 42 inches nominal. 5”Overview. 6 cm) for all steps in each flight of stairs is necessary in order to minimize the possibility that employees will slip, trip, and fall while they are on the stairs. The following requirements apply to all stairways as indicated: ( 1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm), whichever is less, shall be equipped with: ( ii) One stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. (1) A stairway shall have a handrail on at least one side, and if 1 100 mm or more in width, shall have handrail s on both sides. , The artist formerly known as HotRod10However, it is still recommended to install handrails for safety purposes, especially if there are elderly individuals, children, or individuals with mobility limitations in the building. 3. 1910. Be certain that your vendor has updated their OSHA designs. 2. If your system was installed before January 2017, the mandatory height decreases to 30 inches. The handrail's ends must either be rounded or smoothly meet the floor, wall or post. Handrail diameter between 1. 500 (f) (l) (vi) provides for the utilization of types, sizes and arrangements of railing construction provided they meet the conditions established in sub-paragraph a thru d. DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: Handrail is missing (i. It includes the application, dimensions, clearance, and safety standards for handrails, guardrails, risers, treads, landings, platforms, and door openings. That apart, the exit should be by way of permanent structures like stairs and attached ladders. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route (e. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This is because for people with balance and mobility issues, leaning on a wall to maintain their balance is simply not a safe way to navigate a stairwell. HTML PDF. §3214. 2 [Handrail] Top Extension at Stairs. You had specific questions regarding the use of ship's stairs in general industry. 24 inches in width, with. The maximum riser height by an OSHA standard stair will 9. 29 - Fall protection systems and falling object protection - criteria and practices: Here you will find the requirements that guardrail, stair rail systems, and handrails. Suite 301 Chadds Ford, PA 19317. One stair rail system with handrail on each open side. A single bar or pipe supported onOSHA believes that a uniform riser height within 1/4 inch (0. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs have two different meanings. 5″. User note: About this chapter: Chapter 3 contains a wide array of building planning requirements that are critical to designing a safe and usable building. com. 1052(c)(1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm),. Rod Smith, P. HTML PDF: 296-24-74025: Ship stairs. Handrails and the top rails of stairrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 n) applied within 2 inches (5 cm) of the. 1. 1926. Vertical clearance. Pursuant to §1910. Handrails and top rails of the stair rail systems must be able to withstand at least 200 pounds of weight applied within two inches of the top edge in any downward or outward direction, at. Stairways less than 44 inches (1118 mm) in width or stairways serving one individual dwelling unit in Group R, Division 1 or 3 Occupancy or a Group R, Division 3 congregate residence may have one handrail. As for the load calculations, it is imperative to know that. The IBC commercial handrail code states that each stair is provided with a separate handrail or grabrail attached to the guardrail. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. 6]OSHA set the design requirements for alternating tread stairs included teil 1910. The requirements for handrails and stairs in the 2016 Final Rule led many employers to seek clarification from OSHA about when handrails. 23 (a) (1) Used in emergency operations such as firefighting, rescue, and tactical law enforcement operations, or training for these operations; or. 2 m) or above, must have handrails with a vertical height of 29. Hand Railing projection into stairs (<= 4. Section 18(b) of The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, P. Here are some basic pieces of information to bear in mind when constructing a handrail to comply with OSHA Standards. Handrail height of alternating tread devices and ships ladders, measured above tread nosings, shall be uniform, not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and not more. 1910. November 2, 1995. OSHA publishes a. Design and construction of guardrails and stair handrails shall comply with SBC Code, OSHA Standards, and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. OSHA stairs requirements for alternating tread stairs General OSHA stair requirements 5 Compliant fall protection 2 3 Uniform riser heights and tread. 8:A ship's ladder must have toe clearance of 7 inches unless the nature of the work requires a lesser clearance; 4. Outdoor Stairs: Building codes may have specific requirements for handrails on outdoor stairs, particularly if there are multiple levels or steep inclines. 502(b)(3) requires railing systems meet a 200 pound concentrated load test. A vertical barrier along exposed sides of a stairway to prevent people fromOSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. STAIRRAILS AND HANDRAILS The following general requirements apply to all stairrails and handrails: Stairways having four or more risers, or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm) in height. 2. [47] “USA Standard Safety Requirements for Floor and Wall Openings, Railings, and Toe Boards,” USAS A12. 23(e) - Ladders. TrainingAll ladders from Alaco Ladder meet the following Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standards for ladders, including the following: 1910. OR Handrail is not continuous for the full length of each stair flight. Mr. (vertical members in handrails) OSHA 29 CFR 1910. There are also times when having a handrail on just one side of a stairwell will make. 2. The pitchline is defined as ‘the line joining the leading edge or nosings of successive stair treads’. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 4 of 14 DEFICIENCY 1 – OUTSIDE: HANDRAIL IS MISSING. In particular, toeboards used for falling object protection are as follows: Toe Board Height Requirements: 29 (k) (1) (ii): “have a vertical minimum height of 3. Minimum distance between two stair railings. . Stair Rails and Handrails. Must be at least 22 inches in width. 2. 04 Stairways and elevated areas. The agency notes in a press release that the proposed rule “does not reopen for discussion any of the regulatory decisions made in the 2016 rulemaking,” adding that it “focuses solely on clarifying some of the requirements for handrails and stair rail systems finalized in 2016, and on providing flexibility in the transition to OSHA’s newer requirements. Reference definitions in 1910. From OSHA Part 1910. This section covers the general and specific requirements for stairways, including standard, spiral, ship, and alternating tread-type stairs, except for articulated stairs. The guardrails provided here are 1-1/4” thick. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. However, it requires that the stair landings be at least the width of the stair or 48 inches, whichever is less. The employer must ensure: 1926. 7)Requirements for barriers and handrails. Handrails should be between 30 and 37 inches above the step surface, with a clearance of at least three inches between the rail and the wall. 5. RAILINGS open-sided stairs < 44” require 1 stair rail/side; open-sided stairs > 44” require 1 stair rail and 1 separate handrail/side. regarding code requirements, refer to the applicable codes or contact your local Building Department. Handrail must be continuous. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. 1052(c)(6) and 1926. However, it requires that the stair landings be at least the width of the stair or 48 inches, whichever is less. If the stairs are 1000mm or wider: provide a handrail on both sides. For employers who have been doing their best to keep employees safe around. OSHA 1910. 2. Clearance. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. OSHA Requirements for usual ladder 1910. 5 inches (24 cm); 1917. If there are more than four stairs in a stairway, they must have fixed railings. 1926. There is no maximum clearance between two handrails because it will depend on the width of the stairs. 5") Hand Railing heights: U. [IBC 1011. Dear. The OSHA guidelines for warehouse guardrails are outlined in the articles which are a part of the Walking and Working Surfaces standards and Fall Protection Standards. SPS 321. One handrail on each enclosed side: One Stair rail system with handrail on open side and one handrail on enclosed side. Requirements for Ladders OSHA has reorganized separate rules for fixed ladders, portable wood ladders and portable. Hand Railing projection into stairs (<= 4. This article series provides building code specifications, sketches, photographs, and examples of stair & railing safety defects used in inspecting indoor or outdoor stair railings or handrails and related conditions for safety and proper construction. Governing codes shall be checked for their specific requirements, and government regulations, suchOSHA 1926. To obtain an order form or copies of these codes, address: Department of Consumer & Business Services Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Division (Oregon OSHA) 350 Winter St. 29(d) Designated Areas. 1. Morals and criteria for catwalk breadth, loads, and fall protection. Additional requirements for ladders used on or with scaffolds are contained in Subpart L – Scaffolds. Residential building code handrail requirements for stairs provide for handrails on at least one side of a flight of stairs with two or more risers. Instead, they are often the only line of defense against loose. (1) Stairs with four or more risers shall be provided with at least one handrail. 3. 44 inches (1. Overall width of 23"; inside handrail width of 20". 7. The handrail may form the top of a guarding if you can match the heights. Back to:. Plant structures and buildings shall be considered Group F, Industrial Occupancy,A minimum of 31. The standard requires guardrail systems and components to be designed and built to meet the requirements of § 1926. OR Handrail is not between 28 inches and 42 inches in height. When the top edge of a stair rail system also serves as a handrail, the height of the top edge must be no more than 37 inches (94 cm) nor less than 36 inches (91. 07 to 8. The handrail height, headroom, riser height and distance between the center column and handrail will pass OSHA. All handrails and handrail extensions shall be marked with a solid andwith OSHA's requirements for the safe use of ladders and stairways could have prevented many of these injuries. The top of handrails and handrail extensions shall not be placed less than 34” (864 mm) nor more than 38 inches (965 mm) above landings and the nosing of treads. The OSHA catwalk width requirements are found in section 1910. This informative guide provides the provisions and compliance requirements for barriers and handrails for Class 1 and 10 buildings. ( ii) Each employee using a rope descent system 4 feet (1. 23(e)(5)(iii), states in part: "The length of brackets shall be such as will give a clearance between handrail and wall or any projection thereon of at least 3 inches. Here’s the citation in the Residential Edition of the Florida Building Code (FBC), and the International Residential Code (IRC) is the same: This is a summary of the other handrail requirements found at R311. 25 inches (5. Stair Rails and Handrails. The space between the handrail and the wall or any solid surface should be at least 1-1/2. If the ramp is greater than 30 inches in width, then handrails should be on both sides. 1014. These requirements fall under three primary categories and include the safety, soundness, and security of the property. 660 inches)" meets the size requirements for pipe used in the construction of guard rails. 5. (d) Designated areas. Use tread and rise requirements that vary by stairway angle. Such areas include ground levels, floors, roofs, ramps, runways, excavations, pits, tanks, material, water, equipment. 18 cm) in outside diameter; and. General requirements. These updated standards finally provided clarification for service pits, specifying that guardrails are not required around service pits less than 10 feet in depth. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. 2Height. HTML PDF: 296-24-74015: Handrail, stair rail, and guardrail system requirements. The maximum riser height for an OSHA standard stair is 9. ". Section 1910. An adult using this spiral stair will be taller than the handrail height so there is no need for tight baluster spacing. Except as provided elsewhere in this section, the employer must ensure that each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1. This section covers the general and specific requirements for stairways, including standard, spiral, ship, and alternating tread-type stairs, except for articulated stairs. Maximum 4-1/2 inch handrail projection into stairway width, on either side. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3214. this standard sets forthReply #2: Yes. 8 Stair Railing - A barrier erected along exposed sides of a stairway to prevent fall of persons. A standard railing is required around the platform, and it falls under OHSA 1910. In North Carolina, four or more steps or an ADA ramp with a rise of 6 inches require handrails on both sides. 3 Stairways and Landings model code. The top edge of the handrail must be placed between 34” and 38” above the nosing of the stair treads. 24(h) provides: Standard railings shall be provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms. 2 m). 23 (b) General requirements for all ladders. " 29 CFR 1910. (c) Stair rails and handrails. Harris: This is in response to your letter dated February 23, 1978, concerning the construction standards requirements for toeboards. 1910. IBC Stairs require guardrails of 42″ high and handrails of 34″ high on both sides of the stairwell. 7. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3214. Handrails shall be a minimum of 1 1⁄4 inches (3. Riser Height and Tread Depth (IBC 1011. 21 (a) (8). According to OSHA, the top edge height of top rails (or equivalent guardrail system members) must be 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. OSHA’s proposal focuses on two sets of situations: Correcting rail requirements for stairways narrower than 44 inches, and with 2 open sides, by inserting words accidentally omitted when the 2017 requirements were published: - from “one stair rail system [on] each open side”. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. The 2010 Standards set minimum requirements – both scoping and technical – for newly designed and constructed or altered State and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. Heavy-Duty Aluminum Construction – Innovative design reduces welds, strengthening the overall system. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. principal height standard: handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs. As previously stated, guards are required on the sides of stairs where there’s a drop of more than 30. ( 13) Work on low-slope roofs. Riser height – 9. Minimum single stair railing distance. The IBC requires a guard to be 42 inches tall, with Handrails falling between 34 and 38 inches. OSHA, however, opened a rulemaking proceeding in 1990 to revise Subpart D of Part 1910, including the current height requirements for stair railings and handrails. 23 (a) (2): Every ladderway floor opening or platform shall be guarded by a standard railing with standard toeboard on all exposed sides (except at entrance to opening), with the passage through the railing either provided with a. By explaining the requirements and specific changes in the National Construction Code (NCC) Volume Two 2019, you will understand your obligations and the effects on. For the slope of an IBC stair system, the horizontal run of the stair systems should be 1. 1910. You can make your trip up or down a flight of stairs much safer if you remember to use the handrail. 25 (b) (3): Stairs have uniform riser heights and tread depths between landings. Requirements of the Vermont Fire and Building Safety Codes . Handrailing & Railing Graspability Requirements, Codes, Hazards. safety requirements for workplace walking/working . Balusters. The final rule could appear in late 2021 or early. 500, GUARDRAILS, HANDRAILS & GUARDS [PDF] Standard Number 1926. My Account Shop Cart Contact an Expert Custom Quotes (800) 535-7631. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. 24 (a) Step bolts. The Guardrail height shall not be less than 36 inches above the walking surface. At a point less than 12’ in elevation, this spiral stair has a rest landing which is also an OSHA requirement. The International Building Code (IBC) is a model code for commercial construction that provides minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare of the occupants of new and existing buildings and structures. Stair railings and handrails shall be in-stalled in accordance with the provi-sions of §1910. Zarletti: Thank you for your letter of June 18, concerning the allowable tolerance for the height of guardrails as specified at 29 CFR 1926. OSHA Fall Protection Requirements. General requirements. Railings for industrial spiral staircases have their own specific set of OSHA rules. 2 m). Glazing used in handrail or guard assemblies shall be safety. S. 31, 2017 is 42 inches. 5 inches (24 cm);1917. Objects with leading edges more than 27 inches (685 mm) and not more than 80 inches (2030 mm) above the finished floor shall not project horizontally more than 4. Exception 1: Guardrails located at the open side of a stair run shall not be less than 34 inches in height. Strength. 15220. HTML PDF: 296-24-74020: Spiral stairs. Handrails ship unattached and bolt into place. The safety handrails and guardrails comply with IBC and OSHA railing guidelines for use on landings, platforms, mezzanines and staircases. Handrails and stair rail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching. The standard prohibits using repaired wire. 1. Learn the general and specific requirements for guardrail systems on stairs from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1910. 3. Stair Rails and Handrails. An employer may use these guidelines as a starting point for designing guardrail systems. The same height specifications apply to handrails on stairs. The leading edge of exit stair landings shall be marked with a solid and continuous marking stripe consistent with the dimensional requirements for stair treads and shall be the same lengths, and consistent with, the stripes on the steps. • On stairways less than 44 inches wide having both sides enclosed, at least one handrail shall be affixed, preferably onrequirements for when handrails and stair rail systems must be present on certain flights of stairs. e. - UBC. It includes the application, dimensions, clearance,. Additionally, the height requirements for ADA handrails differ from those of an OSHA stair. OSHA Requirements for handrails are as follows: Handrails and top rails of the stair rail systems must be able to withstand, without failure, at least 200 pounds (890 n) of weight applied within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge in any downward or outward direction, at any point along the top edge. Under OSHA Section 1910. We hope you find this information helpful. 10, 1984] OSHA standard 1910. The International Residential Code (IRC) lays out the requirements for residential staircases. A handrail may terminate at an intermediate wall provided the lower end of the upper rail is returned to the wall or provided with a flared end, the horizontal offset between the 2 rails is no more than 12 inches measured from the center of the rails, and both the upper and lower rails can be reached from the same tread without taking a step. [39 FR 23502, June 27, 1974, as amended at 43 FR 49744, Oct. Djkevinpaul. (1) A top rail not less than 42 inches or more than 45 inches in height measured from the upper surface of the top rail to the floor, platform, runway or ramp. One stair rail system each open side. Stairways [ADA Standards §210, §504]Generally speaking, handrails should be about 34 to 38 inches in height and located on both sides of stairways, ramps, and areas where changes in elevation occur. This appendix serves as a non-mandatory guideline to assist employers in complying with these requirements. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1620. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. The minimum load capacity must be at least 100 pounds per square foot, with a minimum tread center concentrated load of at least 300 pounds. 23(e)(5). HSE is aware of numerous incidents where patients or residents have fallen on stairs, which have resulted in serious injury or death. 42156 - Handrail specifications. See the following elevated work platform OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910. The U. See §1910. 5 inches (75 cm) to 37 inches (94 cm), measured from the front edge of a step. Stairs OSHA. There are a number of factors that are particularly relevant to patients and residents and should be considered in the individual's care plan. In other words, you should ensure the surface of the tread isn't slippery. Vertical clearance above any stair tread to an overhead obstruction shall be at least 7 feet measured from the leading edge of the tread. handrails for stairs with one side against a wall: 30-38" U. An OSHA-approved state plan must have safety and health requirements at least as effective as those of Federal OSHA and must adopt comparable stateSafety Railing and Guardrail Systems. OSHA requirements for standard stairs. When figuring out the tolerances for the OSHA guardrail height, the minimum allowed is 39". HTML PDF: 296-24-7500: Other working surfaces. 2 Christy Dr. The section of the OSHA code that specifies most of the primary guardrail and handrails as it directly relates to safety railing is 1910. 5" tread depth. Specifically, the following sections are the most relevant to handrail and stair rail requirements. Anchorage. Handrails need to be easy to firmly grasp if a person loses balance. Balusters. Since many employers installed new railings at that height, OSHA is proposing to expand the height range by allowing a railing of 30 to 38 inches. 23(e)(1)]One of the biggest differences between ADA stairs and OSHA stairs relates to their handrails. c. 75(f) Access to wing walls from floors of dry docks shall be by ramps, permanent stairways or ladders meeting the applicable requirements of § 1915. HTML PDF: 296-24-935: Safety relief devices for cargo and portable tanks storing compressed gases. A handrail may terminate at an intermediate wall provided the lower end of the upper rail is returned to the wall or provided with a flared end, the horizontal offset between the 2 rails is no more than 12 inches measured from the center of the rails, and both the upper and lower rails can be reached from the same tread without taking a step. One stair rail system with handrail on each open side and one intermediate handrail located in. S. This provides a safe environment and avoids. 23. 23 (a) (1) - Personal Fall Arrest System or Ladder Safety System on Fixed Ladders, and Fixed Ladders Used on Grain Silos for Emergency Escape - 10/18/2019. Handrails are required on stairways and must meet specific guidelines. If you follow these requirements and. Handrails on the open side of a stairway must meet guardrail requirements. (c) Stair rails and handrails. OSHA Stair rail requirements - stair railings may serve as handrails, and vice-versa. Viewrail offers 36”, 39”, and 42” handrail heights to meet every state’s requirement. A handrail every 60" of horizontal distance at any place along the stairs. As a result, four inches would be the maximum allowable opening. Your concern is whether or not the standard requires that all permanent handrails be painted yellow. Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. Also see GUARDRAIL CODES & STANDARDS for details about safety railings on landings and open hallways, porches, screened porches, balconies - horizontal walking surfaces. 21 (b) Definitions . Handrails and the top rails of stairrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at. the International Building Code or IBC sets the stair and handrail requirements for public buildings and public spaces. 7. These regulations. Find out the top edge height, midrail spacing, force and deflection tests, and other criteria for guardrail systems on stairs. . Enforcement. Technical requirements for stairs are covered in 2010 ADA Standard 504. 24 (a) (1) Each step bolt installed on or after January 17, 2017 in an environment where corrosion may occur is constructed of, or coated with, material that protects against corrosion; 1910. 500, 23 April 1973 - Excerpt: Since cables or chains are commonly used as barriers or guards on construction projects at floor and wall. Solid. The. Box 4067 Albany, New York. 29 (b) (1): The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42. Find out the. There are typically state administrative codes that will define certain requirements for handrails, stairs, landings, and such, in other instances ADA requirements could apply. , ramp or elevator) are not required to meet the Standards, but handrails must comply when stairs that are part of a means of egress are altered (§210. OSHA Construction Standard 1026. 29 (f) (1) (iii) (A)) Platform Guardrail Height: The top edge of the top guardrail must be 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the. Stairs OSHA Requirements Guard/Hand Rails 10-14 in (25-36 cm)min on center, Uniformly spaced 16 in (41 cm) min clearance between side rails 15 in (38 cm) min clearance toTop of gripping surfaces of handrails shall be 34 inches (865 mm) minimum and 38 inches (965 mm) maximum vertically above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. Vertical height of handrail between 34″-38″. 4. 1910. , it cannot reasonably be grasped by hand to provide stability or support when ascending or descending stairways). Equipto offers two styles of OSHA complaint stairways. Spiral stairs shall have a minimum tread depth of 7. Handrails shall include the following features:6 Requirements & Guidelines for Stairs: Handrail height at stairs is required to be between 34”-38” high. 29: 29 CFR 1910. When the 42-inch guardrail is used on a stair or ramp, a secondary Handrail will be required at the appropriate height. 25″ and 2″. 23 (e) (1): Mobile ladder stands and platforms have a step width of at least 16 inches (41 cm). Use internal couplings, Type 18-7, to maintain continuity. 5. ago. Stair towers [29 CFR 1926. 5 inches. If I may be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me. 28(b)(11)(ii) states that a flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers must be equipped with stair rail system. ”. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. ADA Chapter 5 Section 505. 8. The building code is the same for both interior and exterior steps: a handrail is required for 4 or more risers (3 treads). 5. Question #3: Would fixed stairs with a degree of angle of between 38 degrees and 42 degrees be in compliance with 29 CFR 1910. Handrail or guard infill components, balusters and panel fillers shall withstand a horizontally applied perpendicular load of 50 pounds on any one-foot-square area. With that in mind, we can refer to a “four-riser minimum” as a “four-step minimum. That part of §1910. The answer to your question is that 1910. Handrails are required when there is a top step height of 4 feet or more and a railing needs to be 29. We have paraphrased your questions, and our replies follow. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), as long as the guardrail system meets all other criteria. - stair codes vary; this quote is from he CBC 1003. Building and handrail codes require any flight of stairs with four or more rises to be built with a handrail on at least one side.