5 inches for stands with a top height of 4 feet or more, 36 inches for stands with. HTML PDF: 296-24-74020: Spiral stairs. 3. 23 – Walking-Working Surfaces. (1) A stairway shall be equipped with a stair railing or handrail as follows: (a) A stairway which is not more than 44 inches wide and which has enclosed sides shall have a handrail on the right descending side. If a safety rail taller than 3. __. Sapyta: Thank you for your November 7, 2014, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), regarding OSHA requirements for stairs and railings for accessing trailers on semi-trailer trucks. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. [Statutory Authority: RCW 70. 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, whichever isFor stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017, the top rail and handrail must be separate. 1 It is our understanding that STD-01-01-010 was adopted in light of pre-OSHA General Industry practices. Handrail must be continuous. When figuring out the tolerances for the OSHA guardrail height, the minimum allowed is 39". Phone: 952-442-7520. . ”. Also, OSHA determined that it was appropriate to adopt the one and one-half clearance required most recently in section 5. Stair Handrail requirements: Stairways shall have handrails on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches (2235 mm) in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate handrail for each 88 inches (2235 mm) or required width. CONTENTS SECTION 1 Introduction. Stairways . 1. 10, 1999)), OSHA offered the following explanation: . See Section PM-702. 72. Australian Standard 1170. The ADA also specifies that handrails should have a diameter between 1. OSHA 1910. According to the International Code Council¹, stairs need a handrail when there are more than four risers. 502(b)(3) requires railing systems meet a 200 pound concentrated load test. A safety handrail provides stability with a handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway or. Handrail Requirements. 23 (e) (1): Mobile ladder stands and platforms have a step width of at least 16 inches (41 cm). Every flight of stairs having four or more risers shall be equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (v) of this section, the width of the stair to be measured clear of all obstructions except handrails: (i) On stairways less than 44 inches wide having both sides enclosed, at. Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 1 ½ inch between the wall and the handrails. 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. A handrail every 60" of horizontal distance at any place along the stairs. 23 (a) (1) Used in emergency operations such as firefighting, rescue, and tactical law enforcement operations, or training for these operations; or. 21 (b) as: OSHA handrail standards state that the height of handrails should not be more than 37 inches or less than 30 inches from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread. 24 cm). 4. OSHA roof guardrail requirements state that the top rails and the mid-rails of the guardrail system must bet at least one-quarter of an inch thick. The IBC mimimum requirements for wide stairs are: A handrail on both sides of the wide stairway. OSHA requires stair landings to be at least the width of the stair and at least 30 inches in depth, measured in the direction of travel [OSHA 1910. So going back to rfied112's orginal question. 4-1979 - Safety Requirements for Job-Made Ladders. Normal use by employees. Existing Table D–2 contains a. 5 cm. 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. 29 (k) includes standards for “protection from falling objects”. (b) A stairway which is not more than 44 inches wide and which has 1 open side shall have a stair railing on the open side. General OSHA Handrail Requirements. 500, GUARDRAILS, HANDRAILS & GUARDS [PDF] Standard Number 1926. We hope you find this information helpful. 25″. Stairways typically consist of: Landing Platform; Handrail or Stair Rail System; Steps (Risers)A stair with a single riser or with two risers and a tread is permitted at locations not required to be accessible by Chapter 11 where the risers and treads comply with Section 1011. 2Height. Load-capacity of 1,000 lbs. OSHA 1910. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. Handrails shall be provided on not less than one side of each flight of stairs with four or more risers. Question #3: Would fixed stairs with a degree of angle of between 38 degrees and 42 degrees be in compliance with 29 CFR 1910. Our photo (above) illustrates very challenging stairs with a high rise, climbing to over 230 feet at the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán outside of Mexico City. A. At the top of stair flights, handrails shall extend a minimum of 12 inches (305 mm) horizontally above landings, beginning directly above the first riser nosing. The present Standard, 29 CFR 1910. Exceptions: 1. The handrail is clearly a center. 31-1/2 inches. 2. Balusters. Minimum handrail wall clearance of 1. (2) A mid-rail shall be halfway between the top. ( d) Inspection, maintenance, and repair. 25(b) Conformable fall shelter (guardrail system) Uniform riser heights and tread depths . . OSHA 30-Hour Construction is an online course that. OSHA Guardrail Load Requirements. The maximum range for a stair slope is 20º-50º. 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: (A) At least one handrail; and (B) A stair rail consisting of a top rail and mid-rail along each unprotected side or edge. If you have a stair open on two sides with a stair width less than 44 inches, it appears as if no handrail is required, just a stair rail (top rail, mid rail toe plate). 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. Custom built to exact height. 94 cm) 6 inches (15. 1- 2000 Safety Code for Elevators and. It also specifies the dimensions, angles, and materials of standard, spiral, ship, and alternating tread-type stairs, and the vertical clearance above any stair tread to any overhead obstruction. The triangular openings at the open sides of a stair, formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail shall not allow passage of a sphere 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter. The OSHA General Requirements (29 CFR 1926. 1, Ex. Job-made ladders: ANSI A14. General requirements. Stairways and ladders are a major source of injuries and fatalities among workers. 25″ and 2″. Handrails should be placed on both sides of a staircase. 23 that addresses stair railings is subsection (e) (2) and not (e) (1). E. OSHA Fall Protection Requirements. principal height standard: handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs. An employer may use these guidelines as a starting point for designing guardrail systems. OSHA. (a) Stairways shall have handrails or stair railings on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate stair railing for each 88 inches of required width. This discussion serves as a quick and easy reference for use on job sites. You indicated from our phone conversation that 1910. 94 cm) 6 inches (15. Alternating tread stair 22 11. 2 Christy Dr. OSHA Requirements for standard stairs 1910. Don’t run or rush on the stairs, and don’t skip steps. 0. 1052 (c) - Top rail and handrail requirements for stairrail systems under the construction standards. 28; (2) Vertical clearance above any stair tread to any overhead obstruction is at least 6 feet, 8 inches (203 cm), as measured from the leading edge of the tread. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing updates in the handrail and stair rail system. Unprotected openings in roofs could, therefore, be cited under the general duty clause of. Questions & answers on building, installing & inspecting stair rails and stair guard rails - safety & regulations. Commercial stair handrail height must be between 34” and 38” inches as measured from the stair tread nosing. The maximum riser height shall be 7 ¾ inches. §1626. 2. 6. 28; 1910. Introduction. Law and Regulations ; Federal Registers ; Open for Comment ; Regulatory Agenda ; Standard Interpretations ; Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. 1, Ex. Stairs. Reach us at at 844-314. OSHA is therefore proposing two separate provisions for stairs with two open sides Start Printed Page 27334 and a width of less than 44 inches: The corrected requirements for new handrails and stair rail systems (located in Table D-2), and a separate provision to retain the current requirements for already existing handrails and stair rail systems. 3) the top must not fail and may deflect to a point no lower than 39 inches above the floor when a 200 pound load is imposed on it in a downward or outward. 3. 5 inches and the minimum stair tread is 9. 5, the minimum depth of the tread is 13 inches (330 mm) and not less than one handrail complying with Section 1014 is provided within 30 inches (762 mm) of the. Therefore, if your stair railings are 30-34" as specified in §1910. 1 is used in situations where the public has access to a stairwell, elevated walkway,. Stair Rails as Handrails. In order to ensure compliance, the maximum allowable opening between the two handrails needs to be determined. 5-20 cm. §3216. 1. 2. 5 cm) in height. Handrails shall be required at one side only for the following components: (1) Existing stairs (2) Existing ramps (3) New and existing stairs within dwelling units and within guest rooms (4) New and existing ramps within dwelling units and within guest rooms"See figure D-12 Handrail. 28 and 1910. The top of handrails and handrail extensions shall not be placed less. Handrail diameter between 1. 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”. A stair with a single riser or with two risers and a tread is permitted at locations not required to be accessible by Chapter 11 where the risers and treads comply with Section 1011. Regarding risers and tread, OSHA stairs typically have an 8-inch open riser and a 9-inch tread. Dear Mr. 29 – Fall protection systems and falling. What Are the Key Regulations for OSHA-Compliant Stairs? According to OSHA guidelines, the minimum dimension for landings is 22” wide by 30” deep; all stairs with four or more risers must have handrails and guardrails; variations in riser height or stair tread depth must not exceed . Code compliant products. safety requirements for workplace walking/working . (b) General requirements. Treads (the horizontal stair element you step on) that are at least 10 inches in depth and no more than 14 inches. 5″. Learn the general and specific criteria for guardrail systems that meet the requirements of the OSHA Fall Protection Standards. NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF REAL ESTATE U. Handrail ends shall be returned to a wall, guard or the walking surface or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stair flight. 5") Hand Railing heights: U. (3) Stair railings and handrails shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of Section 3214. Stairways and handrails that are part of a means of egress are addressed by the IBC (§1009 (2003), §1003. Essentially handrails are designed to provide guidance, support and safety for stairs and ADA ramps about one rise about 6 inches. HTML PDF:. 23 - OSHA requires fall protection for elevator work when a fall hazard is present. The railing height should be at least 42 inches from the first edge of the tread to the rail's upper edge. The pitchline is defined as ‘the line joining the leading edge or nosings of successive stair treads’. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards. 28 (b)(11)(ii): Each flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers are equipped with stair rail systems and handrails. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. Below are some safety tips to keep in mind the next time you approach a stairway: Use the handrail. 5. §3214. 14 Handrails. 6. 5 and 18 cm*. OSHA requires the strength below; c) Guardrail must withstand 200-pound force with no more than 3" deflection. 1 Height. 1926. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3214. Table D-2 under section 1910. 2. 21(b)(1) and 1910. Maximum 4-1/2 inch handrail projection into stairway width, on either side. Not only are the treads generally deeper, but also there are usually more treads required. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible routerequires a OSHA etc. 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. These. 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. Specifically, in the Preamble of a proposed rulemaking for General Industry's Walking and Working Surfaces standard (Volume 55 of the Federal Register, page 13373 (Apr. 1. Is it illegal not to have a handrail on stairs? Handrails are mandatory. 9 for additional requirements. 1052(c)(6) is for height of handrails of 30 to 37 inches not stair rails. Stair Rails and Handrails. Find out the top edge height, midrail spacing, force and deflection tests, and other factors that affect the safety of guardrail systems. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. If stairs are too steep, and they don’t have railings, or if screens and balustrades are not strong and secure. 28(b)(11)(ii) provides handrail requirements. 8. 23 and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, respectively, in the Code of Federal Regulations. 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. 5 cm*. 5 times the vertical rise. Both measurements are from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the handrail. Ramps, Runways, Stairwells, and Stairs. Handrails and the top rails of stairrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at. Steps and stairs – key dimensions 25 13. 1060) are explained in this discussion. . 1926. 5 inches, a minimum width of 26 inches, and a headroom clearance of 78 inches. E - Tread run: between 25. There should be open risers with at least 6. 23 (e) (3) (iv), the anchoring of posts and framing of members for railings of all types. For more information, see Section 1011 of the 2015 International Building Code for a more in-depth look at commercial stair requirements. Handrails, on the other hand, are something that can be grasped for guidance or support while walking, usually on a stair. 42˝ Min. For the slope of an IBC stair system, the horizontal run of the stair systems should be 1. Minimum 8. Construction Safety Orders Article 17. Handrail ends shall be returned to a wall, guard or the walking surface or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stair flight. 29 - Fall protection systems real falling object protection-criteria and practices. 2). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates. The Guardrail height shall not be less than 36 inches above the walking surface. At this point, we know that you need a handrail if you have. Many contractors construct a combo handrail and stair rail system, installed on both sides, to cover all safety requirements. Handrails 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. 23 that addresses stair railings is subsection (e) (2) and not (e) (1). Minimum single stair railing distance. . *. February 13, 2015. Minimum width of 22”. . The required number of handrails is 2. 451 (b) (4) Each end of a platform, unless cleated or otherwise restrained by hooks or equivalent means, shall extend over the centerline of its support at least 6 inches (15 cm). One stair rail system each open side. 24, 1978; 49 FR 5321, Feb. 851 (c) In a multistory building, when a stairwell is being used, it shall be properly illuminated by either natural or artificial means, and completely. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. 25″ and 2″. Other stair requirements of 7. (c) Stair rails and handrails. Railings & Guardrail: railings required on open sides of stairwells and 42" high handrail on the side, preferably right side descending. [IBC 1011. 527. 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. General Physical Conditions and Structures Orders, Article 2. 25 (b) (3): Stairs have uniform riser heights and tread depths between landings. 23 (e) (2), you are in compliance with §1910. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49. HTML PDF: 296-24-93501: Definitions. (vertical members in handrails) A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs have two different meanings. Stair Rails and Handrails. 1(b)Handrails, Guards, Grab Bars, Seats and Vehicle Barriers). See 55 Federal Register 13396 (April 10, 1990). Note: Dimensions and stair requirements apply only to individual dwelling units in residential occupancies. Construction Safety Orders Article 17. 17 Safety and Health ProgramHandrails shall be provided on both sides of ship ladders and shall comply with Section R311. Spiral stairs shall have a minimum tread depth of 7. 10, 1984] OSHA standard 1910. 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. Pursuant to §1910. 16 OSHA Assistance. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1620. 5, the minimum depth of the tread is 13 inches (330 mm) and not less than one handrail complying with Section 1014 is provided within 30 inches (762 mm) of the. 28(b)(5)(ii)(A). In addition, OSHA requires that fall protection be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance. My Account Shop Cart Contact an Expert Custom Quotes (800) 535-7631. OSHA is very clear that ship stairs should only be used where you can demonstrate that standard stairs will not work. 04(3)(b)6. com. + Note that handrails or guards used for. Oct 27 2017. Fixed stairs are in compliance with the standard if the rise and tread run dimensions produce a stairway with an angle to horizontal between 30 and 50 degrees. Means of Egress. 23. 1052 (b) - OSHA does not have the legal authority to evaluate and certify products. D - Step width: 90 cm min. 3 (2000)). 2. Handrails shall be at a consistent height above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. S. - 08/30/1999. Steps are uniformly spaced and arranged, with a rise of not more than 10 inches (25 cm) and a depth of not less than 7 inches (18 cm). 1910. Additional OSHA handrail requirements. This strength and stability is crucial. 1) safety railing must be ¼-inch in diameter (a plastic coating could be used to bring the diameter up to ¼-inch) 2) the safety railing must be 42 inches high, plus or minus 3 inches. " 29 CFR 1910. (h) Railings and handrails. A pedestrian safety rail is not required in areas where no pedestrian or maintenance personnel are expected. 15. 25. 2 Width and capacity. 6]Step Guardrail Height: Unlike ADA guidelines, the guardrails in OSHA steps also act as handrails when the top edge of the guardrail is between 36 and 38 inches above the leading edge of the stair tread. A stair with a single riser or with two risers and a tread is permitted at locations not required to be accessible by Chapter 11 where the risers and treads comply with Section 1011. S. 3-stringer design with treads welded to the stringers. Learn how to comply with the OSHA requirements for the heights of handrail and top rail of stair rail systems, which vary depending on the installation date of the system. In actuality, 1926. Regulatory Requirements 1. 1. This sheet is designed to provide information to enhance the public safety of all Vermonters. Essentially handrails are designed to provide guidance, support and safety for stairs and ADA ramps with a rise of 6 inches. Box 483 Thonotosassa, FL 33592. Plant structures and buildings shall be considered Group F, Industrial Occupancy,Maximum 12 feet vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs. Guarding design 35 17. Handrails shall have a clear space between the handrail and a wall or other surface of at least 1 ½ inches. FOCUSED ON SAFETY. 24, OSHA prescribes the use of handrails and railings as fall protection. handrails for stairs with one side against a wall: 30-38" U. However, 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. Stair Rails and Handrails. 1910. 2. The requirements for handrails and stairs in the 2016 Final Rule led many employers to seek clarification from OSHA about when handrails are required on stairs, as well as handrail height. Handrails ship unattached and bolt into place. 451(e)(4)]Law and Regulations ; Federal Registers ; Open for Comment ; Regulatory Agenda ; Standard Interpretations ; Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. Reference definitions in 1910. 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. Handrail Design . Basically, building one step 185mm high and the next 220mm high is illegal (due to all the accidents). Handrails may project from each side of a stairway a distance of 3 1/2 inches into the required width. 121 (b) (1) Stairways shall conform to the minimum dimensions of Figure F-1; Spiral Stairway - Minimum Dimensions. Rod Sapyta P. NFPA 101 Figure A. 1926. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. Greater than 88 inches. 4. 91-596, encourages states to develop and operate, under OSHA guidance, their own job safety and health plans. Be sure you review all of the general. Handrailing & Railing Graspability Requirements, Codes, Hazards. 2. 23 (e) (11), which details the maximum openings for wall opening screens, would apply in the above situation. This is the construction code and does have some. This section covers the general requirements for installing, using, and maintaining handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems on all stairways, except for some exceptions. Handrails must be from 34 inches and 38 inches high as measured from the edge of the stair step or from the surface of an adjacent ramp slope. Where guardrails are impracticable due to machinery requirements or work processes, an alternate means of protecting employees from falling, such as nets, shall be used. Handrails are required for stairs in many applications and must meet standards as specified by R311. Handrails on stairways: Each flight of stairs having at least four risers and three treads must have: • At least one handrail. Mr. 2. Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than one metre wide, and on both sides if wider than this. See all powder-coated color options. 5 feet is constructed next to a pedestrian path, a handrail is required. Stairway Handrails Recommendation: In facilities that primarily serve children, a second set of stairway handrails 28 inches high maximum above stair nosings is advisable. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. The basics of handrail standards and when they apply. 28 and 1910. The questions below have been restated for clarity. 23 (b) General requirements for all ladders. 502(a) General. HEIGHT CLEARANCE minimum 6’6” clearance from nose of tread to overhead obstruction. ADA handrails with a non-circular cross-section should have a perimeter dimension between 4″ and 6. Our photo (above) illustrates very challenging stairs with a high rise, climbing to over 230 feet at the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán outside of Mexico City. 1910. 2. OSHA go frame and requirements OSHA General stair requirements 1910. What are the general OSHA requirements of toe board? According to OSHA 1910. Then OSHA requires guards at 42". Use tread and rise requirements that vary by stairway angle.