Handrails should be continuous for the length of the stairs or ramp. Greater than 88 inches. Learn the general and specific requirements for guardrail systems on stairs from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1910. 21 (b) as: [Docket ID–OSHA–2020–0009] RIN 1218–AD28 Walking-Working Surfaces AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor. 7. The. Learn the general and specific requirements for guardrail systems on stairs from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1910. Your concern is whether or not the standard requires that all permanent handrails be painted yellow. ☐ Do stairway handrails have at least 2. The section of the OSHA code that specifies most of the primary guardrail and handrails as it directly relates to safety railing is 1910. 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. OSHA also notes that these stairways are used as part of a scaffold. If your system was installed before January 2017, the mandatory height decreases to 30 inches. I just didn’t know if there was a. The OSHA General Requirements (29 CFR 1926. Handrails shall be. The minimum run is nine inches. Properly tensioned cables with correctly spaced posts will typically deflect up to 25% under reasonable pressure. 5″. S. OSHA's requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. 1 m) to 88 inches (2. 29(b)(2)(iv) of OSHA code outlines the need for semi-continuous handrails in work environments. 5. 17, 2017, must be at least 30 inches from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail, while those installed on or after Jan. The ADA Standards apply requirements for stairways to each stair that is part of a required means of egress (§210). Projections into the required width of stairways and ramps at each handrail shall not exceed 41/2 inches (114 mm) at. 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. Vertical clearance above any stair tread to an overhead obstruction shall be at least 7 feet measured from the leading edge of the tread. 3 Horizontal projections. 1910. A stair rail may serve as a handrail only when the top surface of the top rail is between 36 and 38 inches from the. Handrail Height. 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. 5) The step height, also known as the riser height, must be no less than 4 inches and no greater than 7 inches. in from the edge. Risers (the vertical element connecting treads) that are no less than 6 inches in height and no more than 7. (b), the following stairways shall conform to the requirements of this section. 29. Industrial stairs: Closed // and open // riser stairs. Open sides of stairs require a stair rail, sometimes with a handrail ("stair rail system with handrail"), and (per the current text of the table) sometimes without ("stair rail system"). 5. OSHA requirements for stairs also dictate that any spiral stair must have a handrail. c. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. 500, GUARDRAILS, HANDRAILS & GUARDS [PDF] Standard Number 1926. 04(3)(b)6. principal height standard: handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs. (2) A mid-rail shall be halfway between the top. 6. 5 inches (75 cm) to 37 inches (94 cm), measured from the front edge of a step. 04(3)(b)6. At least one handrail One stair rail system with handrail on open side. D. 2 m). Any change in elevation int walking surfaces greater than 9. - 10/27/1992. 5 inch. " 29 CFR 1910. Phone: 952-442-7520. If the stairs have nosings, you measure from the leading edge of the nosing to the edge of the next step’s nosing. Hist: OR-OSHA Admin. 1926. 25(b)(4) the stairway landings must be at least the diameter of the stairway, which has an minimum width of 22". The requirements of OSHA safety regulations for the safe use of ladders and stairs (Subpart X, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1926. The letter from CAL/OSHA, which you enclosed for our review and comments, specifically addresses the issue of tower scaffold stairs and the fact that they may not be used as temporary stairways during construction of multistory buildings because they generally do not meet the Subpart X requirements, i. Stair Rails as Handrails. apostate456. 44 inches (1. Back to:. General requirements. 29: 29 CFR 1910. 2 Christy Dr. 31, 2017 is 42 inches. 1926. 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. Stair Railing Specifications - guards along stairways. At least one handrail: One stair rail system with handrail on open side. For stair width, expect a minimum of 44 inches in most cases and 36 inches in areas populated on average by less than 50 people. The minimum width of the stairway shall be 44″, unless the stairway serves an occupancy of less than 50, in which case the minimum width is 36″. 23(e) - Ladders. Railing height for guard rail. According to building code, handrails are required when there are four or more “risers,” referring to the vertical portion of a stair. Railings meeting the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section shall be provided on the means of access to and from the floors of graving docks. 24, OSHA prescribes the use of handrails and railings as fall protection. The height of a handrail above the floor or the nosing of a stair tread, shall be between 900mm and 1100mm. 1. These systems may be. The present Standard, 29 CFR 1910. The questions below have been restated for clarity. A "standard 1 1/4 inch 0 pipe (O. c. Sep 10, 2012. , it cannot reasonably be grasped by hand to provide stability or support when ascending or descending stairways). Unprotected openings in roofs could, therefore, be cited under the general duty clause of. The Guardrail height shall not be less than 36 inches above the walking surface. 2. The following definitions apply in this subpart: Alternating tread-type stair means a type of stairway consisting of a series of treads that usually are attached to a center support in an alternating manner such that an employee typically does not have both feet on the same level while using the stairway. Handrails must be “graspable” which means you still cannot use a 2×4 or other shapeless block of wood. Tread width – 22” minimum. 31-1/2 inches. 21(b)(1) and 1910. Compliance. Plant structures and buildings shall be considered Group F, Industrial Occupancy,A minimum of 31. DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: Handrail is missing (i. 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. May 20, 2021. HTML PDF: 296-24-74025: Ship stairs. The OSHA catwalk width requirements are found in section 1910. 5, §505. (c) Stair rails and handrails. 500, 23 April 1973 - Excerpt: Since cables or chains are commonly used as barriers or guards on construction projects at floor and wall. 28(c)(2)(ii. ” Six general subject areas within this code are designated as “Divisions. 28(b)(5)(ii)(A). Find out the enforcement guidance. Stair Handrail requirements - one vs both sides of the stairway: Stairways shall have handrails on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches (2235. OSHA stairs are permitted to be steeper than IBC stairs and may have open risers. Overall width of 23"; inside handrail width of 20". Learn how to comply with the OSHA requirements for the height of handrail and top rail of a stair rail system, which vary depending on the installation date of the system. There must be 6′ 8″ of vertical clearance above. 2 Width and capacity. 25 inches clearance between the handrail and any other object?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. OSHA standard 1926. ". (1) Scope. The space between the handrail and the wall or any solid surface should be at least 1-1/2. Be sure you review all of the general. Vertical clearance. When such a railing would be impracticable or ineffective, other effective means shall be provided to prevent employees from falling into the water. The building code is the same for both interior and exterior steps: a handrail is required for 4 or more risers (3 treads). 23(e)(6) states: "All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or. It also talks about when stairs require handrail. 72. Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails. The IBC mimimum requirements for wide stairs are: A handrail on both sides of the wide stairway. 25 (b) (4)] IBC requires the same width as OSHA. of the stair. This is one fo the reasons why people generally don't like FHA loans - these odd requirements around "safety" requirements on a home. Minimum 11 inch stair tread depth. Handrails and guards shall be designed and constructed to withstand a 200 pound load applied in any direction. 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. This is outlined above. 27 do not apply to. . 1 m) to 88 inches (2. TO: ALL AREA DIRECTORS Paragraph 1926. Handrails are required for stairs in many applications and must meet standards as specified by R311. 18 cm) in outside diameter; and. The IBC commercial handrail code states that each stair is provided with a separate handrail or grabrail attached to the guardrail. 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. 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. 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. 2. Because of the steepness of these stairs, handrails are required at a reduced height of 30 in. Stairway Handrails. 1, 2018 is 30 inches, installed after Dec. This would apply to railings installed prior to the effective date of the clarification. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. 1060) are explained in this discussion. The required number of handrails is 2. 25. 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. 851 (b) All stairs, passageways, ladders and incidental equipment thereto, which are covered by this section, shall be periodically inspected and maintained in a clean safe condition. Whether it’s a residential staircase or a commercial space, understanding and implementing the appropriate handrail height is essential for creating a secure environment for users. 04 Stairways and elevated areas. Stairs should be in safe condition and be of suitable design and. California CA/OSHA Title 8 Building Code Stair & Railing Safety. ☐ Are stair rail systems 30 or 42 inches* inches above the leading edge of stair treads? * Stair rail systems minimum height: installed before Jan. This subpart applies to all stairways and ladders used in construction, alteration, repair (including painting and decorating), and demolition workplaces covered under 29 CFR part 1926, and also sets forth, in specified circumstances, when ladders and stairways are required to be provided. 500(f)(4)(i) thru (iii). 2 [Handrail] Top Extension at Stairs. 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. 5” on either side of the stairway. See the following elevated work platform OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910. 1003. The top of the handrail must be located between 34 and 38 inches above the ramp surface or the stair nosing (the edge of a stair tread that projects over the riser). OSHA publishes a. Treads should not slope more than 2%. Guardrail, Stair Rail & Handrail Strength Requirements - the 200 pound load criterion & others. 5" tread depth. - UBC. Ramp handrails should extend straight and horizontally above the landing for at least 12″ beyond both the top and bottom of. Handrails shall be continuous for the full length of the stairs. Question 3: Is there a maximum clearance between a storage tank shell and winding stair where railings with a handrail will not be required on the tank side of the stair? Reply: OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910. A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs have two different meanings. 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. Additional requirements for ladders used on or with scaffolds are contained in Subpart L – Scaffolds. 2. 5” Minimum tread astuteness of 9. Railings for industrial spiral staircases have their own specific set of OSHA rules. 5 inches. Treads (the horizontal stair element you step on) that are at least 10 inches in depth and no more than 14 inches. Handrails are a common requirement on FHA. • 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. New rules issued by OSHA in January 2017 changed a number of design elements of OSHA compliant stairs and many Stair designs which were compliant prior to 2017 are no longer complaint. See §1910. S. Stairways and handrails that are part of a means of egress are addressed by the IBC (§1009 (2003), §1003. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 4 of 14 DEFICIENCY 1 – OUTSIDE: HANDRAIL IS MISSING. SPS 321. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. 25(f)(2) Have an distance between handrails of 17 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm);The first drawing would not be compliant with the height requirements in §1910. The termination point may also be a newel post per FBC-R 311. Use internal couplings, Type 18-7, to maintain continuity. (vertical members in handrails)OSHA 29 CFR 1910. Handrails must be placed between 34″ and 38″ in height, measuring from the nosing of the stair. Minimum 6′-8″ headroom height clearance for stairway. Section R311: Means of Egress in the IRC code states that staircases should have a minimum width of 36 inches. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Exception: These requirements shall not apply to sloping portions of handrails between the top and bottom riser of stairs and above the ramp run. Handrails may be interrupted by a newel post at a turn. this standard sets forthReply #2: Yes. Section 1910. Fixed Industrial Stairs: OSHA Standard 1910. For additional information, see OSHA's Workers’ page. OSHA catwalk width requirements. (b) General requirements. 75 inches each. Outdoor Stairs: Building codes may have specific requirements for handrails on outdoor stairs, particularly if there are multiple levels or steep inclines. The present Standard, 29 CFR 1910. OSHA stair width is generally a minimum of 22 inches. OSHA requirements for standard stairs. • Handrails are a support aid when using stairs. (d) Designated areas. Under OSHA Section 1910. Since they handle less traffic, they may also be narrower than IBC stairs. Tread depth on stairs must be a minimum of 10”, not including the nosing. Question #3: Would fixed stairs with a degree of angle of between 38 degrees and 42 degrees be in compliance with 29 CFR 1910. Topics. - 08/30/1999. 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. (1910. 5. 3 in the IRC code. Among the fall protection measures required for elevated work platforms, pick modules, or rack supported platforms—including guarding, stair handrails, and temporary access devices—kickplates are the one system that doesn’t protect associates working on the platform. 2 m). Handrails on the open side of a stairway must meet guardrail requirements. The standard prohibits using repaired wire. As a result, four inches would be the maximum allowable opening. 5") Hand Railing heights: U. The requirements of OSHA safety regulations for the safe use of ladders and stairs (Subpart X, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1926. 9 Toe. Maximum 7 inch stair riser height and minimum 4 inch stair riser height. If balusters are used, there shall be a minimum of one per tread. 5”Overview. General requirements. Here are some basic pieces of information to bear in mind when constructing a handrail to comply with OSHA Standards. 29 (b) (1): The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42. 24, 1978; 49 FR 5321, Feb. The minimum. The safety handrails and guardrails comply with IBC and OSHA railing guidelines for use on landings, platforms, mezzanines and staircases. 505. 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. Stairs OSHA. Stairs other than fixed industrial stairs have different requirements for being equipped with standard stair railing or standard handrails when compared to the requirements of fixed industrial stairs. 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). A maximum rise of 7-3 / 4 ”- maximum difference among risers 3/8″. 23(e)(6) states: "All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or. (d) has the appropriate toe boards and guardrails required by Part 22. Under the previous standard, stairs with a handrail that doubles as a stair rail could have a rail height of 30 to. (c) (1) (ii) One stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. 5 times the vertical rise. (h) Railings and handrails. OSHA Enforcement ; Annual Inspection Data ; Topics Back. Handrails shall be a minimum of 1 1⁄4 inches (3. Riser Height and Tread Depth (IBC 1011. Though the terms guardrails and handrails are often used interchangeably, they are different structures both in use and requirements. 3. The standard height of handrails is between 34 and 38 inches, measured vertically from the nose of the stair treads. Many shorter stairways don’t have rails at all, and it can be confusing to know how many steps. 28(b)(11)(ii) provides handrail requirements. Rod Smith, P. 24 (a) (2) Each step bolt is designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent the employee's foot. 500, Guardrails, handrails & guards. This informative guide provides the provisions and compliance requirements for barriers and handrails for Class 1 and 10 buildings. Intermediate vertical members: Must be installed no more than 19 inches apart. 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. 1910. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route (e. To ensure that handrails are built with safety and consistency in mind, and to guarantee that railings are accessible to people with disabilities, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) created. 2. _ Stair rails installed after March 15,1991, must be not less than 36 inches (91. Stair tread should be slip-resistant for mezzanine safety. R311. HTML PDF: 296-24-74020: Spiral stairs. 29(k)(1), the new toeboard requirement needs to be at least 3. If the stairs are 1000mm or wider: provide a handrail on both sides. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only. Handrails shall be provided on not less than one side of each flight of stairs with four or more risers. According to building code, handrails are required when there are four or more “risers,” referring to the vertical portion of a stair. shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. ADA-compliant handrails must be continuous along both sides of the stairway, while OSHA only requires a single handrail for stairways with four or more risers. 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. A minimum of 27 “width below handrail where handrails are on both sides. Technical requirements for stairs are covered in 2010 ADA Standard 504. 5. 8. One stair rail system each open side. The Acceptable Solution F4/AS1 (Table 1) requires barrier heights in buildings other than housing to be 900mm on stairs and ramps, and 1100mm elsewhere. (1) When the employer uses a designated area, the employer must ensure:. (B) Definitions. 0. Hand Railing projection into stairs (<= 4. If I may be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me. SUMMARY: OSHA is proposing changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify which handrail and stair rail system requirements apply to new stair rail. Exit Stairway Enclosures. Exception 2: Guardrails serving as handrails on the open side of a stair run shall not be less than 34 inches and not more than 38 inches in height. g. #6. With that in mind, we can refer to a “four-riser minimum” as a “four-step minimum. Guardrail can be designed to be suitable for use as a handrail. 23(e)(5)(ii). Recommendation: In facilities that primarily serve children, a second set of stairway. 10, 1984] OSHA standard 1910. REDD Team Flex-Step OSHA Stair – This Flex-Step OSHA Stair is an adjustable 28″or 35″ threshold stair designed for modular buildings, construction trailers and field offices that need to meet OSHA regulations. 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. 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. When the handrail is integrated into the top railing of a guard rail system, it must be contoured in a way to allow for gripping. OSHA Guardrail Load Requirements. The employer must ensure each safety net system meets the requirements in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart M. §3214. 451 (a) (5). 25(b) This standard number explains the basic requirements for all fixed staircases, including ship ladders in industrial settings. 1050-1060) deal mainly with when and where ladders or stairs are required. (c) Stair rails and handrails. Be certain that your vendor has updated their OSHA designs. 1. Extensions shall return to a wall, guard, or the landing surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stair flight. Exterior stair width code. 24 (e), if they have a rise of 7. There are also times when having a handrail on just one side of a stairwell will make. 23 (b) General requirements for all ladders. Balusters. OSHA Requirements for usual ladder 1910. 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. Handrails and the top rails of stairrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at. Also, IBC codes for approved stairs are more set-in-stone than the OSHA rules. There are typically state administrative codes that will define certain requirements for handrails, stairs, landings, and such, in other instances ADA requirements could apply. 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. 1050 (a) Scope and Application. See 55 Federal Register 13396 (April 10, 1990). There are a number of factors that are particularly relevant to patients and residents and should be considered in the individual's care plan. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing updates in the handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard. A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs. Handrail diameter between 1. In the U. Stairs and ramps shall have handrails on both sides, unless otherwise permitted. We are going to look at five key IBC code requirements for handrails. Minimum single stair railing distance. Stair Rails and Handrails. It also must be able to withstand 50lbs being. The railing height should be at least 42 inches from the first edge of the tread to the rail's upper edge. This section covers the general and specific requirements for stairways, including standard, spiral, ship, and alternating tread-type stairs, except for articulated stairs. As previously stated, guards are required on the sides of stairs where there’s a drop of more than 30. 3. Harris: This is in response to your letter dated February 23, 1978, concerning the construction standards requirements for toeboards. OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The requirements for handrails and stairs in the 2016 Final Rule led many employers to seek clarification from OSHA about when handrails. 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. OSHA fall protection requirements for general industry and construction are addressed in 29 CFR 1910. In other words, you should ensure the surface of the tread isn't slippery. A ladder or stairway must be provided when the worksite has a break in elevation of 19” (48cm) or more, and there is no runway, ramp, embankment, or personal hoist for workers’ access. 1910.