This would apply to railings installed prior to the effective date of the clarification. principal height standard: handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs. Friday, June 2, 2023 Risk Management, Safety and OSHA Handrails are integral to stairway safety, providing support and stability for individuals as they navigate steps. reviewed the pertinent ANSI standards and determined that it was appropriate to limit the clearance requirement for handrails and stair rails. 1915. NFPA 101 Figure A. 23 (a) (1) Used in emergency operations such as firefighting, rescue, and tactical law enforcement operations, or training for these operations; or. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. Question 1: Are ship's ladders (also known as ship's stairs) required to meet the fixed ladder requirements in 29 CFR 1910. The handrail's ends must either be rounded or smoothly meet the floor, wall or post. As previously stated, guards are required on the sides of stairs where there’s a drop of more than 30. 1. We hope you find this information helpful. Easily Installed and Reconfigured. The top of the handrail must be between 34" - 38" above the nosing of the stair treads. A handrail is a rail mounted to a wall to furnish people a handhold to prevent tripping and falling down the stair. (2) A mid-rail shall be halfway between the top. OSHA stairs are permitted to be steeper than IBC stairs and may have open risers. Overall width of 23"; inside handrail width of 20". For additional information, see OSHA's Workers’ page. The minimum tread depth is 11 inches. There are typically state administrative codes that will define certain requirements for handrails, stairs, landings, and such, in other instances ADA requirements could apply. Further, OSHA standard 1910. The space between the inside of the handrail and the wall or any other obstruction must be at least 1-1/2”. In construction the use of cables or chains to guard door and wall. 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. You will note that the post offers both required heights for stairs and landing, and the added toe rail. 5 cm) from the upper surface of the stair rail to the surface of the tread. It also talks about when stairs require handrail. The inside handrail should be continuous on switchback or dogleg ramps. 5. 28; 1910. Under the previous standard, stairs with a handrail that doubles as a stair rail could have a rail height of 30 to. The Agency’s interpretations explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they do not create additional employer obligations. OSHA also states. OSHA Guardrail Load Requirements. Although these requirements do not mandate handrails on stairs that are not part of a means of egress, State or local building codes may require handrails or guards. 3 Horizontal projections. One stair rail system with handrail on each open side and one intermediate handrail located in. Railing spaced from. 1. Additionally, OSHA requires the following specifications: Step depth – 9. 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. Section 1910. This rule shall apply to temporary conditions where there is danger of employees or material falling through floor, roof or wall openings or from stairways or runways. 1, Ex. Requirements for Ladders OSHA has reorganized separate rules for fixed ladders, portable wood ladders and portable. Projections into the required width of stairways and ramps at each handrail shall not exceed 41/2 inches (114 mm) at. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. 3. 25(b) This standard number explains the basic requirements for all fixed staircases, including ship ladders in industrial settings. Stair railing. Handrail diameter between 1. 91-596, encourages states to develop and operate, under OSHA guidance, their own job safety and health plans. 24(h) provides: Standard railings shall be provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms. The assenbly may include handrails. 5 inches and the minimum stair tread is 9. 23 (d) (1)states: “Every flight of stairs having four or more risers shall be equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified. 1. If your system was installed before January 2017, the mandatory height decreases to 30 inches. 5 inches (24 cm); 1917. 5. Handrails are a support aid when using stairs. 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. The OSHA General Requirements (29 CFR 1926. See §1910. A maximum rise of 7-3 / 4 ”- maximum difference among risers 3/8″. Different requirements for children show a maximum height of 28″ with a minimum clearance of 9″ between the adult rail and the childrens’ rail, which is only a recommendation and not a requirement. 2. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. This 200 pound load test is designed to stop an employee from a potentially fatal fall, as opposed to the IBC requirement that takes into account the idea that many people may be leaning on the. 1926. What are the hand railing safety requirements? The height of the handrail is outlined in the Australian Building code. S. Dear. OSHA Requirements for standard stairs 1910. ), the platform’s occupancy and use can dictate either IBC or OSHA provisions controlling. If the stairs have nosings, you measure from the leading edge of the nosing to the edge of the next step’s nosing. Section R311: Means of Egress in the IRC code states that staircases should have a minimum width of 36 inches. HTML PDF: 296-24-74025: Ship stairs. A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs have two different meanings. DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: Handrail is not functionally adequate (i. The provision refers to existing Table D–2, Stairway Handrail Requirements, which specifies handrail requirements based on the variables of stair width and how many sides of the stairway are open. California CA/OSHA Title 8 Building Code Stair & Railing Safety. Removable Handrail Socket: 90001B: ES Stair 1-Step System: 90002B: ES Stair 2-Step System: 90003B: ES Stair 3-Step System: 90004B: ES Stair 4-Step System: 90005B: ES Stair 5-Step System:. 2 m) or more above a lower level is protected. 9 Toe. 5 inches. 5” H. 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. With the help of the members of NADRA, the 2022 edition of the International Residential Code (IRC) is now officially complete and ready for printing. There is no maximum clearance between two handrails because it will depend on the width of the stairs. 3 Horizontal projections. 5 QUALITY ASSURANCE A. , 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. 5” minimum. 04(3)(b)6. Handrails are required on stairways and must meet specific guidelines. The. Hand Railing projection into stairs (<= 4. Familiarity of the current standard and proposed changes will keep employers from being caught off guard should the standards change. There are a number of factors that are particularly relevant to patients and residents and should be considered in the individual's care plan. The same height specifications apply to handrails on stairs. 1 m) to 88 inches (2. 5, §505. 28(c). SUBJECT: 1926. IBC Stairs require guardrails of 42″ high and handrails of 34″ high on both sides of the stairwell. Ready for Action The range of ReadyRail prefab handrail and guardrail sizes and the seamless compatibility with the entire ReadySeries line ensures limitless FRP handrail and guardrail configurations for a. There are also times when having a handrail on just one side of a stairwell will make. The International Building Code is a model code prepared under the umbrella of the ICC, and. HTML PDF: 296-24-7500: Other working surfaces. This Subpart does not apply to integral components of3. Be certain that your vendor has updated their OSHA designs. 10. 1052 (c) - Top rail and handrail requirements for stairrail systems under the construction standards. 3 in the IRC code. 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. Surface requirements and clearances facilitate a power grip along the length of handrails. Minimum handrail wall clearance of 1. 2 [Handrail] Top Extension at Stairs. The International Residential Code (IRC) lays out the requirements for residential staircases. 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. General dimensions. handrail s. OSHA published a proposed rule in May 2021 to clarify this. 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. Reference definitions in 1910. S. Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 1 ½ inch between the wall and the handrails. c. To ensure your system performs well, be sure to space posts or cable stabilizers no more than 4 feet apart. 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. 44 inches (1. 420 Greentree Road. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. The structural requirements refer to the barrier and/or handrail being designed and constructed to withstand any combinations of loads and other actions to which it may reasonably be subjected and the structural resistance of the. The Ontario Building Code | Handrails. The following requirements apply to all stairways as indicated: (c) (1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm), whichever is less, shall be equipped with: (c) (1) (i) At least one handrail; and. At a point less than 12’ in elevation, this spiral stair has a rest landing which is also an OSHA requirement. 6. Learn the general and specific requirements for guardrail systems on stairs from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1910. For employers who have been doing their best to keep employees safe around. RISERS must be uniform between landings, 30-50 deg, ≤ 9. IBC handrail code requirements for commercial stairs. 31-1/2 inches. There are many more codes,. 1052(c)(7) Dear Mr. Like guardrails, apply. 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. Residential Interior Stairs Code Requirements. 29. Ramps with a rise greater than 6 inches must have a handrail on at least one side. 8:A ship's ladder must have toe clearance of 7 inches unless the nature of the work requires a lesser clearance; 4. 2). 23, Guarding floor and wall openings and holes: 1910. 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. Ramp handrails should extend straight and horizontally above the landing for at least 12″ beyond both the top and bottom of. Section R. The answer to your question is that 1910. 5” Minimum tread depth of 9. Oct 27 2017. Most people take stairways (and stairs) for granted until they fall while they are using them. 112(c)(1). Guardrail can be designed to be suitable for use as a handrail. 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. Handrails not shown for clarity. Stair Railing Height Requirements: 34 to 38 Inches Stair railing should be no less than 34 inches high and no more than 38 inches high. OSHA is therefore proposing two separate provisions for stairs with two open sides 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. One stair rail system each open side. Weight-Bearing. Note: For specific code requirements, contact the Building Inspection Department at 952-442-7520 or 888-446-1801 or e-mail: info@mnspect. Minimum 8. OSHA defines a ship stair in section 1910. 10/1/98. OSHA requirements for standard stairs. One stair rail system with handrail on each open side. [39 FR 23502, June 27, 1974, as amended at 43 FR 49744, Oct. Stair width is measured clear of all obstructions except handrails. 44 inches (1. Handrailing & Railing Graspability Requirements, Codes, Hazards. 1050 through 1926. Handrails must be 30” – 38” tall and. DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: Handrail is missing (i. Oregon OSHA defines a stairway as a series of steps and landings having three or more risers. Plus, for the disabled and elderly, handrails are crucial; they can be the difference between a comfortable walk up the stairs and a terrible injury. 1052(c)(6) and 1926. 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. 29: 29 CFR 1910. The employer must ensure: ( 1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. 5 inches at the walk line, a riser height maximum of 9. ago. 23 (b) General requirements for all ladders. Plus, they are required to have an intermediary landing if the staircase has a rise of 12’ or more. 7. Greater than 88. OSHA is very clear that ship stairs should only be used where you can demonstrate that standard stairs will not work. Such areas include ground levels, floors, roofs, ramps, runways, excavations, pits, tanks, material, water, equipment. Topics. HEIGHT CLEARANCE minimum 6’6” clearance from nose of tread to overhead obstruction. If an obstacle is unavoidable, the clearance must be at least 24 inches, and a device. OSHA requirements for rolling ladders fall under is OSHA 1910. Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. Stairway width <44. Maximum 7-3/4 inch stair riser height. 29(k)(1), the new toeboard requirement needs to be at least 3. Handrails are an essential safety tool for stairs, providing stability while you ascend or descend the steps. 27? Response: No. Regarding handrails, there are two sets of regulations: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Glazing used in handrail or guard assemblies shall be safety. flight. STAIRS, LANDINGS, HANDRAILS, AND GUARDS. 25 inches (5. 5”Overview. OR Handrail is not continuous for the full length of each stair flight. General OSHA Handrail Requirements. • Ends must return to wall, post or safety terminalThe requirements of OSHA safety regulations for the safe use of ladders and stairs (Subpart X, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Part. Tread depth on stairs must be a minimum of 10”, not including the nosing. Compliance. Handrails must be ‘positioned between 900 and 1000mm above the pitchline’. 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. 21(b)(1) and 1910. OSHA’s proposal seeks to clarify two of the standard’s provisions. 1926. Anyone climbing or going down the stairs should be able to hold the handrails firmly. Custom built to exact height. (1) A standard railing shall consist of top rail,. 8 Stair Railing - A barrier erected along exposed sides of a stairway to prevent fall of persons. Also, OSHA determined that it was appropriate to adopt. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1620. 4. Railings shall conform to the requirements of § 1917. Handrails need to be easy to firmly grasp if a person loses balance. Stair Rails and Handrails. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route (e. 25 (b) (4)] IBC requires the same width as OSHA. §3214. The handrail height, headroom, riser height and distance between the center column and handrail will pass OSHA. 29(b)(2)(iv) of OSHA code outlines the need for semi-continuous handrails in work environments. A vertical barrier along exposed sides of a stairway to prevent people fromOSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 7. 5" tall, with no more than a 1/4" gap at the bottom. 1050-1060) deal mainly with when and where ladders or stairs are required. S. Objects with leading edges more than 27 inches (685 mm) and not more than 80 inches (2030 mm) above the floor shall not project horizontally more than 4 inches (102 mm. 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. 1910. Whether you’re a homeowner, a business owner, or. TrainingAll ladders from Alaco Ladder meet the following Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standards for ladders, including the following: 1910. Stair Rails and Handrails. 29. ”. Solid. S. Generally, the width of IBC stairs will be 36. 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. 23 - OSHA requires fall protection for elevator work when a fall hazard is present. 72. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. If the ramp is greater than 30 inches in width, then handrails should be on both sides. 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). Your concern is whether or not the standard requires that all permanent handrails be painted yellow. 24 (a) Step bolts. 31-1/2 inches. Treads should have a minimum depth of 10 inches, and risers a maximum height of 7 3/4 inches. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route (e. Handrails and stair rail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching or snagging of clothing. 1910. This will be 4 risers and 3 treads of a compliant staircase. Handrails shall have a clear space between the handrail and a wall or other surface of at least 1 ½ inches. 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. 1. Unprotected openings in roofs could, therefore, be cited under the general duty clause of. 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. 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. 5” Minimum tread astuteness of 9. Maximum 4-1/2 inch handrail projection into stairway width, on either side. Stairs that connect play components shall not be required to comply with [Standard] 504. 3 Exit Stair Handrails . (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 Guardrail height shall not be less than 36 inches above the walking surface. 5. The space between the handrail and the wall or any solid surface should be at least 1-1/2. R311. Stair rails installed before Jan. A standard railing is required around the platform, and it falls under OHSA 1910. S. 42156 - Handrail specifications. S. In late 2016, OSHA finally published the long awaited updates to its 1910 Fall Protection in General Industry. e. Cal-OSHA’s 1” tolerance only allows for a minimum height of 41”. Extend past the length of the ramp and/or stairs. Handrails must be “graspable” which means you still cannot use a 2×4 or other shapeless block of wood. RAILINGS open-sided stairs < 44” require 1 stair rail/side; open-sided stairs > 44” require 1 stair rail and 1 separate handrail/side. in from the edge. (2) If the required width of a ramp or f light of stairs is more than 2 200 mm, one or more intermediate handrail s continuous between landings shall be. (d) has the appropriate toe boards and guardrails required by Part 22. - stair rails of 30-38 inches can be used as handrails, for installations made between 1/17/17 and the finalization date of these 2021 revisions - all handrails installed after this. A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs. this standard sets forthReply #2: Yes. Always OSHA-Compliant – Built to comply with OSHA’s regulations in any configuration. The questions below have been restated for clarity. This provides a safe environment and avoids. 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. 5") Hand Railing heights: U. 1052 (a) (1) - Scaffold step unit towers when used for access to locations other than scaffold platforms. Items that fall under the safety category relate to the health, sanitary condition, and habitability of the property. 25(b)(1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. Steel, aluminum, and wood posts can be used in a cable railing system. The U. Ships with rubber bumper attached to the center stringer. The handrail may form the top of a guarding if you can match the heights. In addition to the requirements of this Part, a barrier and handrail must comply with the structural requirements of Part 3. 23(e) because the height of the standard railing on the stair landing is less than 42 inches nominal. 1003. Handrails can have circular or non-circular cross-sections, but must have rounded edges. Both the ADA and OSHA require public and private spaces to have handrails on both sides of a stairwell. 1910. You express your belief that OSHA does not have such a requirement. Standard railing requirements are covered under existing paragraph 1910. Equipto offers two styles of OSHA complaint stairways. The present Standard, 29 CFR 1910. Handrails may be interrupted by a newel post at a turn. SPS 321. §1620. 660 inches)" meets the size requirements for pipe used in the construction of guard rails. handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs; Canadian stair handrails: 32-36" above the stairs; Wall clearance: Handrails along a. 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. 15220. OSHA catwalk width requirements. Basic OSHA Stair Requirements. (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. ”. OSHA uses the terms ship stair and ship ladder interchangeably while IBC uses the term ships ladder. e. In preparing the proposed revision of 29 CFR 1910, Subpart D-Walking and Working Surfaces, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reviewed the pertinent ANSI standards and determined that it was appropriate to limit the clearance requirement for handrails and stair rails. The employer must ensure: 1926. The employer must ensure: 1910. An employer may use these guidelines as a starting point for designing guardrail systems. The employer must ensure: ( i) Each employee on a scaffold is protected from falling in accordance 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L; and. HEALTH AND. 44 inches (1. Stair height and the depth of treads must be uniform. Minimum width of 22”. Handrails are required when there is a top step height of 4 feet or more and a railing needs to be 29. , evidence of prior installation, but now not present or is incomplete). At least one handrail One stair rail system with handrail on open side. Stairs have to be installed at 30° to 50° from horizontal. 502 (b) (3), (4), and (5). Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of closed stairways preferably on the right side descending. 25(d)(1) The minimum clearance of a handrail between any other object is 2. Under §1910. ADA handrails with a non-circular cross-section should have a perimeter dimension between 4″ and 6. Handrails shall include the following features:6 Requirements & Guidelines for Stairs: Handrail height at stairs is required to be between 34”-38” high. If the stairs are 1000mm or wider: provide a handrail on both sides. c. Handrail height requirements for stairs play a vital role in ensuring safety, accessibility, and compliance with building codes and regulations. OSHA Stair rail requirements - stair railings may serve as handrails, and vice-versa. The Agency believes that scaffold stairways present a serious fall hazard. Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements: Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway. 6. Doors and gates opening onto stairway. 2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by a personal fall arrest system. 27 inches. However, OSHA set the minimum width for stair treads: Standard Stairs – 22 inches (56 cm) Spiral Stairs – 26 inches (66 cm) OSHA 1910. - 10/27/1992. Handrail ends shall be returned to a wall or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminations. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm). Minimum 6′-8″ headroom height clearance for stairway. 24 (a) (2) Each step bolt is designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent the employee's foot. This was a little better but not as logical or as safe as a 42" guard. (3). ”. We are going to look at five key IBC code requirements for handrails. Under OSHA Section 1910. In North Carolina, four or more steps or an ADA ramp with a rise of 6 inches require handrails on both sides. 5” on either side of the stairway. 23(e) - Ladders. 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. In order to ensure compliance, the maximum allowable opening between the two handrails needs to be determined. 23 (a) (2) Designed into or is an integral part of machines or equipment. 1052(c)(1) thru (12), and 1926. Maximum 12′-7″ vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs. D.