Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 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. (d) has the appropriate toe boards and guardrails required by Part 22. "The employer must ensure each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1. New OSHA handrail/guardrail requirements have come into effect on Jan 17 of this year. 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. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. There shouldn't be obstructions on the top or sides of the handrails. 5 cm) in height. As a result, four inches would be the maximum allowable opening. IBC provisions are more stringent than OSHA provisions, but they are very similar to the material. The terms “subdivision” and “subpart” are synonymous within OAR 437, Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Code. Familiarity of the current standard and proposed changes will keep employers from being caught off guard should the standards change. to 34 in. Stair Rails and Handrails. 5” Minimum tread astuteness of 9. See full list on thehortongroup. 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 height of handrails is measured straight up from the nosing of the treads to the top of the handrail. Under this provision, a catwalk. 7)Requirements for barriers and handrails. 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. 2 m) One handrail on each enclosed side One Stair rail system with handrail on open side and one handrail on enclosed side. Steel, aluminum, and wood posts can be used in a cable railing system. Specifically, the following sections are the most relevant to handrail and stair rail requirements. (c) Stair rails and handrails. Stairs. 1910. 5 inches (75 cm) to 37 inches (94 cm), measured from the front edge of a step. Question #3: Would fixed stairs with a degree of angle of between 38 degrees and 42 degrees be in compliance with 29 CFR 1910. Viewrail offers 36”, 39”, and 42” handrail heights to meet every state’s requirement. • 2 yr. This section covers the general and specific requirements for stairways, including standard, spiral, ship, and alternating tread-type stairs, except for articulated stairs. You express your belief that OSHA does not have such a requirement. 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. 3 (2000)). It also must be able to withstand 50lbs being. This would apply to railings installed prior to the effective date of the clarification. Maximum 12′-7″ vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs. A standard railing is required around the platform, and it falls under OHSA 1910. c. ADA Chapter 5 Section 505. S. 660 inches)" meets the size requirements for pipe used in the construction of guard rails. Solid. 3. Guardrail, Stair Rail & Handrail Strength Requirements - the 200 pound load criterion & others. OSHA catwalk stair requirements. com. 1060) are explained in this discussion. Dear. The present Standard, 29 CFR 1910. 3. 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. 1014. Handrails not shown for clarity. 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. 24 for the safe design and construction of fixed general industrial stairs. This Subpart does not apply to integral components of3. 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. New York: American National Standard Institute, approved March 17, 1967. Stairways and handrails that are part of a means of egress are addressed by the IBC (§1009 (2003), §1003. [39 FR 23502, June 27, 1974, as amended at 43 FR 49744, Oct. 10/1/98. HTML PDF: 296-24-74010: Standard stairs. Handrails and stair rail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching. the International Building Code or IBC sets the stair and handrail requirements for public buildings and public spaces. 8 Stair Railing - A barrier erected along exposed sides of a stairway to prevent fall of persons. Handrails are a common requirement on FHA. Circular Cross Section and Clearance (§505. Stairs and ramps shall have handrails on both sides, unless otherwise permitted. ”. The minimum tread depth is 11 inches. Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails. 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. Guardrail can be designed to be suitable for use as a handrail. 28; ( 2) Vertical clearance above any stair tread to any overhead obstruction is at least 6 feet, 8. The answer to your question is that 1910. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. 5 times the vertical rise. OSHA uses the terms ship stair and ship ladder interchangeably while IBC uses the term ships ladder. 121 (1) An employer must ensure that a walkway, runway or ramp. 26. There are also times when having a handrail on just one side of a stairwell will make. Balusters. 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. 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. 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. 1050An OSHA catwalk servicing by a stairway a a your of stair landing. e. Railings in stair codes and specifications refer to the safety barrier along steps or stairs. 2 [Handrail] Top Extension at Stairs. S. A single bar or pipe supported onOSHA believes that a uniform riser height within 1/4 inch (0. NE Salem, OR 97301-3882 For stairways less than 44 inches wide, at least one handrail is required; two handrails are required for stairways between 44 inches and 88 inches wide or when the distance between the tank shell and the stair stringer is greater than 8 inches; and stairways wider than 88 inches require an intermediate handrail so there’s always one in reach. 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. 25″. 1050-1060) deal mainly with when and where ladders or stairs are required. Stairways wider than 1000mm should have a handrail on each side. 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. - UBC. Capable of withstanding force of at least 200# Must be smooth-surfaced;In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure alternating tread-type stairs: ( 1) Have a series of treads installed at a slope of 50 to 70 degrees from the horizontal; ( 2) Have a distance between handrails of 17 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm); ( 4) Have open risers if the tread depth is less than 9. 29(d) Designated Areas. (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. 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. 2. 2 Width and capacity. · Non-corrosive and non-combustible stairs and railings · Slip-in rails and legs for fast assembly. 29. 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. The top rail of the handrail must be a minimum of 42" [ref. 2). 5 inches. Osha walking required and requirements for elevated runways and walkways. Also, IBC codes for approved stairs are more set-in-stone than the OSHA rules. OSHA also notes that these stairways are used as part of a scaffold. Hist: OR-OSHA Admin. The OSHA rules and standards regarding handrails are in the section about the fall protection systems. 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. One stair rail system each open side. The nonslip diamond pattern stairs meet all the OSHA requirements for width and depth, and they clean with ease when icing occurs. 23 (e) (1): Mobile ladder stands and platforms have a step width of at least 16 inches (41 cm). When the top edge of a stairrail system also serves as a handrail, paragraph (c) (7) of this. 5. OSHA is very clear that ship stairs should only be used where you can demonstrate that standard stairs will not work. Handrails must be ‘positioned between 900 and 1000mm above the pitchline’. Handrails shall have a clear space between the handrail and a wall or other surface of at least 1 ½ inches. A stair rail does not necessarily require a handrail. The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: (13)(i) Has a self-closing gate that slides or swings away from the hole, and is equipped with a top rail and mid-rail, or equivalent. Greater than 88 inches. 1052(c)(7) Dear Mr. Where fall from height is significant it is recommended to. 505. For Employers ; Worker Rights ; Workers Memorial ;. 2. The International Residential Code (IRC) lays out the requirements for residential staircases. Handrails can have circular or non-circular cross-sections, but must have rounded edges. Stair Handrail requirements: "on each side" 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. principal height standard: handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs. 4. , evidence of prior installation, but now not present or is incomplete). Use tread and rise requirements that vary by stairway angle. Find out the enforcement guidance and the enforcement policy for stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017, that meet §1910. new stairs, inside handrails shall be continuous between flights at landings. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. Minimum handrail wall clearance of 1. The required number of handrails is 2. OSHA regulations are pretty straightforward: “Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail. The ADA Standards apply requirements for stairways to each stair that is part of a required means of egress (§210). 27? Response: No. , measured from the line connecting tread nosings—the same as the minimum height for handrails. A safety handrail provides stability with a handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway or. 5. Handrails should be installed between 34” and 38” from the walking surface of the ramp. Risers for OSHA stairs are allowed to be open. __. 2. WASHINGTON, DC – The U. c. 91. 28(c)(2)(ii. 23(e) - Ladders. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route (e. RAILINGS open-sided stairs < 44” require 1 stair rail/side; open-sided stairs > 44” require 1 stair rail and 1 separate handrail/side. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. 29 - Fall protection systems and falling object protection - criteria and practices: Here you will find the requirements that guardrail, stair rail systems, and handrails. Distance between a single stair railing and the opposite wall (with no stair railing) Guard railing minimum height. 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. 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. (b), the following stairways shall conform to the requirements of this section. Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 1 ½ inch between the wall and the handrails. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 2. 2. (c) Stair rails and handrails. 5. The rule applies to both corner and intermediate posts. A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs have two different meanings. An employer may use these guidelines as a starting point for designing guardrail systems. Fixed Industrial Stairs: OSHA Standard 1910. 25 (b) (4)] IBC requires the same width as OSHA. 5 inches is the absolute minimum allowed. 451 (a) (6) to require a screen between the toeboard and the guardrail in situations only where employees are required. 24 (a) (2) Each step bolt is designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent the employee's foot. Design and construction of guardrails and stair handrails shall comply with SBC Code, OSHA Standards, and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. 5 cm) from the upper surface of the stair rail system to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread. Use internal couplings, Type 18-7, to maintain continuity. The distance between the ship's ladder and any obstacle on the climbing side must be at least 30 inches. 1052 (c) - Top rail and handrail requirements for stairrail systems under the construction standards. 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. The requirements for handrails and stairs in the 2016 Final Rule led many employers to seek clarification from OSHA about when handrails. 1 m) to 88 inches (2. California CA/OSHA Title 8 Building Code Stair & Railing Safety. 4. Stair railings. 23, Guarding floor and wall openings and holes: 1910. A minimum tread width of 10 “- maximum difference among treads 3/8”. ), the platform’s occupancy and use can dictate either IBC or OSHA provisions controlling. 28(b)(5)(ii)(A). Zarletti: Thank you for your letter of June 18, concerning the allowable tolerance for the height of guardrails as specified at 29 CFR 1926. At least one handrail: One stair rail system with handrail on open side. This section covers the general and specific requirements for stairways, including standard, spiral, ship, and alternating tread-type stairs, except for articulated stairs. 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. SUBJECT: 1926. (a) is strong enough to support the equipment and workers who may use it, (b) is at least 600 millimetres wide, (c) is wide enough to ensure the safe movement of equipment and workers, and. 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. 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. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm). 25(d)(1) The minimum clearance of a handrail between any other object is 2. 5” H. Each stairway should have at least one handrail. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. 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. 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. 5 QUALITY ASSURANCE A. Mr. 5 inches (9 cm) as measured from the top edge of the toeboard to the level of the. The handrail height, headroom, riser height and distance between the center column and handrail will pass OSHA. Rule 2156. This includes, but is not limited to, requirements related to: general structural design, fire-resistant construction, light, ventilation, sanitation, plumbing fixture clearances, minimum room area and ceiling. Handrail ends must be returned and terminated at rail posts. However, it requires that the stair landings be at least the width of the stair or 48 inches, whichever is less. Some of the requirements for all types of suspension scaffolds include:. 3 Exit Stair Handrails . A "standard 1 1/4 inch 0 pipe (O. Here are some basic pieces of information to bear in mind when constructing a handrail to comply with OSHA Standards. We hope you find this information helpful. 23 includes requirements for ladders, where OSHA defines handrail requirements on platforms and how high safety railings must be. 1-1967. - 10/27/1992. 23 that addresses stair railings is subsection (e) (2) and not (e) (1). 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. 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 roomsWhether a catwalk is moored to the ground or suspended from the ceiling, it will have to conform to OSHA standards and specifications. HTML PDF:. The employer must ensure: ( 1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. If balusters are used, there shall be a minimum of one per tread. The Guardrail height shall not be less than 36 inches above the walking surface. 23(e)(6) states: "All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route1926. of the stair. 21 (a) (8). OSHA's requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. 5 inches, a minimum width of 26 inches, and a headroom clearance of 78 inches. Find out the top edge height, midrail spacing, force and deflection tests, and other criteria for guardrail systems on stairs. 25″ and 2″. The questions below have been restated for clarity. Under §1910. 1052 (b) - OSHA does not have the legal authority to evaluate and certify products. Rod Smith, P. 500(f)(4)(i) thru (iii). 5, §505. 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. Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails. (2) A handrail shall be vertically installed not more than 37 inches (94 cm), nor less than 30 inches (76 cm), above the front edge of the treads. The standard height of handrails is between 34 and 38 inches, measured vertically from the nose of the stair treads. 5 inches (24 cm); 1917. 24 2 This document is not intended to be totally inclusive but rather to highlight the information and requirements in the complete OSHA standard that owners and managers of agricultural businesses should understand. 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. OSHA requires that all ladders between 60 and 90 degrees be device-facing, so any ships ladder that is angled 60 degrees or steeper must be descended backing down. Guardrails, stair rails, and handrails are common fall protection solutions. The height of the stair rails should not be less than 34 inches and should not exceed 38 inches from. ago. Contact OSHA . The guardrails provided here are 1-1/4” thick. Overall width of 23"; inside handrail width of 20". Nosing – straight leading edge. 3. You indicated from our phone conversation that 1910. The IBC commercial handrail code states that each stair is provided with a separate handrail or grabrail attached to the guardrail. The Ontario Building Code | Handrails. Also see GUARDRAIL CODES & STANDARDS for details about safety railings on landings and open hallways, porches, screened porches, balconies - horizontal walking surfaces. Minimum width of 22”. O. 29 (b) (1): The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42. When figuring out the tolerances for the OSHA guardrail height, the minimum allowed is 39". Handrail height, measured above stair tread nosings, or finish surface of ramp slope, shall be uniform, not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm). OSHA requirements for rolling ladders fall under is OSHA 1910. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing updates in the handrail and stair rail system. 112(c)(1). OSHA Construction Standard 1026. 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. OSHA requirements for standard stairs. But while guards must typically be at least 36 in. The section of the OSHA code that specifies most of the primary guardrail and handrails as it directly relates to safety railing is 1910. 23 and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, respectively, in the Code of Federal Regulations. 3. 28; 1910. 2 Christy Dr. 25(f) beneath: 1910. 502 (b) (3), (4), and (5). Riser Height and Tread Depth (IBC 1011. Handrails can be higher. SCOPE AND APPLICATION The OSHA rules apply to all stairways and ladders used in construction, alteration, repair (including painting OSHA Stair rail requirements - stair railings may serve as handrails, and vice-versa. Section 18(b) of The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, P. Type I handrails with a circular cross section must have an outside diameter of between 1. (b) General requirements. 23(e)(5). Phone: 952-442-7520. These systems may be. 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. For detailing the other components (stairs, railing, ladders, etc. OSHA catwalk width requirements. 29(k)(1), the new toeboard requirement needs to be at least 3. [IBC 1011. 9 Toe. Handrails must be placed between 34″ and 38″ in height, measuring from the nosing of the stair. A handrail every 60" of horizontal distance at any place along the stairs. Regulatory Requirements 1. Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements: Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway. 3 in the IRC code. Maximum 12 feet vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs. - 10/01/2012. Handrail diameter between 1. (c) (1) (ii) One stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. Visit the ADA Handrail Guide for more information. Section R. 502(b)(3) requires railing systems meet a 200 pound concentrated load test. This measurement includes the length of the baluster or post, plus the thickness of the handrail. Landings and platforms. Dear Mr. Further, OSHA standard 1910. Inside handrails on switchback or dogleg stairs must be continuous. 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. 1926. The mid-rail height is also adjustable. 1- 1995, Safety Requirements for Workplace Floor and Wall Openings, Stairs, and Railing Systems, requires guardrail protection for the exposed sides of ladderway openings in any working/walking surface. 451(e)(4)]Deck stair handrails must be at least 34” and no more than 38” high. 451 (b) (3) (ii) The maximum distance from the face for plastering and lathing operations shall be 18 inches (46 cm). 18 cm) in outside diameter; and. RISERS must be uniform between landings, 30-50 deg, ≤ 9. 5". (g) When the top edge of a stair rail system also serves as a handrail, the height of the top edge must be not more than 37 inches (94 cm) nor less than 36 inches (91. At least one handrail must be provided for stairs with four or more risers or 30 inches of ascent. 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. According to OSHA 1910. 5. 1926. 1. Always OSHA-Compliant – Built to comply with OSHA’s regulations in any configuration. 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. For example, ANSI standard A1264. IBC handrail code requirements for commercial stairs. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. (g) Ramps for wheelbarrows, if made of planking, must have an odd number of planks. 91-596, encourages states to develop and operate, under OSHA guidance, their own job safety and health plans. The space between the inside of the handrail and the wall or any other obstruction must be at least 1-1/2”. Hand Railing projection into stairs (<= 4. 23(e)(6) states: "All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or. OSHA is proposing changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify which handrail and stair rail system requirements apply to new stair rail. The IBC contains requirements for exit stairway enclosures that address fire-resistance and smoke protection, stairways and handrails, signs, and other features. Neal, The 32 inch width of the stair tread permitted for handrail projection can comply; 1012. 5" tall, with no more than a 1/4" gap at the bottom.