• Stair rail system: • Top rail may also serve as handrail if height of the system is between 36 and 38 inches. Features include:Floors, stairways, railing, overhead protection and guarding of open-sided floors, platforms and runways. 5”Residential Interior Stairs Code Requirements. Basic OSHA Stair Requirements. Stair Rails and Handrails. (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. General requirements. It also provides requirements for temporary service, metal pan landings and treads, and handrail height and offset. Box 483 Thonotosassa, FL 33592. §3214. §3216. The top rail of the handrail must be a minimum of 42" [ref. Paragraph (h) says that standard railings must be provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair. The employer must ensure:505. Law and Regulations ; Federal Registers ; Open for Comment ; Regulatory Agenda ; Standard Interpretations ; Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. 31, 2017 is 42 inches. Figure D-12-- Handrail Measurement. Riser. Learn the general and specific criteria for guardrail systems that meet the requirements of the OSHA Fall Protection Standards. General Physical Conditions and Structures Orders, Article 2. handrail height on each side . Existing Table D–2 contains a. 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). 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. 6 cm). Figure D-12 - Handrail Measurement (2) The height of stair rail systems meets the following: (a) The height of. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. 3 Stairways and Landings model code. Handrail diameter between 1. The following handrail features are ADA-compliant: There should be at least 1 ½ inches of clear space between the wall and the handrail. 23(e)(1)]Must be at least 22 inches in width. 29 (f) (1) (ii) (B)) and the handrail must be 30 to 38 inches in height (§1910. This is more than the 1. A handrail may terminate at an intermediate wall provided the lower end of the upper rail is returned to the wall or provided with a flared end, the horizontal offset between the 2 rails is no more than 12 inches measured from the center of the rails, and both the upper and lower rails can be reached from the same tread without taking a step. HTML PDF: 296-24-935: Safety relief devices for cargo and portable tanks storing compressed gases. Stair railings. To prevent employees from being injured from falls, employers must: Guard every floor hole into which a worker can accidentally walk (using a railing and toe-board or a floor hole cover). . From time to time, letters are affected when the Agency updates a standard, a legal decision impacts a standard, or changes in technology affect the. " 29 CFR 1910. Handrail ends shall be returned to a wall or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminations. All handrails and handrail extensions shall be marked with a solid andIf your warehouse office or other storage system features stairways, you will also need to install guardrails along the unprotected edges according to OSHA article 1910. "Handrails are 30-38 inches. Every step on your staircase needs to equal the same run and rise. 1. 2m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by one or more of the following guardrail systems; safety net systems; or personal. 9. Minimum handrail wall clearance of 1. OSHA go frame and requirements OSHA General stair requirements 1910. Overview Dimensions Loads Details Ramps/Stairs Handrails Construction Cal-OSHA FAQs Talk to an Expert 1. 29 - Fall protection systems and falling object protection - criteria and practices: Here you will find the requirements that guardrail, stair rail systems, and handrails need to meet. Under the previous standard, stairs with a handrail that doubles as a stair rail could have a rail height of 30 to. 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. 14 Handrails. 121 (b) (1) Stairways shall conform to the minimum dimensions of Figure F-1; Spiral Stairway - Minimum Dimensions. 10. Railing height for guard rail. 29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). pedestrian safety rail where a vertical drop-off of 6 feet or more occurs. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. Maximum 4-1/2 inch handrail projection into stairway width, on either side. . 1910. 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. It focuses entirely on clarifying and allowing flexibility in the transition to OSHA’s stricter rules for handrails and stair rail systems, which were completed in 2016. As for the load calculations, it is imperative to know that. 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. 866. Steps and stairs – key dimensions 25 13. . 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. 23 that addresses stair railings is subsection (e) (2) and not (e) (1). OSHA then issued a ruling that allowed the handrail on the stair to double as a guard if it were 36" high. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 5 of 14 DEFICIENCY 2 – UNIT: HANDRAIL IS NOT SECURE. Reach us at at 844-314. SPS 321. 5. 7. Exterior stair width code. 1050bigger footprint than OSHA stairs. One stair rail system with handrail on each open side and one intermediate handrail located in. 1- 2000 Safety Code for Elevators and. Handrail Requirements. The guardrails provided here are 1-1/4” thick. Intermediate stair railings shall be spaced. 75(f) Access to wing walls from floors of dry docks shall be by ramps, permanent stairways or ladders meeting the applicable requirements of § 1915. 24 (a) Step bolts. E - Tread run: between 25. Ships with rubber bumper attached to the center stringer. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. 5” H. Use tread and rise requirements that vary by stairway angle. Design and construction of guardrails and stair handrails shall comply with SBC Code, OSHA Standards, and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. The requirements of OSHA safety regulations for the safe use of ladders and stairs (Subpart X, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1926. · Non-corrosive and non-combustible stairs and railings · Slip-in rails and legs for fast assembly. Construction Safety Orders Article 17. Installing proper stair rails wherever required is indeed a key component of preventing slips, trips, and falls at work, but employers need to do more than simply meet any state and federal requirements. 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. 5-1982 - American National. If you have an edge that does not pose this risk, you should be OK with standard railing without toeboard. 24 cm). The IBC defines the various design requirements for handrails, providing clear and concise specifications. Regarding handrails, there are two sets of regulations: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). ADA Chapter 5 Section 505. 2. 2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by a personal fall arrest system. c. Alternating tread stair 22 11. shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. Barrier siting 39 19. 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. 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. 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. Stairwells and Stairs. Handrails and top rails of the stairs must be able to endure, clearly without failure, at least. The stair will be installed at a 70-degree angle or less. We are going to look at five key IBC code requirements for handrails. So going back to rfied112's orginal question. • Stairs wider than 44 inches must have a handrail on each side. 4. 28(c)(2)(ii. OSHA Handrail Standards. 081. • Handrails must be between 30 and 38 inches as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread. 2. Section 1910. The stair shall be capable of withstanding a minimum uniform load of 100 pounds per square foot with a design factor of 1. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. OSHA Requirements for standard stairs 1910. 2. 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. General Requirements: the general requirements of section 1910. 8. Stairways and handrails that are part of a means of egress are addressed by the IBC (§1009 (2003), §1003. Handrails and the top rails of stairrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at. IBC stairs generally have a 7-inch closed riser and an 11-inch tread. 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. 5 inches for stands with a top height of 4 feet or more, 36 inches for stands with. See all powder-coated color options. Stair strength. Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 1 ½ inch between the wall and the handrails. 5 inches (24 cm); andThe same height specifications apply to handrails on stairs. Based on the height requirements for stair rails and handrails and the requirements in Table D-2, are both stair railsHandrail gripping surface shall be mounted between 34” and 38” with railing height above stair nosings; The ends of the handrails should be rounded or returned smoothly to the floor; The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created to assure safe and healthful working conditions for employees. OSHA 30-Hour Construction is an online course that. 28; 1910. The employer must ensure: (1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. Outdoor Stairs: Building codes may have specific requirements for handrails on outdoor stairs, particularly if there are multiple levels or steep inclines. 28 and 1910. Typical locations for guarding 36 18. 04(3)(b)6. §3215. OSHA regulations are pretty straightforward: “Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1. Exceptions: 1. 1917. When such a railing would be impracticable or ineffective, other effective means shall be provided to prevent employees from falling into the water. Since they handle. For shorter stairs, or stairs not open to a fall, or stairs installed before 1/17/17, all you need is a handrail. 11 inches (27. If your system was installed before January 2017, the mandatory height decreases to 30 inches. Like the alternating tread stair, OSHA 1910. 2. 25. 5) The step height, also known as the riser height, must be no less than 4 inches and no greater than 7 inches. Handrail Height. The upright member of a step situated at the back of a lower tread and near the leading edge of the next higher tread. May 20, 2021. Many contractors construct a combo handrail and stair rail system, installed on both sides, to cover all safety requirements. For more information, see Section 1011 of the 2015 International Building Code for a more in-depth look at commercial stair requirements. Therefore, if your stair railings are 30-34" as specified in §1910. Mr. In addition, OSHA requires that fall protection be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance. At least one handrail One stair rail system with handrail on open side. This discussion serves as a quick and easy reference for use on job sites. 5 inches, allowing for a comfortable and secure grip. A - Optimal range: 30º-35º. Rauchut, This is in response to your letter of July 18, 2017, requesting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to address a specific question of whether any safety factor is required in the design of handrails and top rails. OR-OSHA Admin. Where fall from height is significant it is recommended to. 1915. Ramps, Runways, Stairwells, and Stairs. If stairs are too steep, and they don’t have railings, or if screens and balustrades are not strong and secure. OSHA catwalk width requirements. Handrails must be ‘positioned between 900 and 1000mm above the pitchline’. Railing height for guard rail. 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. 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. 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. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. Requirements for barriers and handrails. You express your belief that OSHA does not have such a requirement. The general standards also address. 24. + Note that handrails or guards used for. Distance between the two stair railings as measured from the two closest edges. 1910. Stairways . 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. 5. 1052(c)(1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm), whichever is less, shall be equipped with at least one handrail and one stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. the International Building Code or IBC sets the stair and handrail requirements for public buildings and public spaces. Riser. (ii) When the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard to use guardrail, safety net, or personal fall protection systems on residential roofs, the employer must develop and implement a fall protection plan that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926. Minimum Tread Depth 9. ( d) Inspection, maintenance, and repair. Handrails on stairways: Each flight of stairs having at least four risers and three treads must have: • At least one handrail. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Strength. The railing height should be at least 42 inches from the first edge of the tread to the rail's upper edge. Also see GUARDRAIL CODES & STANDARDS for details about safety railings on landings and open hallways, porches, screened porches, balconies - horizontal walking surfaces. Standard height requirements for each are stated in (f)(1). See figure D-13 Combination Handrail and Stair Rail. Dear. The Bulletin is advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended to assist employers inADA Chapter 5 Section 505. The IBC commercial handrail code states that each stair is provided with a separate handrail or grabrail attached to the guardrail. new stairs, inside handrails shall be continuous between flights at landings. Minimum 8. 28 and 1910. therefore, they are not spiral stairs and must meet the requirements of §1910. Exception 1: Guardrails located at the open side of a stair run shall not be less than 34 inches in height. It also must be able to withstand 50lbs being. Guardrail Requirements vs. 5. Handrails have different height requirements than guardrails. Stairwells and Stairs. 15 Midrails. 1926. Railings and toeboards must meet the specifications laid out in Article 16 in the California Code of Regulations. As a means of egress, exterior exit stairs must meet all the requirements set forth in IBC section 1011. In addition, interior and exterior stairs that are part of a means of egress must comply with requirements in the ABA Standards (§504). 7. and alternating tread stairs are not subject to these requirements. 1910. 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. Distance between the two stair railings as measured from the two closest edges. 91. 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. Under §1910. 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. 1052(c)(5), (c)(6)). A safety handrail provides stability with a handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway or. The termination point may also be a newel post per FBC-R 311. Minimum single stair railing distance. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. 2. 5 inches. [ §504] Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails. 451(e)(4)]Law and Regulations ; Federal Registers ; Open for Comment ; Regulatory Agenda ; Standard Interpretations ; Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. OSHA stairs requirements for alternating tread stairs General OSHA stair requirements 5 Compliant fall protection 2 3 Uniform riser heights and tread. See full disclaimer at. handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs; Canadian stair handrails: 32-36" above the stairs; Wall clearance: Handrails along a wall must have at least 1. Is it illegal not to have a handrail on stairs? Handrails are mandatory. RAILINGS open-sided stairs < 44” require 1 stair rail/side; open-sided stairs > 44” require 1 stair rail and 1 separate handrail/side. A pedestrian safety rail is not required in areas where no pedestrian or maintenance personnel are expected. 1, Ex. 1926. 13 Stair Rails. 25 inches and 1. According to the International Code Council¹, stairs need a handrail when there are more than four risers. 24, OSHA prescribes the use of handrails and railings as fall protection. Stair Rails and Handrails. ”. Anchorage. 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. The IBC commercial handrail code states that each stair is provided with a separate handrail or grabrail attached to the guardrail. Handrails not shown for clarity. (36 in. The OSHA rules aim to ensure a safe working environment for all employees. Minimum handrail wall clearance of 1. 5 and 35. 5 cm) in height. 25(b)(2) Vertical clearance above any stair tread to any overhead obstruction is at least 6 feet, 8 inches (203 cm), asThe standard requires guardrail systems and components to be designed and built to meet the requirements of § 1926. DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: There is movement in the anchors of the handrail. Top of gripping surfaces of handrails shall be 34 inches (865 mm) minimum and 38 inches (965 mm) maximum vertically above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. 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. 1 It is our understanding that STD-01-01-010 was adopted in light of pre-OSHA General Industry practices. 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. 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. This appendix serves as a non-mandatory guideline to assist employers in complying with these requirements. 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. Basement entry stairs, steps, handrails: this document describes details for constructing, repairing, or inspecting basement stairs, railings, landings, treads, exterior entries to basements, basement stairwell covers & drains, and related conditions for safety and proper construction. Risers (the vertical element connecting treads) that are no less than 6 inches in height and no more than 7. S. General Industry Safety Orders, Group 1. ( 13) Work on low-slope roofs. Handrails and the top rails of stair rail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in any downward or outward direction within 2 inches (5 cm) of any point along the top edge of the rail. 5 inches. - stair codes vary; this quote is from he CBC 1003. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. Photo: Getty Images. 23 (b) General requirements for all ladders. 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"). So if a handrail is provided on one side, the minimum clear width is 31. Overview. IBC handrail code requirements for commercial stairs. 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. HTML PDF: 296-24-93503:Janek 15/11/2011 House building, National Building Regulations (SA), safety, SANS10400-NBR (SA) 133 Comments 97,848 Views. Normal use by employees. A 40mm diameter Dowl handrail must be fixed to the wall at a minimum of 900mm centres between the supports. If your system was installed before January 2017, the mandatory height decreases to 30 inches. Dear Mr. OSHA REGULATIONS for TEMPORARY STAIRS & RAILINGS; OSHA REGULATIONS for STAIR RAILINGS & GUARDRAILS; OSHA 1926. If there are more than four stairs in a stairway, they must have fixed railings. Design and Construction of Railings. - 10/27/1992. E* - Tread depth: 23. Railings & Guardrail: railings required on open sides of stairwells and 42" high handrail on the side, preferably right side descending. (h) Railings and handrails. NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF REAL ESTATE U. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only. SUBJECT: 1926. There shouldn't be obstructions on the top or sides of the handrails. A handrail every 60" of horizontal distance at any place along the stairs. Rise. We hope you find this information helpful. The new codes require that the width of a staircase can be no less than 36”. It does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities in OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. If the stairs have nosings, you measure from the leading edge of the nosing to the edge of the next step’s nosing. Scaffolding terms mean: Bearer. Railing spaced from. S. Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails. There are a number of regulations related to the design and placement of handrails in permanent structures, and those rules vary based on the intended use of this safety system. Table D-2 under section 1910. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), as long as the guardrail system meets all other criteria. 15. 29 CFR 1910. 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. Also, OSHA determined that it was appropriate to adopt. Learn the general and specific criteria for guardrail systems that meet the requirements of the OSHA Fall Protection Standards. The final rule could appear in late 2021 or early. 1910. Section 18(b) of The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, P. Safety and Health Regulations for Construction; Subpart: 1926 Subpart X; Subpart Title:. The handrail is clearly a center. The height must be uniform for the entire run of the handrail. Basic OSHA Stair Requirements. Stairways . Examples of code requirements our spiral stairs meet include: a minimum clear width at and below the handrail of 26 inches (660 mm), each tread having a 71/2-inch(190 mm), and minimum tread depth being 12 inches (914 mm) from the narrower edge. The OSHA gangway rail requirements are found in OSHA section 1910. . S. 29 (f) (1) (ii) (B)) and the handrail must be 30 to 38 inches in height (§1910. (1) Stairways shall be al least 24 inches in width and shall be equipped with stair rails, handrails, treads, and landings. (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. 1 This standard deals with the safety requirements to be provided in buildings where there is danger of persons or materials falling through floor or wall openings, or from stairways, or catwalks. California CA/OSHA Title 8 Building Code Stair & Railing Safety & Construction Details. Table D-2 - Stairway Handrail Requirements; Stair width Enclosed One open side Two open sides. Handrail must be continuous. Though the terms guardrails and handrails are often used interchangeably, they are different structures both in use and requirements. S. 5” Minimum tread depth of 9. 1053 (a) (4) (ii) The minimum clear distance between side rails for all portable ladders shall be 11½ inches (29 cm). This code information sheet is not an all-inclusive list of state laws or additional code requirements that. 2. 23. • There must be a stair rail at each open side. Minimum Tread Depth 9. The stairway must be at least 36 inches wide, measured above the handrail. Handrails should run continuously on both sides of the staircase. Minimum 11 inch stair tread depth. com. Handrails on stairways: Each flight of stairs having at least four risers and three treads must have: • At least one handrail. 24 (e), if they have a rise of 7. 5" of clearance between the inside surface of the rail and the wall surface. • Ends must return to wall, post or safety terminalStair rails installed before Jan. By explaining the requirements and specific changes in the National Construction Code (NCC) Volume Two 2019, you will understand your obligations and the effects on. §3214. 8 Stair Railing - A barrier erected along exposed sides of a stairway to prevent fall of persons. The railing height should be at least 42 inches from the first edge of the tread to the rail's upper edge. 2.