5-35. Guardrail systems must be capable of withstanding at least 200 pounds of force applied within 2 inches of the top edge, in any direction and at any point along the edge, and without causing the top edge of the guardrail to deflect downward to a height less than 39 inches above the walking/working level. A proposed rule announced by OSHA on May 20 would update certain handrail and stair rail system requirements for the agency’s general industry walking-working surfaces standard. This would apply to railings installed prior to the effective date of the clarification. The railing height should be at least 42 inches from the first edge of the tread to the rail's upper edge. ADA Chapter 5 Section 505. Handrails must be placed between 34″ and 38″ in height, measuring from the nosing of the stair. Another thing to note is that the OSHA hand clearance is 2. In addition, interior and exterior stairs that are part of a means of egress must comply with requirements in the ABA Standards (§504). 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. 3. . Residential building code handrail requirements for stairs provide for handrails on at least one side of a flight of stairs with two or more risers. (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. principal height standard: handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs. 2. 94 cm) 6 inches (15. A. 1910. A spiral stair with these requirements that is shipped in one section will be an inexpensive, easy-to-ship. See the illustration below for a comparison:. The top member of railing usually serves as a handrail. Stair Rails and Handrails. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 5 of 12 DEFICIENCY 2 – UNIT: HANDRAIL IS NOT SECURE DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: There is movement in the anchors of the handrail. 5) The step height, also known as the riser height, must be no less than 4 inches and no greater than 7 inches. 15 Midrails. Flights of stairways within dwelling units and flights of spiral stairways are permitted to have a handrail on one side only. Stairway Handrails Recommendation: In facilities that primarily serve children, a second set of stairway handrails 28 inches high maximum above stair nosings is advisable. 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. 07 to 8. These systems may be mounted 36-38 inches high. The ADA also specifies that handrails should have a diameter between 1. 7. 5″ to 12″ of a vertical rise. 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. 1052 (a) (1) - Scaffold step unit towers when used for access to locations other than scaffold platforms. S. 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. S. 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. "Handrails are 30-38 inches. Also, OSHA determined that it was appropriate to adopt. It also specifies the dimensions,. - 10/28/2004. The IBC mimimum requirements for wide stairs are: A handrail on both sides of the wide stairway. Stair Rails and Handrails. Handrails with a non. Uniform angle of rise, riser height, and tread width; all within specified acceptable ranges. S. That is why every flight of stairs having four. 5 inches. Both measurements are from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the handrail. • Stairs wider than 44 inches must have a handrail. This is more than the 1. Law and Regulations ; Federal Registers ; Open for Comment ; Regulatory Agenda ; Standard Interpretations ; Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. See Section PM-702. HTML PDF: 296-24-74020: Spiral stairs. 500, GUARDRAILS, HANDRAILS & GUARDS [PDF] Standard Number 1926. Figure D-12 - Handrail Measurement (2) The height of stair rail systems meets the following: (a) The height of. 1, Ex. S. 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. 23(e) because the height of the standard railing on the stair landing is less than 42 inches nominal. 1. This was a little better but not as logical or as safe as a 42" guard. The basics of handrail standards and when they apply. Stairs should be in safe condition and be of suitable design and dimensions for their use, as set out in Building Regulations Approved Document K. IMDG, TDG, MSHA, OSHA, and Canada OHS Regulations and Safety Online Training Since 2008 This document is provided as a training aid and may not reflect current laws and regulations. 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). Railings for industrial spiral staircases have their own specific set of OSHA rules. Oregon OSHA defines a stairway as a series of steps and landings having three or more risers. 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. 5 to 1 cm*. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. Kevin Rauchut NVR, Inc. §ïßMfk ±¢l ¶DôŸ9 r FÄÚy° i]0 é1,¸ ò·X¿ ?ré,‚Å & 6 A+V V× ô÷†ä—‡ «¾l &¯†i“ r€ïÍ ÐÅ á}§¥@Ú ¿³j‡lôHUSf^ —ÚÇ3Bgû Räo¨ç yߨœA+¨nEÀ. The railing height should be at least 42 inches from the first edge of the tread to the rail's upper edge. 5 cm. 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. If you have an edge that does not pose this risk, you should be OK with standard railing without toeboard. 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. 5 inches and the minimum stair tread is 9. Handrails shall be provided on not less than one side of each flight of stairs with four or more risers. sides of stairways and platforms to prevent falls of persons. , able to withstand 200 pounds of weight applied within two inches of the top edge in any downward or outward direction at any point along the top edge) (see 29 CFR 1926. O. 1 It is our understanding that STD-01-01-010 was adopted in light of pre-OSHA General Industry practices. A horizontal part of a. Safety Requirements. Handrail ends shall be returned to a wall or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminations. 28; (2) Vertical clearance above any stair tread to any overhead obstruction is at least 6 feet, 8 inches (203 cm), as measured from the leading edge of the tread. 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. At least one handrail One stair rail system with handrail on open side. Distance. Barrier design 40 20. HTML PDF: 296-24-74025: Ship stairs. OSHA 30-Hour Construction is an online course that. A (half-tread width) B. 25(c) Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal Maximum riser height of 9. 1910. OSHA 1910. • Ends must return to wall, post or safety terminalStair rails installed before Jan. Introduction. 25″ and 2″. 1910. OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal. Pursuant to §1910. 25 must be met, including the need for guardrails, handrails, vertical clearance of 6'-8", uniform treads/risers, etc. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 5 of 14 DEFICIENCY 2 – UNIT: HANDRAIL IS NOT SECURE. Stairways less than 44 inches (1118 mm) in width or stairways serving one individual dwelling unit in Group R, Division 1 or 3 Occupancy or a Group R, Division 3 congregate residence may have one handrail. 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. 5 and 35. OSHA then issued a ruling that allowed the handrail on the stair to double as a guard if it were 36" high. Ramps, Runways, Stairwells, and Stairs. Handrails should be installed between 34” and 38” from the walking surface of the ramp. Table D-2 under section 1910. 23 (e) (11), which details the maximum openings for wall opening screens, would apply in the above situation. (36 in. These handrails cannot project more than 4. OSHA is therefore proposing two separate provisions for stairs with two open sides Start Printed Page 27334 and a width of less than 44 inches: The corrected requirements for new handrails and stair rail systems (located in Table D-2), and a separate provision to retain the current requirements for already existing handrails and stair rail systems. 1926. 17. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Existing Table D–2 contains a. (1910. 2. . 2. ( d) Inspection, maintenance, and repair. S. Handrails on stairways: Each flight of stairs having at least four risers and three treads must have: • At least one handrail. Stairwells and Stairs. 1926. Stair railing. Minimum single stair railing distance. NFPA 101 Figure A. 25(c) Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal Maximum riser height of 9. 25(f)(1) Have a series of treads includes at a slope a 50 to 70 degrees from the horizontal;OSHA published a proposed rule in May 2021 to clarify this. As for the load calculations, it is imperative to know that. Reference definitions in 1910. Guardrail can be designed to be suitable for use as a handrail. 24 (a) (1) Each step bolt installed on or after January 17, 2017 in an environment where corrosion may occur is constructed of, or coated with, material that protects against corrosion; 1910. However, OSHA would consider the 36- to 37-inch height of the railing in the first drawing as a de minimis violation of the standard. 28 includes unprotected sides and edges. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1626. Standard railings shall be provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms. Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails. This is consistent. - to “one stair rail system with handrail on each open side”. S. 23 (e) (2), you are in compliance with §1910. 2. com. Theatre galleries, balconies, or other such elevated seating locations, where a 42-inch railing would obstruct the sight lines, may be protected by a guardrail or other barrier of not less than 34 inches in height provided that a horizontal concave safety ledge not less than 6 inches in depth and not less than 36 inches in effective width is installed beyond the. handrails for stairs with one side against a wall: 30-38" U. §3215. 2 m) One handrail on each enclosed side One Stair rail system with handrail on open side and one handrail on enclosed side. 23 – Walking-Working Surfaces. Unenclosed porches, balconies, and landings, which are more than thirty inches above grade or floor below must not be less than thirty-six inches in height and must have intermediate rails spaced such that a sphere four inches in diameter cannot pass through. 1 Height. If stairs are too steep, and they don’t have railings, or if screens and balustrades are not strong and secure. IBC handrail code requirements for commercial stairs. If the guard top rail is not used as a Handrail, it would not have graspability requirements. Hand Railing projection into stairs (<= 4. 91. Ships with rubber bumper attached to the center stringer. (1) Handrails are not less than 30 inches (76 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm), as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the handrail (see Figure D-12 of this section). (b) A stairway which is not more than 44 inches wide and which has 1 open side shall have a stair railing on the open side. 26. Overview Dimensions Loads Details Ramps/Stairs Handrails Construction Cal-OSHA FAQs Talk to an Expert 1. 23 that addresses stair railings is subsection (e) (2) and not (e) (1). the International Building Code or IBC sets the stair and handrail requirements for public buildings and public spaces. WASHINGTON, DC – The U. 5 inches for stands with a top height of 4 feet or more, 36 inches for stands with. OSHA fall protection requirements for general industry and construction are addressed in 29 CFR 1910. Cal-OSHA’s 1” tolerance only allows for a minimum height of 41”. The upright member of a step situated at the back of a lower tread and near the leading edge of the next higher tread. Australian Standard 1170. That part of §1910. 10. Handrails and guardrails. NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF REAL ESTATE U. We also include references to stair codes and stair and. 5 inches at the walk line, a riser height maximum of 9. 31-1/2 inches. Dear Mr. Handrails Requirements for handrails are as follows: Handrails and top rails of the stair rail systems must be able to withstand, without failure, at least 200 pounds (890 n) of weight applied within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge in any downward or outward direction, at any point along the top edge. Job-made ladders: ANSI A14. 502 (b) (3), (4), and (5). Rise. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. California CA/OSHA Title 8 Building Code Stair & Railing Safety & Construction Details. Under §1910. 29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). Risers are the vertical parts in between steps, so that means any stairway with four or more steps needs a handrail. 5-1982 - American National. 24. 1052(c)(7) Dear Mr. [IBC 1011. 2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by a personal fall arrest system. 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. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. Unprotected openings in roofs could, therefore, be cited under the general duty clause of. If there are more than four stairs in a stairway, they must have fixed railings. 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. 8. Also, OSHA determined that it was appropriate to adopt the one and one-half clearance required most recently in section 5. Guardrail Requirements vs. __. Reach us at at 844-314. OSHA publishes a final rule. This code information sheet is not an all-inclusive list of state laws or additional code requirements that. It also talks about when stairs require handrail. This checklist covers regulations issued by the U. OSHA Standards and Interpretation Letter: 06/16/1999 - Scaffolds: Lifelines, support lines, and suspension ropes cannot have a common anchor point. In the U. g. Below are some safety tips to keep in mind the next time you approach a stairway: Use the handrail. 29(k)(1), the new toeboard requirement needs to be at least 3. Have handrails that meet the requirements of § 1917. 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. handrail height on each side . According to the ADA, handrails on stairs should be between 30 inches and 38 inches in height, measured from the leading edge of the stair tread. surfaces and their access; workplace, floor, wall and . 2 Width and capacity. 1 m) to 88 inches (2. Use internal couplings, Type 18-7, to maintain continuity. • Stairs wider than 88 inches must also have a handrail down the middle of the stairway. This specially designed Stair /. 1926. 2. Each stair must also be provided with a railing system. OSHA stairs requirements for alternating tread stairs General OSHA stair requirements 5 Compliant fall protection 2 3 Uniform riser heights and tread. 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. You had specific questions regarding the use of ship's stairs in general industry. 500 (f) (1) (vi) provides the specification criteria for a standard railing exception as follows: (vi) Other types, sizes, and arrangements of railing construction are acceptable, provided they meet the following conditions: (a) A smooth-surfaced top rail at a height above floor, platform, runway, or ramp level of approximately. On stairways 88 or more inches wide, one handrai on each enclosed side, one stair railing on each open side, and one intermediate stair railing located. Handrail design 26 14. _ Stair rails installed after March 15,1991, must be not less than 36 inches (91. The IBC code for structural design has some very specific requirements for deck stairs: Stair rails on decks should be between 34 inches and 38 inches high, measured vertically from the nose of the. OSHA Fall Protection Requirements. - 10/01/2012. §3214. OSHA 29 CFR 1910. Weight-Bearing. S. 5 inches (24 cm); andThe same height specifications apply to handrails on stairs. (A) Scope. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route (e. In addition, OSHA requires that fall protection be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance. 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. Mr. Handrails are a support aid when using stairs. Handrail, stair rail, and guardrail system requirements. OSHA Handrail Standards. See Section 3209. 7. See full disclaimer at. Railings and handrails. HEALTH AND SAFETY DETERMINATION: Standard This is a. The International Building Code is a model code prepared under the umbrella of the ICC, and. D* - Step width: 90 cm min. 1050-1060) deal mainly with when and where ladders or stairs are required. §3214. ADA Chapter 5 Section 505. 5 inches, a minimum width of 26 inches, and a headroom clearance of 78 inches. Stair Rails and Handrails. 28 (b)(11)(ii): Each flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers are equipped with stair rail systems and handrails. 36 inches. For example, stairs manufactured with a 45-degree stairway rise must have a minimum rise and tread of 8. 1910. 5” on either side of the stairway. §1626. 29 – Fall protection systems and falling. For these stair rail systems, the top rail may serve as a handrail, provided the top rail is 36 to 38 inches in height (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail) and meets all other handrail requirements in §1910. When the top edge of a stairrail system also serves as a handrail, paragraph (c) (7) of this. The OSHA rules and standards regarding handrails are in the section about the fall protection systems. One stair rail system with handrail on each open side. E - Tread run: between 25. General dimensions. Stair Rails and Handrails. OSHA, however, opened a rulemaking proceeding in 1990 to revise. The stairway must be at least 36 inches wide, measured above the handrail. Design and construction of guardrails and stair handrails shall comply with SBC Code, OSHA Standards, and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. ) (h) Vertical Clearance. The height of a handrail above the floor or the nosing of a stair tread, shall be between 900mm and 1100mm. This measurement includes the length of the baluster or post, plus the thickness of the handrail. If your system was installed before January 2017, the mandatory height decreases to 30 inches. Risers for OSHA stairs are allowed to be open. Question: Do light-use stairs greater than 88 inches wide require a center stair railing? Response: The. 25 (b) (4)] IBC requires the same width as OSHA. The handrail height, headroom, riser height and distance between the center column and handrail will pass OSHA standards. OSHA IBC Handrail Height Min/Max 30˝/38˝ 34˝/38˝ Guardrail Height 42˝ Min. 23 (e) (2), you are in compliance with §1910. Midrails, screens, mesh, and other. The standard prohibits using repaired wire. 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. 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. Plus, they are required to have an intermediary landing if the staircase has a rise of 12’ or more. One IBC defines the various design requirements for handrails, providing clear and concise. S. Stair strength. 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. 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. 25 (b) (4)] IBC requires the same width as OSHA. 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. WASHINGTON, DC – The U. Find out the enforcement guidance and the enforcement policy for stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017, which must meet the 42-inch height standard. 5" tall, with no more than a 1/4" gap at the bottom. 1 is used in situations where the public has access to a stairwell, elevated walkway,. Oct 27 2017. They give size requirements of; 1910. " 29 CFR 1910. Minimum tread depth of 9. This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. The upright member of a step situated at the back of a lower tread and near the leading edge of the next higher tread. Specifically, the following sections are the most relevant to handrail and stair rail requirements. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1620. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-3326(g). 21(b)(5). 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. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 3305 (b). The handrail must be continuous for the run of the stairs or ramp. shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. Maximum 7-3/4 inch stair riser height. Use tread and rise requirements that vary by stairway angle. 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. You should consider whether they: are well lit; have handrails at an appropriate height that contrasts with the surroundings; have good slip resistance properties, particularly at the leading edge;Further, OSHA standard 1910. Handrails not shown for clarity. For the slope of an IBC stair system, the horizontal run of the stair systems should be 1. The 2010 Standards set minimum requirements – both scoping and technical – for newly designed and constructed or altered State and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. (c) (1) (ii) One stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. 23 (e) (3) (iv), the anchoring of posts and framing of members for railings of all types. (c) Stair rails and handrails. Steps and stairs – key dimensions 25 13. Greater than 88 inches. 1. Vertical clearance. ( 13) Work on low-slope roofs. The stairways must be installed between 30 degrees to 50 degrees from horizontal. An OSHA-approved state plan must have safety and health requirements at least as effective as those of Federal OSHA and must adopt comparable stateAt a point less than 12’ in elevation, this spiral stair has a rest landing which is also an OSHA requirement. See all powder-coated color options. sides of stairways and platforms to prevent falls of persons. . 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. 29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). §1626. 1(b)Handrails, Guards, Grab Bars, Seats and Vehicle Barriers). 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. 24 cm). Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. Other stair requirements of 7. Enforcement. This discussion serves as a quick and easy reference for use on job sites. 3 Exit Stair Handrails . 3 Handrail extensions. Mr. (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. - 08/30/1999. There shouldn't be obstructions on the top or sides of the handrails. In All Other Areas . . Under §1910. (1910. Four or More Risers: According to OSHA regulations, handrails are required on stairways with four or more risers (steps). 50" the IBC requires for accessibility. 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. 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. Where fall from height is significant it is recommended to. ADA handrails with a non-circular cross-section should have a perimeter dimension between 4″ and 6. (vertical members in handrails) A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs have two different meanings. Finally, remember handrails must be between 30 and 38 inches as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread. SUMMARY: OSHA is proposing changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify which handrail and stair rail system requirements apply to new. The IBC defines the various design requirements for handrails, providing clear and concise specifications. Minimum Tread Depth 9. We hope you find this information helpful. The following requirements apply to all stairways as indicated: (1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm), whichever is less, shall be equipped with: (A) At least one handrail; and (B) A stair rail consisting of a top rail and mid-rail along each unprotected side or edge. Anchorage. 5 cm*. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. Riser. Minimum width of 22”. 2. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the general industry standard 29 CFR 1910. Treads (the horizontal stair element you step on) that are at least 10 inches in depth and no more than 14 inches. 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. When such a railing would be impracticable or ineffective, other effective means shall be provided to prevent employees from falling into the water.