osha handrail requirements for stairs. There is no maximum clearance between two handrails because it will depend on the width of the stairs. osha handrail requirements for stairs

 
There is no maximum clearance between two handrails because it will depend on the width of the stairsosha handrail requirements for stairs 2

Clearance. Handrails must not project into the stairway more than 4 ½ inches—so with one handrail, the stairway can’t be less than 31 ½ inches wide, as measured at or below the rail, and with two handrails, the. The required number of handrails is 2. A stair rail system shall be provided on all unprotected sides or edges of stairways with a fall hazard of four feet (1. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. S. Custom built to exact height. The International Building Code (IBC) is a model code for commercial construction that provides minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare of the occupants of new and existing buildings and structures. Equipto offers two styles of OSHA complaint stairways. Learn the general and specific requirements for guardrail systems on stairs from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1910. scope, purpose and appli-cation 1. 29(b)(2)(iv) of OSHA code outlines the need for semi-continuous handrails in work environments. One stair rail system each open side. 500, Guardrails, handrails & guards. At the top of a stair flight, handrails shall extend horizontally above the landing for 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beginning directly above the first riser nosing. The OSHA requirements for stairrails and handrails are contained in 1926. OSHA's requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. The handrail's ends must either be rounded or smoothly meet the floor, wall or post. Stair Rails and Handrails. The standards for fixed ladders in §1910. Handrails shall be at a consistent height above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. Since many employers installed new railings at that height, OSHA is proposing to expand the height range by allowing a railing of 30 to 38 inches. Hand Railing projection into stairs (<= 4. This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. The OSHA rules aim to ensure a safe working environment for all employees. Enforcement. 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. 1. 1. Anyone climbing or going down the stairs should be able to hold the handrails firmly. Stairway Railings and Guards Every flight of stairs with four or more risers shall have standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified below. ASME A17. 1910. 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. Djkevinpaul. Oct 27 2017. There are many more codes,. 3. g. Balusters. OSHA stairs are required to be a minimum of 22 inches wide. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing updates in the handrail and stair rail system. 8. Stair Rails and Handrails. Risers for OSHA stairs are allowed to be open. The employer must ensure: 1910. Note: Dimensions and stair requirements apply only to individual dwelling units in residential occupancies. Minimum handrail wall clearance of 1. 1910. Stairs that connect play components shall not be required to comply with [Standard] 504. Stairways . Because interpreta-tions and enforcement policy may change over time, you should consult current OSHA administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the Courts for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements. OSHA requirements for standard stairs. (2) A mid-rail shall be halfway between the top. SPS 321. Railing spaced from. Requirements for Ladders OSHA has reorganized separate rules for fixed ladders, portable wood ladders and portable. Handrails on the open side of a stairway must meet guardrail requirements. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. new stairs, inside handrails shall be continuous between flights at landings. 5 inches at the walk line, a riser height maximum of 9. Plant structures and buildings shall be considered Group F, Industrial Occupancy,A minimum of 31. TrainingAll ladders from Alaco Ladder meet the following Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standards for ladders, including the following: 1910. We have paraphrased your questions, and our replies follow. 23 includes requirements for ladders, where OSHA defines handrail requirements on platforms and how high safety railings must be. 29 (f) (1) (ii) (B)) and the handrail must be 30 to 38 inches in height (§1910. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. Minimum 6′-8″ headroom height clearance for stairway. 1050 (a) Scope and Application. Enforcement. 1910. Contact OSHA . 29 (b) (1): The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. Handrail diameter between 1. Question 1: Are ship's ladders (also known as ship's stairs) required to meet the fixed ladder requirements in 29 CFR 1910. Stairs should be in safe condition and be of suitable design and. • 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. 5 cm) from the upper surface of the stair rail to the surface of the tread. The requirements for handrails and stairs in the 2016 Final Rule led many employers to seek clarification from OSHA about when handrails. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only. of the stair. 1. All catwalks have to be equipped with railings that can withstand up to 200 pounds of pressure. The Agency believes that scaffold stairways present a serious fall hazard. 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. I just didn’t know if there was a. Our Crossover stairs and platforms provide safe passage over areas with obstructions, danger zones, and other hazards. The requirements of OSHA safety regulations for the safe use of ladders and stairs (Subpart X, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1926. There are typically state administrative codes that will define certain requirements for handrails, stairs, landings, and such, in other instances ADA requirements could apply. 5 inches, a minimum width of 26 inches, and a headroom clearance of 78 inches. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. 1052 (b) - OSHA does not have the legal authority to evaluate and certify products. surfaces and their access; workplace, floor, wall and . In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route1926. Handrail is rail that provides a handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway or step ladder. In May 2021, OSHA proposed two revisions to the Walking-Working Surfaces Standard at 29 CFR 1910, Subpart D, to clarify new requirements added when the Standard was overhauled in 2016. Specifically, the following sections are the most relevant to handrail and stair rail requirements. 23 (a) (1) Used in emergency operations such as firefighting, rescue, and tactical law enforcement operations, or training for these operations; or. The governing requirement for the guarding of ladderway floor openings and platforms is paragraph 1910. 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. Also, OSHA determined that it was appropriate to adopt the one and one-half clearance required. OSHA publishes a final rule. When the handrail is integrated into the top railing of a guard rail system, it must be contoured in a way to allow for gripping. Must be at least 22 inches in width. 5" tread depth. Each stair must also be provided with a railing system. 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. tall, guards on stairs can be as low as 34 in. 23, Guarding floor and wall openings and holes: 1910. Section 03 30 00, CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE: Concrete fill for treads and platforms. " 29 CFR 1910. 23 (e) (3) (iii), installations, posts and top and intermediate rails are to be of 2-inch by 2-inch by 3/8-inch angles or other metal shapes of equivalent bending strength with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers. 23 (a) (2): Every ladderway floor opening or platform shall be guarded by a standard railing with standard toeboard on all exposed sides (except at entrance to opening), with the passage through the railing either provided with a. 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. ago. Find out the enforcement guidance. 5 cm) in height. At least one handrail must be provided for stairs with four or more risers or 30 inches of ascent. Rolling stairs OSHA codes are followed strictly when manufacturing all of our rolling stairs/ladders. Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. The final rule could appear in late 2021 or early. • Handrails are a support aid when using stairs. 28; ( 2) Vertical clearance above any stair tread to any overhead obstruction is at least 6 feet, 8. Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails. 29(d) Designated Areas. 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742 Federal Government White House; Benefits. 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. ”. 408. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. This would apply to railings installed prior to the effective date of the clarification. Question 3: Can we provide a cage on the ladder, which extends to the handrails on the platform below,. 29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). 23 - OSHA requires fall protection for elevator work when a fall hazard is present. Familiarity of the current standard and proposed changes will keep employers from being caught off guard should the standards change. A single bar or pipe supported onOSHA believes that a uniform riser height within 1/4 inch (0. The Secretary of State designated OAR Chapter 437 as the “Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Code. If the stairs are likely to be loaded in excess of the above requirements, refer to AS/NZS 1170. One stair rail system each open side. Question: Do light-use stairs greater than 88 inches wide require a center stair railing? Response: The. Handrail height requirements for stairs play a vital role in ensuring safety, accessibility, and compliance with building codes and regulations. 5. 21(b)(1) and 1910. 25(d)(1) The minimum clearance of a handrail between any other object is 2. At least one handrail: One stair rail system with handrail on open side. 04(3)(b)6. 5 inches (24 cm);1917. e. 1910. 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. Except for the entrance, stairway floor openings. Distance between the two stair railings as measured from the two closest edges. What are the hand railing safety requirements? The height of the handrail is outlined in the Australian Building code. 6] OSHA set the design requirements for alternating tread stairs included teil 1910. Required number of handrails is 2. 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. 44 inches (1. 28(b)(5)(ii)(A). 29 (f) (1) (ii) (B)) and the handrail must be 30 to 38 inches in height (§1910. (c) Stair rails and handrails. standard handrails according to the requirements for stairways. The IBC defines the various design requirements for handrails, providing clear and concise specifications. 3 Horizontal projections. - 10/28/2004. 25″ with a maximum cross-section dimension of 2. This section covers the general and specific requirements for stairways, including standard, spiral, ship, and alternating tread-type stairs, except for articulated stairs. 1- 2000 Safety Code for Elevators and. 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. That is why every flight of stairs having four. Stair Railing Specifications - guards along stairways. According to building code, handrails are required when there are four or more “risers,” referring to the vertical portion of a stair. ” Six general subject areas within this code are designated as “Divisions. , measured from the line connecting tread nosings—the same as the minimum height for handrails. safety requirements for workplace walking/working . - UBC. 27 do not apply to ship's. 1910. References. Any change in elevation int walking surfaces greater than 9. The standards for fixed ladders in §1910. 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. The employer must ensure each safety net system meets the requirements in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart M. 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. 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 &. Always OSHA-Compliant – Built to comply with OSHA’s regulations in any configuration. // B. Design and Construction of Railings. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. g. The ADA Standards apply requirements for stairways to each stair that is part of a required means of egress (§210). The handrail may form the top of a guarding if you can match the heights. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. Generally, the minimum stair width is 44 inches, unless the stairway serves an occupant load of less than 50, in which case the minimum width is 36 inches. "The employer must ensure each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1. Whether it’s a residential staircase or a commercial space, understanding and implementing the appropriate handrail height is essential for creating a secure environment for users. OSHA 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. Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements: Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway. Section 1910. 29. 25(f) beneath: 1910. Stair railings and handrails shall be in-stalled in accordance with the provi-sions of §1910. Many contractors construct a combo handrail and stair rail system, installed on both sides, to cover all safety requirements. 2Height. The employer must ensure each safety net system meets the requirements in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart M. Every interior and exterior stairway attached to, or supported by any part of the structure covered under this code. 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"). The answer to your question is that 1910. 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). 5" tread; Stair Width: minimum 22" Railings & Guardrail: railings required on open sides of stairwells and 42" high handrail on the side, preferably right. Regarding risers and tread, OSHA stairs typically have an 8-inch open riser and a 9-inch tread. This appendix serves as a non-mandatory guideline to assist employers in complying with these requirements. Both handrails and guardrails must be capable of withstanding a minimum of 200 pounds of pressure applied from any direction at any point along the rails. Chad Holder. The stairway must be at least 36 inches wide, measured above the handrail. Handrails and the top rails of stairrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 n) applied within 2 inches (5 cm) of the. Handrails shall be. 25″ and 2″. 23 (b) General requirements for all ladders. Doors and gates opening onto stairway. 28 includes unprotected sides and edges. Order 4-1998, f/8/28/98, ef. 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. Compliance. 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. 17, 2017, must be at least 42 inches. S. The OSHA General Requirements (29 CFR 1926. 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 inside handrail should be continuous on switchback or dogleg ramps. 2. DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: Handrail is not functionally adequate (i. " 29 CFR 1910. handrails for stairs with one side against a wall: 30-38" U. 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. 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. 91. (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) A handrail shall be of a configuration that provides a handhold when grasped to avoid a fall and shall follow the slope of the stairway. The space between the inside of the handrail and the wall or any other obstruction must be at least 1-1/2”. (b) General requirements. Box 4067 Albany, New York. The Ontario Building Code | Handrails. handrail if needed. 23(e)(6) states: "All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or. 5″. 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. 1060) are explained in this discussion. Residential Interior Stairs Code Requirements. Fixed Industrial Stairs: OSHA Standard 1910. 5″. 1003. 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. Handrails are a support aid when using stairs. The top of handrails and handrail extensions shall not be placed less than 34” (864 mm) nor more than 38 inches (965 mm) above landings and the nosing of treads. HEIGHT CLEARANCE minimum 6’6” clearance from nose of tread to overhead obstruction. HTML PDF: 296-24-93503:California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3214. Re: Stair rail and hand rail heights; §1926. You indicated from our phone conversation that 1910. HTML PDF: 296-24-74030: Alternating tread-type stairs. 24 (e), if they have a rise of 7. A "standard 1 1/4 inch 0 pipe (O. , it cannot reasonably be grasped by hand to provide stability or support when ascending or descending stairways). Vertical rise – 30° to 50°. Standard railings shall be provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms. November 2, 1995. Oregon OSHA requires that employees at general industry workplaces be protected from falls to a lower level of four feet or more and from any height above dangerous equipment. The railing height should be at least 42 inches from the first edge of the tread to the rail's upper edge. Extensions shall return to a wall, guard, or the landing surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stair flight. 31-1/2 inches. Stair Rails as Handrails. Solid. e. 5 QUALITY ASSURANCE A. A safety handrail provides stability with a handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway or. Question 1: Are ship's ladders (also known as ship's stairs) required to meet the fixed ladder requirements in 29 CFR 1910. 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. See full list on thehortongroup. 5 inches and the minimum stair tread is 9. There shouldn't be obstructions on the top or sides of the handrails. 1910. In late 2016, OSHA finally published the long awaited updates to its 1910 Fall Protection in General Industry. For employers who have been doing their best to keep employees safe around. For Employers ; Worker Rights ; Workers Memorial ;. 27 do not apply to. 1926. OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal. Note: For specific code requirements, contact the Building Inspection Department at 952-442-7520 or 888-446-1801 or e-mail: info@mnspect. 8 Projections. When the 42-inch guardrail is used on a stair or ramp, a secondary Handrail will be required at the appropriate height. 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. Dennis Gilmore Safety Director Tougher Industries, Inc. A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs. 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. e. Whether it be the stair, rails, or landing, follow along as we explore the new building codes for 2022. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. Question 3: Is there a maximum clearance between a storage tank shell and winding stair where railings with a handrail will not be required on the tank side of the stair? Reply: OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. OSHA 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. Elevated catwalks should be provided access by a stairway. 44 inches (1. Quoting from the new text (note all is from the same section/page): The h. Pursuant to §1910. 3. It also must be able to withstand 50lbs being. 2 RELATED WORK A. Maximum 7 inch stair riser height and minimum 4 inch stair riser height. Zarletti: Thank you for your letter of June 18, concerning the allowable tolerance for the height of guardrails as specified at 29 CFR 1926. General requirements. 25(b)(1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. Minimum handrail wall clearance of 1. OSHA Requirements for standard stairs 1910. 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. Minimum single stair railing distance. 5 inches (75 cm) to 37 inches (94 cm), measured from the front edge of a step. Maximum 12′-7″ vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs. 1, Ex. These systems may be. 21(b)(5). 1910. 42156 - Handrail specifications. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. HTML PDF: 296-24-74020: Spiral stairs. principal height standard: handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs. Intermediate vertical members: Must be installed no more than 19 inches apart. A standard railing is required around the platform, and it falls under OHSA 1910. 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. One stair rail system each open side. IBC handrail code requirements for commercial stairs. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard at 29 CFR 1926. Handrails shall have a clear space between the handrail and a wall or other surface of at least 1 ½ inches. How many stairs before a handrail is required? A handrail is required for staircases, platforms or landings above 1 metre from the ground. Stairway Handrails. 07 to 8. Equipto offers two styles of OSHA complaint stairways. Handrail, stair rail, and guardrail system requirements. Do you know the federal standards for scaffolding safety in construction? This PDF document from OSHA provides detailed information on the requirements, hazards, and solutions for different types of scaffolds. Strength. Greater than 88 inches. This is outlined above. Type I handrails with a circular cross section must have an outside diameter of between 1. 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. 72. The section of the OSHA code that specifies most of the primary guardrail and handrails as it directly relates to safety railing is 1910. 1 m) to 88 inches (2. OSHA Standards and Interpretation Letter: 06/16/1999 - Scaffolds: Lifelines, support lines, and suspension ropes cannot have a common anchor point. 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. The maximum riser height by an OSHA standard stair will 9. OSHA has proposed changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify certain requirements related to handrail and stair rail systems. Oh, and my name is Rod, not Rob. The IBC requires a guard to be 42 inches tall, with Handrails falling between 34 and 38 inches. We have an entire section of our web site devoted to ADA handrail standards. These requirements fall under three primary categories and include the safety, soundness, and security of the property. 23(e) because the height of the standard railing on the stair landing is less than 42 inches nominal. 1003. Mr. 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. Guardrail, Stair Rail & Handrail Strength Requirements - the 200 pound load criterion & others. 1 A de minimis condition arises when an employer implements a measure different than the one specified in the standard, but the discrepancy has no direct or immediate relationship to employee safety or health. Stair railing. (2) Handrails and stair rails shall meet the applicable requirements in § 1910. Some of the requirements for all types of suspension scaffolds include:. When such a railing would be impracticable or ineffective, other effective means shall be provided to prevent employees from falling into the water. RAILINGS open-sided stairs < 44” require 1 stair rail/side; open-sided stairs > 44” require 1 stair rail and 1 separate handrail/side. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. c. 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. It also talks about when stairs require handrail. IBC/IRC Height Requirements. 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. OSHA then issued a ruling that allowed the handrail on the stair to double as a guard if it were 36" high. 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. Under this. New OSHA handrail/guardrail requirements have come into effect on Jan 17 of this year. Tread depth on stairs must be a minimum of 10”, not including the nosing. Handrail diameter between 1. Learn the general and specific requirements for guardrail systems on stairs from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1910. 5 inch. standard requirements explanatory information (not part of american national standard a1264. Stairways wider than 1000mm should have a handrail on each side. The gripping surface and adjacent surfaces must be free of abrasive or sharp elements. Handrails can have circular or non-circular cross-sections, but must have rounded edges. Treads should have a minimum depth of 10 inches, and risers a maximum height of 7 3/4 inches. The IBC mimimum requirements for wide stairs are: A handrail on both sides of the wide stairway. (1) "Handrail" means a rail used to provide.