28(b)(5)(ii)(A). [39 FR 23502, June 27, 1974, as amended at 43 FR 49744, Oct. (b) A stair railing shall be of construction similar to a guardrail (see Section 3209) but the vertical height shall be in compliance with Section 3214(c). Then OSHA requires guards at 42". (2) A mid-rail shall be halfway between the top. Section 1910. Handrails, on the other hand, are something that can be grasped for guidance or support while walking, usually on a stair. 1926. At least one handrail must be provided for stairs with four or more risers or 30 inches of ascent. • There must be a stair rail at each open side. Under OSHA Section 1910. OSHA stairs are permitted to be steeper than IBC stairs and may have open risers. The top member of railing usually serves as a handrail. Handrails and guardrails. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3214. 1 m) to 88 inches (2. 500, 23 April 1973 - Excerpt: Since cables or chains are commonly used as barriers or guards on construction projects at floor and wall. 5 and 35. STAIRS, LANDINGS, HANDRAILS, AND GUARDS. 29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). If your system was installed before January 2017, the mandatory height decreases to 30 inches. Each stair must also be provided with a railing system. 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. The new codes require that the width of a staircase can be no less than 36”. Relationship of ramp gradient to the going of a flight 28 15. 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. 3 (2000)). Height. 8A handrail is a rail mounted to a wall to furnish people a handhold to prevent tripping and falling down the stair. There should be open risers with at least 6. The fundamental differences here that should be pointed out are the differences in allowable height and loading capacity. 29 (f) (1) (i) - Handrails are not less than 30 inches (76 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm. 2. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing updates in the handrail and stair rail system. Standard height requirements for each are stated in (f)(1). "Top rail of stair rail system can serve as handrail only when:Reply #2: Yes. 5") Hand Railing heights: U. This article series provides building code specifications, sketches, photographs, and examples of stair & railing safety defects used in inspecting indoor or outdoor stair railings or handrails and related conditions for safety and proper construction. Handrails must not project into the stairway more than 4 ½ inches—so with one. The termination point may also be a newel post per FBC-R 311. Specifically, the following sections are the most relevant to handrail and stair rail requirements. 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. A pedestrian safety rail is not required in areas where no pedestrian or maintenance personnel are expected. Stair Rails and Handrails. Sapyta: Thank you for your November 7, 2014, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), regarding OSHA requirements for stairs and railings for accessing trailers on semi-trailer trucks. Design and Construction of Railings. This section has safety requirements for scaffolds. Have handrails that meet the requirements of § 1917. Subchapter 4. A. Under 1910. Stairways wider than 1000mm should have a handrail on each side. This rule shall apply to temporary conditions where there is danger of employees or material falling through floor, roof or wall openings or from stairways or runways. Learn the general and specific criteria for guardrail systems that meet the requirements of the OSHA Fall Protection Standards. Handrails need to be easy to firmly grasp if a person loses balance. C - Riser height: between 12. 1910. 1926. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. The railing height should be at least 42 inches from the first edge of the tread to the rail's upper edge. Handrail ends shall be returned to a wall or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminations. 3. 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. OSHA catwalk handrail requirements . SUBJECT: 1926. Risers (the vertical element connecting treads) that are no less than 6 inches in height and no more than 7. Riser. 1 It is our understanding that STD-01-01-010 was adopted in light of pre-OSHA General Industry practices. 23(e)(1)]Must be at least 22 inches in width. 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. 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. Dear Mr. 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. Maximum 4-1/2 inch handrail projection into stairway width, on either side. (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. 1052(c)(5), (c)(6)). Exception 1: Guardrails located at the open side of a stair run shall not be less than 34 inches in height. 5" of clearance between the inside surface of the rail and the wall surface. 2. At least one handrail must be provided for stairs with four or more risers or 30 inches of ascent. Use tread and rise requirements that vary by stairway angle. A handrail every 60" of horizontal distance at any place along the stairs. Extensions shall return to a wall, guard, or the landing surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stair flight. Construction Safety Orders Article 17. Stairways . 5 cm*. OSHA publishes a final rule. 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. Order 4-1998, f/8/28/98, ef. Handrails should run continuously on both sides of the staircase. OSHA Requirements for usual ladder 1910. The height must be uniform for the entire run of the handrail. Alternating tread stair 22 11. HEIGHT CLEARANCE minimum 6’6” clearance from nose of tread to overhead obstruction. OSHA then issued a ruling that allowed the handrail on the stair to double as a guard if it were 36" high. 3. OSHA 29 CFR 1910. Handrails 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. 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. If there are more than four stairs in a stairway, they must have fixed railings. In addition, the stair rails, handrails and mid-rails must be constructed so as not to create hazard. 2 m) One handrail on each enclosed side One Stair rail system with handrail on open side and one handrail on enclosed side. 2). Pursuant to §1910. Essentially handrails are designed to provide guidance, support and safety for stairs and ADA ramps with a rise of 6 inches. The first drawing would not be compliant with the height requirements in §1910. We hope you find this information helpful. Most people take stairways (and stairs) for granted until they fall while they are using them. - 10/28/2004. Ramp design 29 16. Stairways and alternating tread stairs can both be descended face. 2. 5" tall, with no more than a 1/4" gap at the bottom. A (half-tread width) B. Stair Rails and Handrails. Section 18(b) of The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, P. OSHA requires the strength below; c) Guardrail must withstand 200-pound force with no more than 3" deflection. Handrail Requirements. California safety requirements for the construction of stairways, ramps, stair rails which is governed by the California Code of Regulations. Handrail diameter between 1. For example, ANSI standard A1264. Whether it be the stair, rails, or landing, follow along as we explore the new building codes for 2022. The employer must ensure: ( i) Each employee on a scaffold is protected from falling in accordance 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L; and. See §1910. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates. For the slope of an IBC stair system, the horizontal run of the stair systems should be 1. It also specifies the dimensions,. principal height standard: handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs. §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. This measurement includes the length of the baluster or post, plus the thickness of the handrail. Introduction. 5” Minimum tread astuteness of 9. These systems may be mounted 36-38 inches high. S. Learn the general and specific criteria for guardrail systems that meet the requirements of the OSHA Fall Protection Standards. 2. ) (c) Rise and Run. IBC/IRC Height Requirements. . Safety is Paramount when it comes to Stairways-Part M. Therefore, if your stair railings are 30-34" as specified in §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. be between 900mm and 1100mm above the floor or the nosing of a stair tread. In North Carolina, four or more steps or an ADA ramp with a rise of 6 inches require handrails on both sides. 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. 5") Hand Railing heights: U. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. 31-1/2 inches. 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. 23 includes requirements for ladders, where OSHA defines handrail requirements on platforms and how high safety railings must be. This standard requires that all stairways have landings, risers, treads, and handrails that meet certain specifications. 1926. OR-OSHA Admin. Every flight of stairs having four or more risers shall be equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (v) of this section, the width of the stair to be measured clear of all obstructions except handrails: (i) On stairways less than 44 inches wide having both sides enclosed, at. 1915. This would apply to railings installed prior to the effective date of the clarification. 28 and 1910. * Values are from the National Building Code of Canada (2005). We hope you find this information helpful. 1926. Stair Rails and Handrails. §1620. Cal-OSHA’s 1” tolerance only allows for a minimum height of 41”. Maximum 4-1/2 inch handrail projection into stairway width, on either side. Regulatory Requirements 1. OSHA Requirements for standard stairs 1910. Balusters. Table D-2 under section 1910. OSHA Standards and Interpretation Letter: 06/16/1999 - Scaffolds: Lifelines, support lines, and suspension ropes cannot have a common anchor point. 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. 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. 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. Find out the enforcement. principal height standard: handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs. 6. Handrails shall include the following features:OSHA stairs are required to be a minimum of 22 inches wide. (h) Railings and handrails. 31, 2017 is 42 inches. Stair railings and handrails shall be in-stalled in accordance with the provi-sions of §1910. A stair railing must be similar to a standard railing but the height must be between 30 and 36 inches from upper surface of top rail to surface of tread in line with face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread. 1053 (a) (4) (ii) The minimum clear distance between side rails for all portable ladders shall be 11½ inches (29 cm). O. sides of stairways and platforms to prevent falls of persons. 16 OSHA Assistance. Maximum 7 inch stair riser height and minimum 4 inch stair riser height. (g) Ramps for wheelbarrows, if made of planking, must have an odd number of planks. Railing height for guard rail. with OSHA's requirements for the safe use of ladders and stairways could have prevented many of these injuries. 500 (f) (l) (vi) provides for the utilization of types, sizes and arrangements of railing construction provided they meet the conditions established in sub-paragraph a thru d. . 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. 2). The basics of handrail standards and when they apply. 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. The first proposed change would make clear that “a stair rail system with a. How many stairs before a handrail is required? A handrail is required for staircases, platforms or landings above 1 metre from the ground. 23 (e) (1): Mobile ladder stands and platforms have a step width of at least 16 inches (41 cm). Governing codes shall be checked for their specific requirements, and government regulations, suchrequirements for when handrails and stair rail systems must be present on certain flights of stairs. It also talks about when stairs require handrail. The requirements for handrails and stairs in the 2016 Final Rule led many employers to seek clarification from OSHA about when handrails are required on stairs, as well as handrail height. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route (e. 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. 5 and 107 cm* +. 1014. 6. HTML PDF:. This is the construction code and does have some. Private stairways serving an occupant load of less than 10 may be 30 inches wide. HTML PDF: 296-24-93503:Janek 15/11/2011 House building, National Building Regulations (SA), safety, SANS10400-NBR (SA) 133 Comments 97,848 Views. (1) Stairways shall be al least 24 inches in width and shall be equipped with stair rails, handrails, treads, and landings. For more information, see Section 1011 of the 2015 International Building Code for a more in-depth look at commercial stair requirements. 28 and 1910. OSHA standard 1926. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-3326(g). 500, GUARDRAILS, HANDRAILS & GUARDS [PDF] Standard Number 1926. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. 1910. safety requirements for workplace walking/working . The stairway must be at least 36 inches wide, measured above the handrail. 1910. 112 (c) (1) on both sides and that are not less than 30 inches (76. . Doors and gates opening onto stairway. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. , ramp or elevator) are not required to meet the Standards, but handrails must comply when stairs that are part of a means of egress are altered (§210. Extend past the length of the ramp and/or stairs. Minimum 11 inch stair tread depth. 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). The employer must provide, and ensure each employee uses, a safe means of access and egress to and from walking-working surfaces. 1910. Enforcement. §1626. Items that fall under the safety category relate to the health, sanitary condition, and habitability of the property. Learn how to comply with the OSHA requirements for the heights of handrail and top rail of stair rail systems, which vary depending on the installation date of the system. 21(b)(1) and 1910. At least one handrail One stair rail system with handrail on open side. 1 Height. 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. The guardrails provided here are 1-1/4” thick. "Stair rails after the date are not less than 42 inches. Exceptions: 1. This checklist covers regulations issued by the U. 42˝ Min. 23 (e) (3) (iv), the anchoring of posts and framing of members for railings of all types. 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. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only. " 29 CFR 1910. 16 Glossary. The triangular openings at the open sides of a stair, formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail shall not allow passage of a sphere 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter. Load-capacity of 1,000 lbs. 10, 1999)), OSHA offered the following explanation: . 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 rooms"See figure D-12 Handrail. The California Building Code (CBC) contains general building design and construction requirements relating to fire and life safety, structural safety, and access. c. Ramps, Runways, Stairwells, and Stairs. Plus, they are required to have an intermediary landing if the staircase has a rise of 12’ or more. 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. With its most recent announcement, OSHA proposes to clarify the Walking-Working Surfaces Standard requirements without changing the intent of the. 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. This is consistent. In actuality, 1926. The OSHA rules and standards regarding handrails are in the section about the fall protection systems. Under §1910. OSHA catwalk width requirements. We are going to look at five key IBC code requirements for handrails. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. CONTENTS SECTION 1 Introduction. Go are numerous standards in the International Fabrication Code is are affiliated specifically to Manual. Suite 301 Chadds Ford, PA 19317. 502(b)(3) requires railing systems meet a 200 pound concentrated load test. Compliance. Therefore, if your stair railings are 30-34" as specified in §1910. Our ladders use heavy-duty aluminum alloy, so you can rest assured that they can handle your load requirements without. g. General OSHA Handrail Requirements. 3. 5˝ 11˝. 0. 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. This strength and stability is crucial. Every flight of stairs having four or more risers shall be equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (v) of this section, the width of the stair to be measured clear of all obstructions except handrails: (i) On stairways less than 44 inches wide having both sides enclosed, at least. 5 and 18 cm*. 1926. See the illustration below for a comparison:. 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. Also, OSHA determined that it was appropriate to adopt. S. standard handrails according to the requirements for stairways. ☐ Are stairway handrails 30-38 inches above the leading edge of stair treads? ☐ Are stair rail systems 30 or 42 inches* inches above the leading edge of stair treads? * Stair rail systems minimum height: installed before Jan. 1910. 5-1982 - American National. OSHA stair width is generally a minimum of 22 inches. Handrails can be higher. Handrail must be continuous. See Section PM-702. In addition to the requirements of this Part, a barrier and handrail must comply with the structural requirements of Part 3. One IBC defines the various design requirements for handrails, providing clear and concise. 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. 6. Safety and Health Regulations for Construction; Subpart: 1926 Subpart X; Subpart Title:. Elevated catwalks should be provided access by a stairway. Note: Dimensions and stair requirements apply only to individual dwelling units in residential occupancies. You indicated from our phone conversation that 1910. 1910. 17. The answer to your question is that 1910. E - Tread run: between 25. 28(b)(11)(i) “Each employee. 23 - OSHA requires fall protection for elevator work when a fall hazard is present. Stair Rails as Handrails. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), as long as the guardrail system meets all other criteria. 451 (b) (4) Each end of a platform, unless cleated or otherwise restrained by hooks or equivalent means, shall extend over the centerline of its support at least 6 inches (15 cm). 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. Physical characteristics of handrail and railing, joints, and anchors. 24. OSHA. 1926. Plant structures and buildings shall be considered Group F, Industrial Occupancy,Maximum 12 feet vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs. Handrails ship unattached and bolt into place. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. Your concern is whether or not the standard requires that all permanent handrails be painted yellow. Handrail design 26 14. Handrails are a support aid when using stairs. 6 cm). That part of §1910. 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. The IBC requires a guard to be 42 inches tall, with Handrails falling between 34 and 38 inches. 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. 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. 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. Rod Smith, P. 29 – Fall protection systems and falling. The employer must ensure: (1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. Landings and platforms. Figure D-12-- Handrail Measurement. 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. Handrails must be between 30–38 inches high from the leading stair edge. Also see GUARDRAIL CODES & STANDARDS for details about safety railings on landings and open hallways, porches, screened porches, balconies - horizontal walking surfaces. S. 28 and 1910. (3) Stair railings and handrails shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of Section 3214. 25 inches and 1. Chad Holder. 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. 44 inches (1. where total occupant load of all. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1620. Each stairway should have at least one handrail. • Stairs wider than 44 inches must have a handrail on each side. (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). 5 inches at the walk line, a riser height maximum of 9. 7. 24 inches in width, with. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. 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. A stair rail may serve as a handrail only when the top surface of the top rail is between 36 and 38 inches from the. 1917. 9. The required number of handrails is 2. 1052(c)(7) Dear Mr. Also, IBC codes for approved stairs are more set-in-stone than the OSHA rules. The handrail must be continuous for the run of the stairs or ramp. B - Handrail height: between 86. 1910. 23 (e) (3) (ii) For pipe railings, posts and top and intermediate railings shall be at least 1 1/2 inches nominal diameter with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers. 502 (b) (3), (4), and (5). (c) Stair rails and handrails. 2 Christy Dr. The run (tread length) should be a minimum of 223mm and a maximum of 320mm. The handrail height, headroom, riser height and distance between the center column and handrail will pass OSHA standards. Section 1910. Capable of withstanding force of at least 200# Must be smooth-surfaced;Minimum distance between two stair railings. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Flat 2x4 and 2x6 handrails do not meet the requirements for graspable handrails. Handrails and the top rails of stairrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at. OSHA 1910. 23 (b) (12) - Fall Protection Requirements for Fixed Ladders - 09/10/2021. Stairways and handrails that are part of a means of egress are addressed by the IBC (§1009 (2003), §1003. The top rail of the handrail must be a minimum of 42" [ref. e. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3214. Stair Rails and Handrails. Every step on your staircase needs to equal the same run and rise. The agency notes in a press release that the proposed rule “does not reopen for discussion any of the regulatory decisions made in the 2016 rulemaking,” adding that it “focuses solely on clarifying some of the requirements for handrails and stair rail systems finalized in 2016, and on providing flexibility in the transition to OSHA’s newer. requirements for when handrails and stair rail systems must be present on certain flights of stairs. 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. + Note that handrails or guards used for. Stairways. 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. This subpart applies to all stairways and ladders used in construction, alteration, repair (including painting and decorating), and demolition workplaces covered under 29 CFR part 1926, and also sets forth, in. Exceptions: 1. Handrails with a non.