The biggest difference between a guardrail and a handrail is that the area. 3 (2000)). It also specifies the dimensions,. 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. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only. 91. A pedestrian safety rail is not required in areas where no pedestrian or maintenance personnel are expected. There should be open risers with at least 6. (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. The new codes require that the width of a staircase can be no less than 36”. For more information, see Section 1011 of the 2015 International Building Code for a more in-depth look at commercial stair requirements. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. This discussion serves as a quick and easy reference for use on job sites. height. 5 inches on either side of the stairway. The railings must be capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds applied in. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. Law and Regulations ; Federal Registers ; Open for Comment ; Regulatory Agenda ; Standard Interpretations ; Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. In particular, toeboards used for falling object protection are as follows: Toe Board Height Requirements: 29 (k) (1) (ii): “have a vertical minimum height of 3. 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. D - Step width: 90 cm min. 23(e)(5)(ii). However, OSHA has omitted the requirement for a center stair rail for stairs greater than 88 inches wide in its proposed revisions of the general industry standards for Walking and Working Surfaces (55 FR 13396, April 10, 1990). 23 and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, respectively, in the Code of Federal Regulations. Handrails shall include the following features:OSHA stairs are required to be a minimum of 22 inches wide. Hand Railing projection into stairs (<= 4. Dear. The section of the OSHA code that specifies most of the primary guardrail and handrails as it directly relates to safety railing is 1910. OSHA requires railings on open sides of stairwells and a handrail on at least on the side, preferably the right side descending at 42″ high. 2). ADA Chapter 5 Section 505. 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. Height. Stairs. STAIRS, LANDINGS, HANDRAILS, AND GUARDS. • Stairs wider than 88 inches must also have a handrail down the middle of the stairway. HEALTH AND SAFETY DETERMINATION: Moderate The. For stair width, expect a minimum of 44 inches in most cases and 36 inches in areas populated on average by less than 50 people. OSHA’s proposal seeks to clarify two of the standard’s provisions. 23 (e) (2), you are in compliance with §1910. reviewed the pertinent ANSI standards and determined that it was appropriate to limit the clearance requirement for handrails and stair rails. 1, Ex. 5 inches. ”. 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. Steps and stairs – key dimensions 25 13. 1926. 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. If there are more than four stairs in a stairway, they must have fixed railings. The employer must ensure: (1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. 50" the IBC requires for accessibility. Haydl: This is in response to your letter of June 24, 2004 regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for heights for stair rails and handrails and corresponding building code requirements. Stair railings and handrails shall be in-stalled in accordance with the provi-sions of §1910. OSHA requirements for stairs also dictate that any spiral stair must have a handrail. Like the alternating tread stair, OSHA 1910. SUBJECT: 1926. See the illustration below for a comparison:. §3214. 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. General OSHA Handrail 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. Normal use by employees. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates. Construction Safety Orders Article 17. 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. 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. The OSHA catwalk handrail requirements are found in OSHA sections 1910. Enforcement. The top member of railing usually serves as a handrail. One stair rail system each open side. 29 (k) includes standards for “protection from falling objects”. S. Minimum 11 inch stair tread depth. At least one handrail must be provided for stairs with four or more risers or 30 inches of ascent. 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. 29 (f) (1) (i) - Handrails are not less than 30 inches (76 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm. A 40mm diameter Dowl handrail must be fixed to the wall at a minimum of 900mm centres between the supports. WASHINGTON, DC – The U. 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. Railings. OSHA regulations are pretty straightforward: “Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1. A guardrail is on top of the platform to guard against falls, while a handrail is what is along a staircase. Standard railings shall be provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms. See figure D-13 Combination Handrail and Stair Rail. 5” H. The first proposed change would make clear that “a stair rail system with a. "Stair rails after the date are not less than 42 inches. Both measurements are from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the handrail. The Agency’s interpretations explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they do not create additional employer obligations. The general standards also address. 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 first drawing would not be compliant with the height requirements in §1910. 1050-1060) deal mainly with when and where ladders or stairs are required. 24 cm). Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards. However, it requires that the stair landings be at least the width of the stair or 48 inches, whichever is less. Overview. 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. (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). , 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. 23(e) because the height of the standard railing on the stair landing is less than 42 inches nominal. 1910. Click to view image. Code compliant products. The handrail height, headroom, riser height and distance between the center column and handrail will pass OSHA standards. 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. Stair railings. 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. 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. 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. We have an entire section of our web site devoted to ADA handrail standards. 6 cm). Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing updates in the handrail and stair rail system. 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. Where fall from height is significant it is recommended to. Subchapter 4. With that in mind, we can refer to a “four-riser minimum” as a “four-step minimum. 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 the treads shall be capable of carrying a minimum concentrated load of 300 pounds at the center of any treadspan or exterior arc with a design factor of 1. Handrails shall not project more than 4. 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. (4) Standard guardrails shall be installed on stairway platforms. The Bulletin is advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended to assist employers in ADA Chapter 5 Section 505. Railing height for guard rail. Handrail is rail that provides a handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway or step ladder. sides of stairways and platforms to prevent falls of persons. Stair Handrail requirements: Stairways shall have handrails on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches (2235 mm) in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate handrail for each 88 inches (2235 mm) or required width. • Stairs wider than 88 inches must also have a handrail down the middle of the stairway. It also provides requirements for temporary service, metal. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. Safety Requirements. Effective handrails are 30 to 37 inches high and meet the guardrail strength requirements (i. Stairwells and Stairs. Handrail Design . If your system was installed before January 2017, the mandatory height decreases to 30 inches. Essentially handrails are designed to provide guidance, support and safety for stairs and ADA ramps with a rise of 6 inches. The International Building Code is a model code prepared under the umbrella of the ICC, and. 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. When the 42-inch guardrail is used on a stair or ramp, a secondary Handrail will be required at the appropriate height. 25 inches and 1. (c) Stair rails and handrails. This code information sheet is not an all-inclusive list of state laws or additional code requirements that. §3214. 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. Law and Regulations ; Federal Registers ; Open for Comment ; Regulatory Agenda ; Standard Interpretations ; Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. Existing Table D–2 contains a. The Agency has determined that such deviation will not compromise employee safety, so long as the stair tower otherwise complies with the requirements of paragraph (e)(4). 23(e)(6) states: "All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or. 4. 25". Ramp handrails should extend straight and horizontally above the landing for at least 12″ beyond both the top and bottom of. Here are the key points regarding handrails for stairs according to OSHA regulations: Four or More Risers: According to OSHA regulations, handrails are required on stairways with four or more. 7. 10/1/98. Requirements for Ladders OSHA has reorganized separate rules for fixed ladders, portable wood ladders and portable. 5″. 25. 2 to R311. 24 (e), if they have a rise of 7. 2 [Handrail] Top Extension at Stairs. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. 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 letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. 2. Vertical clearance. NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF REAL ESTATE U. For example, stairs manufactured with a 45-degree stairway rise must have a minimum rise and tread of 8. Rod Sapyta P. The ADA also specifies that handrails should have a diameter between 1. OSHA then issued a ruling that allowed the handrail on the stair to double as a guard if it were 36" high. The IBC commercial handrail code states that each stair is provided with a separate handrail or grabrail attached to the guardrail. 1050bigger footprint than OSHA stairs. 502(a)(1) Fall protection systems required by this part shall comply with the applicable provisions of this sectionThese requirements fall under three primary categories and include the safety, soundness, and security of the property. The height must be uniform for the entire run of the handrail. 23 (e) (11), which details the maximum openings for wall opening screens, would apply in the above situation. Definitions. Dear Mr. 502 (b) (3), (4), and (5). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. Riser Height and Tread Depth (IBC 1011. Distance. Section 1910. 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. Generally, the width of IBC stairs will be 36. Handrails should be continuous for the length of the stairs or ramp. roof openings; stairs and guardrail/handrail systems . 21 (b) as: 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. The following handrail features are ADA-compliant: There should be at least 1 ½ inches of clear space between the wall and the handrail. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. Strength. 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. Under the proposal [proposed §1910. 1053 (a) (4) (i) The minimum clear distance between the sides of individual-rung/step ladders and the minimum clear distance between the side rails of other fixed ladders shall be 16 inches (41 cm). Handrail height shall be uniform, not less than 30 inches and not more than 34 inches. It also must be able to withstand 50lbs being. In addition, the stair rails, handrails and mid-rails must be constructed so as not to create hazard. 28; 1910. - UBC. Handrails have different height requirements than guardrails. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only. Exception 1: Guardrails located at the open side of a stair run shall not be less than 34 inches in height. The railing height should be at least 42 inches from the first edge of the tread to the rail's upper edge. 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. 25″ and 2″. Minimum width of 22”. Typical locations for guarding 36 18. 1. 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. 2). - 10/27/1992. Have handrails that meet the requirements of § 1917. 2. Law and Regulations ; Federal Registers ; Open for Comment ; Regulatory Agenda ; Standard Interpretations ; Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. Means of Egress. ADA handrails with a non-circular cross-section should have a perimeter dimension between 4″ and 6. 1052 (b) - OSHA does not have the legal authority to evaluate and certify products. If the stairs have nosings, you measure from the leading edge of the nosing to the edge of the next step’s nosing. New handrail ends shall be returned to the wall or floor or shall terminate at newel posts . 04(3)(b)6. 2. One stair rail system with handrail on each open side and one intermediate handrail located in. C* - Riser height: 12. Stair Rails and Handrails. Extend past the length of the ramp and/or 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. 42˝ Min. Decks, patios and walkways that have a single change in elevation where the landing depth on each side of the change of elevation is greater than what is required for a landing do not require handrails. 2. 866. Stair railing height code, measured. The handrail is clearly a center. 21 (b) Definitions . Handrail diameter between 1. Under §1910. Some of the requirements for all types of suspension scaffolds include:. 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. 7. Handrails must be provided on at least one side of closed stairways, and both railings and handrails must be installed in accordance with 1910. "Top rail of stair rail system can serve as handrail only when:Reply #2: Yes. Stair Rails and Handrails. 31-1/2 inches. 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. safety requirements for workplace walking/working . 28 and 1910. Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements: Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway. 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). Doors and gates opening onto stairway. OSHA 29 CFR 1910. 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. pedestrian safety rail where a vertical drop-off of 6 feet or more occurs. S. Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements: Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway. Rise. Mr. 28 and 1910. Figure D-12 - Handrail Measurement (2) The height of stair rail systems meets the following: (a) The height of. 16 OSHA Assistance. Both measurements are from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the handrail. REDD Team Flex-Step OSHA Stair – This Flex-Step OSHA Stair is an adjustable 28″or 35″ threshold stair designed for modular buildings, construction trailers and field offices that need to meet OSHA regulations. (c) (1) (ii) One stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. 5 inches and the minimum stair tread is 9. OSHA Requirements for standard stairs 1910. 3. 9 Toe. 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. IBC handrail code requirements for commercial stairs. 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. 1, Ex. §3217. You express your belief that OSHA does not have such a requirement. The IBC defines the various design requirements for handrails, providing clear and concise specifications. Unprotected openings in roofs could, therefore, be cited under the general duty clause of. Enforcement. Extensions shall return to a wall, guard, or the landing surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stair flight. c. Treads and Risers. This standard requires that all stairways have landings, risers, treads, and handrails that meet certain specifications. If stairs are too steep, and they don’t have railings, or if screens and balustrades are not strong and secure. Handrails are required for stairs in many applications and must meet standards as specified by R311. 451(e)(4)]Law and Regulations ; Federal Registers ; Open for Comment ; Regulatory Agenda ; Standard Interpretations ; Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. 3. Landings and platforms. 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). Cal-OSHA’s 1” tolerance only allows for a minimum height of 41”. Learn the general and specific criteria for guardrail systems that meet the requirements of the OSHA Fall Protection Standards. Type I handrails with a circular cross section must have an outside diameter of between 1. 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. 5-1982 - American National. Minimum handrail wall clearance of 1. Risers for OSHA stairs are allowed to be open. Maximum 7 inch stair riser height and minimum 4 inch stair riser height. principal height standard: handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs. 17, 2017, must be at least 42 inches. It does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities in OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. HTML PDF: 296-24-935: Safety relief devices for cargo and portable tanks storing compressed gases. Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails. 7. NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF REAL ESTATE U. Each stairway should have at least one handrail. Our portable guard railing is 42 inches tall. 5 inches (24 cm); ( 3) Have a minimum tread depth of 9. Handrails not shown for clarity. The maximum range for a stair slope is 20º-50º. The rise (height) should be a minimum of 150mm and a maximum of 220mm. Minimum 6′-8″ headroom. Subchapter 4. 29(k)(1), the new toeboard requirement needs to be at least 3. C - Riser height: between 12. Here are some basic pieces of information to bear in mind when constructing a handrail to comply with OSHA Standards. 2. Contact us for help! For more information about our products, reach out to the EDGE Fall Protection team. Pursuant to §1910. 1050 through 1926. Railings & Guardrail: railings required on open sides of stairwells and 42" high handrail on the side, preferably right side descending. 1 m) to 88 inches (2. 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. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route (e. 29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). 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. The OSHA catwalk width requirements are found in section 1910. 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. Flights of stairways within dwelling units and flights of spiral stairways are permitted to have a handrail on one side only. Don’t run or rush on the stairs, and don’t skip steps. 2. Flat 2x4 and 2x6 handrails do not meet the requirements for graspable handrails. 5 inches. OSHA defines a ship stair in section 1910. A walkway handrail instead guardrail system is requested to anything catwalks height than 4' above ampere lower 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. You had specific questions regarding the use of ship's stairs in general industry. 1052(c)(7) Dear Mr. 1910. Midrails, screens, mesh, and other. 3. The OSHA General Requirements (29 CFR 1926. Common types of problems include malfunctioning electrical service or even missing handrails on stairs. 25″ with a maximum cross-section dimension of 2. 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. The height of a handrail above the floor or the nosing of a stair tread, shall be between 900mm and 1100mm. Safety is Paramount when it comes to Stairways-Part M. 5˝ 11˝. Question #3: Would fixed stairs with a degree of angle of between 38 degrees and 42 degrees be in compliance with 29 CFR 1910. California safety requirements for the construction of stairways, ramps, stair rails which is governed by the California Code of Regulations. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (2012), 14 percent of all work-related deaths are due to falls, with 20 percent of these deaths being related to the use of ladders. 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. 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. 23 – Walking-Working Surfaces. 3. surfaces and their access; workplace, floor, wall and . 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. Railings for industrial spiral staircases have their own specific set of OSHA rules. §3216. This specially designed Stair /. 28(b)(5)(ii)(A). How many stairs before a handrail is required? A handrail is required for staircases, platforms or landings above 1 metre from the ground. This strength and stability is crucial. 8. 05/20/2021 - OSHA National News Release - US Department announces OSHA rule proposal to clarify handrail, stair rail system requirements in general industry Walking-Working Surfaces standard. Vertical clearance above any stair tread to an overhead obstruction shall be at least 7 feet measured from the leading edge of the tread. 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. ) (h) Vertical Clearance. OSHA stairs requirements for alternating tread stairs General OSHA stair requirements 5 Compliant fall protection 2 3 Uniform riser heights and tread. . 16 Glossary. If you are using a circular. • Handrails must be between 30 and 38 inches as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread. An enclosed stair requires one or more handrails, but no stair rails. 29 - Fall protection systems real falling object protection-criteria and practices. sides of stairways and platforms to prevent falls of persons. 2. Within a staircase, treads shall have a uniform run and tread depth that does not vary more than 0. This appendix serves as a non-mandatory guideline to assist employers in complying with these requirements.