23 (a) (2) Designed into or is an integral part of machines or equipment. Railings for industrial spiral staircases have their own specific set of OSHA rules. Exception: These requirements shall not apply to sloping portions of handrails between the top and bottom riser of stairs and above the ramp run. 25″ and 2″. Djkevinpaul. Section 18(b) of The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, P. (2) A mid-rail shall be halfway between the top. 451 (a) (5). 1052 specifies the guidelines for protecting stairways including: Stairways with four or more risers, rising to a height of 30″ or more need a handrail and guardrail. This is outlined above. General OSHA Handrail Requirements. Among the fall protection measures required for elevated work platforms, pick modules, or rack supported platforms—including guarding, stair handrails, and temporary access devices—kickplates are the one system that doesn’t protect associates working on the platform. 1 m) to 88 inches (2. 44 inches (1. Plant structures and buildings shall be considered Group F, Industrial Occupancy,A minimum of 31. 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. 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. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 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. 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. OSHA recognizes that there are situations where the level of the ground or of the structure to which the stair tower is. Also, IBC codes for approved stairs are more set-in-stone than the OSHA rules. S. 2 m) or more above a lower level is protected. 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. 42156 - Handrail specifications. 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. 24, OSHA prescribes the use of handrails and railings as fall protection. Under the proposal [proposed §1910. Minimum handrail wall clearance of 1. Dennis Gilmore Safety Director Tougher Industries, Inc. 2 RELATED WORK A. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route (e. Be sure you review all of the general. 5. Clearance. 29. Minimum 8. 1-1967. Essentially handrails are designed to provide guidance, support and safety for stairs and ADA ramps with a rise of 6 inches. 5 inches for stands with a top height of 4 feet or more, 36 inches for stands with a top step of. 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 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. We hope you find this information helpful. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. 1910. However, it requires that the stair landings be at least the width of the stair or 48 inches, whichever is less. Some of the requirements for all types of suspension scaffolds include:. Stairways . Ends of top rails and midrails: Must. See all powder-coated color options. 9 Toe. A handrail or grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent to it needs to be free of anything sharp or abrasive. OSHA publishes a final rule. The fundamental differences here that should be pointed out are the differences in allowable height and loading capacity. From OSHA Part 1910. RISERS must be uniform between landings, 30-50 deg, ≤ 9. Oh, and my name is Rod, not Rob. Osha walking required and requirements for elevated runways and walkways. Cal-OSHA’s 1” tolerance only allows for a minimum height of 41”. Instead, they are often the only line of defense against loose. Handrail is rail that provides a handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway or step ladder. OSHA 1910. A minimum tread width of 10 “- maximum difference among treads 3/8”. 8:A ship's ladder must have toe clearance of 7 inches unless the nature of the work requires a lesser clearance; 4. Stair height and the depth of treads must be uniform. Re: Stair rail and hand rail heights; §1926. 1052 (b) - OSHA does not have the legal authority to evaluate and certify products. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm). The standards for fixed ladders in §1910. However, OSHA set the minimum width for stair treads: Standard Stairs – 22 inches (56 cm) Spiral Stairs – 26 inches (66 cm) OSHA 1910. regarding code requirements, refer to the applicable codes or contact your local Building Department. S. 5 times the vertical rise. Exceptions: 1. The employer must ensure: ( i) Each employee on a scaffold is protected from falling in accordance 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L; and. 44 inches (1. Ramps with a rise greater than 6 inches must have a handrail on at least one side. Distance between the two stair railings as measured from the two closest edges. An OSHA-approved state plan must have safety and health requirements at least as effective as those of Federal OSHA and must adopt comparable stateSafety Railing and Guardrail Systems. 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. Section 03 30 00, CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE: Concrete fill for treads and platforms. 25(c) Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal Maximum riser height of 9. the other safety requirements for guardrails. What are the general OSHA requirements of toe board? According to OSHA 1910. 28(c)(2)(ii. If the stairs are 1000mm or wider: provide a handrail on both sides. Handrails (continuous) are required on at least one side of flights of stairs with ≥ 4 risers. The Agency solicits public comment in these areas. Riser height – 9. The largest tread width or riser height in any flight of stairs. 5” H. A handrail and a wall or1926. the International Building Code or IBC sets the stair and handrail requirements for public buildings and public spaces. HTML PDF: 296-24-93501: Definitions. 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. When such a railing would be impracticable or ineffective, other effective means shall be provided to prevent employees from falling into the water. Since they handle less traffic, they may also be narrower than IBC stairs. 3 in the IRC code. 29 (b), ladders and hatches are required to be secured with a self-closing safety gate and safety-compliant railing. 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 specified circumstances, when ladders and stairways are required to be provided. In late 2016, OSHA finally published the long awaited updates to its 1910 Fall Protection in General Industry. 2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by a personal fall arrest system. So going back to rfied112's orginal question. These systems may be mounted 36-38 inches high. Ramp handrails should extend straight and horizontally above the landing for at least 12″ beyond both the top and bottom of. 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. One handrail on each enclosed side: One Stair rail system with handrail on open side and one handrail on enclosed side. Honestly, it sounds like your underwriter missed it when you financed. Mr. Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails. 25 (b) (4)] IBC requires the same width as OSHA. (a) is strong enough to support the equipment and workers who may use it, (b) is at least 600 millimetres wide, (c) is wide enough to ensure the safe movement of equipment and workers, and. Note that if the stairway is serving as an accessible means. Hand Railing projection into stairs (<= 4. According to building code, handrails are required when there are four or more “risers,” referring to the vertical portion of a stair. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. The first proposed change would make clear that “a stair rail system with a. Order 4-1998, f/8/28/98, ef. 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. Compliance. 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. Handrails must be placed between 34″ and 38″ in height, measuring from the nosing of the stair. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route1926. OSHA is proposing changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify which handrail and stair rail system requirements apply to new stair rail. 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. In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure alternating tread-type stairs: ( 1) Have a series of treads installed at a slope of 50 to 70 degrees from the horizontal; ( 2) Have a distance between handrails of 17 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm); ( 4) Have open risers if the tread depth is less than 9. This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. The Ontario Building Code | Handrails. A handrail and a stair railing have two different meanings. According to OSHA 1910. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. (1) A top rail not less than 42 inches or more than 45 inches in height measured from the upper surface of the top rail to the floor, platform, runway or ramp. Technical requirements for stairs are covered in 2010 ADA Standard 504. Question #3: Would fixed stairs with a degree of angle of between 38 degrees and 42 degrees be in compliance with 29 CFR 1910. 10. 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. 21 (b) as: [Docket ID–OSHA–2020–0009] RIN 1218–AD28 Walking-Working Surfaces AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor. (2) All stairs shall be illuminated in accordance with the requirements in the 2008 national electric code (NEC). com. Stairs. 44 inches (1. HTML PDF: 296-24-74025: Ship stairs. Handrail ends must be returned and terminated at rail posts. 5”Overview. The height of handrails is measured straight up from the nosing of the treads to the top of the handrail. HTML PDF: 296-24-74015: Handrail, stair rail, and guardrail system requirements. 1014. 7)Requirements for barriers and handrails. (1) A standard railing shall consist of top rail,. and positive safety railing for numerous situations. The standards for fixed ladders in §1910. Pittsburgh, Pa. c. handrail s. 91. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. (h) Railings and handrails. SCOPE AND APPLICATION The OSHA rules apply to all stairways and ladders used in construction, alteration, repair (including painting OSHA Stair rail requirements - stair railings may serve as handrails, and vice-versa. Easily Installed and Reconfigured. 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. 23 (e) (3) (iv), the anchoring of posts and framing of members for railings of all types. 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. 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. With that in mind, we can refer to a “four-riser minimum” as a “four-step minimum. Question 1: Are ship's ladders (also known as ship's stairs) required to meet the fixed ladder requirements in 29 CFR 1910. 1 scope. Regarding handrails, there are two sets of regulations: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). 1915. standard requirements explanatory information (not part of american national standard a1264. Handrails are required when there is a top step height of 4 feet or more and a railing needs to be 29. Minimum 11 inch stair tread depth. What are the hand railing safety requirements? The height of the handrail is outlined in the Australian Building code. 1910. The OSHA requirements for stairrails and handrails are contained in 1926. Learn the general and specific requirements for guardrail systems on stairs from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1910. 23 (a) (1) Used in emergency operations such as firefighting, rescue, and tactical law enforcement operations, or training for these operations; or. (c) (1) (ii) One stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. Additionally, the height requirements for ADA handrails differ from those of an OSHA stair. 2 Width and capacity. 10. Chad Holder. 23 and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, respectively, in the Code of Federal Regulations. OSHA standard 1926. 23 (b) (12) - Fall Protection Requirements for Fixed Ladders - 09/10/2021. Alternating tread devices and ship’s ladders are unusual stairs meant for accessing small, low-traffic areas. P. Enforcement. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. OSHA fall protection requirements for general industry and construction are addressed in 29 CFR 1910. Type I handrails with a circular cross section must have an outside diameter of between 1. 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. Note: For specific code requirements, contact the Building Inspection Department at 952-442-7520 or 888-446-1801 or e-mail: info@mnspect. 3 (2000)). My Account Shop Cart Contact an Expert Custom Quotes (800) 535-7631. 44 inches (1. OSHA Stair rail requirements - stair railings may serve as handrails, and vice-versa. 24 for the safe design and construction of fixed general industrial stairs. (g) When the top edge of a stair rail system also serves as a handrail, the height of the top edge must be not more than 37 inches (94 cm) nor less than 36 inches (91. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. Stairways and handrails that are part of a means of egress are addressed by the IBC (§1009 (2003), §1003. 24(h) provides: Standard railings shall be provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms. e. 451 (b) (3) (ii) The maximum distance from the face for plastering and lathing operations shall be 18 inches (46 cm). Handrail diameter between 1. HTML PDF: 296-24-74030: Alternating tread-type stairs. Our Crossover stairs and platforms provide safe passage over areas with obstructions, danger zones, and other hazards. 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. 15220. 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). 5”. OSHA Construction Standard 1026. 1. Guardrail can be designed to be suitable for use as a handrail. Particular industries require certain specifications on safety railing systems. Any change in elevation int walking surfaces greater than 9. Stairway width <44. 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. 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. Additionally, OSHA requires the following specifications: Step depth – 9. 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. For detailing the other components (stairs, railing, ladders, etc. S. Further, OSHA standard 1910. Also, OSHA determined that it was appropriate to adopt. The standard height of handrails is between 34 and 38 inches, measured vertically from the nose of the stair treads. Be certain that your vendor has updated their OSHA designs. Under this provision, a catwalk. Whether you’re a homeowner, a business owner, or. HTML PDF: 296-24-74025: Ship stairs. 29 (k) includes standards for “protection from falling objects”. Sep 10, 2012. Section 1910. Maximum riser height of 9. 25(b) This standard number explains the basic requirements for all fixed staircases, including ship ladders in industrial settings. 1 m) to 88 inches (2. IBC/IRC Height Requirements. 04(3)(b)6. Maximum 7 inch stair riser height and minimum 4 inch stair riser height. The employer must ensure: 1910. For more information, see Section 1011 of the 2015 International Building Code for a more in-depth look at commercial stair requirements. Railing height for guard rail. The gripping surface and adjacent surfaces must be free of abrasive or sharp elements. shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. (d) Designated areas. 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. Handrails need to be easy to firmly grasp if a person loses balance. Where handrails are provided on both sides, the minimum clear width of the stairway at and below the handrail height, including treads and landings, shall not be less than twenty-seven inches (698 mm). A standard railing is required around the platform, and it falls under OHSA 1910. 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. (vertical members in handrails)OSHA 29 CFR 1910. Risers for OSHA stairs are allowed to be open. The stairway must be at least 36 inches wide, measured above the handrail. (3). Under §1910. 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. Extend past the length of the ramp and/or stairs. Find out the enforcement guidance and the enforcement policy for stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017, that meet §1910. Stairs have to be installed at 30° to 50° from horizontal. Governing codes shall be checked for their specific requirements, and government regulations, suchOSHA 1926. 2 m) One handrail on each enclosed side One Stair rail system with handrail on open side and one handrail on enclosed side. 3. The new codes require that the width of a staircase can be no less than 36”. 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. 5") Hand Railing heights: U. 2. If the stairs have nosings, you measure from the leading edge of the nosing to the edge of the next step’s nosing. 5. 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 top edge, in any downward or outward direction, at any point along the top edge. 04(3)(b)6. OSHA Fall Protection Requirements. Railing height for guard rail. 1. Stairs OSHA Requirements Guard/Hand Rails 10-14 in (25-36 cm)min on center, Uniformly spaced 16 in (41 cm) min clearance between side rails 15 in (38 cm) min clearance toTop 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. , it cannot reasonably be grasped by hand to provide stability or support when ascending or descending stairways). Viewrail offers 36”, 39”, and 42” handrail heights to meet every state’s requirement. (1. Step Guardrail Height: Unlike ADA guidelines, the guardrails in OSHA steps also act as handrails when the top edge of the guardrail is between 36 and 38 inches above the leading edge of the stair tread. Unprotected openings in roofs could, therefore, be cited under the general duty clause of. 25(b)(4) the stairway landings must be at least the diameter of the stairway, which has an minimum width of 22". For buildings other than dwellings and for common access. 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. OSHA catwalk stair requirements. 8 Stair Railing - A barrier erected along exposed sides of a stairway to prevent fall of persons. ” Six general subject areas within this code are designated as “Divisions. Residential Interior Stairs Code Requirements. Stair Handrail requirements: "on each side" 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. 17, 2017, must be at least 42 inches. Handrails are required for stairs in many applications and must meet standards as specified by R311. However, it requires that the stair landings be at least the width of the stair or 48 inches, whichever is less. • 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. 23(e)(6) states: "All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or. Question 1: Are ship's ladders (also known as ship's stairs) required to meet the fixed ladder requirements in 29 CFR 1910. Except as provided under par. When figuring out the tolerances for the OSHA guardrail height, the minimum allowed is 39". 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"). 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. Such areas include ground levels, floors, roofs, ramps, runways, excavations, pits, tanks, material, water, equipment. HEALTH AND. standard handrails according to the requirements for stairways. ☐ Are stair rail systems 30 or 42 inches* inches above the leading edge of stair treads? * Stair rail systems minimum height: installed before Jan. 29 (b) (1): The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42. Stair Rails and Handrails. g. Stair Railing Specifications - guards along stairways. OSHA is requesting updates to the handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard, according to a press release. New OSHA handrail/guardrail requirements have come into effect on Jan 17 of this year. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. IBC provisions are more stringent than OSHA provisions, but they are very similar to the material. 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. Stairs OSHA. to 34 in. The International Residential Code (IRC) lays out the requirements for residential staircases. 1. 121 (1) An employer must ensure that a walkway, runway or ramp. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), as long as the guardrail system meets all other criteria. Stairs and ramps shall have handrails on both sides, unless otherwise permitted. You indicated from our phone conversation that 1910. 29. There must be 6′ 8″ of vertical clearance above. See the following elevated work platform OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910. Handrails can be higher. Lower levels means those areas to which an employee can fall from a stairway or ladder. Stair Rails as Handrails. 6]OSHA set the design requirements for alternating tread stairs included teil 1910. Handrail ends shall be returned to a wall or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminations. In addition, interior and exterior stairs that are part of a means of egress must comply with requirements in the ABA Standards (§504). Under 1910. New handrail ends shall be returned to the wall or floor or shall terminate at newel posts . " 29 CFR 1910. 1050An OSHA catwalk servicing by a stairway a a your of stair landing. Here are some basic pieces of information to bear in mind when constructing a handrail to comply with OSHA Standards. In the U. Section R311: Means of Egress in the IRC code states that staircases should have a minimum width of 36 inches. This measurement includes the length of the baluster or post, plus the thickness of the handrail. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), as long as the guardrail system meets all other criteria. 1910. S. These requirements fall under three primary categories and include the safety, soundness, and security of the property. 2 m). Oregon OSHA defines a stairway as a series of steps and landings having three or more risers. Handrails shall have a clear space between the handrail and a wall or other surface of at least 1 ½ inches. 10, 1984] OSHA standard 1910. Uniform angle of rise, riser height, and tread width; all within specified acceptable ranges. Doors and gates opening onto stairway. If you have an edge that does not pose this risk, you should be OK with standard railing without toeboard. OSHA also notes that these stairways are used as part of a scaffold. OSHA requirements for standard stairs. 1. Handrails must be shaped in a manner that allows users to grip them firmly. The present Standard, 29 CFR 1910. The height of the stair rails should not be less than 34 inches and should not exceed 38 inches from. 23 that addresses stair railings is subsection (e) (2) and not (e) (1). 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. Stair Rails and Handrails. Handrail diameter between 1. Stair towers [29 CFR 1926. One stair rail system with handrail on each open side. Table D-2 under section 1910. 144(a)(3) was not meant to state directly or by implication that all permanent handrails be painted yellow. 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 &. 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. The requirements for handrails and stairs in the 2016 Final Rule led many employers to seek clarification from OSHA about when handrails. The employer must ensure each safety net system meets the requirements in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart M. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. A single bar or pipe supported onOSHA believes that a uniform riser height within 1/4 inch (0. Features include:These requirements are calculated according to stairway width, as well as the number of closed sides for each flight of stairs having four or more risers.