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. 21 (b) Definitions . OSHA’s proposal seeks to clarify two of the standard’s provisions. reviewed the pertinent ANSI standards and determined that it was appropriate to limit the clearance requirement for handrails and stair rails. 1. This is one fo the reasons why people generally don't like FHA loans - these odd requirements around "safety" requirements on a home. OSHA stairs are permitted to be steeper than IBC stairs and may have open risers. This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. 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. Stair Rails and Handrails. HTML PDF: 296-24-93501: Definitions. 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. (c) (1) (ii) One stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. See §1910. 1. 1926. Kevin Rauchut NVR, Inc. The IBC mimimum requirements for wide stairs are: A handrail on both sides of the wide stairway. Recommendation: In facilities that primarily serve children, a second set of stairway. Rolling stairs OSHA codes are followed strictly when manufacturing all of our rolling stairs/ladders. The gripping surface and adjacent surfaces must be free of abrasive or sharp elements. 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. D. HTML PDF: 296-24-74025: Ship stairs. Rule 2156. 5 inch. If the stairs are likely to be loaded in excess of the above requirements, refer to AS/NZS 1170. You can make your trip up or down a flight of stairs much safer if you remember to use the handrail. Handrails must be shaped in a manner that allows users to grip them firmly. Riser height – 9. A ladder or stairway must be provided when the worksite has a break in elevation of 19” (48cm) or more, and there is no runway, ramp, embankment, or personal hoist for workers’ access. Use tread and rise requirements that vary by stairway angle. OSHA standard 1926. Surface requirements and clearances facilitate a power grip along the length of handrails. A handrail or grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent to it needs to be free of anything sharp or abrasive. If you have an edge that does not pose this risk, you should be OK with standard railing without toeboard. Hand Railing projection into stairs (<= 4. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. 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. There are also times when having a handrail on just one side of a stairwell will make. Objects with leading edges more than 27 inches (685 mm) and not more than 80 inches (2030 mm) above the finished floor shall not project horizontally more than 4. Most people take stairways (and stairs) for granted until they fall while they are using them. 42156 - Handrail specifications. 23 that addresses stair railings is subsection (e) (2) and not (e) (1). 23 (b) (12) - Fall Protection Requirements for Fixed Ladders - 09/10/2021. Railing spaced from. SPS 321. The same height specifications apply to handrails on stairs. Use internal couplings, Type 18-7, to maintain continuity. From time to time, letters are affected when the Agency updates a standard, a legal decision impacts a standard, or changes in technology affect the. 2 m) or more above a lower level is protected. Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of closed stairways preferably on the right side descending. Maximum 4-1/2 inch handrail projection into stairway width, on either side. Landings may be smaller, as well. OSHA's requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. 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. 7. 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. OSHA published a proposed rule in May 2021 to clarify this. That is why every flight of stairs having four. • 2 yr. A stair rail system shall be provided on all unprotected sides or edges of stairways with a fall hazard of four feet (1. It includes the application, dimensions, clearance, and safety standards for handrails, guardrails, risers, treads, landings, platforms, and door openings. Handrail diameter between 1. Requirements of the Vermont Fire and Building Safety Codes . Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails. 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. 3 Stairways and Landings model code. Further, OSHA standard 1910. 1910. Residential Interior Stairs Code Requirements. 1-1967. Load-capacity of 1,000 lbs. Heavy-Duty Aluminum Construction – Innovative design reduces welds, strengthening the overall system. Treads (the horizontal stair element you step on) that are at least 10 inches in depth and no more than 14 inches. 2 m). Except as provided under par. 25(f) beneath: 1910. Always OSHA-Compliant – Built to comply with OSHA’s regulations in any configuration. 500, Guardrails, handrails & guards. 5 inches (75 cm) to 37 inches (94 cm), measured from the front edge of a step. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. Clearance. OSHA also states. This informative guide provides the provisions and compliance requirements for barriers and handrails for Class 1 and 10 buildings. Stairways wider than 1000mm should have a handrail on each side. 451 (a) (6) to require a screen between the toeboard and the guardrail in situations only where employees are required. OSHA Enforcement ; Annual Inspection Data ; Topics Back. 23 (b) General requirements for all ladders. 24 inches in width, with. 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. Additional OSHA handrail requirements. 8 Projections. The employer must ensure: ( 1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. 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 distance between the ship's ladder and any obstacle on the climbing side must be at least 30 inches. 0. Question 1: Are ship's ladders (also known as ship's stairs) required to meet the fixed ladder requirements in 29 CFR 1910. 25″ and 2″. Chad Holder. 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 OSHA requirements for handrails include the following: Be able to. (b), the following stairways shall conform to the requirements of this section. 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. 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. 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. (2) A handrail shall be vertically installed not more than 37 inches (94 cm), nor less than 30 inches (76 cm), above the front edge of the treads. 29: 29 CFR 1910. We have paraphrased your questions, and our replies follow. I just didn’t know if there was a. OSHA fall protection requirements for general industry and construction are addressed in 29 CFR 1910. SUBJECT: 1926. 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. 31-1/2 inches. 3. 2 m) or more. 04(3)(b)6. (vertical members in handrails) OSHA 29 CFR 1910. At least one handrail One stair rail system with handrail on open side. Custom built to exact height. Different requirements for children show a maximum height of 28″ with a minimum clearance of 9″ between the adult rail and the childrens’ rail, which is only a recommendation and not a requirement. 24 for the safe design and construction of fixed general industrial stairs. 23 includes requirements for ladders, where OSHA defines handrail requirements on platforms and how high safety railings must be. 5 inches. Be certain that your vendor has updated their OSHA designs. The. Enforcement. and positive safety railing for numerous situations. 29 (k) includes standards for “protection from falling objects”. Maximum 12 feet vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. 1. 21(b)(1) and 1910. 1. 24. The section of the OSHA code that specifies most of the primary guardrail and handrails as it directly relates to safety railing is 1910. Steel, aluminum, and wood posts can be used in a cable railing system. 23 (e) (2), you are in compliance with §1910. All handrails and handrail extensions shall be marked with a solid andwith OSHA's requirements for the safe use of ladders and stairways could have prevented many of these injuries. 1 Height. Stairway Handrails. Many shorter stairways don’t have rails at all, and it can be confusing to know how many steps. c. Djkevinpaul. (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. Suite 301 Chadds Ford, PA 19317. 21 (a) (8). 2). 29 - Fall protection systems and falling object protection - criteria and practices: Here you will find the requirements that guardrail, stair rail systems, and handrails. OR Handrail is not continuous for the full length of each stair flight. The IBC commercial handrail code states that each stair is provided with a separate handrail or grabrail attached to the guardrail. 451(e)(4)]Deck stair handrails must be at least 34” and no more than 38” high. 7 cm). 2 RELATED WORK A. The required number of handrails is 2. 5" tall, with no more than a 1/4" gap at the bottom. The largest tread width or riser height in any flight of stairs. The employer must ensure: 1910. 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. Fixed Industrial Stairs: OSHA Standard 1910. Note: Dimensions and stair requirements apply only to individual dwelling units in residential occupancies. Mr. Posters, signs and notice boards can be distracting and should not be positioned on or around stairs or steps. 4. 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. 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. Handrail diameter between 1. If the guard top rail is not used as a Handrail, it would not have graspability requirements. Distance between a single stair railing and the opposite wall (with no stair railing) Guard railing minimum height. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only. 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. 5. Maximum riser height of 9. 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. 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. §3214. 5”. When such a railing would be impracticable or ineffective, other effective means shall be provided to prevent employees from falling into the water. (h) Railings and handrails. Section R311: Means of Egress in the IRC code states that staircases should have a minimum width of 36 inches. 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. Landings and platforms. Handrails are a common requirement on FHA. These systems may be. Find out the enforcement guidance. What are the general OSHA requirements of toe board? According to OSHA 1910. The difference in the two designs. _ Stair rails installed after March 15,1991, must be not less than 36 inches (91. 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 shall be provided on not less than one side of each flight of stairs with four or more risers. For stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017, the top rail and handrail must be separate. However, it requires that the stair landings be at least the width of the stair or 48 inches, whichever is less. 27 inches. 34 Provide handrails in accordance with all of the following: Position the top of the handrail 900mm to 1000mm from the pitch line or floor. 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. 6]OSHA set the design requirements for alternating tread stairs included teil 1910. Balusters. With that in mind, we can refer to a “four-riser minimum” as a “four-step minimum. 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. 29(d) Designated Areas. Equipto offers two styles of OSHA complaint stairways. (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. 5 inches and the minimum stair tread is 9. 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. 25(f)(1) Have a series of treads includes at a slope a 50 to 70 degrees from the horizontal; 1910. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. OSHA Handrail Standards. 1910. 23(e) because the height of the standard railing on the stair landing is less than 42 inches nominal. At least one handrail One stair rail system with handrail on open side. The requirements of OSHA safety regulations for the safe use of ladders and stairs (Subpart X, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1926. Guardrails, stair rails, and handrails are common fall protection solutions. You express your belief that OSHA does not have such a requirement. Inside handrails on switchback or dogleg stairs must be continuous. Alternating tread devices and ship’s ladders are unusual stairs meant for accessing small, low-traffic areas. (A) Scope. The handrail may form the top of a guarding if you can match the heights. 7. Visit the ADA Handrail Guide for more information. A minimum of 27 “width below handrail where handrails are on both sides. Topics. 25(b)(2) Vertical clearance above any stair tread to any overhead obstruction is at least 6 feet, 8 inches (203 cm), as measured from the leading edge of the tread. 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. (c) Stair rails and handrails. Railings meeting the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section shall be provided on the means of access to and from the floors of graving docks. 5") Hand Railing heights: U. Under §1910. 23 (a) (1) Used in emergency operations such as firefighting, rescue, and tactical law enforcement operations, or training for these operations; or. 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. 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. General requirements for all stairs. The IBC commercial handrail code states that each stair is provided with a separate handrail or grabrail attached to the guardrail. If balusters are used, there shall be a minimum of one per tread. All catwalks have to be equipped with railings that can withstand up to 200 pounds of pressure. Tread depth on stairs must be a minimum of 10”, not including the nosing. Stair towers [29 CFR 1926. The questions below have been restated for clarity. Also see GUARDRAIL CODES & STANDARDS for details about safety railings on landings and open hallways, porches, screened porches, balconies - horizontal walking surfaces. Here are some basic pieces of information to bear in mind when constructing a handrail to comply with OSHA Standards. 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. The IBC defines the various design requirements for handrails, providing clear and concise specifications. Railing height for guard rail. Handrails and top rails of the stairs must be able to endure, clearly without failure, at least 200 pounds (890 n) of weight when applied within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top in any downward or outward direction, at any point along the top edge. This is because for people with balance and mobility issues, leaning on a wall to maintain their balance is simply not a safe way to navigate a stairwell. 5. 23(e)(1)]One of the biggest differences between ADA stairs and OSHA stairs relates to their handrails. The employer must ensure: 1910. 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. At a point less than 12’ in elevation, this spiral stair has a rest landing which is also an OSHA requirement. A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs. Zarletti: Thank you for your letter of June 18, concerning the allowable tolerance for the height of guardrails as specified at 29 CFR 1926. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. 8. 23 (e) (3) (iv), the anchoring of posts and framing of members for railings of all types. 5 inches (9 cm) as measured from the top edge of the toeboard to the level of the. - 10/28/2004. ADA Chapter 5 Section 505. Tread width – 22” minimum. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. 1910. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3214. By explaining the requirements and specific changes in the National Construction Code (NCC) Volume Two 2019, you will understand your obligations and the effects on. Common types of problems include malfunctioning electrical service or even missing handrails on stairs. Stair Rails as Handrails. 23 (a) (2) Designed into or is an integral part of machines or equipment. This was a little better but not as logical or as safe as a 42" guard. HTML PDF: 296-24-935: Safety relief devices for cargo and portable tanks storing compressed gases. (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. 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. Question 1: Are ship's ladders (also known as ship's stairs) required to meet the fixed ladder requirements in 29 CFR 1910. 5. g. Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails. That part of §1910. Greater than 88 inches. OSHA catwalk handrail requirements . ), the platform’s occupancy and use can dictate either IBC or OSHA provisions controlling. OSHA 1910. Stairs have to be installed at 30° to 50° from horizontal. Vertical height of handrail between 34″-38″. 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. A vertical barrier along exposed sides of a stairway to prevent people fromOSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. These systems may be mounted 36-38 inches high. Osha walking required and requirements for elevated runways and walkways. 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. Morals and criteria for catwalk breadth, loads, and fall protection. When figuring out the tolerances for the OSHA guardrail height, the minimum allowed is 39". Our letters of interpretation do not create new or additional requirements, but rather explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances. 1050An OSHA catwalk servicing by a stairway a a your of stair landing. Handrails on the open side of a stairway must meet guardrail requirements. Handrails must be able to hold 200 pounds of downward or outward pressure. 27 do not apply to ship's. 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. General requirements. Extend past the length of the ramp and/or stairs. 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. 24 (e), if they have a rise of 7. Oh, and my name is Rod, not Rob. 44 inches (1. Strength. 36 inches. An employer may use these guidelines as a starting point for designing guardrail systems. Handrail is rail that provides a handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway or step ladder. IBC Stairs require guardrails of 42″ high and handrails of 34″ high on both sides of the stairwell. 9 Toe. (d) has the appropriate toe boards and guardrails required by Part 22. OSHA Guardrail Load Requirements. Dear Mr. 25(b) This standard number explains the basic requirements for all fixed staircases, including ship ladders in industrial settings. 5 times the vertical rise. Capable of withstanding force of at least 200# Must be smooth-surfaced;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. (vertical members in handrails)OSHA 29 CFR 1910. Handrails and stair rail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching. 1052 (c) - Top rail and handrail requirements for stairrail systems under the construction standards. 2 Width and capacity. 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. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Removable Handrail Socket: 90001B: ES Stair 1-Step System: 90002B: ES Stair 2-Step System: 90003B: ES Stair 3-Step System: 90004B: ES Stair 4-Step System: 90005B: ES Stair 5-Step System:. 1 m) to 88 inches (2. 1915. 15. There must be 6′ 8″ of vertical clearance above. 1050 (a) Scope and Application. 21 (a) (3) and 1910. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. Elevated catwalks should be provided access by a stairway. Risers for OSHA stairs are allowed to be open. You had specific questions regarding the use of ship's stairs in general industry. 5”. 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742 Federal Government White House; Benefits. (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. The height of the stair rails should not be less than 34 inches and should not exceed 38 inches from. 23(e)(5)(ii). IBC requirements dictate the loading for sizing members of the platform structure. You will note that the post offers both required heights for stairs and landing, and the added toe rail. 3. §3214. 44 inches (1. • On stairways less than 44 inches wide having both sides enclosed, at least one handrail shall be affixed, preferably onrequirements for when handrails and stair rail systems must be present on certain flights of stairs. S. In so case, OSHA catwalks served by a stairs must have ampere minimum widths of 22. Quoting from the new text (note all is from the same section/page): The h. Your concern is whether or not the standard requires that all permanent handrails be painted yellow. When the top edge of a stairrail system also serves as a handrail, paragraph (c) (7) of this. There shouldn't be obstructions on the top or sides of the handrails. 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). If you follow these requirements and. This measurement includes the length of the baluster or post, plus the thickness of the handrail. 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. An adult using this spiral stair will be taller than the handrail height so there is no need for tight baluster spacing. 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. c. OSHA publishes a final rule. See full list on thehortongroup. 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. 04 Stairways and elevated areas. For detailing the other components (stairs, railing, ladders, etc. Learn the general and specific requirements for guardrail systems on stairs from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1910. Stairs OSHA. Our Crossover stairs and platforms provide safe passage over areas with obstructions, danger zones, and other hazards. __. Handrails (continuous) are required on at least one side of flights of stairs with ≥ 4 risers. 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. OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal. Handrails shall include the following features:6 Requirements & Guidelines for Stairs: Handrail height at stairs is required to be between 34”-38” high. Exit Stairway Enclosures. Industrial stairs: Closed // and open // riser stairs.