At what height does OSHA require handrails?

Asked by: Ali Pehrson

30 to 38 inches30 to 38 inches in height (§1910.29(f)(1)(i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail).

What is the minimum height of a hand rail?

2. ADA Height Requirements. The current ADA standards dictate that the top of Handrails gripping surfaces shall be 34 inches minimum and 38 inches maximum measured vertically above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces with a greater than a 1:20 slope.

What is the height requirement for a top guardrail?

42 inches

Under 1910.23(e)(1), OSHA says that a guardrail must have a vertical height of 42 inches nominal from the upper surface of the top rail to floor, platform, runway, or ramp level. “Nominal” simply means that 42 inches has been established as the de facto standard for guardrail height.

How many steps can you take without a handrail?

Building Codes
The building code does not refer to the number of “steps” but it does require a handrail when there are two or more “risers”. For clarification, a “riser” is the vertical portion of a stair. The “tread” is the top of a step. A two riser minimum would translate to two steps.

Is a handrail a legal requirement?

Handrails are mandatory. Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than one metre wide, and on both sides if wider than this. Handrails should be placed between 900mm and 1000mm above the highest point on the staircase steps.

Do you need a hand rail on stairs?

Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than 1metre wide, or both sides if they are wider. Stairs do not need a handrail on the bottom two steps. In all the buildings handrail height should be between 900mm and 1000mm measured from the top of the handrail to the pitch line.

Do you need 2 handrails on stairs?

Stair Handrail requirements – one vs both sides of the stairway: 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.

Do external steps need a handrail?

A handrail should be provided where the total rise of a flight of external steps is more than 600mm and the going of individual steps is less than 600mm. Guidance for the provision of handrails to steps that form an accessible approach can be found in supporting documents to building regulations.

How high can outside steps be?

OUTDOOR STEP HEIGHT
Although the ratio can vary depending on the application, local building codes often dictate the minimum and maximum riser heights and minimum tread depth. The 7-11 rule is one that’s frequently used (maximum riser height of 7 inches and minimum tread depth of 11 inches).

What is the maximum step height?

Standard Stair Riser Height Requirements
OSHA 1910.25(c)(2) requires standard stairs to have a maximum riser height of 9.5 inches (24 cm). IBC 1011.5. 2 requires that stair riser heights shall be 7 inches (178 mm) maximum and 4 inches (102 mm) minimum.