What are the OSHA requirements for handrails?
4 min read
Asked by: Oosman Dell
The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910.29(f)(1)(ii)(B)) and the handrail must be 30 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 code for top of handrail?
between 34″ and 38″
On a stair, since handrail must be between 34″ and 38″, the handrail and the top of the guard can be one and the same. In commercial applications, the IBC requires a minimum height of 42″. On stairs, once there is a 30″ drop, a handrail will be required and placed between 34″ and 38″ above the nosing.
What is the height of a top rail on a standard railing?
42 inches
(1) A standard railing shall consist of top rail, intermediate rail, and posts, and shall have a vertical height of 42 inches nominal from upper surface of top rail to floor, platform, runway, or ramp level.
What should be the top edge height of the top rails?
42 inches
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.
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.
What is the maximum distance between handrails?
Terminology: Stair Railing and Stair Guards
| Stair Railing Building Code | |
|---|---|
| Handrail Height | 34 to 38 inches |
| Maximum Projection of Railing From Wall | 4-1/2 inches |
| Minimum Hand Clearance From Wall | 1-1/2 inches |
| Minimum Distance Between Two Railings | 27 inches |
At what height does OSHA require railing or fall protection?
OSHA requires that fall protection be provided at elevations of four feet in general industry workplaces, five feet in shipyards, six feet in the construction industry and eight feet in longshoring operations.
At what height does OSHA require guardrails?
42 inches
OSHA states that guardrail must reach a height of 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the walking-working surface and withstand a force of 200 pounds at any point in a downward or outward direction.
Does OSHA require handrail extensions?
Pipe Railings: 1-1/2″ nominal diameter, not more than 8 feet apart. Steel: 2 x 2 x 3/8 inch angles not more than 8 feet on centers. Any smooth surface railing that can withstand the load requirements. No extensions or overhangs.
What is the standard for handrails?
You should fit a handrail at a height between 900mm and 1000mm from the pitch line of the stairs, or the floor for landings. This is approximately 35.4–39 inches. Staircases require at least one handrail: If the stairs are less than 1m wide: provide a handrail on one or both sides.
Do you need handrail on stairs?
Handrails are always required on stairwells with more than 4 consecutive risers regardless of stairwell length, riser width, or riser height. Bannisters and safety railings should be installed to block off any open drop exceeding 2 risers or 600mm in height. These are known as guardings or guard rails.
Do you need a continuous handrail?
Any flight of steps that consists of two or more risers should be provided with a continuous handrail on each side. If any stairway consists of two or more flights, separated by a landing or landings, each handrail should, if feasible, be continuous throughout the series of flights.
Where should a handrail start and stop?
The railing must be continuous, starting at the nosing of the upper landing and extending at a minimum to the nosing of the lowest step or “riser”. For optimal safety, whenever possible the handrail should run the entire length of the Nosing Line.
Does a handrail have to be round?
Handrail must be between 1-¼ inch to 2-inch diameter. Shapes, other than round, are permissible if they meet the ADA’s definition of Equivalent graspability.
Do I need handrails on both sides of stairs?
Handrails are required on both sides of stairs and must be continuous within the full length of each stair flight.
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.
How many risers require a handrail OSHA?
four
Fixed stairs having four or more risers shall have stair railings or handrails complying with § 1917.112(c)(1). Railing height from tread surface at the riser face shall be 33±3 inches (83.82 cm ±7.62 cm).
