1. (c) Stair rails and handrails. The following requirements apply to all stairways as indicated: (c) (1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm), whichever is less, shall be equipped with: (c) (1) (i) At least one handrail; and. Handrails need to be easy to firmly grasp if a person loses balance. On a flat surface, measure vertically above the. The International Building Code (IBC) is a model code for commercial construction that provides minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare of the occupants of new and existing buildings and structures. The employer must ensure guardrail systems meet the following requirements: (13)(i) Has a self-closing gate that slides or swings away from the hole, and is equipped with a top rail and mid-rail, or equivalent. Handrails and stair rail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching or snagging of clothing. Guardrail, Stair Rail & Handrail Strength Requirements - the 200 pound load criterion & others. 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:. You express your belief that OSHA does not have such a requirement. 5" tread depth. Handrail, stair rail, and guardrail system requirements. [47] “USA Standard Safety Requirements for Floor and Wall Openings, Railings, and Toe Boards,” USAS A12. The OSHA rules aim to ensure a safe working environment for all employees. For employers who have been doing their best to keep employees safe around. 5 inches (24 cm);1917. Dear Mr. Section 03 30 00, CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE: Concrete fill for treads and platforms. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. (b), the following stairways shall conform to the requirements of this section. 21(b)(5). 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. OSHA is proposing changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify which handrail and stair rail system requirements apply to new stair rail. 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. Under the proposal [proposed §1910. 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. Compliance. The safety handrails and guardrails comply with IBC and OSHA railing guidelines for use on landings, platforms, mezzanines and staircases. 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 &. • Each stairway should have at least one handrail. Items that fall under the safety category relate to the health, sanitary condition, and habitability of the property. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm). Railing height for guard rail. Additional requirements for ladders used on or with scaffolds are contained in Subpart L – Scaffolds. handrail s. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. reviewed the pertinent ANSI standards and determined that it was appropriate to limit the clearance requirement for handrails and stair rails. 1052 (c) - Top rail and handrail requirements for stairrail systems under the construction standards. Any change in elevation int walking surfaces greater than 9. Handrail ends shall be returned to a wall or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminations. 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: ( ii) One stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. 3 Horizontal projections. DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: Handrail is not functionally adequate (i. Exceptions: 1. Risers & Tread: 8" open riser, 9. 5) The step height, also known as the riser height, must be no less than 4 inches and no greater than 7 inches. There are many more codes,. (g) Ramps for wheelbarrows, if made of planking, must have an odd number of planks. Every interior and exterior stairway attached to, or supported by any part of the structure covered under this code. Handrails can have circular or non-circular cross-sections, but must have rounded edges. There is no maximum clearance between two handrails because it will depend on the width of the stairs. Railing height for guard rail. Treads should have a minimum depth of 10 inches, and risers a maximum height of 7 3/4 inches. One stair rail system with handrail on each open side. (c) Stair rails and handrails. e. IBC Stairs require guardrails of 42″ high and handrails of 34″ high on both sides of the stairwell. Whether it’s a residential staircase or a commercial space, understanding and implementing the appropriate handrail height is essential for creating a secure environment for users. Clearance. Circular Cross Section and Clearance (§505. The International Residential Code (IRC) lays out the requirements for residential staircases. Governing codes shall be checked for their specific requirements, and government regulations, suchOSHA 1926. Surfaces: Guardrail systems must have smooth surfaces. Generally, the width of IBC stairs will be 36. Your concern is whether or not the standard requires that all permanent handrails be painted yellow. 44 inches (1. c. 28; ( 2) Vertical clearance above any stair tread to any overhead obstruction is at least 6 feet, 8. 5 inches, a minimum width of 26 inches, and a headroom clearance of 78 inches. HTML PDF: 296-24-74030: Alternating tread-type stairs. 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. 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. Tread width – 22” minimum. 2. 8 Stair Railing - A barrier erected along exposed sides of a stairway to prevent fall of persons. This is one fo the reasons why people generally don't like FHA loans - these odd requirements around "safety" requirements on a home. See all powder-coated color options. 5″. OSHA Enforcement ; Annual Inspection Data ; Topics Back. roof openings; stairs and guardrail/handrail systems . - to “one stair rail system with handrail on each open side”. The provision refers to existing Table D–2, Stairway Handrail Requirements, which specifies handrail requirements based on the variables of stair width and how many sides of the stairway are open. Handrails and guards shall be designed and constructed to withstand a 200 pound load applied in any direction. Most people take stairways (and stairs) for granted until they fall while they are using them. 3 Exit Stair Handrails . If the stairs are 1000mm or wider: provide a handrail on both sides. (a) Stairways shall have handrails or stair railings on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate stair railing for each 88 inches of required. It includes the application, dimensions, clearance,. Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements: Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway. Stair Rails and Handrails. 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. Minimum 8. Topics. A handrail every 60" of horizontal distance at any place along the stairs. Morals and criteria for catwalk breadth, loads, and fall protection. A stair rail system shall be provided on all unprotected sides or edges of stairways with a fall hazard of four feet (1. 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. Stairways . A handrail and a wall or1926. At least one handrail must be provided for stairs with four or more risers or 30 inches of ascent. ☐ Do stairway handrails have at least 2. A safety handrail provides stability with a handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway or. 29 (b), ladders and hatches are required to be secured with a self-closing safety gate and safety-compliant railing. These systems may be mounted 36-38 inches high. Strength. OSHA catwalk width requirements. Minimum handrail wall clearance of 1. OSHA catwalk handrail requirements . (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. 21 (a) (8). (a) Stairways shall have handrails or stair railings on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate stair railing for each 88 inches of required. STAIRRAILS AND HANDRAILS The following general requirements apply to all stairrails and handrails: Stairways having four or more risers, or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm) in height. Handrail Height. §1620. Stair Rails and Handrails. 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. Exception: These requirements shall not apply to sloping portions of handrails between the top and bottom riser of stairs and above the ramp run. Extend past the length of the ramp and/or stairs. c. Mr. 2 m). A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs have two different meanings. 1. See the following elevated work platform OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910. Handrails must be 30” – 38” tall and. The handrail may form the top of a guarding if you can match the heights. The vertical height of a stair railing must be not more than 34 inches nor less than 30 inches from the upper surface of the top rail to the surface of the tread. Handrail ends must be returned and terminated at rail posts. 25(f)(2) Have an distance between handrails of 17 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm); The first drawing would not be compliant with the height requirements in §1910. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 4 of 14 DEFICIENCY 1 – OUTSIDE: HANDRAIL IS MISSING. Overall width of 23"; inside handrail width of 20". So going back to rfied112's orginal question. 5 inches (9 cm) as measured from the top edge of the toeboard to the level of the. Handrail height, measured above stair tread nosings, or finish surface of ramp slope, shall be uniform, not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm). 23 (e) (11), which details the maximum openings for wall opening screens, would apply in the above situation. Maximum 12′-7″ vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs. R311. How many stairs before a handrail is required? A handrail is required for staircases, platforms or landings above 1 metre from the ground. Osha walking required and requirements for elevated runways and walkways. Equipto offers two styles of OSHA complaint stairways. When such a railing would be impracticable or ineffective, other effective means shall be provided to prevent employees from falling into the water. IBC/IRC Height Requirements. 1052 (b) - OSHA does not have the legal authority to evaluate and certify products. It also must be able to withstand 50lbs being. 1 Height. 1, 2018 is 30 inches, installed after Dec. At least one handrail One stair rail system with handrail on open side. 29: 29 CFR 1910. OSHA defines a ship stair in section 1910. General dimensions. Handrails may be interrupted by a newel post at a turn. The stair shall be capable of withstanding a minimum uniform load of 100 pounds per square foot with a design factor of 1. Vertical clearance above any stair tread to an overhead obstruction shall be at least 7 feet measured from the leading edge of the tread. 44 inches (1. Dennis Gilmore Safety Director Tougher Industries, Inc. Distance. With the help of the members of NADRA, the 2022 edition of the International Residential Code (IRC) is now officially complete and ready for printing. OSHA Fall Protection Requirements. , it cannot reasonably be grasped by hand to provide stability or support when ascending or descending stairways). 500, 23 April 1973 - Excerpt: Since cables or chains are commonly used as barriers or guards on construction projects at floor and wall. (c) (1) (ii) One stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. 27 do not apply to. 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. Building and handrail codes require any flight of stairs with four or more rises to be built with a handrail on at least one side. 502 (b) (3), (4), and (5). There are a number of factors that are particularly relevant to patients and residents and should be considered in the individual's care plan. Handrail diameter between 1. ), the platform’s occupancy and use can dictate either IBC or OSHA provisions controlling. gov; Coronavirus Resources;The maximum rise of each step is eight inches; the minimum rise is four inches. 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. 44 inches (1. 5 times the vertical rise. Stair height and the depth of treads must be uniform. 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. §3214. Guardrail can be designed to be suitable for use as a handrail. "The employer must ensure each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1. 29 (f) (1) (iii) (A). in from the edge. 4. The top of the handrail must be located between 34 and 38 inches above the ramp surface or the stair nosing (the edge of a stair tread that projects over the riser). The terms “subdivision” and “subpart” are synonymous within OAR 437, Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Code. To obtain an order form or copies of these codes, address: Department of Consumer & Business Services Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Division (Oregon OSHA) 350 Winter St. Outdoor Stairs: Building codes may have specific requirements for handrails on outdoor stairs, particularly if there are multiple levels or steep inclines. Some of the requirements for all types of suspension scaffolds include:. 25(f) beneath: 1910. (a) General. 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. 21 (a) (3) and 1910. 75 inches each. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only. Photo: Getty Images. 23(e)(5). 27? Response: No. 23 (a) (2): Every ladderway floor opening or platform shall be guarded by a standard railing with standard toeboard on all exposed sides (except at entrance to opening), with the passage through the railing either provided with a. As a result, four inches would be the maximum allowable opening. Stair rails installed before Jan. 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. OSHA is considering what protection should be required for employees who use such stairs. A stair rail does not necessarily require a handrail. Handrail height requirements for stairs play a vital role in ensuring safety, accessibility, and compliance with building codes and regulations. 5″. scope, purpose and appli-cation 1. 3. Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails. The height of a handrail above the floor or the nosing of a stair tread, shall be between 900mm and 1100mm. Regarding handrails, there are two sets of regulations: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). 23 includes requirements for ladders, where OSHA defines handrail requirements on platforms and how high safety railings must be. 23(e) because the height of the standard railing on the stair landing is less than 42 inches nominal. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. We hope you find this information helpful. 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. RISERS must be uniform between landings, 30-50 deg, ≤ 9. ago. Except as provided elsewhere in this section, the employer must ensure that each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1. Here are some basic pieces of information to bear in mind when constructing a handrail to comply with OSHA Standards. 28(b)(5)(ii)(A). Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. - 08/30/1999. - UBC. OSHA publishes a. HTML PDF: 296-24-74020: Spiral stairs. 36 inches. 15220. " 29 CFR 1910. That part of §1910. IBC handrail code requirements for commercial stairs. 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. Learn the general and specific requirements for guardrail systems on stairs from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1910. 29 (f) (1) (ii) (B)) and the handrail must be 30 to 38 inches in height (§1910. 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. Balusters. The OSHA rules and standards regarding handrails are in the section about the fall protection systems. (B) Definitions. OSHA 1910. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 23 (b) General requirements for all ladders. O. 29. e. OSHA Standards and Interpretation Letter: 06/16/1999 - Scaffolds: Lifelines, support lines, and suspension ropes cannot have a common anchor point. Minimum single stair railing distance. General OSHA Handrail Requirements. The answer to your question is that 1910. Hand Railing projection into stairs (<= 4. Handrail or guard infill components, balusters and panel fillers shall withstand a horizontally applied perpendicular load of 50 pounds on any one-foot-square area. This discussion serves as a quick and easy reference for use on job sites. 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. Anchorage. 2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by a personal fall arrest system. (a) Stairways shall have handrails or stair railings on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate stair railing for each 88 inches of required. 4. 23(e)(1). This section covers the general and specific requirements for stairways, including standard, spiral, ship, and alternating tread-type stairs, except for articulated stairs. Ready for Action The range of ReadyRail prefab handrail and guardrail sizes and the seamless compatibility with the entire ReadySeries line ensures limitless FRP handrail and guardrail configurations for a. 500(f)(4)(i) thru (iii). Landings may be smaller, as well. Minimum distance between two stair railings. Stairs. OR Handrail is not continuous for the full length of each stair flight. 5" tread; Stair Width: minimum 22" Railings & Guardrail: railings required on open sides of stairwells and 42" high handrail on the side, preferably right. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Risers for OSHA stairs are allowed to be open. Stairways wider than 1000mm should have a handrail on each side. According to building code, handrails are required when there are four or more “risers,” referring to the vertical portion of a stair. - stair codes vary; this quote is from he CBC 1003. 8. 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. The maximum deflection shall be L/100 or 40mm, whichever is the lesser, over the horizontal span (L) of the stairway between supports. Be certain that your vendor has updated their OSHA designs. (A) Scope. WIDTH ≥ 22” between railings. 144(a)(3) was not meant to state directly or by implication that all permanent handrails be painted yellow. Essentially handrails are designed to provide guidance, support and safety for stairs and ADA ramps with a rise of 6 inches. The OSHA catwalk width requirements are found in section 1910. General Requirements: the general requirements of section 1910. 25″ and 2″. Ramps with a rise greater than 6 inches must have a handrail on at least one side. com 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. 25(b)(4) the stairway landings must be at least the diameter of the stairway, which has an minimum width of 22". The standard requires guardrail systems and components to be designed and built to meet the requirements of § 1926. Railings in stair codes and specifications refer to the safety barrier along steps or stairs. 4. 28; 1910. 04(3)(b)6. 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. The. Unprotected openings in roofs could, therefore, be cited under the general duty clause of the Occupational. See full list on thehortongroup. 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. Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 1 ½ inch between the wall and the handrails. The ADA Standards apply requirements for stairways to each stair that is part of a required means of egress (§210). Additionally, OSHA requires the following specifications: Step depth – 9. 25 (b) (3): Stairs have uniform riser heights and tread depths between landings. A standard railing is required around the platform, and it falls under OHSA 1910. Minimum 6′-8″ headroom height clearance for stairway. For buildings other than dwellings and for common access. 1050An OSHA catwalk servicing by a stairway a a your of stair landing. 660 inches)" meets the size requirements for pipe used in the construction of guard rails. Handrails ship unattached and bolt into place. 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. The top of the handrail should be mounted between 34 and 38 inches above ramp surfaces. P. 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. 07 to 8. 29 (f) (1) (i) - Handrails are not less than 30 inches (76 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm. · Non-corrosive and non-combustible stairs and railings · Slip-in rails and legs for fast assembly. Handrails must be ‘positioned between 900 and 1000mm above the pitchline’. 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. A handrail or grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent to it needs to be free of anything sharp or abrasive. OSHA requirements for stairs also dictate that any spiral stair must have a handrail. 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. 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. Learn how to comply with the OSHA requirements for the height of handrail and top rail of a stair rail system, which vary depending on the installation date of the system. 5 “width below handrail height where a handrail is on one side. 3. 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. SUBJECT: 1926. Stair Rails and Handrails. Handrail height, measured vertically from the sloped plane adjoining the tread nosing , or finish surface of ramp slope, shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm). The IBC commercial handrail code states that each stair is provided with a separate handrail or grabrail attached to the guardrail. Learn the general and specific requirements for guardrail systems on stairs from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1910. Ramp handrails should extend straight and horizontally above the landing for at least 12″ beyond both the top and bottom of. 1910. 21 (b) as: [Docket ID–OSHA–2020–0009] RIN 1218–AD28 Walking-Working Surfaces AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor. HTML PDF: 296-24-74025: Ship stairs. Handrails must be from 34 inches and 38 inches high as measured from the edge of the stair step or from the surface of an adjacent ramp slope. 1, Ex. 29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). 44 inches (1. Find out the enforcement guidance and the enforcement policy for stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017, that meet §1910. 1014. 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. Enforcement. 2. The employer must ensure each safety net system meets the requirements in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart M. Many contractors construct a combo handrail and stair rail system, installed on both sides, to cover all safety requirements. 29 - Fall protection systems and falling object protection - criteria and practices: Here you will find the requirements that guardrail, stair rail systems, and handrails. Load-capacity of 1,000 lbs. Stair Rails as Handrails. Balusters. 23(e) because the height of the standard railing on the stair landing is less than 42 inches nominal. 24, OSHA prescribes the use of handrails and railings as fall protection. In other words, you should ensure the surface of the tread isn't slippery. 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. A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs. 5 cm) in height. In the U. At least one handrail One stair rail system with handrail on open side. Stair Rails and Handrails. • 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. 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. 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. IBC requirements dictate the loading for sizing members of the platform structure. Stair railings and handrails shall be in-stalled in accordance with the provi-sions of §1910. Reference definitions in 1910. This informative guide provides the provisions and compliance requirements for barriers and handrails for Class 1 and 10 buildings. Pittsburgh, Pa. You indicated from our phone conversation that 1910. Stairway Railings and Guards Every flight of stairs with four or more risers shall have standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified below. The building code is the same for both interior and exterior steps: a handrail is required for 4 or more risers (3 treads). Minimum single stair railing distance. 5” minimum. Recommendation: In facilities that primarily serve children, a second set of stairway. Note that if the stairway is serving as an accessible means. As a means of egress, exterior exit stairs must meet all the requirements set forth in IBC section 1011. Our Crossover stairs and platforms provide safe passage over areas with obstructions, danger zones, and other hazards. Chad Holder. 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. 5 inches. The height of the stair rails should not be less than 34 inches and should not exceed 38 inches from. One stair rail system each open side. The IBC commercial handrail code states that each stair is provided with a separate handrail or grabrail attached to the guardrail. OSHA Requirements for standard stairs 1910. Oct 27 2017. Use tread and rise requirements that vary by stairway angle. The Agency solicits public comment in these areas. Viewrail offers 36”, 39”, and 42” handrail heights to meet every state’s requirement.