OSHA's requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. OSHA Enforcement ; Annual Inspection Data ; Topics Back. Projections into the required width of stairways and ramps at each handrail shall not exceed 41/2 inches (114 mm) at. The International Residential Code (IRC) lays out the requirements for residential staircases. 1 m) to 88 inches (2. 31-1/2 inches. 2. SPS 321. 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742 Federal Government White House; Benefits. 15. Handrails ship unattached and bolt into place. 25(f)(1) Have a series of treads includes at a slope a 50 to 70 degrees from the horizontal; 1910. A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs have two different meanings. 1, Ex. Handrails shall be a minimum of 1 1⁄4 inches (3. Distance between a single stair railing and the opposite wall (with no stair railing) Guard railing minimum height. Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements: Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway. - stair rails of 30-38 inches can be used as handrails, for installations made between 1/17/17 and the finalization date of these 2021 revisions - all handrails installed after this. OSHA stairs are permitted to be steeper than IBC stairs and may have open risers. The. 5. The required number of handrails is 2. 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 IBC requires a guard to be 42 inches tall, with Handrails falling between 34 and 38 inches. 23 and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, respectively, in the Code of Federal Regulations. You express your belief that OSHA does not have such a requirement. the other safety requirements for guardrails. Stair Railing Specifications - guards along stairways. Stair width is measured clear of all obstructions except handrails. IBC requirements dictate the loading for sizing members of the platform structure. 1 A de minimis condition arises when an employer implements a measure different than the one specified in the standard, but the discrepancy has no direct or immediate relationship to employee safety or health. One handrail on each enclosed side: One Stair rail system with handrail on open side and one handrail on enclosed side. 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. g. Residential building code handrail requirements for stairs provide for handrails on at least one side of a flight of stairs with two or more risers. e. 44 inches (1. Every interior and exterior stairway attached to, or supported by any part of the structure covered under this code. Stairways . 29(d)(1). 1052 (b) - OSHA does not have the legal authority to evaluate and certify products. Stairs other than fixed industrial stairs have different requirements for being equipped with standard stair railing or standard handrails when compared to the requirements of fixed industrial stairs. IBC provisions are more stringent than OSHA provisions, but they are very similar to the material. Vertical rise – 30° to 50°. IBC handrail code requirements for commercial stairs. It also must be able to withstand 50lbs being. 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. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only. These requirements fall under three primary categories and include the safety, soundness, and security of the property. 2. 5 inches (24 cm); 1917. This informative guide provides the provisions and compliance requirements for barriers and handrails for Class 1 and 10 buildings. A handrail and a wall or1926. The handrail height, headroom, riser height and distance between the center column and handrail will pass OSHA. 3. 2). (g) Ramps for wheelbarrows, if made of planking, must have an odd number of planks. 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. 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. One stair rail system each open side. An adult using this spiral stair will be taller than the handrail height so there is no need for tight baluster spacing. These systems may be mounted 36-38 inches high. 6 cm) for all steps in each flight of stairs is necessary in order to minimize the possibility that employees will slip, trip, and fall while they are on the stairs. Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 1 ½ inch between the wall and the handrails. OSHA catwalk width requirements. D. Order 4-1998, f/8/28/98, ef. OSHA Enforcement ; Annual Inspection Data ; Topics Back. The first proposed change would make clear that “a stair rail system with a. When such a railing would be impracticable or ineffective, other effective means shall be provided to prevent employees from falling into the water. The final rule could appear in late 2021 or early. 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. All ladders should have guardrails and handrails. See the following elevated work platform OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910. 17, 2017, must be at least 42 inches. 500(f)(4)(i) thru (iii). If the stairs are likely to be loaded in excess of the above requirements, refer to AS/NZS 1170. 7. STAIRS The following spatial requirements apply to stairs: • Minimum width above the handrail -36 inches. Under OSHA Section 1910. OSHA Stair rail requirements - stair railings may serve as handrails, and vice-versa. Because of the steepness of these stairs, handrails are required at a reduced height of 30 in. Minimum 6′-8″ headroom height clearance for stairway. Cal-OSHA’s 1” tolerance only allows for a minimum height of 41”. OSHA requirements for standard stairs. Handrail ends must be returned and terminated at rail posts. 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. 2. 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. OSHA is proposing changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify which handrail and stair rail system requirements apply to new stair rail. One stair rail system each open side. The questions below have been restated for clarity. 2. The 2010 Standards set minimum requirements – both scoping and technical – for newly designed and constructed or altered State and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. Exit Stairway Enclosures. 23, Guarding floor and wall openings and holes: 1910. The handrail's ends must either be rounded or smoothly meet the floor, wall or post. Generally, the width of IBC stairs will be 36. 29 (b), ladders and hatches are required to be secured with a self-closing safety gate and safety-compliant railing. For example, on stairways more than 44 inches wide but less than 88 inches wide, there must be one handrail on each enclosed side and one stair railing on each open side. Handrails must be “graspable” which means you still cannot use a 2×4 or other shapeless block of wood. Additionally, the height requirements for ADA handrails differ from those of an OSHA stair. 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. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 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. Rolling stairs OSHA codes are followed strictly when manufacturing all of our rolling stairs/ladders. ". Many contractors construct a combo handrail and stair rail system, installed on both sides, to cover all safety requirements. Harris: This is in response to your letter dated February 23, 1978, concerning the construction standards requirements for toeboards. 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. 1910. 31, 2017 is 42 inches. 5) The step height, also known as the riser height, must be no less than 4 inches and no greater than 7 inches. IBC stairs generally have a 7-inch closed riser and an 11-inch tread. OSHA’s proposal seeks to clarify two of the standard’s provisions. The questions below have been restated for clarity. The same height specifications apply to handrails on stairs. A handrail every 60" of horizontal distance at any place along the stairs. We hope you find this information helpful. Spiral stairs shall have a minimum tread depth of 7. 5 inches for stands with a top height of 4 feet or more, 36 inches for stands with. Treads should not slope more than 2%. 25 (b) (4)] IBC requires the same width as OSHA. 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). Railing height for guard rail. 44 inches (1. The top of the handrail should be mounted between 34 and 38 inches above ramp surfaces. Learn how to prevent falls and injuries by following the best practices and guidelines. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. 6. Requirements for Ladders OSHA has reorganized separate rules for fixed ladders, portable wood ladders and portable. OSHA is very clear that ship stairs should only be used where you can demonstrate that standard stairs will not work. 28(c). 29(d) Designated Areas. Handrail, stair rail, and guardrail system requirements. S. principal height standard: handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs. (h) Railings and handrails. Minimum 11 inch stair tread depth. Stairway width <44. If you follow these requirements and. 25″. Handrails on the open side of a stairway must meet guardrail requirements. The maximum deflection shall be L/100 or 40mm, whichever is the lesser, over the horizontal span (L) of the stairway between supports. OSHA has proposed changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify certain requirements related to handrail and stair rail systems. 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. Handrails are required when there is a top step height of 4 feet or more and a railing needs to be 29. A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs. 25 inches (5. The employer must ensure: ( i) Each employee on a scaffold is protected from falling in accordance 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L; and. These regulations. 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. General requirements. See the following elevated work platform OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910. Figure D-12 - Handrail Measurement (2) The height of stair rail systems meets the following: (a) The height of. 29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). 420 Greentree Road. 25(b) Conformable fall shelter (guardrail system) Uniform riser heights and tread depths . b. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. ” Six general subject areas within this code are designated as “Divisions. Minimum single stair railing distance. Sep 10, 2012. For safety, handrails should be placed along both sides of the ramp segment. Extensions shall return to a wall, guard, or the landing surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stair flight. 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. Section 05 50 00, METAL FABRICATIONS: Wall handrails and. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 10, 1984] OSHA standard 1910. For employers who have been doing their best to keep employees safe around. If you have an edge that does not pose this risk, you should be OK with standard railing without toeboard. Table D-2 under section 1910. Essentially handrails are designed to provide guidance, support and safety for stairs and ADA ramps with a rise of 6 inches. 21 (a) (8). Generally, the minimum stair width is 44 inches, unless the stairway serves an occupant load of less than 50, in which case the minimum width is 36 inches. Mr. OSHA is therefore proposing two separate provisions for stairs with two open sides Start Printed Page 27334 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. 28(b)(11)(ii) provides handrail requirements. Handrails should be between 30 and 37 inches above the step surface, with a clearance of at least three inches between the rail and the wall. Find out the top edge height, midrail spacing, force and deflection tests, and other criteria for guardrail systems on stairs. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 4 of 14 DEFICIENCY 1 – OUTSIDE: HANDRAIL IS MISSING. Handrail height requirements for stairs play a vital role in ensuring safety, accessibility, and compliance with building codes and regulations. Ships with rubber bumper attached to the center stringer. Maximum 12′-7″ vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs. S. Handrails and stair rail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching. 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. 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. this standard sets forthReply #2: Yes. HEIGHT CLEARANCE minimum 6’6” clearance from nose of tread to overhead obstruction. The employer must ensure each safety net system meets the requirements in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart M. 1, 2018 is 30 inches, installed after Dec. 1910. REDD Team Flex-Step OSHA Stair – This Flex-Step OSHA Stair is an adjustable 28″or 35″ threshold stair designed for modular buildings, construction trailers and field offices that need to meet OSHA regulations. A safety handrail provides stability with a handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway or. Pursuant to §1910. 29: 29 CFR 1910. 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. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. 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. The difference in the two designs. Topics. If an obstacle is unavoidable, the clearance must be at least 24 inches, and a device. 451 (a) (6) to require a screen between the toeboard and the guardrail in situations only where employees are required. [IBC 1011. Maximum 4-1/2 inch handrail projection into stairway width, on either side. 23 (a) (2) Designed into or is an integral part of machines or equipment. S. 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). HTML PDF: 296-24-7500: Other working surfaces. surfaces and their access; workplace, floor, wall and . Handrails shall be permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at the turn. Minimum distance between two stair railings. Handrail Height. Friday, June 2, 2023 Risk Management, Safety and OSHA Handrails are integral to stairway safety, providing support and stability for individuals as they navigate steps. 3. HEALTH AND. The minimum load capacity must be at least 100 pounds per square foot, with a minimum tread center concentrated load of at least 300 pounds. 23(e) because the height of the standard railing on the stair landing is less than 42 inches nominal. 1. 24(h) provides: Standard railings shall be provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms. 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. ”. The maximum riser height by an OSHA standard stair will 9. 24 (a) Step bolts. OSHA Handrail Standards. 27 inches. Handrails are required on stairways and must meet specific guidelines. Contrasting materials on the step edge/nosing and handrail can provide a very effective visual safety trigger. 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). Additional requirements for ladders used on or with scaffolds are contained in Subpart L – Scaffolds. 5". Note: For specific code requirements, contact the Building Inspection Department at 952-442-7520 or 888-446-1801 or e-mail: info@mnspect. For stair width, expect a minimum of 44 inches in most cases and 36 inches in areas populated on average by less than 50 people. Landings and platforms. 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. A vertical barrier along exposed sides of a stairway to prevent people fromOSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 28 includes unprotected sides and edges. Risers & Tread: 8" open riser, 9. C. A standard railing is required around the platform, and it falls under OHSA 1910. 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. Industrial stairs: Closed // and open // riser stairs. Handrails shall be at a consistent height above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. The height of handrails is measured straight up from the nosing of the treads to the top of the handrail. OSHA Construction Standard 1026. You had specific questions regarding the use of ship's stairs in general industry. May 20, 2021. DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: Handrail is missing (i. 5. The largest tread width or riser height in any flight of stairs. 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. ADA Chapter 5 Section 505. HTML PDF: 296-24-74010: Standard stairs. 1910. 9 Toe. Click to view image. 44 inches (1. 1910. OSHA also states. 04(3)(b)6. 5. 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. 5″. 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. Hand Railing projection into stairs (<= 4. OSHA regulations are pretty straightforward: “Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail. If I may be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me. General requirements. 1910. , evidence of prior installation, but now not present or is incomplete). WIDTH ≥ 22” between railings. Handrails are required when there is a top step height of 4 feet or more and a railing needs to be 29. Riser Height and Tread Depth (IBC 1011. 1 Height. Stair tread should be slip-resistant for mezzanine safety. One stair rail system with handrail on each open side. 3. 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. That apart, the exit should be by way of permanent structures like stairs and attached ladders. 6]OSHA set the design requirements for alternating tread stairs included teil 1910. The employer must ensure each safety net system meets the requirements in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart M. 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. Handrails are a common requirement on FHA. 25(c) Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal Maximum riser height of 9. 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. 1 scope. • Handrails are required to: – be between 900mm and 1100mm above the floor or the nosing of a stair treadHandrail gripping surface shall be mounted between 34” and 38” with railing height above stair nosings; The ends of the handrails should be rounded or returned smoothly to the floor; The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created to assure safe and healthful working conditions for employees. Solid. 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. c. 29 (f) (1) (i) - Handrails are not less than 30 inches (76 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm. - 10/28/2004. Stair towers [29 CFR 1926. The guardrails provided here are 1-1/4” thick. 17, 2017, must be at least 30 inches from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail, while those installed on or after Jan. 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. OSHA go frame and requirements OSHA General stair requirements 1910. The Agency believes that scaffold stairways present a serious fall hazard. Weight-Bearing. 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. Handrail Height. Riser height – 9. Contact OSHA . · Non-corrosive and non-combustible stairs and railings · Slip-in rails and legs for fast assembly. ( 13) Work on low-slope roofs. Easily Installed and Reconfigured. 4. The employer must ensure:1926. We hope you find this information helpful. Landings may be smaller, as well. (vertical members in handrails) OSHA 29 CFR 1910. 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. So going back to rfied112's orginal question. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route (e. (1) "Handrail" means a rail used to provide. 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. Maximum 12′-7″ vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs. 27? Response: No. The railing height should be at least 42 inches from the first edge of the tread to the rail's upper edge. The terms “subdivision” and “subpart” are synonymous within OAR 437, Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Code. Equipto offers two styles of OSHA complaint stairways. Handrails need to be easy to firmly grasp if a person loses balance. S. Stairways wider than 1000mm should have a handrail on each side. 2. Uniform angle of rise, riser height, and tread width; all within specified acceptable ranges. //Section 01 81 13, SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS: Sustainable Design Requirements. the International Building Code or IBC sets the stair and handrail requirements for public buildings and public spaces. Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. According to OSHA 1910. Treads (the horizontal stair element you step on) that are at least 10 inches in depth and no more than 14 inches. HTML PDF: 296-24-74020: Spiral stairs. Anchorage. shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. Railing, toe boards, and cover specifications. Topics. 2. 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. The answer to your question is that 1910. 75 inches each. 1910. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1620. Design and Construction of Railings. 25(f)(1) Have a series of treads includes at a slope a 50 to 70 degrees from the horizontal; 1910. The employer must ensure: 1910. In so case, OSHA catwalks served by a stairs must have ampere minimum widths of 22. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm). At least one handrail One stair rail system with handrail on open side. 7)Requirements for barriers and handrails. Handrails (continuous) are required on at least one side of flights of stairs with ≥ 4 risers. 28(b)(5)(ii)(A). Is it illegal not to have a handrail on stairs? Handrails are mandatory. Handrails shall have a clear space between the handrail and a wall or other surface of at least 1 ½ inches. 500, Guardrails, handrails & guards. RISERS must be uniform between landings, 30-50 deg, ≤ 9. IBC handrail code requirements for commercial stairs. Posters, signs and notice boards can be distracting and should not be positioned on or around stairs or steps. 451 (a) (5). (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. (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. Pittsburgh, Pa. An employer may use these guidelines as a starting point for designing guardrail systems. , ramp or elevator) are not required to meet the Standards, but handrails must comply when stairs that are part of a means of egress are altered (§210. For Employers ; Worker Rights ; Workers Memorial ;. 1052(c)(6) and 1926. 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. Dear. 27 inches. 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. Custom built to exact height. 28(b)(11)(ii) states that a flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers must be equipped with stair rail system. A stair with a single riser or with two risers and a tread is permitted at locations not required to be accessible by Chapter 11 where the risers and treads comply with Section 1011. Reference definitions in 1910. All handrails must have a gap of 1 1/2 inches from the wall. 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. Stairs have to be installed at 30° to 50° from horizontal. 25 inches clearance between the handrail and any other object?OSHA roof guardrail requirements state that the top rails and the mid-rails of the guardrail system must bet at least one-quarter of an inch thick. 5. 2. OSHA Requirements for standard stairs 1910. 5" tread; Stair Width: minimum 22" Railings & Guardrail: railings required on open sides of stairwells and 42" high handrail on the side, preferably right. Technical requirements for stairs are covered in 2010 ADA Standard 504. 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. R311.