Handrails shall include the following features:6 Requirements & Guidelines for Stairs: Handrail height at stairs is required to be between 34”-38” high. 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). Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. OR Handrail is not continuous for the full length of each stair flight. (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. (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. Stairways and handrails that are part of a means of egress are addressed by the IBC (§1009 (2003), §1003. That part of §1910. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. 17, 2017, must be at least 42 inches. Ramps with a rise greater than 6 inches must have a handrail on at least one side. Stair height and the depth of treads must be uniform. Stairs OSHA. OSHA defines a ship stair in section 1910. 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. General Requirements: the general requirements of section 1910. Haydl: This is in response to your letter of June 24, 2004 regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for heights for stair rails and handrails and corresponding building code requirements. Exceptions: 1. California CA/OSHA Title 8 Building Code Stair & Railing Safety. This is outlined above. Handrails and guardrails. OSHA also states. The top rail of the handrail must be a minimum of 42" [ref. For example, ANSI standard A1264. Minimum tread depth of 9. Exterior stair width code. 23, Guarding floor and wall openings and holes. Compliance. e. Your concern is whether or not the standard requires that all permanent handrails be painted yellow. 3. Mr. These systems may be mounted 36-38 inches high. The handrail's ends must either be rounded or smoothly meet the floor, wall or post. A stair rail system shall be provided on all unprotected sides or edges of stairways with a fall hazard of four feet (1. 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. Rise and tread measurements are dictated by the angle of the stairway rise. Oregon OSHA defines a stairway as a series of steps and landings having three or more risers. (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. 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. //Section 01 81 13, SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS: Sustainable Design Requirements. 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. The employer must ensure:1926. 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 rule applies to both corner and intermediate posts. Also, OSHA determined that it was appropriate to adopt the one and one-half clearance required. Circular Cross Section and Clearance (§505. Fixed stairs are in compliance with the standard if the rise and tread run dimensions produce a stairway with an angle to horizontal between 30 and 50 degrees. 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. The section of the OSHA code that specifies most of the primary guardrail and handrails as it directly relates to safety railing is 1910. Particular industries require certain specifications on safety railing systems. 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. Overall width of 23"; inside handrail width of 20". 1-1967. Summary: Stairways shall have a handrail if the stairway has four or more risers. handrail if needed. OSHA 1910. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. Requirements for Ladders OSHA has reorganized separate rules for fixed ladders, portable wood ladders and portable. 1910. OSHA Enforcement ; Annual Inspection Data ; Topics Back. Topics. See all powder-coated color options. 28(b)(11)(ii) provides handrail requirements. 25″ with a maximum cross-section dimension of 2. OSHA go frame and requirements OSHA General stair requirements 1910. §1620. The maximum riser height by an OSHA standard stair will 9. Balusters. This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. Though the terms guardrails and handrails are often used interchangeably, they are different structures both in use and requirements. The railing height should be at least 42 inches from the first edge of the tread to the rail's upper edge. 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. The present Standard, 29 CFR 1910. 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. this standard sets forthReply #2: Yes. Easily Installed and Reconfigured. Surface requirements and clearances facilitate a power grip along the length of handrails. 23 (b) General requirements for all ladders. 25(f) beneath: 1910. The requirements for handrails and stairs in the 2016 Final Rule led many employers to seek clarification from OSHA about when handrails. 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. 23(e)(1)]One of the biggest differences between ADA stairs and OSHA stairs relates to their handrails. An employer may use these guidelines as a starting point for designing guardrail systems. 5 inches (9 cm) as measured from the top edge of the toeboard to the level of the. Be certain that your vendor has updated their OSHA designs. Morals and criteria for catwalk breadth, loads, and fall protection. 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. If the stairs are 1000mm or wider: provide a handrail on both sides. Note: Dimensions and stair requirements apply only to individual dwelling units in residential occupancies. Familiarity of the current standard and proposed changes will keep employers from being caught off guard should the standards change. OSHA Enforcement ; Annual Inspection Data ; Topics Back. - UBC. Fixed Industrial Stairs: OSHA Standard 1910. 25(f)(1) Have a series of treads includes at a slope a 50 to 70 degrees from the horizontal; 1910. The IBC defines the various design requirements for handrails, providing clear and concise specifications. Standard railing requirements are covered under existing paragraph 1910. In so case, OSHA catwalks served by a stairs must have ampere minimum widths of 22. (M) Headroom. 505. 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. The guardrails provided here are 1-1/4” thick. ADA Chapter 5 Section 505. This will be 4 risers and 3 treads of a compliant staircase. An enclosed stair requires one or more handrails, but no stair rails. 5” minimum. S. 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. Photo: Getty Images. Dennis Gilmore Safety Director Tougher Industries, Inc. - 10/01/2012. One stair rail system each open side. One stair rail system each open side. ago. U. OSHA Requirements for standard stairs 1910. Handrail height of alternating tread devices and ships ladders, measured above tread nosings, shall be uniform, not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and not more. We have paraphrased your questions, and our replies follow. b. 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. Chad Holder. (2) Handrails and stair rails shall meet the applicable requirements in § 1910. Handrails may project over stairs by 4 ½ inches maximum on each side of the stairway. 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. 5 inches and the minimum stair tread is 9. Phone: 952-442-7520. - 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 standard 1926. See full list on thehortongroup. Railing spaced from. The handrail may form the top of a guarding if you can match the heights. Projections into the required width of stairways and ramps at each handrail shall not exceed 41/2 inches (114 mm) at. (b) General requirements. HTML PDF: 296-24-935: Safety relief devices for cargo and portable tanks storing compressed gases. 23 (a) (2) Designed into or is an integral part of machines or equipment. 1926. Unprotected openings in roofs could, therefore, be cited under the general duty clause of. (b), the following stairways shall conform to the requirements of this section. 500(f)(4)(i) thru (iii). The required number of handrails is 2. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route (e. 1. 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. Handrails and guards shall be designed and constructed to withstand a 200 pound load applied in any direction. 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. Handrails shall be provided on not less than one side of each flight of stairs with four or more risers. 24. 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. Minimum 8. 23 includes requirements for ladders, where OSHA defines handrail requirements on platforms and how high safety railings must be. In order to ensure compliance, the maximum allowable opening between the two handrails needs to be determined. HTML PDF: 296-24-74025: Ship stairs. Also, OSHA determined that it was appropriate to adopt. Although these requirements do not mandate handrails on stairs that are not part of a means of egress, State or local building codes may require handrails or guards. Be certain that your vendor has updated their OSHA designs. Maximum 12′-7″ vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs. handrail s. [IBC 1011. The leading edge of exit stair landings shall be marked with a solid and continuous marking stripe consistent with the dimensional requirements for stair treads and shall be the same lengths, and consistent with, the stripes on the steps. IBC handrail code requirements for commercial stairs. HTML PDF. 25″. The minimum tread depth is 11 inches. 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. OSHA catwalk handrail requirements . 7. The Agency’s interpretations explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they do not create additional employer obligations. (1) When the employer uses a designated area, the employer must ensure:. 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. This Subpart does not apply to integral components of3. One stair rail system with handrail on each open side and one intermediate handrail located in. One stair rail system each open side. Kevin Rauchut NVR, Inc. e. 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. Plant structures and buildings shall be considered Group F, Industrial Occupancy,A minimum of 31. This is one fo the reasons why people generally don't like FHA loans - these odd requirements around "safety" requirements on a home. Question #3: Would fixed stairs with a degree of angle of between 38 degrees and 42 degrees be in compliance with 29 CFR 1910. 29 (f) (1) (ii) (B)) and the handrail must be 30 to 38 inches in height (§1910. Glazing used in handrail or guard assemblies shall be safety. The nonslip diamond pattern stairs meet all the OSHA requirements for width and depth, and they clean with ease when icing occurs. [47] “USA Standard Safety Requirements for Floor and Wall Openings, Railings, and Toe Boards,” USAS A12. 2 m). 1910. The distance between the ship's ladder and any obstacle on the climbing side must be at least 30 inches. Therefore, if your stair railings are 30-34" as specified in §1910. The height of a handrail above the floor or the nosing of a stair tread, shall be between 900mm and 1100mm. 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. Handrails must be able to hold 200 pounds of downward or outward pressure. 21(b)(1) and 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. For the slope of an IBC stair system, the horizontal run of the stair systems should be 1. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. What are the general OSHA requirements of toe board? According to OSHA 1910. 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. 3. OSHA stair width is generally a minimum of 22 inches. OSHA catwalk width requirements. Minimum 6′-8″ headroom height clearance for stairway. 1003. A safety handrail provides stability with a handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway or. Except for the entrance, stairway floor openings. 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. From OSHA Part 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. 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. c. HTML PDF: 296-24-74010: Standard stairs. The difference in the two designs. 29 (b) (1): The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42. The stairway must be at least 36 inches wide, measured above the handrail. (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. 1910. Landings and platforms. 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. When the 42-inch guardrail is used on a stair or ramp, a secondary Handrail will be required at the appropriate height. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), as long as the guardrail system meets all other criteria. The IBC defines the various design requirements for handrails, providing clear and concise specifications. For example, stairs manufactured with a 45-degree stairway rise must have a minimum rise and tread of 8. Type I handrails with a circular cross section must have an outside diameter of between 1. At least one handrail One stair rail system with handrail on open side. The inside handrail should be continuous on switchback or dogleg ramps. (h) Railings and handrails. Many shorter stairways don’t have rails at all, and it can be confusing to know how many steps. 3 Exit Stair Handrails . OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. 4. OSHA catwalk stair requirements. Maximum riser height of 9. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. OSHA is very clear that ship stairs should only be used where you can demonstrate that standard stairs will not work. 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. (3). OSHA requirements for standard stairs. As for the load calculations, it is imperative to know that. Is it illegal not to have a handrail on stairs? Handrails are mandatory. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route (e. Paragraph (h) says that standard railings must be provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair. be between 900mm and 1100mm above the floor or the nosing of a stair tread. 1052 (a) (1) - Scaffold step unit towers when used for access to locations other than scaffold platforms. This discussion serves as a quick and easy reference for use on job sites. 29 (k) includes standards for “protection from falling objects”. OSHA is considering what protection should be required for employees who use such stairs. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. Design and Construction of Railings. References. At a point less than 12’ in elevation, this spiral stair has a rest landing which is also an OSHA requirement. Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. roof openings; stairs and guardrail/handrail systems . Maximum 7-3/4 inch stair riser height. 8 Projections. Each stair must also be provided with a railing system. Oh, and my name is Rod, not Rob. R311. Stair Rails and Handrails. Such areas include ground levels, floors, roofs, ramps, runways, excavations, pits, tanks, material, water, equipment. Stairs should be in safe condition and be of suitable design and. 44 inches (1. Unprotected openings in roofs could, therefore, be cited under the general duty clause of the Occupational. (c) Stair rails and handrails. With that in mind, we can refer to a “four-riser minimum” as a “four-step minimum. 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. The employer must ensure: 1926. 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. 2 Width and capacity. General dimensions. If the stairs are 1000mm or wider: provide a handrail on both sides. This includes, but is not limited to, requirements related to: general structural design, fire-resistant construction, light, ventilation, sanitation, plumbing fixture clearances, minimum room area and ceiling. The employer must ensure: 1910. 29 - Fall protection systems and falling object protection - criteria and practices: Here you will find the requirements that guardrail, stair rail systems, and handrails. 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. 29(d) Designated Areas. When the top edge of a stairrail system also serves as a handrail, paragraph (c) (7) of this. P. Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3214. ”. 2. 1910. Both the ADA and OSHA require public and private spaces to have handrails on both sides of a stairwell. Maximum 12′-7″ vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs. Neal, The 32 inch width of the stair tread permitted for handrail projection can comply; 1012. 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. 29 (b), ladders and hatches are required to be secured with a self-closing safety gate and safety-compliant railing. Physical characteristics of handrail and railing, joints, and anchors. Cal-OSHA’s 1” tolerance only allows for a minimum height of 41”. 1003. Landings may be smaller, as well. This subpart applies to all stairways and ladders used in construction, alteration, repair (including painting and decorating), and demolition workplaces covered under 29 CFR part 1926, and also sets forth, in specified circumstances, when ladders and stairways are required to be provided. The largest tread width or riser height in any flight of stairs. OSHA has proposed changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify certain requirements related to handrail and stair rail systems. 23 - OSHA requires fall protection for elevator work when a fall hazard is present. A vertical barrier along exposed sides of a stairway to prevent people fromOSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. The first proposed change would make clear that “a stair rail system with a. 28(c)(2)(ii. 1910. ” Six general subject areas within this code are designated as “Divisions. Our Crossover stairs and platforms provide safe passage over areas with obstructions, danger zones, and other hazards. You can make your trip up or down a flight of stairs much safer if you remember to use the handrail. 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. If there are more than four stairs in a stairway, they must have fixed railings. 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. S. Maximum 7 inch stair riser height and minimum 4 inch stair riser height. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. 24 (a) Step bolts. (1) Handrails are not less than 30 inches (76 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm), as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the handrail (see Figure D-12 of this section). S. 500, Guardrails, handrails & guards. For stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017, the top rail and handrail must be separate. 23 (b) (12) - Fall Protection Requirements for Fixed Ladders - 09/10/2021. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. 27 inches. HSE is aware of numerous incidents where patients or residents have fallen on stairs, which have resulted in serious injury or death. Here are some of the important guidelines to remember when installing and using guardrails in your warehouse and how you can be. Exception: These requirements shall not apply to sloping portions of handrails between the top and bottom riser of stairs and above the ramp run. Railings for industrial spiral staircases have their own specific set of OSHA rules. TrainingAll ladders from Alaco Ladder meet the following Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standards for ladders, including the following: 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. There are a number of factors that are particularly relevant to patients and residents and should be considered in the individual's care plan. 5) The step height, also known as the riser height, must be no less than 4 inches and no greater than 7 inches. 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. 4. OR Handrail is not between 28 inches and 42 inches in height. 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. Handrails are required when there is a top step height of 4 feet or more and a railing needs to be 29. The IBC commercial handrail code states that each stair is provided with a separate handrail or grabrail attached to the guardrail. OSHA published a proposed rule in May 2021 to clarify this. 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. Handrails shall be permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at the turn. Risers for OSHA stairs are allowed to be open. HTML PDF: 296-24-93501: Definitions. Always OSHA-Compliant – Built to comply with OSHA’s regulations in any configuration. 1- 2000 Safety Code for Elevators and. 23, Guarding floor and wall openings and holes: 1910. All ladders should have guardrails and handrails. The employer must ensure each safety net system meets the requirements in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart M. 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. 25(b) Conformable fall shelter (guardrail system) Uniform riser heights and tread depths . 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. 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. Equipto offers two styles of OSHA complaint stairways. Mr. Stair and ramp railings in the workplace must meet OSHA standards of 30 to 38 inches in height and be able to. 1910. 5” maximum. We hope you find this information helpful. Handrails shall have a clear space between the handrail and a wall or other surface of at least 1 ½ inches. Handrails need to be easy to firmly grasp if a person loses balance. 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. 29. Handrail height requirements for stairs play a vital role in ensuring safety, accessibility, and compliance with building codes and regulations. Handrails and top rails of the stair rail systems must be able to withstand at least 200 pounds of weight applied within two inches of the top edge in any downward or outward direction, at. Solid. 1 m) to 88 inches (2. §3214. 6]OSHA set the design requirements for alternating tread stairs included teil 1910. May 20, 2021. , 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. You indicated from our phone conversation that 1910. Note: For specific code requirements, contact the Building Inspection Department at 952-442-7520 or 888-446-1801 or e-mail: info@mnspect. com. SUMMARY: 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 then issued a ruling that allowed the handrail on the stair to double as a guard if it were 36" high. the International Building Code or IBC sets the stair and handrail requirements for public buildings and public spaces. A handrail and a wall or1926. 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. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 1 This standard deals with the safety requirements to be provided in buildings where there is danger of persons or materials falling through floor or wall openings, or from stairways, or catwalks.