2. Ramps, Runways, Stairwells, and Stairs. Extensions shall return to a wall, guard, or the walking surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stair flight. The answer to your question is that 1910. §3215. 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. 500, 23 April 1973 - Excerpt: Since cables or chains are commonly used as barriers or guards on construction projects at floor and wall. Pursuant to §1910. 44 inches (1. Below are some safety tips to keep in mind the next time you approach a stairway: Use the handrail. 7. The IBC commercial handrail code states that each stair is provided with a separate handrail or grabrail attached to the guardrail. 94 cm) 6 inches (15. Spiral stairways shall meet the following requirements: 1917. OSHA requirements are similar, calling for guardrails and handrails to be able to withstand 200 pounds of pressure when applied to the structure. Stair Rails and Handrails. Enforcement. Riser. 2. A handrail every 60" of horizontal distance at any place along the stairs. C - Riser height: between 12. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), as long as the guardrail system meets all other criteria. The first proposed change would make clear that “a stair rail system with a. 10. (1) When the employer uses a designated area, the employer must ensure:. 29(f). Under this provision, a catwalk. HEIGHT CLEARANCE minimum 6’6” clearance from nose of tread to overhead obstruction. 5 inches (24 cm); ( 3) Have a minimum tread depth of 9. Handrails can be higher. 24, OSHA prescribes the use of handrails and railings as fall protection. 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 & drains, and related conditions for safety and proper construction. When the top edge of a stairrail system also serves as a handrail, paragraph (c) (7) of this. Both measurements are from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the handrail. One of the codes that was not covered is 1926 Subpart M. 1926. 5 inches and the minimum stair tread is 9. Stairways and ladders are a major source of injuries and fatalities among workers. Table D-2 - Stairway Handrail Requirements; Stair width Enclosed One open side Two open sides. 23(e)(6) states: "All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or. • Stair rail system: • Top rail may also serve as handrail if height of the system is between 36 and 38 inches. General Physical Conditions and Structures Orders, Article 2. 1. When such a railing would be impracticable or ineffective, other effective means shall be provided to prevent employees from falling into the water. 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. - 10/01/2012. In addition, interior and exterior stairs that are part of a means of egress must comply with requirements in the ABA Standards (§504). where total occupant load of all. 1. 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. Stair Width: minimum 22". Here are the key points regarding handrails for stairs according to OSHA regulations: Four or More Risers: According to OSHA regulations, handrails are required on stairways with four or more. 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. In construction the use of cables or chains to guard door and wall. Use tread and rise requirements that vary by stairway angle. (8 cm) between the handrail and walls, stair rail systems, and other objects. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), as long as the guardrail system meets all other criteria. Safety and Health Regulations for Construction; Subpart: 1926 Subpart M; Subpart Title: Fall Protection; Standard Number: 1926. Guard Height Requirements: The absolute minimum height requirement for residential guard railing is 36” in some states, although states (like California) have a minimum of a 42” handrail height. Ramps, Runways, Stairwells, and Stairs. 8 Stair Railing - A barrier erected along exposed sides of a stairway to prevent fall of persons. Section 1910. 5 inches and if a handrail is provided on both sides, the minimum clear width is 27 inches. [Statutory Authority: RCW 70. The requirements for handrails and stairs in the 2016 Final Rule led many employers to seek clarification from OSHA about when handrails are required on stairs, as well as handrail height. 5 cm) in height. 5″. 5˝ 11˝. 5" tread depth. · Non-corrosive and non-combustible stairs and railings · Slip-in rails and legs for fast assembly. 1115A. ( ii) Each employee using a rope descent system 4 feet (1. Handrails on stairways: Each flight of stairs having at least four risers and three treads must have: • At least one handrail. 3. 25". 0. Stairwells and Stairs. Both measurements are from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the handrail. xml ¢½ ( ¼–Mo 1 †ï•ú V¾F¬I*UUÅ’C“ ÛH¥R¯Æž ·ë ÙC þ}Ç&lRDq Ø^ –ñ¼ïãñìx'— ¦«î DílÃÎë1«ÀJ§´]4ìÇìfô‰U. See §1910. Handrails shall be provided on not less than one side of each flight of stairs with four or more risers. Oh, and my name is Rod, not Rob. 50" the IBC requires for accessibility. If your system was installed before January 2017, the mandatory height decreases to 30 inches. 28(b)(5)(ii)(A). Minimum single stair railing distance. • Ends must return to wall, post or safety terminalStair rails installed before Jan. 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. 7. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. The standard prohibits using repaired wire. Recommendation: Providing visual contrast (light-on-dark or dark-on-light) on the top and bottom steps that is approximately 2 inches wide and located either on nosings or at the leading edges of treads is helpful for people with low vision. Unenclosed porches, balconies, and landings, which are more than thirty inches above grade or floor below must not be less than thirty-six inches in height and must have intermediate rails spaced such that a sphere four inches in diameter cannot pass through. In addition to the requirements of this Part, a barrier and handrail must comply with the structural requirements of Part 3. 5) The step height, also known as the riser height, must be no less than 4 inches and no greater than 7 inches. Photo: Getty Images. 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. 25 (b) (4)] IBC requires the same width as OSHA. Under §1910. 23. However, it requires that the stair landings be at least the width of the stair or 48 inches, whichever is less. 6. 3 Stairways and Landings model code. standard handrails according to the requirements for stairways. There should be open risers with at least 6. Handrails may project from each side of a stairway a distance of 3 1/2 inches into the required width. In addition, OSHA requires that fall protection be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance. Stairways and alternating tread stairs can both be descended face. OSHA’s proposal focuses on two sets of situations: Correcting rail requirements for stairways narrower than 44 inches, and with 2 open sides, by inserting words accidentally omitted when the 2017 requirements were published: - from “one stair rail system [on] each open side”. Sapyta: 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. 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. Decorative Materials. S. 5 times the vertical rise. 6. There shouldn't be obstructions on the top or sides of the handrails. Exit Signs. " 29 CFR 1910. It also provides requirements for temporary service, metal. 5”. That is why every flight of stairs having four. 5 inches, allowing for a comfortable and secure grip. Handrails must be between 30–38 inches high from the leading stair edge. 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. 23(e)(5)(ii). 42˝ Min. Stairs. Overview. 5-20 cm. The vertical distance from the top of a tread to the top of the next higher tread. It also talks about when stairs require handrail. Use internal couplings, Type 18-7, to maintain continuity. OSHA IBC Handrail Height Min/Max 30˝/38˝ 34˝/38˝ Guardrail Height 42˝ Min. 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. OSHA catwalk handrail requirements . The minimum tread depth shall be 10 inches. In addition, the stair rails, handrails and mid-rails must be constructed so as not to create hazard. Installing proper stair rails wherever required is indeed a key component of preventing slips, trips, and falls at work, but employers need to do more than simply meet any state and federal requirements. Note: For specific code requirements, contact the Building Inspection Department at 952-442-7520 or 888-446-1801 or e-mail: info@mnspect. 23 (b) General requirements for all ladders. Risers (the vertical element connecting treads) that are no less than 6 inches in height and no more than 7. 25 (b) (4)] IBC requires the same width as OSHA. ADA handrails with a non-circular cross-section should have a perimeter dimension between 4″ and 6. We are going to look at five key IBC code requirements for handrails. Law and Regulations ; Federal Registers ; Open for Comment ; Regulatory Agenda ; Standard Interpretations ; Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. 5" tall, with no more than a 1/4" gap at the bottom. OSHA Construction Standard 1026. Always check with your local jurisdiction as requirements are different in each area. ( 13) Work on low-slope roofs. 1 Height. 29 - Fall protection systems and falling object protection - criteria and practices: Here you will find the requirements that guardrail, stair rail systems, and handrails need to meet. U¢s ¶†È. SUMMARY: OSHA is proposing changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify which handrail and stair rail system requirements apply to new. Note: Dimensions and stair requirements apply only to individual dwelling units in residential occupancies. Every flight of stairs having four or more risers shall be equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (v) of this section, the width of the stair to be measured clear of all obstructions except handrails: (i) On stairways less than 44 inches wide having both sides enclosed, at. 2 Christy Dr. Temporary Stairs. c. 5. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the general industry standard 29 CFR 1910. 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. So going back to rfied112's orginal question. (2) Trim shall not reduce the required width by more than 3 1/2 inches. 2. Under §1910. Flat 2x4 and 2x6 handrails do not meet the requirements for graspable handrails. 120 (b) (1) Fixed stairs installed after October 3, 1983 shall be positioned within the range of 30 degrees to 50 degrees to the horizontal with uniform riser height and tread width throughout each run and be capable of a minimum loading of 100 pounds per square foot (445 N) and a minimum concentrated load of 300 pounds (1,334 N) at the. 2. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1620. Rise. • Handrails must be between 30 and 38 inches as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread. 2. The run (tread length) should be a minimum of 223mm and a maximum of 320mm. Greater than 88 inches. Theatre galleries, balconies, or other such elevated seating locations, where a 42-inch railing would obstruct the sight lines, may be protected by a guardrail or other barrier of not less than 34 inches in height provided that a horizontal concave safety ledge not less than 6 inches in depth and not less than 36 inches in effective width is installed beyond the. Handrail, stair rail, and guardrail system requirements. OSHA. D - Step width: 90 cm min. (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). For more information, see Section 1011 of the 2015 International Building Code for a more in-depth look at commercial stair requirements. S. 6. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 3305 (b). The present Standard, 29 CFR 1910. Stair railing. 1926. 29 (f) (1) (iii) (A)) Platform Guardrail Height: The top edge of the top guardrail must be 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the. Kevin Rauchut NVR, Inc. Minimum 6′-8″ headroom. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. The height of a handrail above the floor or the nosing of a stair tread, shall be between 900mm and 1100mm. If there are more than four stairs in a stairway, they must have fixed railings. Box 483 Thonotosassa, FL 33592. (1910. , The artist formerly known as HotRod1029 CFR 1926. The requirements of OSHA safety regulations for the safe use of ladders and stairs (Subpart X, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1926. IBC Stairs require guardrails of 42″ high and handrails of 34″ high on both sides of the stairwell. pedestrian safety rail where a vertical drop-off of 6 feet or more occurs. Code compliant products. New OSHA handrail/guardrail requirements have come into effect on Jan 17 of this year. The first drawing would not be compliant with the height requirements in §1910. 29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). ”. Plus, they are required to have an intermediary landing if the staircase has a rise of 12’ or more. Unprotected openings in roofs could, therefore, be cited under the general duty clause of. However, OSHA has omitted the requirement for a center stair rail for stairs greater than 88 inches wide in its proposed revisions of the general industry standards for Walking and Working Surfaces (55 FR 13396, April 10, 1990). HEALTH AND SAFETY DETERMINATION: Moderate The. 72. The Bulletin is advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended to assist employers in ADA Chapter 5 Section 505. - to “one stair rail system with handrail on each open side”. 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. Maximum 12′-7″ vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 5 of 12 DEFICIENCY 2 – UNIT: HANDRAIL IS NOT SECURE DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: There is movement in the anchors of the handrail. We also include references to stair codes and stair and. What Are the Key Regulations for OSHA-Compliant Stairs? According to OSHA guidelines, the minimum dimension for landings is 22” wide by 30” deep; all stairs with four or more risers must have handrails and guardrails; variations in riser height or stair tread depth must not exceed . __. 5. The first drawing would not be compliant with the height requirements in §1910. Typical locations for guarding 36 18. - 08/30/1999. February 13, 2015. A stair rail does not necessarily require a handrail. (b) A stair railing shall be of construction similar to a guardrail (see Section 3209) but the vertical height shall be in compliance with Section 3214(c). 1926. • Stairs wider than 44 inches must have a handrail on each side. §1626. Particular industries require certain specifications on safety railing systems. The minimum tread depth is 11 inches. Visit the ADA Handrail Guide for more information. (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 width. If a safety rail taller than 3. The top member of railing usually serves as a handrail. Contact us for help! For more information about our products, reach out to the EDGE Fall Protection team. Steps are uniformly spaced and arranged, with a rise of not more than 10 inches (25 cm) and a depth of not less than 7 inches (18 cm). Railing spaced from. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49. - UBC. Examples of code requirements our spiral stairs meet include: a minimum clear width at and below the handrail of 26 inches (660 mm), each tread having a 71/2-inch(190 mm), and minimum tread depth being 12 inches (914 mm) from the narrower edge. Learn the general and specific criteria for guardrail systems that meet the requirements of the OSHA Fall Protection Standards. Learn how to comply with the OSHA requirements for the heights of handrail and top rail of stair rail systems, which vary depending on the installation date of the system. (4) Standard guardrails shall be installed on stairway platforms. 5 cm) from the upper surface of the stair rail to the surface of the tread. Don’t run or rush on the stairs, and don’t skip steps. Railings and toeboards must meet the specifications laid out in Article 16 in the California Code of Regulations. SUBJECT: 1926. Stair Rails and Handrails. 23 (e) (3) (ii) For pipe railings, posts and top and intermediate railings shall be at least 1 1/2 inches nominal diameter with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers. These handrails cannot project more than 4. (36 in. 8. (B) Definitions. A (half-tread width) B. For example, ANSI standard A1264. See §1910. The employer must ensure: ( i) Each employee on a scaffold is protected from falling in accordance 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L; and. 29 (f) (1) (iii) (A)) Platform Guardrail Height: The top edge of the top guardrail must be 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the. For example, stairs manufactured with a 45-degree stairway rise must have a minimum rise and tread of 8. 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. 5". See the illustration below for a comparison:. Railing Crossbars: space between no more than 19" apart. Minimum single stair railing distance. 502 (b) (3), (4), and (5). California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1626. 28 and 1910. See figure D-13 Combination Handrail and Stair Rail. Specifically, in the Preamble of a proposed rulemaking for General Industry's Walking and Working Surfaces standard (Volume 55 of the Federal Register, page 13373 (Apr. Though the terms guardrails and handrails are often used interchangeably, they are different structures both in use and requirements. That part of §1910. A. 28(b)(11)(i) “Each employee. R311. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only. Elevated catwalks should be provided access by a stairway. OSHA’s proposal seeks to clarify two of the standard’s provisions. Introduction. Handrails have different height requirements than guardrails. 10, 1984] OSHA standard 1910. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only. Doors and gates opening onto stairway. E. One stair rail system each open side. 15. 1014. 1910. Stair Rails and Handrails. Balusters. [Docket ID–OSHA–2020–0009] RIN 1218–AD28 Walking-Working Surfaces AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor. 2 m) One handrail on each enclosed side One Stair rail system with handrail on open side and one handrail on enclosed side. Stair Rails and Handrails. 1926. OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal. The Guardrail height shall not be less than 36 inches above the walking surface. In order to ensure compliance, the maximum allowable opening between the two handrails needs to be determined. You express your belief that OSHA does not have such a requirement. , able to withstand 200 pounds of weight applied within two inches of the top edge in any downward or outward direction at any point along the top edge) (see 29 CFR 1926. (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. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing updates in the handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard. 21(b)(1) and 1910. • Stairs wider than 44 inches must have a handrail on each side. e. 23 (a) (1) Used in emergency operations such as firefighting, rescue, and tactical law enforcement operations, or training for these operations; or. 28 and 1910. "Handrails are 30-38 inches. If you have an edge that does not pose this risk, you should be OK with standard railing without toeboard. 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). 2. 5. S. Then OSHA requires guards at 42". OSHA 30-Hour Construction is an online course that. Paragraph (h) says that standard railings must be provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair. A vertical barrier along exposed sides of a stairway to prevent people from1926. 23(e)(6) states: "All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or. Distance. ☐ Are stairway handrails 30-38 inches above the leading edge of stair treads? ☐ Are stair rail systems 30 or 42 inches* inches above the leading edge of stair treads? * Stair rail systems minimum height: installed before Jan. 3 Exit Stair Handrails . Treads and Risers. Enforcement. How many stairs before a handrail is required? A handrail is required for staircases, platforms or landings above 1 metre from the ground. Handrails must not project into the stairway more than 4 ½ inches—so with one. 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. Department of Labor’s OSHA Issues Rule to Revise Requirements in Safety and Health. sides of stairways and platforms to prevent falls of persons. Find out the enforcement guidance and the enforcement policy for stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017, which must meet the 42-inch height standard. The fundamental differences here that should be pointed out are the differences in allowable height and loading capacity. Intermediate stair railings shall be spaced. 451 (b) (3) (ii) The maximum distance from the face for plastering and lathing operations shall be 18 inches (46 cm). 23 (e) (1): Mobile ladder stands and platforms have a step width of at least 16 inches (41 cm). (a) General. OSHA has proposed changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify certain requirements related to handrail and stair rail systems. Regarding handrails, there are two sets of regulations: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). 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. 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. Steps and stairs – key dimensions 25 13. 29 – Fall protection systems and falling. 1052(c)(1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm), whichever is less, shall be equipped with at least one handrail and one stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. General OSHA Handrail Requirements. A - Optimal range: 30º-35º. §3214. Under OSHA Section 1910. Your concern is whether or not the standard requires that all permanent handrails be painted yellow. Learn how to comply with the OSHA requirements for the heights of handrail and top rail of stair rail systems, which vary depending on the installation date of the system. (1) "Handrail" means a rail used to provide. California CA/OSHA Title 8 Building Code Stair & Railing Safety & Construction Details. 114A. Exception 2: Guardrails serving as handrails on the open side of a stair run shall not be less than 34 inches and not more than 38 inches in height. However, it is still recommended to install handrails for safety purposes, especially if there are elderly individuals, children, or individuals with mobility limitations in the building. 3-stringer design with treads welded to the stringers. 25″ and 2″. OSHA standard 1926. 23(e)(5)(ii). 1910. Handrails must be ‘positioned between 900 and 1000mm above the pitchline’. Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (2012), 14 percent of all work-related deaths are due to falls, with 20 percent of these deaths being related to the use of ladders. This checklist covers regulations issued by the U. Here are some basic pieces of information to bear in mind when constructing a handrail to comply with OSHA Standards. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-3326(g). 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. Existing Table D–2 contains a. OSHA 1910. Railing height for guard rail. Handrail design 26 14. It does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities in OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. OSHA Standards and Interpretation Letter: 06/16/1999 - Scaffolds: Lifelines, support lines, and suspension ropes cannot have a common anchor point. What are the general OSHA requirements of toe board? According to OSHA 1910. 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 Hilmerson Safety ® patented Stair / Slab Grabber solution is perfect for installing leading edge fall protection on concrete slabs and for securing handrails on stairs. CONTENTS SECTION 1 Introduction. 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. Items that fall under the safety category relate to the health, sanitary condition, and habitability of the property. 1052 (a) (1) - Scaffold step unit towers when used for access to locations other than scaffold platforms. Extensions shall return to a wall, guard, or the landing surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stair flight. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. When the 42-inch guardrail is used on a stair or ramp, a secondary Handrail will be required at the appropriate height. 2. 3. According to building code, handrails are required when there are four or more “risers,” referring to the vertical portion of a stair. 3 Handrail extensions. §3214. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 23. On stairways 88 or more inches wide, one handrai on each enclosed side, one stair railing on each open side, and one intermediate stair railing located. 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. 2 Width and capacity. Compliance. 5” H. 1050(a) Scope and application. 2).