RE: Any updates on handrail in stairway requirements per latest OSHA standard? BridgeSmith (Structural) 16 Mar 20 16:27
So, even though a guardrail can no longer be defined as a combination guardrail/handrail by the OSHA definitions, this is essentially what can still be done, only the top rail isn't actually being called a handrail, it simply doesn't have a handrail (by definition). Now to define a "stair rail system", per 1910.21, "Stair rail or stair rail system means a barrier erected along the exposed or open side of stairways to prevent employees from falling to a lower level."Īs can be seen above, stairs that are less than 44" wide and open on both sides must be equipped with a stair rail system (42" high guardrail with midrail, etc) but are not required to have a handrail (between 32" and 38" high). So then we go to 1910.28 - Duty to Have Fall Protection and Falling Object Protection, and we see that section 1910.28(b)(11) applies to stairways, here it is in its entirety: If we start in section 1910.25 - Stairways, we see that (1910.25(b)(1) states, "Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with 1910.28" So are there any recent clarifications on all of this? RE: Any updates on handrail in stairway requirements per latest OSHA standard? stewbaby (Mechanical) 15 Mar 20 19:46 A single rail can simultaneously be the stair rail and the handrail if it is between 36"-38" and is able to serve as a handrail (smooth and grippable).A stair rail is required at 42" and incorporates an additional handrail between 30"-38", on both sides.Table D-2 has an error and should state "One stair rail system with hand rail on each open side" meaning that I need a hand rail and a stair rail on both sides.It does still require stair rails (essentially a guardrail) at 42" in height along the staircase. Since Table D-2 states that my situation only requires "One stair rail system with hand rail on each open side", then I do not need a handrail at all in my staircase.Can anyone comment on if there was any clarification on the standard? There are three scenarios here for my staircase: This question and answer are no longer in OSHA's FAQ nor has D-2 been updated on their website and I can't find any published notice confirming this quote. For each flight of stairs with two open sides and a width of less than 44 inches, column 4 of Table D-2 should state "One stair rail system with hand rail on each open side" is required. Section 1910.28(b)(11)(ii) Table D-2 contains a printing error, which OSHA will correct in a published notice. Based on the height requirements for stair rails and handrails and the requirements in Table D-2, are both stair rails and handrails required on stairs that have two open sides and are less than 44-in.