Osha stair handrail requirements. Minimum single stair railing distance. Osha stair handrail requirements

 
 Minimum single stair railing distanceOsha stair handrail requirements  Learn the general and specific criteria for guardrail systems that meet the requirements of the OSHA Fall Protection Standards

This strength and stability is crucial. 2. An enclosed stair requires one or more handrails, but no stair rails. (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. 1(b)Handrails, Guards, Grab Bars, Seats and Vehicle Barriers). 5. 29 CFR 1910. Handrails are required when there is a top step height of 4 feet or more and a railing needs to be 29. therefore, they are not spiral stairs and must meet the requirements of §1910. 05/20/2021 - OSHA National News Release - US Department announces OSHA rule proposal to clarify handrail, stair rail system requirements in general industry Walking-Working Surfaces standard. Handrails shall be permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at the turn. The OSHA rules and standards regarding handrails are in the section about the fall protection systems. Minimum width of 22”. IBC stairs generally have a 7-inch closed riser and an 11-inch tread. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. OSHA stairs are permitted to be steeper than IBC stairs and may have open risers. This specially designed Stair /. Safety Requirements. ADA Chapter 5 Section 505. 9. The IBC code for structural design has some very specific requirements for deck stairs: Stair rails on decks should be between 34 inches and 38 inches high, measured vertically from the nose of the. 1 scope. 1052 (b) - OSHA does not have the legal authority to evaluate and certify products. See §1910. 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. 21 (b) as: OSHA handrail standards state that the height of handrails should not be more than 37 inches or less than 30 inches from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread. (2) Trim shall not reduce the required width by more than 3 1/2 inches. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. Australian Standard 1170. 2Height. 1, 2018 is 30 inches, installed after Dec. 25″ with a maximum cross-section dimension of 2. U. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49. Winding and spiral stairways shall be equipped with a handrail offset sufficiently to prevent walking on those portions of the stairways where the tread width is less than 6 inches (15 cm). The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. 2. OSHA, however, opened a rulemaking proceeding in 1990 to revise. 3. The following requirements apply to all stairways as indicated: (a) Stairways having 4 or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm), whichever is less, must be equipped with:. 2. ☐ 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. Then OSHA requires guards at 42". 1. By explaining the requirements and specific changes in the National Construction Code (NCC) Volume Two 2019, you will understand your obligations and the effects on. 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. The handrail is clearly a center. . The answer to your question is that 1910. According to the International Code Council¹, stairs need a handrail when there are more than four risers. surfaces and their access; workplace, floor, wall and . 24 (a) Step bolts. At the top of stair flights, handrails shall extend a minimum of 12 inches (305 mm) horizontally above landings, beginning directly above the first riser nosing. "Handrails are 30-38 inches. . 27 inches. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only. ≥ 22” between railings RAILINGS open-sided stairs < 44” require 1 stair rail/side; open-sided stairs > 44” require 1 stair rail and 1 separate handrail/side HEIGHT. These systems may be mounted 36-38 inches high. 2. Outdoor Stairs: Building codes may have specific requirements for handrails on outdoor stairs, particularly if there are multiple levels or steep inclines. Vertical clearance above any stair tread to an overhead obstruction shall be at least 6 feet 6. Handrails may project from each side of a stairway a distance of 3 1/2 inches into the required width. OSHA is therefore proposing two separate provisions for stairs with two open sides 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. principal height standard: handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs. We are going to look at five key IBC code requirements for handrails. A handrail every 60" of horizontal distance at any place along the stairs. This section has safety requirements for scaffolds. 2. 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. 5 inches and the minimum stair tread is 9. 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. 112 (c) (1) on both sides and that are not less than 30 inches (76. • Handrails must be between 30 and 38 inches as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread. A walkway handrail instead guardrail system is requested to anything catwalks height than 4' above ampere lower level. 23 (a) (2) Designed into or is an integral part of machines or equipment. 2. 23 (e) (2), you are in compliance with §1910. (3) Stair railings and handrails shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of Section 3214. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), as long as the guardrail system meets all other criteria. Stair rails before the date are not less than 30 inches. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 3305 (b). One stair rail system with handrail on each open side and one intermediate handrail located in. • There must be a stair rail at each open side. Maximum 4-1/2 inch handrail projection into stairway width, on either side. Essentially handrails are designed to provide guidance, support and safety for stairs and ADA ramps with a rise of 6 inches. 3-stringer design with treads welded to the stringers. 24 (a) (2) Each step bolt is designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent the employee's foot. Essentially handrails are designed to provide guidance, support and safety for stairs and ADA ramps with a rise of 6 inches. 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. • Stair rail system: • Top rail may also serve as handrail if height of the system is between 36 and 38 inches. According to building code, handrails are required when there are four or more “risers,” referring to the vertical portion of a stair. Click to view image. e. For example, ANSI standard A1264. Stairways . This article series provides building code specifications, sketches, photographs, and examples of stair & railing safety defects used in inspecting indoor or outdoor stair railings or handrails and related conditions for safety and proper construction. In particular, toeboards used for falling object protection are as follows: Toe Board Height Requirements: 29 (k) (1) (ii): “have a vertical minimum height of 3. 2. Normal use by employees. 4. where total occupant load of all. Relationship of ramp gradient to the going of a flight 28 15. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing updates in the handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard. * Values are from the National Building Code of Canada (2005). Rise. 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. handrail height on each side . Is it illegal not to have a handrail on stairs? Handrails are mandatory. 1910. The IBC commercial handrail code states that each stair is provided with a separate handrail or grabrail attached to the guardrail. 1050-1060) deal mainly with when and where ladders or stairs are required. This was a little better but not as logical or as safe as a 42" guard. 23(e)(5)(ii). The railings must be capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds applied in. Riser. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1620. Effective handrails are 30 to 37 inches high and meet the guardrail strength requirements (i. The top rail of the handrail must be a minimum of 42" [ref. The top member of railing usually serves as a handrail. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. "The employer must ensure each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1. Standard Specifications, §3214. Minimum 6′-8″ headroom height clearance for stairway. Stairs and ramps shall have handrails on both sides, unless otherwise permitted. 10/1/98. D* - Step width: 90 cm min. Stair Rails and Handrails. 2. 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. 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. 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. HTML PDF: 296-24-93503:Janek 15/11/2011 House building, National Building Regulations (SA), safety, SANS10400-NBR (SA) 133 Comments 97,848 Views. 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. 23(e)(1)]Must be at least 22 inches in width. 2 cm) in height from the tread surface at the riser face. 502(a) General. Overview Dimensions Loads Details Ramps/Stairs Handrails Construction Cal-OSHA FAQs Talk to an Expert 1. 42˝ Min. Stair railings shall be capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in any direction, and shall not be more than 36 inches (0. 2 [Handrail] Top Extension at Stairs. sides of stairways and platforms to prevent falls of persons. Oct 27 2017. Use internal couplings, Type 18-7, to maintain continuity. SCOPE AND APPLICATION The OSHA rules apply to all stairways and ladders used in construction, alteration, repair (including painting For stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017, the top rail and handrail must be separate. The minimum width of the stairway shall be 44″, unless the stairway serves an occupancy of less than 50, in which case the minimum width is 36″. OSHA defines a ship stair in section 1910. 1. If your system was installed before January 2017, the mandatory height decreases to 30 inches. So if a handrail is provided on one side, the minimum clear width is 31. 5 and 18 cm*. Handrails OSHA Requirements for handrails are as follows: Handrails and top rails of the stair rail systems must be able to withstand, without failure, at least 200 pounds (890 n) of weight applied within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge in any downward or outward direction, at any point along the top edge. Stair Rails and Handrails. 5, the minimum depth of the tread is 13 inches (330 mm) and not less than one handrail complying with Section 1014 is provided within 30 inches (762 mm) of the. 25 must be met, including the need for guardrails, handrails, vertical clearance of 6'-8", uniform treads/risers, etc. 1052 (c) - Top rail and handrail requirements for stairrail systems under the construction standards. Question 1: Are ship's ladders. 5 cm) from the upper surface of the stair rail to the surface of the tread. See the illustration below for a comparison:. The present Standard, 29 CFR 1910. OSHA is very clear that ship stairs should only be used where you can demonstrate that standard stairs will not work. Stringers may project 1 1/2 inches. Go Back to General Industry Safety Orders, Group 1 Table of. Order 4-1998, f/8/28/98, ef. Railing height for guard rail. A hand on the handrail plus at least one foot on the ground at all times will give you two points of contact and more stability. 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). 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. 527. Subchapter 4. A stair rail does not necessarily require a handrail. 9 Stairways, handrails and guards: Every exterior and interior flight of stairs having more than four risers, and every open portion of a stair, landing or balcony which. Vertical clearance above any stair tread to an overhead obstruction shall be at least 7 feet measured from the leading edge of the tread. Subchapter 7. OSHA Requirements for standard stairs 1910. General Physical Conditions and Structures Orders, Article 2. ( ii) Each employee using a rope descent system 4 feet (1. We also include references to stair codes and stair and. 2. We have an entire section of our web site devoted to ADA handrail standards. If your system was installed before January 2017, the mandatory height decreases to 30 inches. Re: Stair rail and hand rail heights; §1926. Handrail Height. This checklist covers regulations issued by the U. Section 18(b) of The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, P. New OSHA handrail/guardrail requirements have come into effect on Jan 17 of this year. 25 (b) (3): Stairs have uniform riser heights and tread depths between landings. The maximum rise of each step is eight inches; the minimum rise is four inches. The height must be uniform for the entire run of the handrail. Therefore, if your stair railings are 30-34" as specified in §1910. 1. standard handrails according to the requirements for stairways. General requirements. A safety handrail provides stability with a handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway or. Riser Height and Tread Depth (IBC 1011. Handrail diameter between 1. 23(e)(6) states: "All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or. Whether you are looking for a 360 mobile roof safety rail, industrial and removable safety railing, handrail, stair rail, or a customized safety system, every product we manufacture meets or exceeds OSHA requirements. OSHA stairs requirements for alternating tread stairs General OSHA stair requirements 5 Compliant fall protection 2 3 Uniform riser heights and tread. The governing requirement for the guarding of ladderway floor openings and platforms is paragraph 1910. Height. 1915. The section of the OSHA code that specifies most of the primary guardrail and handrails as it directly relates to safety railing is 1910. Scaffolding terms mean: Bearer. Stairways and handrails that are part of a means of egress are addressed by the IBC (§1009 (2003), §1003. 72. Handrails must be ‘positioned between 900 and 1000mm above the pitchline’. Anchorage. The maximum riser height shall be 7 ¾ inches. Barrier siting 39 19. Handrails on stairways: Each flight of stairs having at least four risers and three treads must have: • At least one handrail. 5 inches for stands with a top height of 4 feet or more, 36 inches for stands with. 9 for additional requirements. IBC handrail code requirements for commercial stairs. Temporary Stairs. 25(b)(2) Vertical clearance above any stair tread to any overhead obstruction is at least 6 feet, 8 inches (203 cm), asThe standard requires guardrail systems and components to be designed and built to meet the requirements of § 1926. 23 - OSHA requires fall protection for elevator work when a fall hazard is present. The following handrail features are ADA-compliant: There should be at least 1 ½ inches of clear space between the wall and the handrail. 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. 5″. 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 rooms"See figure D-12 Handrail. IMDG, TDG, MSHA, OSHA, and Canada OHS Regulations and Safety Online Training Since 2008 This document is provided as a training aid and may not reflect current laws and regulations. Handrails and the top rails of stair rail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in any downward or outward direction within 2 inches (5 cm) of any point along the top edge of the rail. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Handrails shall include the following features:OSHA stairs are required to be a minimum of 22 inches wide. Pursuant to §1910. Mr. Extensions shall return to a wall, guard, or the walking surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stair flight. Dear Mr. The height of a handrail above the floor or the nosing of a stair tread, shall be between 900mm and 1100mm. 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. OR-OSHA Admin. 7. It also provides requirements for temporary service, metal. . As a means of egress, exterior exit stairs must meet all the requirements set forth in IBC section 1011. 1910. 1052(c)(6) is for height of handrails of 30 to 37 inches not stair rails. (b) General requirements. 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. 1926. The top edge of the handrail must be placed between 34” and 38” above the nosing of the stair treads. §3215. 1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. The employer must ensure: 1910. 1115A. An employer may use these guidelines as a starting point for designing guardrail systems. • Stairs wider than 88 inches must also have a handrail down the middle of the stairway. 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. 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. ( d) Inspection, maintenance, and repair. Guardrail can be designed to be suitable for use as a handrail. Exceptions: 1. 1917. 29(k)(1), the new toeboard requirement needs to be at least 3. (36 in. Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Oregon Administrative Rules AO 3-2015 Division 3 437-003-0001 X - 1 437-003-0001 437-003-0001 Adoption by Reference In addition to, and not in lieu of, any other safety and health codes contained in OAR Chapter 437, the Department adopts by reference the following federal regulationsIn addition, OSHA is considering if the unprotected sides and edges of landings for scaffold stairways covered by subpart L need to be provided with guardrail systems that meet the requirements of proposed subpart L alone, or whether those guardrails must also satisfy the criteria of proposed subpart M (51 FR 42718, November. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-3326(g). Osha alternating tread ships ladder standards. What are the general OSHA requirements of toe board? According to OSHA 1910. Additional OSHA handrail requirements. 29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). 8. A (half-tread width) B. 23 (e) (3) (iv), the anchoring of posts and framing of members for railings of all types. (1910. 23 (b) (12) - Fall Protection Requirements for Fixed Ladders - 09/10/2021. OSHA catwalk stair requirements. Stair Rails and Handrails. See figure D-13 Combination Handrail and Stair Rail. Handrails shall have a clear space between the handrail and a wall or other surface of at least 1 ½ inches. §ïßMfk ±¢l ¶DôŸ9 r FÄÚy° i]0 é1,¸ ò·X¿ ?ré,‚Å & 6 A+V V× ô÷†ä—‡ «¾l &¯†i“ r€ïÍ ÐÅ á}§¥@Ú ¿³j‡lôHUSf^ —ÚÇ3Bgû Räo¨ç yߨœA+¨nEÀ. ADA Chapter 5 Section 505. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. 7. Must have an outside diameter of at least 1 ¼” but no greater than 2”. Top 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. Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of closed stairways preferably on the right side descending. Requirements for barriers and handrails. Barrier design 40 20. Maximum 12′-7″ vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs. 3. Below are some safety tips to keep in mind the next time you approach a stairway: Use the handrail. 8. 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. 7. 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. The fundamental differences here that should be pointed out are the differences in allowable height and loading capacity. (1910. 1910. 23(e) because the height of the standard railing on the stair landing is less than 42 inches nominal. 2. A guardrail is on top of the platform to guard against falls, while a handrail is what is along a staircase. Stair Rails and Handrails. Construction Safety Orders Article 17. (1) A stairway shall be equipped with a stair railing or handrail as follows: (a) A stairway which is not more than 44 inches wide and which has enclosed sides shall have a handrail on the right descending side. (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. A ladder or stairway must be provided when the worksite has a break in elevation of 19” (48cm) or more, and there is no runway, ramp, embankment, or personal hoist for workers’ access. 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. 1926. 1052 (a) (1) - Scaffold step unit towers when used for access to locations other than scaffold platforms. Under §1910. Guardrail Requirements vs. 2. 10, 1984] OSHA standard 1910. Railings and toeboards must meet the specifications laid out in Article 16 in the California Code of Regulations. In addition to the requirements of this Part, a barrier and handrail must comply with the structural requirements of Part 3. 24, OSHA prescribes the use of handrails and railings as fall protection. 8 1 Scope and Application. OSHA requirements for standard stairs. 1050bigger footprint than OSHA stairs. 5”. At this point, we know that you need a handrail if you have. Learn the general and specific criteria for guardrail systems that meet the requirements of the OSHA Fall Protection Standards. 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. Strength. 3 Stairways and Landings model code. 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. Riser. 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. We hope you find this information helpful. 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. Handrails with a non. 5 times the vertical rise. Under OSHA Section 1910. 3. Law and Regulations ; Federal Registers ; Open for Comment ; Regulatory Agenda ; Standard Interpretations ; Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. 5 cm*. This measurement includes the length of the baluster or post, plus the thickness of the handrail. Handrail Requirements. 2. OSHA regulations are pretty straightforward: “Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1. 5” Minimum tread astuteness of 9. Distance. 4-1979 - Safety Requirements for Job-Made Ladders. Stairwells and Stairs. ”. The rule. If there are more than four stairs in a stairway, they must have fixed railings. 1910. The rise (height) should be a minimum of 150mm and a maximum of 220mm. Unprotected openings in roofs could, therefore, be cited under the general duty clause of. . handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs; Canadian stair handrails: 32-36" above the stairs; Wall clearance: Handrails along a wall must have at least 1. 75 inches each. 23 (e) (3) (iii), installations, posts and top and intermediate rails are to be of 2-inch by 2-inch by 3/8-inch angles or other metal shapes of equivalent bending strength with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers. Load-capacity of 1,000 lbs. If you are using a circular. standard requirements explanatory information (not part of american national standard a1264. 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. For shorter stairs, or stairs not open to a fall, or stairs installed before 1/17/17, all you need is a handrail. OSHA publishes a final rule. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 5 of 14 DEFICIENCY 2 – UNIT: HANDRAIL IS NOT SECURE. The first proposed change would make clear that “a stair rail system with a. Another thing to note is that the OSHA hand clearance is 2. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates. The upright member of a step situated at the back of a lower tread and near the leading edge of the next higher tread. 23. We are going to look at five key IBC code requirements for handrails. 24, 1978; 49 FR 5321, Feb. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. Handrails have different height requirements than guardrails. Distance between the two stair railings as measured from the two closest edges. 451 (b) (3) (ii) The maximum distance from the face for plastering and lathing operations shall be 18 inches (46 cm). C* - Riser height: 12. Stairs. SUBJECT: 1926. Ramp handrails should extend straight and horizontally above the landing for at least 12″ beyond both the top and bottom of. requirements for when handrails and stair rail systems must be present on certain flights of stairs. Figure D-12-- Handrail Measurement. 9 Toe. , The artist formerly known as HotRod1029 CFR 1926. 23 (e) (11), which details the maximum openings for wall opening screens, would apply in the above situation. Job-made ladders: ANSI A14. Though the terms guardrails and handrails are often used interchangeably, they are different structures both in use and requirements. A handrail and a wall orOSHA Stair rail requirements - stair railings may serve as handrails, and vice-versa. For these stair rail systems, the top rail may serve as a handrail, provided the top rail is 36 to 38 inches in height (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail) and meets all other handrail requirements in §1910. §3214. The upright member of a step situated at the back of a lower tread and near the leading edge of the next higher tread.