osha handrail requirements for stairs. Essentially handrails are designed to provide guidance, support and safety for stairs and ADA ramps with a rise of 6 inches. osha handrail requirements for stairs

 
 Essentially handrails are designed to provide guidance, support and safety for stairs and ADA ramps with a rise of 6 inchesosha handrail requirements for stairs 500, GUARDRAILS, HANDRAILS & GUARDS [PDF] Standard Number 1926

If I may be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me. California CA/OSHA Title 8 Building Code Stair & Railing Safety. 1926. Projections into the required width of stairways and ramps at each handrail shall not exceed 41/2 inches (114 mm) at. 5 cm) in height. Do you know the federal standards for scaffolding safety in construction? This PDF document from OSHA provides detailed information on the requirements, hazards, and solutions for different types of scaffolds. 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. 1910. Regarding handrails, there are two sets of regulations: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). 10. 7. In preparing the proposed revision of 29 CFR 1910, Subpart D-Walking and Working Surfaces, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reviewed the pertinent ANSI standards and determined that it was appropriate to limit the clearance requirement for handrails and stair rails. When the 42-inch guardrail is used on a stair or ramp, a secondary Handrail will be required at the appropriate height. 8. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. (3). 2. Learn how to prevent falls and injuries by following the best practices and guidelines. Railings for industrial spiral staircases have their own specific set of OSHA rules. 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. Your concern is whether or not the standard requires that all permanent handrails be painted yellow. Hand Railing projection into stairs (<= 4. 25(f) beneath: 1910. IBC provisions are more stringent than OSHA provisions, but they are very similar to the material. ADA Chapter 5 Section 505. 1060) are explained in this discussion. 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. • Handrails are a support aid when using stairs. The International Building Code is a model code prepared under the umbrella of the ICC, and. The standard height of handrails is between 34 and 38 inches, measured vertically from the nose of the stair treads. R311. 1052 (a) (1) - Scaffold step unit towers when used for access to locations other than scaffold platforms. 1050 through 1926. The required number of handrails is 2. Is it illegal not to have a handrail on stairs? Handrails are mandatory. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route1926. 31-1/2 inches. To ensure your system performs well, be sure to space posts or cable stabilizers no more than 4 feet apart. 5 inches for stands with a top height of 4 feet or more, 36 inches for stands with a top step of. 23 includes requirements for ladders, where OSHA defines handrail requirements on platforms and how high safety railings must be. In North Carolina, four or more steps or an ADA ramp with a rise of 6 inches require handrails on both sides. Visit the ADA Handrail Guide for more information. 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: (A) At least one handrail; and (B) A stair rail consisting of a top rail and mid-rail along each unprotected side or edge. New OSHA handrail/guardrail requirements have come into effect on Jan 17 of this year. Plant structures and buildings shall be considered Group F, Industrial Occupancy,A minimum of 31. The inside handrail should be continuous on switchback or dogleg ramps. 23, Guarding floor and wall openings and holes: 1910. g. (1. WIDTH ≥ 22” between railings. The agency notes in a press release that the proposed rule “does not reopen for discussion any of the regulatory decisions made in the 2016 rulemaking,” adding that it “focuses solely on clarifying some of the requirements for handrails and stair rail systems finalized in 2016, and on providing flexibility in the transition to OSHA’s newer. It includes the application, dimensions, clearance, and safety standards for handrails, guardrails, risers, treads, landings, platforms, and door openings. Pursuant to §1910. Surface requirements and clearances facilitate a power grip along the length of handrails. Enforcement. Ends of top rails and midrails: Must. 1. Basic OSHA Stair Requirements. Easily Installed and Reconfigured. 1, 2018 is 30 inches, installed after Dec. Find out the enforcement guidance. Dear Mr. This is because for people with balance and mobility issues, leaning on a wall to maintain their balance is simply not a safe way to navigate a stairwell. The IBC mimimum requirements for wide stairs are: A handrail on both sides of the wide stairway. 23, Guarding floor and wall openings and holes. The first proposed change would make clear that “a stair rail system with a. 3. Solid. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 2. 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. 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. The ADA Standards apply requirements for stairways to each stair that is part of a required means of egress (§210). STAIRS The following spatial requirements apply to stairs: • Minimum width above the handrail -36 inches. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation only of the requirements. Step Guardrail Height: Unlike ADA guidelines, the guardrails in OSHA steps also act as handrails when the top edge of the guardrail is between 36 and 38 inches above the leading edge of the stair tread. 5 inches and the minimum stair tread is 9. 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. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. It includes the application, dimensions, clearance,. The standard requires guardrail systems and components to be designed and built to meet the requirements of § 1926. Handrail Height. 502 (b) (3), (4), and (5). Dennis Gilmore Safety Director Tougher Industries, Inc. One stair rail system each open side. However, OSHA set the minimum width for stair treads: Standard Stairs – 22 inches (56 cm) Spiral Stairs – 26 inches (66 cm) OSHA 1910. Be certain that your vendor has updated their OSHA designs. In late 2016, OSHA finally published the long awaited updates to its 1910 Fall Protection in General Industry. General requirements. General requirements. 1003. There are typically state administrative codes that will define certain requirements for handrails, stairs, landings, and such, in other instances ADA requirements could apply. 2 [Handrail] Top Extension at Stairs. 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. Except for the entrance, stairway floor openings. Though the terms guardrails and handrails are often used interchangeably, they are different structures both in use and requirements. Guardrail, Stair Rail & Handrail Strength Requirements - the 200 pound load criterion & others. Cal-OSHA’s 1” tolerance only allows for a minimum height of 41”. Handrails on the open side of a stairway must meet guardrail requirements. The gripping surface and adjacent surfaces must be free of abrasive or sharp elements. 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. Question 1: Are ship's ladders (also known as ship's stairs) required to meet the fixed ladder requirements in 29 CFR 1910. Handrail height requirements for stairs play a vital role in ensuring safety, accessibility, and compliance with building codes and regulations. The termination point may also be a newel post per FBC-R 311. New handrail ends shall be returned to the wall or floor or shall terminate at newel posts . 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. Under OSHA Section 1910. 26. 1052 (c) - Top rail and handrail requirements for stairrail systems under the construction standards. Handrails shall be continuous for the full length of the stairs. 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). #6. 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. 5. 07 to 8. 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: (A) At least one handrail; and (B) A stair rail consisting of a top rail and mid-rail along each unprotected side or edge. Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements: Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway. Requirements of the Vermont Fire and Building Safety Codes . OSHA requires that all ladders between 60 and 90 degrees be device-facing, so any ships ladder that is angled 60 degrees or steeper must be descended backing down. 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. Distance between the two stair railings as measured from the two closest edges. 1-1967. Handrailing & Railing Graspability Requirements, Codes, Hazards. Minimum 6′-8″ headroom height clearance for stairway. You had specific questions regarding the use of ship's stairs in general industry. Order 4-1998, f/8/28/98, ef. In particular, the Agency is considering the following. At the top of a stair flight, handrails shall extend horizontally above the landing for 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beginning directly above the first riser nosing. 1. 5 inches (24 cm);1917. 25(b)(1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. Recommendation: In facilities that primarily serve children, a second set of stairway. 2. As a result, four inches would be the maximum allowable opening. If balusters are used, there shall be a minimum of one per tread. Stair towers [29 CFR 1926. 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. 29(k)(1), the new toeboard requirement needs to be at least 3. Handrails shall have a clear space between the handrail and a wall or other surface of at least 1 ½ inches. 29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). OSHA is very clear that ship stairs should only be used where you can demonstrate that standard stairs will not work. Railings. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. Maximum 12 feet vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs. Under the previous standard, stairs with a handrail that doubles as a stair rail could have a rail height of 30 to. Extend past the length of the ramp and/or stairs. 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. Handrails should be continuous for the length of the stairs or ramp. 24 for the safe design and construction of fixed general industrial stairs. 5. A handrail and a stair railing have two different meanings. 451(e)(4)]Deck stair handrails must be at least 34” and no more than 38” high. The IBC contains requirements for exit stairway enclosures that address fire-resistance and smoke protection, stairways and handrails, signs, and other features. (1) A stairway shall have a handrail on at least one side, and if 1 100 mm or more in width, shall have handrail s on both sides. All catwalks have to be equipped with railings that can withstand up to 200 pounds of pressure. TrainingAll ladders from Alaco Ladder meet the following Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standards for ladders, including the following: 1910. of the stair. The OSHA General Requirements (29 CFR 1926. 36 inches. 5" tread; Stair Width: minimum 22" Railings & Guardrail: railings required on open sides of stairwells and 42" high handrail on the side, preferably right. (1) A handrail shall be of a configuration that provides a handhold when grasped to avoid a fall and shall follow the slope of the stairway. OSHA Stair rail requirements - stair railings may serve as handrails, and vice-versa. SPS 321. 5 times the vertical rise. Handrails need to be easy to firmly grasp if a person loses balance. Handrails must be “graspable” which means you still cannot use a 2×4 or other shapeless block of wood. An adult using this spiral stair will be taller than the handrail height so there is no need for tight baluster spacing. 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. 6. com. 2Height. Under 1910. Uniform angle of rise, riser height, and tread width; all within specified acceptable ranges. 23 (e) (2), you are in compliance with §1910. OSHA stairs requirements for alternating tread stairs General OSHA stair requirements 5 Compliant fall protection 2 3 Uniform riser heights and tread. Like guardrails, apply. A "standard 1 1/4 inch 0 pipe (O. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 25(b) Conformable fall shelter (guardrail system) Uniform riser heights and tread depths . 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. The meaning of "nominal diameter" is explained in OSHA Program Directive #100-4 (copy enclosed) dated March 23, 1972. ( 13) Work on low-slope roofs. - 10/28/2004. Handrails are required on stairways and must meet specific guidelines. 27 inches. 144(a)(3) was not meant to state directly or by implication that all permanent handrails be painted yellow. OSHA publishes a final rule. General dimensions. 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. OSHA Handrail Standards. The same height specifications apply to handrails on stairs. _ Stair rails installed after March 15,1991, must be not less than 36 inches (91. OSHA Enforcement ; Annual Inspection Data ; Topics Back. 8:A ship's ladder must have toe clearance of 7 inches unless the nature of the work requires a lesser clearance; 4. Always OSHA-Compliant – Built to comply with OSHA’s regulations in any configuration. Be sure you review all of the general. 25″. Stairs and ramps shall have handrails on both sides, unless otherwise permitted. Suite 301 Chadds Ford, PA 19317. Contact OSHA . 25(b)(4) the stairway landings must be at least the diameter of the stairway, which has an minimum width of 22". 10, 1984] OSHA standard 1910. Stairways . 1052(c)(1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm),. For Employers ; Worker Rights ; Workers Memorial ;. 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. As for the load calculations, it is imperative to know that. 2. Handrails are an essential safety tool for stairs, providing stability while you ascend or descend the steps. Handrails shall be provided on not less than one side of each flight of stairs with four or more risers. C. (a) General. When figuring out the tolerances for the OSHA guardrail height, the minimum allowed is 39". 5” minimum. Handrail ends must be returned and terminated at rail posts. These systems may be. Kevin Rauchut NVR, Inc. - 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. Question: Do light-use stairs greater than 88 inches wide require a center stair railing? Response: The. 5 inches (9 cm) as measured from the top edge of the toeboard to the level of the. Features include:These requirements are calculated according to stairway width, as well as the number of closed sides for each flight of stairs having four or more risers. 23(e)(1). Section 1910. Additionally, OSHA requires the following specifications: Step depth – 9. Vertical height of handrail between 34″-38″. 5 inch. OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal. the International Building Code or IBC sets the stair and handrail requirements for public buildings and public spaces. IBC requirements dictate the loading for sizing members of the platform structure. Open sides of stairs require a stair rail, sometimes with a handrail ("stair rail system with handrail"), and (per the current text of the table) sometimes without ("stair rail system"). The difference in the two designs. Stairway Handrails. Landings and platforms. 5”Overview. We have an entire section of our web site devoted to ADA handrail standards. Floors, stairways, railing, overhead protection and guarding of open-sided floors, platforms and runways. 5 inches at the walk line, a riser height maximum of 9. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. //Section 01 81 13, SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS: Sustainable Design Requirements. Hand Railing projection into stairs (<= 4. A safety handrail provides stability with a handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway or. Unprotected openings in roofs could, therefore, be cited under the general duty clause of the Occupational. 1910. (b) General requirements. 3 Horizontal projections. The agency notes in a press release that the proposed rule “does not reopen for discussion any of the regulatory decisions made in the 2016 rulemaking,” adding that it “focuses solely on clarifying some of the requirements for handrails and stair rail systems finalized in 2016, and on providing flexibility in the transition to OSHA’s newer requirements. Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails. 2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. Lower levels means those areas to which an employee can fall from a stairway or ladder. 1910. 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). 1, Ex. The structural requirements refer to the barrier and/or handrail being designed and constructed to withstand any combinations of loads and other actions to which it may reasonably be subjected and the structural resistance of the. Instead, they are often the only line of defense against loose. At least one handrail One stair rail system with handrail on open side. Handrails shall be permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at the turn. Handrail or Stair Rail System; Steps (Risers) Each flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers must be equipped with stair rail systems and handrails. Oregon OSHA defines a stairway as a series of steps and landings having three or more risers. Chad Holder. The mid-rail height is also adjustable. For stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017, the top rail and handrail must be separate. 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. A vertical barrier along exposed sides of a stairway to prevent people fromOSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 24, 1978; 49 FR 5321, Feb. 21 (b) as: [Docket ID–OSHA–2020–0009] RIN 1218–AD28 Walking-Working Surfaces AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor. The stair shall be capable of withstanding a minimum uniform load of 100 pounds per square foot with a design factor of 1. 5. 23 (b) General requirements for all ladders. 500, GUARDRAILS, HANDRAILS & GUARDS [PDF] Standard Number 1926. (2) A mid-rail shall be halfway between the top. 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). 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″. These requirements fall under three primary categories and include the safety, soundness, and security of the property. Mr. Minimum 11 inch stair tread depth. 15. Exterior stair width code. Objects with leading edges more than 27 inches (685 mm) and not more than 80 inches (2030 mm) above the floor shall not project horizontally more than 4 inches (102 mm. If the ramp is greater than 30 inches in width, then handrails should be on both sides. 5 inches. 25 (b) (4)] IBC requires the same width as OSHA. ". If an obstacle is unavoidable, the clearance must be at least 24 inches, and a device. 2). Question #3: Would fixed stairs with a degree of angle of between 38 degrees and 42 degrees be in compliance with 29 CFR 1910. 75 inches each. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only. The Guardrail height shall not be less than 36 inches above the walking surface. So going back to rfied112's orginal question. 8 Projections. P. Stairs should be in safe condition and be of suitable design and. Glazing used in handrail or guard assemblies shall be safety. in from the edge. 1. Railing spaced from. , measured from the line connecting tread nosings—the same as the minimum height for handrails. 5 inches. These requirements are usually also governed by their. Required number of handrails is 2. The OSHA requirements for handrails include the following: Be able to. 5”. Learn the general and specific requirements for guardrail systems on stairs from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1910. The standards for fixed ladders in §1910. I just didn’t know if there was a. 0. roof openings; stairs and guardrail/handrail systems . You had specific questions regarding the use of ship's stairs in general industry. Maximum 12′-7″ vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs. 23 (b) General requirements for all ladders. Stair Railing Specifications - guards along stairways. Handrail is rail that provides a handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway or step ladder. Every interior and exterior stairway attached to, or supported by any part of the structure covered under this code. The Secretary of State designated OAR Chapter 437 as the “Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Code. 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). 1 scope. When the top edge of a stairrail system also serves as a handrail, paragraph (c) (7) of this. General Requirements: the general requirements of section 1910. 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. A maximum rise of 7-3 / 4 ”- maximum difference among risers 3/8″. 1 Height. 04 Stairways and elevated areas. apostate456. Weight-Bearing. 72. 2 Christy Dr. 44 inches (1. Mr. 17, 2017, must be at least 42 inches. A handrail or grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent to it needs to be free of anything sharp or abrasive. 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. Since they handle less traffic, they may also be narrower than IBC stairs. The stairway must be at least 36 inches wide, measured above the handrail. 2. 2 m) or above, must have handrails with a vertical height of 29. You will note that the post offers both required heights for stairs and landing, and the added toe rail. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910. ” Six general subject areas within this code are designated as “Divisions. Find out the. U. handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs; Canadian stair handrails: 32-36" above the stairs; Wall clearance: Handrails along a. 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. 1910. 23 (e) (11), which details the maximum openings for wall opening screens, would apply in the above situation. 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. Exception: These requirements shall not apply to sloping portions of handrails between the top and bottom riser of stairs and above the ramp run. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm). Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing updates in the handrail and stair rail system. SUBJECT: 1926. OSHA also states. (d) Designated areas. A handrail and a wall or1926. 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. 451 (a) (5), states that, "Guardrails shall be 2 x 4 inches or the equivalent, approximately 42. 4. 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. This measurement includes the length of the baluster or post, plus the thickness of the handrail. 25(d)(1) The minimum clearance of a handrail between any other object is 2. Section 05 50 00, METAL FABRICATIONS: Wall handrails and. Use tread and rise requirements that vary by stairway angle. WASHINGTON, DC – The U. The stair will be installed at a 70-degree angle or less. Risers for OSHA stairs are allowed to be open. We hope you find this information helpful. Use internal couplings, Type 18-7, to maintain continuity. 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. 7. In addition to the requirements of this Part, a barrier and handrail must comply with the structural requirements of Part 3. ), the platform’s occupancy and use can dictate either IBC or OSHA provisions controlling. 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. According to OSHA 1910. gov; Coronavirus Resources;The maximum rise of each step is eight inches; the minimum rise is four inches. 29 - Fall protection systems and falling object protection - criteria and practices: Here you will find the requirements that guardrail, stair rail systems, and handrails. Outdoor Stairs: Building codes may have specific requirements for handrails on outdoor stairs, particularly if there are multiple levels or steep inclines.