osha handrail requirements for stairs. Distance between a single stair railing and the opposite wall (with no stair railing) Guard railing minimum height. osha handrail requirements for stairs

 
 Distance between a single stair railing and the opposite wall (with no stair railing) Guard railing minimum heightosha handrail requirements for stairs If you do go that route, the first place to look for noncompliance is in the guard rail

OSHA is very clear that ship stairs should only be used where you can demonstrate that standard stairs will not work. Handrails need to be easy to firmly grasp if a person loses balance. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. OSHA Requirements for usual ladder 1910. It also must be able to withstand 50lbs being. The maximum deflection shall be L/100 or 40mm, whichever is the lesser, over the horizontal span (L) of the stairway between supports. Stair railing. Handrail diameter between 1. Minimum 6′-8″ headroom height clearance for stairway. When figuring out the tolerances for the OSHA guardrail height, the minimum allowed is 39". The handrail's ends must either be rounded or smoothly meet the floor, wall or post. 21(b)(5). 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. 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. These systems may be. 04(3)(b)6. For example, ANSI standard A1264. Railings meeting the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section shall be provided on the means of access to and from the floors of graving docks. 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. Handrails are a support aid when using stairs. 3. Mr. Essentially handrails are designed to provide guidance, support and safety for stairs and ADA ramps with a rise of 6 inches. 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 on the open side of a stairway must meet guardrail requirements. If you have a stair open on two sides with a stair width less than 44 inches, it appears as if no handrail is required, just a stair rail (top rail, mid rail toe plate). 1910. c. The IBC defines the various design requirements for handrails, providing clear and concise specifications. The ADA Standards apply requirements for stairways to each stair that is part of a required means of egress (§210). (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. Common types of problems include malfunctioning electrical service or even missing handrails on stairs. The minimum tread depth is 11 inches. 28(c). Minimum single stair railing distance. WASHINGTON, DC – The U. D. 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. The OSHA rules aim to ensure a safe working environment for all employees. • 2 yr. The answer to your question is that 1910. 1910. 6] OSHA set the design requirements for alternating tread stairs included teil 1910. 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. 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. 2. 23, Guarding floor and wall openings and holes: 1910. 23 (d) (1)states: “Every flight of stairs having four or more risers shall be equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified. Rod Smith, P. For example, stairs manufactured with a 45-degree stairway rise must have a minimum rise and tread of 8. This is one fo the reasons why people generally don't like FHA loans - these odd requirements around "safety" requirements on a home. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing updates in the handrail and stair rail system. Design and construction of guardrails and stair handrails shall comply with SBC Code, OSHA Standards, and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. A proposed rule announced by OSHA on May 20 would update certain handrail and stair rail system requirements for the agency’s general industry walking-working surfaces standard. Compliance. OSHA 1910. Stair Rails and Handrails. 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”. Handrails must be ‘positioned between 900 and 1000mm above the pitchline’. Among the fall protection measures required for elevated work platforms, pick modules, or rack supported platforms—including guarding, stair handrails, and temporary access devices—kickplates are the one system that doesn’t protect associates working on the platform. standard requirements explanatory information (not part of american national standard a1264. Requirements for Ladders OSHA has reorganized separate rules for fixed ladders, portable wood ladders and portable. Design and Construction of Railings. The International Residential Code (IRC) lays out the requirements for residential staircases. (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. 1 Height. The stairway must be at least 36 inches wide, measured above the handrail. The IBC defines the various design requirements for handrails, providing clear and concise specifications. In particular, the Agency is considering the following. 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. ”. 5 inches at the walk line, a riser height maximum of 9. Neal, The 32 inch width of the stair tread permitted for handrail projection can comply; 1012. 1910. - UBC. 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. Handrails are required for stairs in many applications and must meet standards as specified by R311. Question 1: Are ship's ladders (also known as ship's stairs) required to meet the fixed ladder requirements in 29 CFR 1910. Also, OSHA determined that it was appropriate to adopt the one and one-half clearance required. General requirements. This appendix serves as a non-mandatory guideline to assist employers in complying with these requirements. (h) Railings and handrails. 23 that addresses stair railings is subsection (e) (2) and not (e) (1). HTML PDF: 296-24-74010: Standard stairs. ”. [IBC 1011. 2. 2 Christy Dr. Stairway width <44. The Agency’s interpretations explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they do not create additional employer obligations. As a means of egress, exterior exit stairs must meet all the requirements set forth in IBC section 1011. 1052(c)(1) thru (12), and 1926. 10, 1984] OSHA standard 1910. ” 1910. For projects falling under the IBC, there are two width requirements that apply: minimum width and required capacity. The stair will be installed at a 70-degree angle or less. Stair strength. com. 18 cm) in outside diameter; and. 7. 144(a)(3) was not meant to state directly or by implication that all permanent handrails be painted yellow. 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. c. The answer to your question is that 1910. DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: Handrail is missing (i. Oregon OSHA requires that employees at general industry workplaces be protected from falls to a lower level of four feet or more and from any height above dangerous equipment. 5” H. HTML PDF: 296-24-7500: Other working surfaces. c. 8 Projections. 2 m). Railing height for guard rail. 0. Where guardrails are impracticable due to machinery requirements or work processes, an alternate means of protecting employees from falling, such as nets, shall be used. If your system was installed before January 2017, the mandatory height decreases to 30 inches. Stair height and the depth of treads must be uniform. Additional OSHA handrail requirements. In construction the use of cables or chains to guard door and wall. 5. OSHA is therefore proposing two separate provisions for stairs with two open sides Start Printed Page 27334 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. Stairway Railings and Guards Every flight of stairs with four or more risers shall have standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified below. 26. 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. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. 04 Stairways and elevated areas. 25(b)(1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with § 1910. Treads should not slope more than 2%. Handrails should be between 30 and 37 inches above the step surface, with a clearance of at least three inches between the rail and the wall. 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. A safety handrail provides stability with a handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway or. The largest tread width or riser height in any flight of stairs. Question #3: Would fixed stairs with a degree of angle of between 38 degrees and 42 degrees be in compliance with 29 CFR 1910. 5 inches. We are going to look at five key IBC code requirements for 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. Contrasting materials on the step edge/nosing and handrail can provide a very effective visual safety trigger. 4. Friday, June 2, 2023 Risk Management, Safety and OSHA Handrails are integral to stairway safety, providing support and stability for individuals as they navigate steps. Handrails must not project into the stairway more than 4 ½ inches—so with one handrail, the stairway can’t be less than 31 ½ inches wide, as measured at or below the rail, and with two handrails, the. P. 1910. Section 1910. 1910. Inside handrails on switchback or dogleg stairs must be continuous. handrail if needed. 23 includes requirements for ladders, where OSHA defines handrail requirements on platforms and how high safety railings must be. 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. Stairway Handrails. If balusters are used, there shall be a minimum of one per tread. Handrails must be able to hold 200 pounds of downward or outward pressure. 29(d) Designated Areas. HTML PDF: 296-24-93501: Definitions. For more information, see Section 1011 of the 2015 International Building Code for a more in-depth look at commercial stair requirements. Note: Dimensions and stair requirements apply only to individual dwelling units in residential occupancies. (1) When the employer uses a designated area, the employer must ensure:. 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. Always OSHA-Compliant – Built to comply with OSHA’s regulations in any configuration. 5" tread; Stair Width: minimum 22" Railings & Guardrail: railings required on open sides of stairwells and 42" high handrail on the side, preferably right. 24, 1978; 49 FR 5321, Feb. Stairways . 24 (a) Step bolts. 5 cm) from the upper surface of the stair rail to the surface of the tread. 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. Since many employers installed new railings at that height, OSHA is proposing to expand the height range by allowing a railing of 30 to 38 inches. the other safety requirements for guardrails. 23 (b) General requirements for all ladders. 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. Elevated catwalks should be provided access by a stairway. Stairs have to be installed at 30° to 50° from horizontal. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. , 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. 1910. Each stair must also be provided with a railing system. 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. ago. Rise and tread measurements are dictated by the angle of the stairway rise. 1926. 2Height. 1926. The building code is the same for both interior and exterior steps: a handrail is required for 4 or more risers (3 treads). 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"). References. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. 5”Overview. All catwalks have to be equipped with railings that can withstand up to 200 pounds of pressure. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3214. The questions below have been restated for clarity. OSHA stairs are required to be a minimum of 22 inches wide. 1060) are explained in this discussion. 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. OSHA publishes a final rule. (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. Table D-2 under section 1910. HTML PDF. Whether it’s a residential staircase or a commercial space, understanding and implementing the appropriate handrail height is essential for creating a secure environment for users. General OSHA Handrail Requirements. 28; 1910. • The minimum clear width from the handrail height to the treads is 31 ½ inches for stairs with rails onOSHA Guidelines for Guardrails. OSHA publishes a. 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 &. Tread depth on stairs must be a minimum of 10”, not including the nosing. The pitchline is defined as ‘the line joining the leading edge or nosings of successive stair treads’. Both the ADA and OSHA require public and private spaces to have handrails on both sides of a stairwell. Ends of top rails and midrails: Must. There are also times when having a handrail on just one side of a stairwell will make. Harris: This is in response to your letter dated February 23, 1978, concerning the construction standards requirements for toeboards. 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. 1052 (b) - OSHA does not have the legal authority to evaluate and certify products. Except as provided elsewhere in this section, the employer must ensure that each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1. Kevin Rauchut NVR, Inc. 1003. 2 m) One handrail on each enclosed side One Stair rail system with handrail on open side and one handrail on enclosed side. The OSHA requirements for handrails include the following: Be able to. The height of handrails is measured straight up from the nosing of the treads to the top of the handrail. 23(e) because the height of the standard railing on the stair landing is less than 42 inches nominal. ), the platform’s occupancy and use can dictate either IBC or OSHA provisions controlling. You express your belief that OSHA does not have such a requirement. 1 scope. This is outlined above. Circular Cross Section and Clearance (§505. Handrails may project over stairs by 4 ½ inches maximum on each side of the stairway. Equipto offers two styles of OSHA complaint stairways. Handrails shall be. 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. 23 - OSHA requires fall protection for elevator work when a fall hazard is present. We have an entire section of our web site devoted to ADA handrail standards. But while guards must typically be at least 36 in. The letter from CAL/OSHA, which you enclosed for our review and comments, specifically addresses the issue of tower scaffold stairs and the fact that they may not be used as temporary stairways during construction of multistory buildings because they generally do not meet the Subpart X requirements, i. 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. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Stair Rails and Handrails. 451 (a) (6) to require a screen between the toeboard and the guardrail in situations only where employees are required. 500, 23 April 1973 - Excerpt: Since cables or chains are commonly used as barriers or guards on construction projects at floor and wall. 3 Horizontal projections. 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. Clearance. There is no maximum clearance between two handrails because it will depend on the width of the stairs. 851 (c) In a multistory building, when a stairwell is being used, it shall be properly illuminated by either natural or artificial means, and completely. S. The handrail may form the top of a guarding if you can match the heights. 25 must be met, including the need for guardrails, handrails, vertical clearance of 6'-8", uniform treads/risers, etc. 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. 23 (b) General requirements for all ladders. 72. How many stairs before a handrail is required? A handrail is required for staircases, platforms or landings above 1 metre from the ground. handrail s. At least one handrail: One stair rail system with handrail on open side. Stair railings. As for the load calculations, it is imperative to know that. Cal-OSHA’s 1” tolerance only allows for a minimum height of 41”. 8. 27 do not apply to. If the guard top rail is not used as a Handrail, it would not have graspability requirements. Some of the requirements for all types of suspension scaffolds include:. Stairs OSHA. 15. Vertical height of handrail between 34″-38″. This informative guide provides the provisions and compliance requirements for barriers and handrails for Class 1 and 10 buildings. 25(b) This standard number explains the basic requirements for all fixed staircases, including ship ladders in industrial settings. Stairs and ramps shall have handrails on both sides, unless otherwise permitted. For example, ANSI standard A1264. 5 “width below handrail height where a handrail is on one side. Chad Holder. Nosing – straight leading edge. Any change in elevation int walking surfaces greater than 9. Risers for OSHA stairs are allowed to be open. 1050 through 1926. OSHA catwalk width requirements. The employer must ensure: 1910. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. 1, Ex. 3. ADA handrails with a non-circular cross-section should have a perimeter dimension between 4″ and 6. • 2 yr. ( 13) Work on low-slope roofs. OSHA go frame and requirements OSHA General stair requirements 1910. Intermediate vertical members: Must be installed no more than 19 inches apart. Handrails (continuous) are required on at least one side of flights of stairs with ≥ 4 risers. The height of the stair rails should not be less than 34 inches and should not exceed 38 inches from. HTML PDF: 296-24-74020: Spiral stairs. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards requirements. IBC Stairs require guardrails of 42″ high and handrails of 34″ high on both sides of the stairwell. 23 (b) (12) - Fall Protection Requirements for Fixed Ladders - 09/10/2021. Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back. 5” maximum. These systems may be mounted 36-38 inches high. , measured from the line connecting tread nosings—the same as the minimum height for handrails. Handrails should be continuous for the length of the stairs or ramp. L. 23 (e) (1): Mobile ladder stands and platforms have a step width of at least 16 inches (41 cm). Handrails are an essential safety tool for stairs, providing stability while you ascend or descend the steps. Anyone climbing or going down the stairs should be able to hold the handrails firmly. 23 (e) (3) (iv), the anchoring of posts and framing of members for railings of all types. When such a railing would be impracticable or ineffective, other effective means shall be provided to prevent employees from falling into the water. The U. 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. 2. The termination point may also be a newel post per FBC-R 311. Under 1910. OSHA fall protection requirements for general industry and construction are addressed in 29 CFR 1910. Handrail must be continuous. 2. 91. 1910. (c) (1) (ii) One stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. That part of §1910. OSHA catwalk handrail requirements . In order to ensure compliance, the maximum allowable opening between the two handrails needs to be determined. 5, §505. Whether it be the stair, rails, or landing, follow along as we explore the new building codes for 2022. You had specific questions regarding the use of ship's stairs in general industry. OSHA standard 1926. Stair Railing Height Requirements: 34 to 38 Inches Stair railing should be no less than 34 inches high and no more than 38 inches high. (2) If the required width of a ramp or f light of stairs is more than 2 200 mm, one or more intermediate handrail s continuous between landings shall be. You can make your trip up or down a flight of stairs much safer if you remember to use the handrail. Greater than 88. 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. Find out the enforcement guidance. IBC provisions are more stringent than OSHA provisions, but they are very similar to the material. 23 (a) (1) Used in emergency operations such as firefighting, rescue, and tactical law enforcement operations, or training for these operations; or. Risers (the vertical element connecting treads) that are no less than 6 inches in height and no more than 7. An OSHA-approved state plan must have safety and health requirements at least as effective as those of Federal OSHA and must adopt comparable stateSafety Railing and Guardrail Systems. Railings. 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. 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. Mr. 660 inches)" meets the size requirements for pipe used in the construction of guard rails. Handrails shall be at a consistent height above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. Glazing used in handrail or guard assemblies shall be safety. The IBC mimimum requirements for wide stairs are: A handrail on both sides of the wide stairway. The OSHA requirements for stairrails and handrails are contained in 1926. The stairway must be at least 36 inches wide, measured above the handrail. 5 inches (75 cm) to 37 inches (94 cm), measured from the front edge of a step. 25″ and 2″. SPS 321. 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. (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). However, it requires that the stair landings be at least the width of the stair or 48 inches, whichever is less. Topics. Minimum 6′-8″ headroom height clearance for stairway. Except as provided under par. 8. Each stairway should have at least one handrail. These requirements are usually also governed by their. The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§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. Contact OSHA . Stair and ramp railings in the workplace must meet OSHA standards of 30 to 38 inches in height and be able to. safety requirements for workplace walking/working . §3214. 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. Railings shall conform to the requirements of § 1917. Morals and criteria for catwalk breadth, loads, and fall protection. 25(f)(1) Have a series of treads includes at a slope a 50 to 70 degrees from the horizontal; 1910. (1. 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. g. 29 (f) (1) (ii) (B)) and the handrail must be 30 to 38 inches in height (§1910. An adult using this spiral stair will be taller than the handrail height so there is no need for tight baluster spacing. 1. 42156 - Handrail specifications. Photo: Getty Images. 24 (a) (1) Each step bolt installed on or after January 17, 2017 in an environment where corrosion may occur is constructed of, or coated with, material that protects against corrosion; 1910. In so case, OSHA catwalks served by a stairs must have ampere minimum widths of 22. Back to:. However, OSHA set the minimum width for stair treads: Standard Stairs – 22 inches (56 cm) Spiral Stairs – 26 inches (66 cm) OSHA 1910. Deck stair handrail size varies slightly in New Jersey, in that they mandate handrail diameter to be between 1 ¼” and 2 ⅝”. (vertical members in handrails) OSHA 29 CFR 1910. Treads should have a minimum depth of 10 inches, and risers a maximum height of 7 3/4 inches. Landings may be smaller, as well. 24(h) provides: Standard railings shall be provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms. The distance between the ship's ladder and any obstacle on the climbing side must be at least 30 inches. 5 cm) from the upper surface of the stair rail system to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread. (d) Designated areas. 5” minimum. The governing requirement for the guarding of ladderway floor openings and platforms is paragraph 1910. 25. There are a number of factors that are particularly relevant to patients and residents and should be considered in the individual's care plan. 1910. 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. You had specific questions regarding the use of ship's stairs in general industry. Stairways wider than 1000mm should have a handrail on each side.