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. 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. 28 includes unprotected sides and edges. 1926. Oct 27 2017. The upright member of a step situated at the back of a lower tread and near the leading edge of the next higher tread. 1926. Greater than 88 inches. In actuality, 1926. In addition to the requirements of this Part, a barrier and handrail must comply with the structural requirements of Part 3. 1050bigger footprint than OSHA stairs. 15 Training Requirements. Ramps, Runways, Stairwells, and Stairs. Be sure you review all of the general. 27 inches. Order 4-1998, f/8/28/98, ef. Viewrail offers 36”,. Handrails shall not project more than 4. HTML PDF: 296-24-74020: Spiral stairs. 10. therefore, they are not spiral stairs and must meet the requirements of §1910. The stairway must be at least 36 inches wide, measured above the handrail. the International Building Code or IBC sets the stair and handrail requirements for public buildings and public spaces. 1(b)Handrails, Guards, Grab Bars, Seats and Vehicle Barriers). Fortunately, Alaco Ladder is committed to quality and safety, which helped us produce ladders that meet the ship ladder OSHA code. Handrails on stairways: Each flight of stairs having at least four risers and three treads must have: • At least one handrail. The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. It also provides requirements for temporary service, metal. 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. Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than one metre wide, and on both sides if wider than this. A handrail or grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent to it needs to be free of anything sharp or abrasive. Doors and gates opening onto stairway. Stair Rails and Handrails. 28(b)(11)(ii) provides handrail requirements. Handrails may project from each side of a stairway a distance of 3 1/2 inches into the required width. This section covers the general requirements for installing, using, and maintaining handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems on all stairways, except for some exceptions. Design and Construction of Railings. 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. 1926. The requirements for handrails and stairs in the 2016 Final Rule led many employers to seek clarification from OSHA about when handrails are required on stairs, as well as handrail height. New handrail ends shall be returned to the wall or floor or shall terminate at newel posts . DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 5 of 12 DEFICIENCY 2 – UNIT: HANDRAIL IS NOT SECURE DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: There is movement in the anchors of the handrail. 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. Handrail height of alternating tread devices and ships ladders, measured above tread nosings, shall be uniform, not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and not more. 1910. The employer must provide, and ensure each employee uses, a safe means of access and egress to and from walking-working surfaces. 2. The ADA also specifies that handrails should have a diameter between 1. 25 (b) (4)] IBC requires the same width as OSHA. 5 inches, allowing for a comfortable and secure grip. Handrails and stair rail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching. OSHA catwalk width requirements. See figure D-13 Combination Handrail and Stair Rail. D* - Step width: 90 cm min. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20210 1-800-321-OSHA 1-800-321-6742. Capable of withstanding force of at least 200# Must be smooth-surfaced;Minimum distance between two stair railings. If the stairs have nosings, you measure from the leading edge of the nosing to the edge of the next step’s nosing. Stairways wider than 1000mm should have a handrail on each side. Typical locations for guarding 36 18. 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. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. HTML PDF: 296-24-935: Safety relief devices for cargo and portable tanks storing compressed gases. 5 inches, a minimum width of 26 inches, and a headroom clearance of 78 inches. Both measurements are from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the handrail. Governing codes shall be checked for their specific requirements, and government regulations, suchrequirements for when handrails and stair rail systems must be present on certain flights of 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. 5 inches. Exception 1: Guardrails located at the open side of a stair run shall not be less than 34 inches in height. 1- 2000 Safety Code for Elevators and. The governing requirement for the guarding of ladderway floor openings and platforms is paragraph 1910. Stair rails before the date are not less than 30 inches. 0. 23 (b) General requirements for all ladders. 23 (b) (12) - Fall Protection Requirements for Fixed Ladders - 09/10/2021. OSHA requirements are similar, calling for guardrails and handrails to be able to withstand 200 pounds of pressure when applied to the structure. According to the International Code Council¹, stairs need a handrail when there are more than four risers. (A) Scope. Use tread and rise requirements that vary by stairway angle. Essentially handrails are designed to provide guidance, support and safety for stairs and ADA ramps about one rise about 6 inches. • There must be a stair rail at each open side. (B) Definitions. OSHA then issued a ruling that allowed the handrail on the stair to double as a guard if it were 36" high. Section 1910. 5 cm*. Familiarity of the current standard and proposed changes will keep employers from being caught off guard should the standards change. 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. 10. Strength. (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. Ramp design 29 16. 25". General OSHA Handrail Requirements. 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. For example, ANSI standard A1264. 5” H. 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. (1) Stairways shall be al least 24 inches in width and shall be equipped with stair rails, handrails, treads, and landings. The same height specifications apply to handrails on stairs. 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. Stair Rails and Handrails. 07 to 8. 23(e)(5)(iii), states in part: "The length of brackets shall be such as will give a clearance between handrail and wall or any projection thereon of at least 3 inches. OSHA Fall Protection Requirements. Since they handle. Like the alternating tread stair, OSHA 1910. Go are numerous standards in the International Fabrication Code is are affiliated specifically to Manual. The employer must ensure: ( 1) Walking-working surfaces are inspected, regularly and as necessary, and maintained in a safe condition; This section covers the general requirements for installing, using, and maintaining handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems on all stairways, except for some exceptions. Find out the top edge height, midrail spacing, force. Railings and handrails. If there are more than four stairs in a stairway, they must have fixed railings. Vertical clearance above any stair tread to an overhead obstruction shall be at least 7 feet measured from the leading edge of the tread. Note: For specific code requirements, contact the Building Inspection Department at 952-442-7520 or 888-446-1801 or e-mail: info@mnspect. Spiral stairways shall meet the following requirements: 1917. If you have an edge that does not pose this risk, you should be OK with standard railing without toeboard. The run (tread length) should be a minimum of 223mm and a maximum of 320mm. 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. Cal-OSHA’s 1” tolerance only allows for a minimum height of 41”. §3214. For more information, see Section 1011 of the 2015 International Building Code for a more in-depth look at commercial stair requirements. The OSHA catwalk width requirements are found in section 1910. 1910. Commercial stair handrail height must be between 34” and 38” inches as measured from the stair tread nosing. 29 (f) (1) (i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail). Under 1910. handrail height on each side . The present Standard, 29 CFR 1910. Railing height for guard rail. Handrails must be between 30–38 inches high from the leading stair edge. Handrails 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. The maximum rise of each step is eight inches; the minimum rise is four inches. E* - Tread depth: 23. When the top edge of a stairrail system also serves as a handrail, paragraph (c) (7) of this. 121 (b) (1) Stairways shall conform to the minimum dimensions of Figure F-1; Spiral Stairway - Minimum Dimensions. 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. 1050 through 1926. §1626. Riser Height and Tread Depth (IBC 1011. OSHA requirements for stairs also dictate that any spiral stair must have a handrail. 8. 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. Handrails ship unattached and bolt into place. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. 6. 1926. The biggest difference between a guardrail and a handrail is that the area. 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. Minimum single stair railing distance. 500 (f) (1) (vi) provides the specification criteria for a standard railing exception as follows: (vi) Other types, sizes, and arrangements of railing construction are acceptable, provided they meet the following conditions: (a) A smooth-surfaced top rail at a height above floor, platform, runway, or ramp level of approximately. 5". Re: Stair rail and hand rail heights; §1926. 23 (e) (3) (iv), the anchoring of posts and framing of members for railings of all types. 1910. 1910. Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 1 ½ inch between the wall and the handrails. Handrail diameter between 1. However, OSHA has omitted the requirement for a center stair rail for stairs greater than 88 inches wide in its proposed revisions of the general industry standards for Walking and Working Surfaces (55 FR 13396, April 10, 1990). Normal use by employees. See the illustration below for a comparison:. OSHA Construction Standard 1026. U. RAILINGS open-sided stairs < 44” require 1 stair rail/side; open-sided stairs > 44” require 1 stair rail and 1 separate handrail/side. Handrails shall be at a consistent height above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. Essentially handrails are designed to provide guidance, support and safety for stairs and ADA ramps with a rise of 6 inches. 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. Handrail, stair rail, and guardrail system requirements. General dimensions. Physical characteristics of handrail and railing, joints, and anchors. The rise (height) should be a minimum of 150mm and a maximum of 220mm. S. Alternating tread stair 22 11. Specifically, the following sections are the most relevant to handrail and stair rail requirements. 24 for the safe design and construction of fixed general industrial stairs. Ramps, Runways, Stairwells, and Stairs. For stair width, expect a minimum of 44 inches in most cases and 36 inches in areas populated on average by less than 50 people. Distance between a single stair railing and the opposite wall (with no stair railing) Guard railing minimum height. 28 also requires that ship stairs have handrails: 1928(b)(11)(iii) Each ship stairs and alternating tread type stairs is equipped with handrails on both sides. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. standard requirements explanatory information (not part of american national standard a1264. 23 – Walking-Working Surfaces. 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. Relationship of ramp gradient to the going of a flight 28 15. (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. Minimum tread depth of 9. Handrails must be provided on at least one side of closed stairways, and both railings and handrails must be installed in accordance with 1910. 25(f) beneath: 1910. 5”Residential Interior Stairs Code Requirements. The provision refers to existing Table D–2, Stairway Handrail. g. 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. 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. 5 inches. Handrails should be continuous for the length of the stairs or ramp. Decorative Materials. A handrail and a wall orOSHA Stair rail requirements - stair railings may serve as handrails, and vice-versa. ASME A17. Mr. When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height, provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria. A handrail and a wall or OSHA Stair rail requirements - stair railings may serve as handrails, and vice-versa. The top of handrails and handrail extensions shall not be placed less than 34” (864 mm) nor more than 38 inches (965 mm) above landings and the nosing of treads. Plus, they are required to have an intermediary landing if the staircase has a rise of 12’ or more. OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal. 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). 5 QUALITY ASSURANCE A. FOCUSED ON SAFETY. Department of Labor’s OSHA Issues Rule to Revise Requirements in Safety and Health. Regulatory Requirements 1. 25 inches and 1. 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. • Ends must return to wall, post or safety terminalStair rails installed before Jan. C - Riser height: between 12. ( d) Inspection, maintenance, and repair. 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:. DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: There is movement in the anchors of the handrail. A guardrail is on top of the platform to guard against falls, while a handrail is what is along a staircase. 2 m) One handrail on each enclosed side One Stair rail system with handrail on open side and one handrail on enclosed side. and alternating tread stairs are not subject to these requirements. 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. Here are some basic pieces of information to bear in mind when constructing a handrail to comply with OSHA Standards. - 08/30/1999. 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. IBC stairs generally have a 7-inch closed riser and an 11-inch tread. 44 in. 5” Minimum tread astuteness of 9. Pursuant to §1910. Railings & Guardrail: railings required on open sides of stairwells and 42" high handrail on the side, preferably right side descending. ”. The Ontario Building Code | Handrails. Subchapter 4. 28 (b)(11)(ii): Each flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers are equipped with stair rail systems and handrails. Question 1: Are ship's ladders. (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. 1910. Additional OSHA handrail requirements. See all powder-coated color options. 1. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. 25” in any stairway; and stairways must be installed. However, it requires that the stair landings be at least the width of the stair or 48 inches, whichever is less. OSHA’s proposal seeks to clarify two of the standard’s provisions. 6. 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. L. 23 (e) (2), you are in compliance with §1910. 25(c) Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal Maximum riser height of 9. The IBC commercial handrail code states that each stair is provided with a separate handrail or grabrail attached to the guardrail. 8. 25″. 23(e) because the height of the standard railing on the stair landing is less than 42 inches nominal. Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of closed stairways preferably on the right side descending. 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. 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. The requirements of OSHA safety regulations for the safe use of ladders and stairs (Subpart X, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1926. 1052(c)(6) and 1926. Systems can use stair rails as handrails if they meet strength tolerance, finger clearance, handhold, opening, surface texture and projection hazards. 2. A walkway handrail instead guardrail system is requested to anything catwalks height than 4' above ampere lower level. OSHA Requirements for standard stairs 1910. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 3305 (b). IBC handrail code requirements for commercial stairs. This 200 pound load test is designed to stop an employee from a potentially fatal fall, as opposed to the IBC requirement that takes into account the idea that many people may be leaning on the. This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. (c) Stair rails and handrails. For example, stairs manufactured with a 45-degree stairway rise must have a minimum rise and tread of 8. 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. The Agency has determined that such deviation will not compromise employee safety, so long as the stair tower otherwise complies with the requirements of paragraph (e)(4). ( 1) Are installed at angles between 30 to 50 degrees from the horizontal; ( 2) Have a maximum riser height of 9. 8 Stair Railing - A barrier erected along exposed sides of a stairway to prevent fall of persons. Also, OSHA determined that it was appropriate to adopt. At least one handrail must be provided for stairs with four or more risers or 30 inches of ascent. The upright member of a step situated at the back of a lower tread and near the leading edge of the next higher tread. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Note that the following stairways are not required to meet the minimum width requirements: Stairways not within or serving a building, porch or deck. 24 cm). 1, Ex. Stair and ramp railings in the workplace must meet OSHA standards of 30 to 38 inches in. Handrails and guardrails. Handrails on stairways: Each flight of stairs having at least four risers and three treads must have: • At least one handrail. For shorter stairs, or stairs not open to a fall, or stairs installed before 1/17/17, all you need is a handrail. Stairways . The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. Exterior stair width code. Enforcement. 2. 5") Hand Railing heights: U. If a stairway is placed near a door or gate opening, the stairway must have a platform between the swing of the door and the stairs of no less. 9. The section of the OSHA code that specifies most of the primary guardrail and handrails as it directly relates to safety railing is 1910. You should consider whether they: are well lit; have handrails at an appropriate height that contrasts with the surroundings; have good slip resistance properties, particularly at the leading edge;Further, OSHA standard 1910. . 5. Handrails are required for stairs in many applications and must meet standards as specified by R311. 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. This specially designed Stair /. requirements for when handrails and stair rail systems must be present on certain flights of stairs. Midrails, screens, mesh, and other. WASHINGTON, DC – The U. 3 (2000)). 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 gripping surface on top of the handrail should be mounted between 34. The top member of railing usually serves as a handrail. 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. 502 Title: Fall protection systems criteria and practices. This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. IBC handrail code requirements for commercial stairs. Ships with rubber bumper attached to the center stringer. Minimum 6′-8″ headroom. Handrail Requirements. 2. §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. Normal use by employees. HEIGHT CLEARANCE minimum 6’6” clearance from nose of tread to overhead obstruction. An employer may use these guidelines as a starting point for designing guardrail systems. Treads (the horizontal stair element you step on) that are at least 10 inches in depth and no more than 14 inches. Stair Rails and Handrails. This sheet is designed to provide information to enhance the public safety of all Vermonters. Handrails shall be at a consistent height above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. Dear Mr. Regarding risers and tread, OSHA stairs typically have an 8-inch open riser and a 9-inch tread. [IBC 1011. Minimum distance between two stair railings. Maximum riser height of 9. Existing Table D–2 contains a. The OSHA catwalk handrail request are found in OSHA sections 1910. Within a staircase, treads shall have a uniform run and tread depth that does not vary more than 0. One stair rail system each open side. The guardrails provided here are 1-1/4” thick. One IBC defines the various design requirements for handrails, providing clear and concise. Height. In construction the use of cables or chains to guard door and wall. 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. Stair railings. 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. An enclosed stair requires one or more handrails, but no stair rails. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49. 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. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only. 24 (a) Step bolts. Handrail height shall be uniform, not less than 30 inches and not more than 34 inches. The vertical distance from the top of a tread to the top of the next higher tread. 5″. . 1052(c)(6) is for height of handrails of 30 to 37 inches not stair rails. Guard Height Requirements: The absolute minimum height requirement for residential guard railing is 36” in some states, although states (like California) have a minimum of a 42” handrail height. ☐ 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. Handrail ends shall be returned to a wall or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminations. 2. 5 inches and if a handrail is provided on both sides, the minimum clear width is 27 inches. The Acceptable Solution F4/AS1 (Table 1) requires barrier heights in buildings other than housing to be 900mm on stairs and ramps, and 1100mm elsewhere. 29(k)(1), the new toeboard requirement needs to be at least 3. (d) Designated areas. OSHA stairs are permitted to be steeper than IBC stairs and may have open risers. 11 inches (27. The fundamental differences here that should be pointed out are the differences in allowable height and loading capacity. 72. Minimum 8. In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible routerequires a OSHA etc. Handrails are required when there is a top step height of 4 feet or more and a railing needs to be 29. Extend past the length of the ramp and/or stairs. A 40mm diameter Dowl handrail must be fixed to the wall at a minimum of 900mm centres between the supports. 1115A. 16 Glossary. 6. According to the ADA, handrails on stairs should be between 30 inches and 38 inches in height, measured from the leading edge of the stair tread. OSHA REGULATIONS for TEMPORARY STAIRS & RAILINGS; OSHA REGULATIONS for STAIR RAILINGS & GUARDRAILS; OSHA 1926. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing updates in the handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard. 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. Vertical clearance above any stair tread to an overhead obstruction shall be at least 6 feet 6. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1626. The minimum tread depth shall be 10 inches. Railings in stair codes and specifications refer to the safety barrier along steps or stairs. 5. 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. "Top rail of stair rail system can serve as handrail only when:Reply #2: Yes. 3-stringer design with treads welded to the stringers. 25. Standard height requirements for each are stated in (f)(1). Flat 2x4 and 2x6 handrails do not meet the requirements for graspable handrails. 5”. 5″.