Stairway Hazards
OSHA rules in OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1052 cover stairs used during construction and stairs used temporarily during construction, as well as rules governing stair rails and handrails.
There are rules for stairs used during construction and stairs used temporarily during construction.
The rules covering stairs, stairways, and their components generally depend on how and when stairs are used.
Requirements
The following requirements apply to all stairways used during construction:
- Make sure there is a stairway at points of access where there is an elevation break of 19 inches or more.
- Stairways with four or more risers, or higher than 30 inches, must be equipped with at least one handrail and one stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge.
- For stairways that will not be a permanent part of the building under construction make sure landings are at least 30 inches deep and 22 inches wide (76 x 56 cm) at every 12 feet (3.7 m) or less of vertical rise.
- Install stairways at 30 to 50 degrees from the horizontal.
- Do not exceed variations in riser height or stair tread depth more than 1/4 inch in any stairway system, including any foundation structure used as one or more treads of the stairs.
- The platform for doors and gates opening directly onto a stairway must extend at least 20 inches (51 cm) beyond the swing of the door or gate.
- Secure metal pan landings and metal pan treads in place before filling.
- Make sure stairway parts are free of dangerous projections such as protruding nails.
- Correct slippery conditions on stairways.
- Do not use spiral stairways that will not be a permanent part of the structure.
For a more complete listing of ladder requirements read OSHA's Publication 3124, Stairways and Ladders: A Guide to OSHA Rules. You can also complete OSHAcademy 603 Stairway and Ladder Safety.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-3. If a stairway with an unprotected edge has four or more risers, it must be equipped with _____.
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