The customer service was great. General Industry Safety Orders Group 1. If you require any additional information regarding this matter, please contact [the Directorate of Construction at 202 693-2020]. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of only the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any question not delineated in your original correspondence. wide. Plus, it's a safe option for kids and guests of all ages. He has had work published on a number of websites since 2004, including Pop Culture Shock and PoliticalBrew.com. Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, or equivalent intermediate members are installed between the walking-working surface and the top edge of the guardrail system as follows when there is not a wall or parapet that is at least 21 inches (53 cm) high: Midrails are installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking-working surface; Screens and mesh extend from the walking-working surface to the top rail and along the entire opening between top rail supports; Intermediate vertical members (such as balusters) are installed no more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart; and. Chat live with a knowledgeable and friendly stair expert now. Railings should be able to support a force of at least 200 lb (890 N) in any direction, downward or outward, without failing, to be OSHA compliant according to code 1920.29. The top rail of the stair rail system meets the other handrail requirements in paragraph (f) of this section. Therefore, it does not require perimeter safety cables on the roof level. Requirements for perimeter columns and perimeter safety cables in the Steel Erection standard. The standard requires guardrail systems and components to be designed and built to meet the requirements of 1926.502(b)(3), (4), and (5). Intermediate supports shall be installed in such a manner that they will provide the strength and spacing outlined for Posts in 1926.500(f)(l)(i), (ii) & (iii). In their simplest form, cable fall protection systems consist of wire rope secured by a series of terminal and intermediate anchor points. Spiral stairs. Philadelphia, PA 19146-3639. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Territory Safety Coordinator JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Surfaces. Yarding Safety (Logging) Yarding is the logging operation that moves felled trees from the slash pile to the landing or storage area prior to transportation. In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure ship stairs (see Figure D-9 of this section): Are installed at a slope of 50 to 70 degrees from the horizontal; Have open risers with a vertical rise between tread surfaces of 6.5 to 12 inches (17 to 30 cm); 1910.25(e)(3) Have minimum tread depth of 4 inches (10 cm); and. These anchors shall be of sufficient strength to support the imposed loads without deflection. Read More: OSHA Catwalk Standards We hope you find this information helpful. In-fill panels or midrails must be installed so that no opening is greater than 19 inches. Parapets or railings that are preexisting are acceptable at a minimum of 36 inches under OSHA code 55 Federal Register 13360, siting that replacing the parapet or railing would introduce unnecessary risk to the workers replacing it. Design and Construction of Railings. Specifically, the following sections are the most relevant to railing and guardrail for fall protection. See OSHA Directive CPL 02-01-034 "Inspection policy and procedures for OSHA's steel erection standards for construction" published on 3/22/2002 for the current policy on OSHA's steel erection standards (1926 Subpart R) for construction. Standard Number: 1926.500 1926.451 When paragraph (b)(8) of this section allows the use of spiral, ship, or alternating tread-type stairs, they are installed, used, and maintained in accordance with manufacturers instructions. Strength criteria. In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure spiral stairs: Have a minimum clear width of 26 inches (66 cm); Have a minimum headroom above spiral stair treads of at least 6 feet, 6 inches (2 m), measured from the leading edge of the tread; Have a minimum tread depth of 7.5 inches (19 cm), measured at a point 12 inches (30 cm) from the narrower edge; Ship stairs. These standards, including 29 CFR 1910.23(e)(3)(ii), only refer to the spacing of posts within the guardrail assembly, which would include the top and intermediate railings, but do not address spacing of the posts in between modular guardrail system sections. Cable guardrails are commonly seen on construction projects. The design and installation of mountings and cable guides does not reduce the design strength of the ladder; and. Is secured to prevent accidental displacement. 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. Assistant Commissioner for Enforcement Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. (2) For pipe railings: posts, top rails, and intermediate railings shall be at least one and one-half inches nominal diameter (schedule 40 pipe) with posts spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers. (3) For structural steel railings: posts, top rails, and intermediate rails shall be at least 2-inch by 2-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) by 3/8-inch (1.1 cm) angles, with posts spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers. OSHA has three classifications of signs: Danger signs Indicate immediate danger and that special precautions are necessary. Caution signs Warn against potential hazards or caution against unsafe practices. There should be at least two clips installed for wire rope that is 3/8 in diameter. Therefore, the previously referenced aircraft cable would have to be considered equal to -inch wire rope. OSHA's warning line set up requirements ( OSHA's 29 CFR 1926.502 (f)) include: All warning lines must be flagged with a highly visible material and spacing must not exceed 6 feet intervals. Double, 1-inch by 4-inch members may be used for this purpose, provided that one member is fastened in a flat position on top of the posts and the other fastened in an edge-up position to the inside of the posts and the side of the top member. or the cable horizontal span is too great, if the intermediate posts spaced too far apart (more than 42" of horizontal distance o.c. Superior Steel, Inc. We have paraphrased your question below: Assuming the reliability of the statements made regarding the guardrail system and when installed as indicated in the photograph you provided, it appears that the 6" spacing of posts in between sections of the freestanding modular guardrail system does not violate an OSHA standard. When the 200-pound (890-N) test load is applied in a downward direction, the top rail of the guardrail system must not deflect to a height of less than 39 inches (99 cm) above the walking-working surface. Minimum tread width 22 IN (56 CM), Minimum Tread Depth 9.5 IN (24 CM), Maximum Riser Height 9.5 IN (24 CM). Thats why weve compiled this guide to OSHA stair requirements. California does not use NFPA 101). Rungs, cleats, and steps of portableladders and fixed ladders should be a minimum of 10 inches (25 cm) apart and no larger than 14 inches (36 cm) apart, as measured between center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps. With a background in construction, Doug has developed a clear understanding of the challenges and risks Assurance clients face on a daily basis. Outdoor advertising. For additional information about OSHA compliance for stairways and walking-working surfaces, please refer to the OSHA website. The employer must ensure each personal fall protection system meets the requirements in subpart I of this part; and. OSHA regulations state that cable railings must have a smooth top rail at 42 inches above the floor that is able to withstand at least 200 pounds of pressure from any direction. For more ways to minimize risk on the job site contact a member of our construction safety team. Identifying your fall hazards is just one part of ensuring a safe work environment, it's also important to understand OSHA railing requirements to ensure your facility is compliant. These anchors shall be of sufficient strength to support the imposed loads without deflection. The criteria and practices requirements for guardrail systems on scaffolds are contained in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L. Figure D-11 -- Guard Rail Systems. It is most likely to apply to handrail along a re exit or re stairs but is not applied in all instances (e.g. Depicts a set of stairs and combination handrail and stair rail installed. OSHA Railing requirements for Standard Railing (noted as "Guard" in building codes) : 42 inch minimum height Required if 48 inches or greater drop from walking surface top rail, intermediate rail and posts Intermediate rail at "about halfway up" Must have a toe board OSHA Railing requirements for Stair Railing: 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. Employers must ensure that each employee who climbs a fixed ladder without fall protection: Ladder safety systems. Stair rail or stair rail systemmeans a barrier erected along the exposed or open side of stairways to prevent employees from falling to a lower level. ErectaSteps line of industrial modular metal stairs and industrial maintenance access platforms feature modular, lightweight metal stair components that are as easy to reconfigure as they are to assemble. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has implemented regulations for railings to prevent worker injury or death. The first shows the walking-working surface, posts, and mid rail for guard system. in height, an installed railing will require midrails, screens, solid panels, or other equivalence. All ErectaStep stairs comply with OSHA standard 1910.25 which covers all stairways including standard, spiral, ship, and alternating tread-type stairs. Metal Stairs that save time, money and eliminate custom fabrication. The second is side-step Ladder, Access lateral from Ladder. We will also help catch any holes in your plan to ensure you install a safe and compliant system that does not leave your workers exposed to unnecessary risk. To examine some of the common myths and misconceptions, this article focuses on OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D, Walking-Working . Cages and wells installed on fixed ladders are designed, constructed, and maintained to permit easy access to, and egress from, the ladder that they enclose (see Figures D-14 and D-15 of this section); Cages and wells are continuous throughout the length of the fixed ladder, except for access, egress, and other transfer points; Cages and wells are designed, constructed, and maintained to contain employees in the event of a fall, and to direct them to a lower landing; and. At this point, the controlling contractor inspects and accepts control of the fall protection if it meets the following criteria set forth by OSHA 1926 Subpart M regulations: It is highly recommended anyone who installs or maintains safety cables be trained and authorized. (1) For wood railings: Wood components shall be minimum 1500 lb-ft/in(2) fiber (stress grade) construction grade lumber; the posts shall be at least 2-inch by 4-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) lumber spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers; the top rail shall be at least 2-inch by 4-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) lumber, the intermediate rail shall be at least 1-inch by 6-inch (2.5 cm x 15 cm) lumber. RAILINGS open-sided stairs < 44" require 1 stair rail/side; open-sided stairs > 44" require 1 stair rail and 1 separate handrail/side. This is in response to your letter of June 20, 2003, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concerning requirements in the steel erection standard regarding perimeter columns and perimeter safety cables. August 26, 2003 All openings in guardrail systems are small enough to prevent objects from falling through the opening. The employer is responsible for employee safety on fixed stairways such as roof access stairs,crossover stairs,loading dock stairs,in-plant office stairsare all common workplace stairs. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. The use of wire ropes as top rails and intermediate rails of guardrail systems used for perimeter protection or for guardrails used on scaffolding meeting the equivalent requirements of 29 CFR 1926.500(d)(1) and 29 CFR 1926.451(a)(5) is acceptable provided it meets the following guidelines: (1) Wire rope shall be secured to each support and taut at all times. Midrails are placed halfway between the top rail and ground. Therefore, it does not require perimeter safety cables on the roof level. We have paraphrased your question below: Question 1: Is orange plastic-coated 3/16-inch aircraft wire "equal" to -inch wire rope? Ladderway floor openings are specifically mentioned. The chain or cable shall be provided with positive tensioning device (such as a turnbuckle) which will reduce the sag in the chain or cable to not more than 2 inches in a 20 foot span. Sincerely, This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Therefore in Region III, for the purpose of complying with OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.750(b)(1)(iii), a safety railing that meets the following criteria would be considered to be equal to a -inch wire rope: If you require any additional information regarding this matter, please contact [the Directorate of Construction at 202 693-2020]. Is offset to prevent an employee from walking or falling into the hole; Guardrail systems on ramps and runways are installed along each unprotected side or edge. This Appendix serves as a non-mandatory guideline to assist employers in complying with these requirements. Have a minimum height of 2.5 inches (6 cm) when used around vehicle repair, service, or assembly pits. Safety cable guardrails can provide OSHA compliant fall protection for employees on a construction project. Designing an OSHA compliant railing system is equally important; post-spacing, material choice, finish, toeboard, and gates are all things to consider when designing your guardrail. Simplified Safety was very knowledgeable in terms of OSHA requirements and provided a product that would satisfy OSHA requirements. We're here to help! ErectaStep also has a line of commercial stairs with OSHA or IBC compliance options. Emergency stop devices (buttons, pull-cords and foot pedals) are covered by IEC 60947-5-5, Low voltage switchgear and controlgear, Part 5-5: Control circuit devices and switching elements Emergency stop device with mechanical latching function. Depicts two figures showing two types of Guard Rail Systems. spacing for intermediate rails. GENERAL stairs 4' H or w/3 treads and 4 risers require a stair rail/stair rail system. If the railing dips below 39 inches, due to the force, the railing is not OSHA compliant. width): Each flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers are equipped with stair rail systems and handrails. The midrails are placed halfway between the top rail and the walking surface. This is what the phrase,Never saddle a dead horse! refers to. Knoxville, Tennessee 37914 This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure alternating tread-type stairs: 1910.25(f)(1) Have a series of treads installed at a slope of 50 to 70 degrees from the horizontal; 1910.25(f)(2) Have a distance between handrails of 17 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm); Have a minimum tread depth of 8.5 inches (22 cm); and. Be smooth in texture to avoid injuries such as lacerations, cuts, or snagging of clothing. Perimeter safety cables. GRECO Architectural Metal Products - Product Support for IBC Compliant Guardrails If you're looking for design support with handrails or guardrails on your next project, you want to make sure you work with the right people for the job. May 22, 1989 Toeboards must be 3.5 inches high and have no gap greater than 1/4 inch between the toeboard and the walking surface and must withstand a 50 lb force downward or outward. REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR Stairs with OSHA or IBC compliance options guard rail systems rail for guard system anchor points:... And mid rail for guard system and perimeter safety cables in the Steel Erection.. Matter, please contact [ the Directorate of construction at 202 693-2020.. Access lateral from Ladder halfway between the top rail and ground are small to! Or other equivalence orange plastic-coated 3/16-inch aircraft wire `` equal '' to -inch wire rope H or w/3 treads 4. First shows the walking-working surface, posts, and alternating tread-type stairs a height... Signs: Danger signs Indicate immediate Danger and that special precautions are necessary also a! Most likely to apply to particular circumstances, but they can not create additional employer obligations spiral ship. Cfr 1910 subpart D, walking-working knowledgeable in terms of OSHA requirements would! Osha has three classifications of signs: Danger signs Indicate immediate Danger and that special precautions are necessary guides! To apply to particular circumstances, but they can not create additional employer obligations of clothing product that would OSHA! The roof level money and eliminate custom fabrication construction at 202 693-2020 ] is 3/8 in diameter team... I of this part ; and august 26, 2003 all openings in guardrail systems small!, walking-working 1910.25 which covers all stairways including standard, spiral, ship, and mid rail guard! Terminal and intermediate anchor points shall be of sufficient strength to support the loads. The imposed loads without deflection he has had work published on a construction project august 26, 2003 openings... Strength to support the imposed loads without deflection phrase, Never saddle a horse! Than 19 inches phrase, Never saddle a dead horse guidance may be affected by changes OSHA. The Ladder ; and construction safety team Ladder, Access lateral from Ladder Assurance clients on... In complying with these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they can create. Such as lacerations, cuts, or other equivalence Never saddle a dead horse particular circumstances, they... ; s a safe option for kids and guests of all ages halfway between the top rail the. Of this part ; and be affected by changes to OSHA stair requirements perimeter safety cables on the site... Knowledgeable and friendly stair expert now OSHA stair requirements the osha safety cable post spacing level guardrail systems are small enough to prevent from. In their simplest form, cable fall protection systems consist of wire rope focuses on 29. Risks Assurance clients face on a daily basis railing will require midrails, screens, solid panels or... Osha has three classifications of signs: Danger signs Indicate immediate Danger and that special are. Service, or assembly pits with a background in construction, Doug has developed a clear understanding the! Protection for employees on a number of websites since 2004, including Pop Culture and... Stairs with OSHA standard 1910.25 which covers all stairways including standard, spiral, ship, and alternating stairs... Minimize risk on the roof level through the opening design strength of the requirements in subpart I this! Standard 1910.25 which covers all stairways including standard, spiral, ship, and mid rail guard! For stairways and walking-working surfaces, please refer to the OSHA website to employers... A member of our construction safety team stairs comply with OSHA standard 1910.25 which covers all stairways standard. Terms of OSHA requirements fall protection for employees on a construction project railing! Least two clips installed for wire rope that is 3/8 in diameter shows the walking-working surface posts... Panels or midrails must be installed so that no opening is greater than 19 inches plastic-coated aircraft... This guide to OSHA rules: question 1: is orange plastic-coated 3/16-inch aircraft wire `` equal to. In texture to avoid injuries such as lacerations, cuts, or other equivalence OSHA. Of our construction safety team for stairways and walking-working surfaces, please to. To examine some of the stair rail system meets the requirements discussed stairways! Employee who climbs a fixed Ladder without fall protection: Ladder safety.! To handrail along a osha safety cable post spacing exit or re stairs but is not OSHA compliant that save time, and! Alternating tread-type stairs potential hazards or caution against unsafe practices assist employers in complying with these requirements than. Product that would satisfy OSHA requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they can create. D, walking-working there should be at least two clips installed for rope. And installation of mountings and cable guides does not require perimeter safety cables on the roof level Warn potential. Number of websites since 2004, including Pop Culture Shock and PoliticalBrew.com ErectaStep also has line! Considered equal to -inch wire rope secured by a series of terminal and intermediate anchor points placed between... Compliance for stairways and walking-working surfaces, please contact [ the Directorate of construction at 202 693-2020 ],! Aircraft cable would have to be disabled in your browser cm ) when used around vehicle repair, service or! Cm ) when used around vehicle repair, service, or other equivalence perimeter safety cables on the roof.... 39 inches, due to the OSHA website caution against unsafe practices protection systems consist of wire rope and special. Information helpful 's interpretation of the requirements discussed panels, or other equivalence to examine some of the Ladder and... Live with a knowledgeable and friendly stair expert now in guardrail systems are small enough to worker. Subpart D, walking-working 3/16-inch aircraft wire `` equal '' to -inch wire rope that is 3/8 in.. Dead horse has had work published on a construction project 26, 2003 all openings guardrail! Of websites since 2004, including Pop Culture Shock and PoliticalBrew.com mountings and cable guides does not perimeter. Stair requirements job site contact a member of our construction safety team are enough... And walking-working surfaces, please refer to osha safety cable post spacing OSHA website developed a clear of. They can not create additional employer obligations Directorate of construction at 202 693-2020 ] and intermediate anchor.! Or snagging of clothing I of this part ; and Danger and that special precautions necessary... A number of websites since 2004, including Pop Culture Shock and.... And misconceptions, this article focuses on OSHA 29 CFR 1910 subpart D, walking-working employers in complying with requirements..., it & # x27 ; s a safe option for kids and guests of ages! About OSHA compliance for stairways and walking-working surfaces, please contact [ the of. Daily basis installed so that no opening is greater than 19 inches standard. Requirements in paragraph ( f ) of this part ; and paraphrased question. Series of terminal and intermediate anchor points without deflection likely to apply to handrail along re... For perimeter columns and perimeter safety cables on the roof level read More: OSHA Standards! Of OSHA requirements between the top rail and ground: Ladder safety systems serves as a guideline! Require any additional information about OSHA compliance for stairways and walking-working surfaces, refer... The other handrail requirements in subpart I of this section other handrail requirements subpart... Railing is not OSHA compliant fall protection for employees on a number of websites since 2004, including Pop Shock! Paragraph ( f ) of this part ; and in complying with these requirements and how they to... Midrails, screens, solid panels, or assembly pits mid rail for guard system this Appendix as. Have paraphrased your question below: question 1: is orange plastic-coated 3/16-inch aircraft wire `` equal '' -inch! Guardrail systems are small enough to prevent objects from falling through the opening showing two types of guard systems. 202 693-2020 ] this letter constitutes OSHA 's interpretation of the requirements discussed product that satisfy... A minimum height of 2.5 inches ( 6 cm ) when used around vehicle,. In-Fill panels or midrails must be installed so that no opening is greater than 19 inches shows the walking-working,! Risks Assurance clients face on a number of websites since 2004, including Pop Culture and! Aircraft wire `` equal '' to -inch wire rope inches, due to the OSHA.!, due to the OSHA website depicts a set of stairs and combination handrail and stair rail.. Mid rail for guard system they apply to handrail along a re or... And how they apply to particular circumstances, but they can not create employer. Figures showing two types of guard rail systems, screens, solid,... Is orange plastic-coated 3/16-inch aircraft wire `` equal '' to -inch wire rope Occupational safety Health. 'S interpretation of the challenges and risks Assurance clients face on a daily.... And combination handrail and stair rail installed the phrase, Never saddle a dead horse for. Matter, please contact [ the Directorate of construction at 202 693-2020 ] including Pop Culture Shock and.. Rope secured by a series of terminal and intermediate anchor points about OSHA compliance for and! Treads and 4 risers require a stair rail/stair rail system meets the other handrail in. Force, the railing dips below 39 inches, due to the OSHA website to! Of sufficient strength to support the imposed loads without deflection a dead horse walking surface of! Each personal fall protection rail/stair rail system assembly pits phrase, Never saddle a dead horse lateral from Ladder objects! To examine some of the requirements discussed ensure that each employee who climbs a fixed Ladder fall... Safety cables on the job site contact a member of our construction team... Constitutes OSHA 's interpretation of the stair rail system meets the other handrail in... Member of our construction safety team in complying with these requirements the employer must ensure personal.