1910.29(j) Personal fall protection systems. Other equivalent intermediate members (such as additional midrails and architectural panels) are installed so that the openings are not more than 19 inches (48 cm) wide. 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. The height of stair rail systems installed on or after January 17, 2017 is not less than 42 inches (107 cm) from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail. Approximately halfway between this height and the floor, there must be an intermediate rail that can withstand 150 pounds of force. 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. 6. 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. Be smooth in texture to avoid injuries such as lacerations, cuts, or snagging of clothing. Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance, OSHA - ARA's Federal/State Operations - Technical Support. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Widener University. Anything after that date, 42 inches is the standard height that must be met and support a force of 200 lb at any point in the railing. Miles, Jr., Director OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. 55 West Monroe Street 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. The employer must ensure: Personal fall protection systems. Answer: Section 1926.756(e) states: The standard requires perimeter columns to extend 48 inches above the finished floor "to permit installation of perimeter safety cables prior to erection of the next tier" Since there is no "next tier" once the final tier has been erected, the language of the provision indicates that the requirement does not apply to the final tier's columns. 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. Handrails have the shape and dimension necessary so that employees can grasp the handrail firmly. Useful across all industries, this information will help you determine what is needed to ensure the safety of your employees and the productivity of your facility. Russell B. Swanson, Director 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. NFPA 101: Life Safety Code provides requirements that limit the effects of re and related hazards. Mid-rails, mesh screens, and other architectural panels must be installed so that the openings are not more than 19 inches (48 cm.) Prefabricated Metal Stairs, Easy to Assemble and Ready to Ship. Similarly, OSHA's general industry standards related to guardrail systems (Subpart D Walking-Working Surfaces, specifically 29 CFR 1910.23) do not directly address the spacing of posts in between sections of a freestanding modular guardrail system. If the items are piled higher than the midrail, the employer also must install paneling or screening to the top rail and for a length that is sufficient to protect employees below; and. Toeboard must be added where there is a hazard and continue along the working area that is exposed. The second shows a different guard rail system with several more posts, Top Rail, and intermediate vertical member. In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure standard stairs: Are installed at angles between 30 to 50 degrees from the horizontal; Have a maximum riser height of 9.5 inches (24 cm); Have a minimum tread depth of 9.5 inches (24 cm); and. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. The employer must ensure each cover for a hole in a walking-working surface: 1910.29 (e) (1) Is capable of supporting without failure, at least twice the maximum intended load that may be imposed on the cover at any one time; and 1910.29 (e) (2) Is secured to prevent accidental displacement. August 26, 2003 Get a quote, configure a custom stair or ask a question. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.750(b)(1)(iii) does not address the issue of deflection. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Figure D-14 -- Clearances for Fixed Ladders in Wells. Steel banding and plastic banding are not used for top rails or midrails. Mr. Our letters of interpretation do not create new or additional requirements, but rather explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances. 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. The fifth is Basked Guard Hoop showing Angle from Ladder. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Components for which no specific guidelines are given in this Appendix (e.g., joints, base connections, components made with other materials, and components with other dimensions) must also be designed and constructed in such a way that the completed system meets the requirements of 1926.502. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. If posts are spaced more than 8-feet on center, it will no longer be OSHA compliant. Thats why weve compiled this guide to OSHA stair requirements. Doug graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Safety Management. The standard reads as follows: The questions and responses to them are as follows: This provision applies to the perimeters of "floors," not roofs. Handhold. R. A. WENDELL The employer must ensure: Platforms used with fixed ladders provide a horizontal surface of at least 24 inches by 30 inches (61 cm by 76 cm). Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. 1910.25(b) General requirements. Have a minimum width of 22 inches (56 cm) between vertical barriers (see Figure D-8 of this section). Minimum tread width 22 IN (56 CM), Minimum Tread Depth 9.5 IN (24 CM), Maximum Riser Height 9.5 IN (24 CM). Visit our construction focused solutions at. Are solid or do not have any opening that exceeds 1 inch (3 cm) at its greatest dimension. Employers must ensure that each employee who climbs a fixed ladder without fall protection: Ladder safety systems. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. Depicts a well squared off. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. The top rail is between 39 inches and 45 inches above the walking surface. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. If you require any additional information regarding this matter, please contact [the Directorate of Construction at 202 693-2020]. Plus, it's a safe option for kids and guests of all ages. Is capable of withstanding a maximum horizontal pull-out force equal to two times the maximum intended load or 200 pounds (890 N), whichever is greater. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. 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. Body belts, harnesses, and other components used in personal fall arrest systems, work positioning systems, and travel restraint systems must meet the requirements of 1910.140. Note to paragraph (b) of this section: osha safety cable post spacing; osha safety cable post spacing. 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: GENERAL new or replacement ladders 24 H require PFAS or LSS, RUNGS must be uniform and between 10 14 apart; 16 wide, CLEARANCES 30 on climbing side or 24 w/ deflector plate, 7 on back side, 15 from centerline, SAFETY GATE must have a self-closing gate that swings away from ladder, w/top rail and midrail. However, fall protection, whether accomplished by guardrails, nets, personal fall arrest systems, etc., is nonetheless required on the roof level at fall heights over 15 feet (with certain exceptions) pursuant to the requirements of 1926.760(a)(1). Richmond, Virginia 23241 1910.25(b)(5)(ii) Less than 22 inches (56 cm) for platforms installed on or after January 17, 2017 (see Figure D-7 of this section); 1910.25(b)(6) Each stair can support at least five times the normal anticipated live load, but never less than a concentrated load of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) applied at any point; 1910.25(b)(7) Standard stairs are used to provide access from one walking-working surface to another when operations necessitate regular and routine travel between levels, including access to operating platforms for equipment. To assure that you are using the correct information and guidance, please consult OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov. Guardrail systems. Depicts Five diagrams. ), or if the cables are not adequately tensioned, the system may fail this safety test. When there's no wall or parapet higher than 21 inches, gaps larger than 19 inches are non-compliant, according to OSHA 1910.29(b)(2). Answer: The response to this question is a qualified yes. The height of stair rail systems meets the following: (76 cm) from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail; and, SafeRack / ErectaStep / PerfectaStep / RollaStep, ErectaStep also has a line of commercial stairs. Minimal or No Flagging apply high-visibility duct tape (yellow or orange) to the cable at a minimum of 6 intervals. Safety cable guardrails can provide OSHA compliant fall protection for employees on a construction project. Mr. William Dillon OSHA's requirements for guardrail can be found on the OSHA website. There is at least one 3/16-inch aircraft cable (Galvanized and tinned aircraft cord and strand Construction 1x19 - Nominal Breaking Strength 4700 pounds) that has a greater nominal breaking strength than does at least one type of -inch wire rope (Iron Galvanized Running Rope - Construction 6x12 - Nominal Breaking Strength 4560 pounds). The employer must ensure: 1910.25(b)(1) Handrails, stair rail systems, and guardrail systems are provided in accordance with 1910.28; 1910.25(b)(2) Vertical clearance above any stair tread to any overhead obstruction is at least 6 feet, 8 inches (203 cm), as measured from the leading edge of the tread. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Sincerely, Each ladder safety system allows the employee to climb up and down using both hands and does not require that the employee continuously hold, push, or pull any part of the system while climbing; The connection between the carrier or lifeline and the point of attachment to the body harness or belt does not exceed 9 inches (23 cm); Mountings for rigid carriers are attached at each end of the carrier, with intermediate mountings spaced, as necessary, along the entire length of the carrier so the system has the strength to stop employee falls; Mountings for flexible carriers are attached at each end of the carrier and cable guides for flexible carriers are installed at least 25 feet (7.6 m) apart but not more than 40 feet (12.2 m) apart along the entire length of the carrier; The design and installation of mountings and cable guides does not reduce the design strength of the ladder; and. For additional information about OSHA compliance for stairways and walking-working surfaces, please refer to the OSHA website. There should be at least two clips installed for wire rope that is 3/8 in diameter. This applies to any point in the railing whether youre in the middle of the rail or at either end. Section 1910.28 establishes the requirements that employers must follow on the use of cages and wells as a means of fall protection. at intervals not to exceed 8 feet - 1926.451(a)(5))? Learn the Differences Between IBC and OSHA Stairs? The Corner Post System comes with pre-set cable tie-offs to meet OSHA's required 42" top rail and 21" mid rail heights, but can be adjusted when floor thickness changes. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. 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. 1910.29 - Fall protection systems and falling object protection - criteria and practices. Read More: OSHA Catwalk Standards. Have open risers if the tread depth is less than 9.5 inches (24 cm); Have a minimum tread width of 7 inches (18 cm), measured at the leading edge of the tread (i.e., nosing). However, they must be continuously inspected and maintained to ensure compliance with OSHA 1926 Subpart M standards. Directorate of Construction, Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. 1) safety railing must be -inch in diameter (a plastic coating could be used to bring the diameter up to -inch) 2) the safety railing must be 42 inches high, plus or minus 3 inches 3) the top must not fail and may deflect to a point no lower than 39 inches above the floor when a 200 pound load is imposed on it in a downward or outward direction. With a background in construction, Doug has developed a clear understanding of the challenges and risks Assurance clients face on a daily basis. All Rights Reserved. Cable shall be not less than 3/8 inch mild plow steel. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the Directorate of Construction at (202) 693-2020. 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