Question: Under the previous standard, stairs with a handrail that doubles as a stair rail could have a rail height of 30 to 34 inches. If an employer’s stairs were installed prior to January 17, 2017, must the rails have a minimum height of 36 inches if the stair rail doubles as a handrail?

Answer:

The final rule does not affect stair rail systems and handrails installed before January 17, 2017 that were in compliance with the requirements in the old standard.