Stair Angle and Tread Depth Requirements

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

June 17, 2025

Ray Mallory Kirby
421 W. Byrd Street
Timmonsville, SC 29161

Dear Mr. Kirby:

Thank you for your inquiry to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding stair width and handrails. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of only the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any questions not delineated within your original correspondence. Your paraphrased background, question, and OSHA’s response are below:

Stairways.

  • Part Number:
  • Part Number Title:
  • Title:
  • GPO Source:

Load ratings for portable ladders.

Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

June 11, 1998

Mr. Patrick McCormack
10417 Deerfoot Lane North
Jacksonville, Florida 32257-1052

Dear Mr. McCormack:

Thank you for your email dated January 29, to President Clinton, in which you described the possible discrimination incurred by certain persons in connection with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards on ladders. Your e-mail was forwarded to us from the White House to answer.

The use of rail extensions on ladders used in a general industry setting.

Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

March 17, 2006

Mr. Bruce Clark
President
American Innovations Corp.
1865 W. Wayzata Blvd.
Long Lake, MN 55356-9322

Dear Mr. Clark:

Walking-Working Surfaces; Information Collection Requirements.

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    63:34933-34934
  • Title:

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

[Docket No. ICR-98-26]

Walking-Working Surfaces; Information Collection Requirements

ACTION: Notice; Opportunity for Public Comment.

Tree Care Operations

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    73:54118-54123
  • Title:
[Federal Register: September 18, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 182)][Proposed Rules]               [Page 54118-54123]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18se08-27]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

29 CFR Part 1910

[Docket No.

Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution; Electrical Protective Equipment; Corrections

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    79:56955-56962
  • Title:
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 185 (Wednesday, September 24, 2014)][Rules and Regulations][Pages 56955-56962]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-22148]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

29 CFR Parts 1910 and 1926

[Docket No.

Fall Protection in Shipyard Employment

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    81:62052-62066
  • Title:
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 174 (Thursday, September 8, 2016)][Proposed Rules][Pages 62052-62066]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21369]
 

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

29 CFR Part 1915

[Docket No.

Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    63:52298-52300
  • Title:

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of the Secretary

Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

September 24, 1998.