Stairway Width

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.

October 17, 2024

Ryan D. Harting, PE
Borton- Lawson
3897 Adler Place
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18017

Dear Mr. Harting:

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 question and OSHA’s response are below:

Exit Signs

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.

May 25, 2022

Scott Brody, EIT
11 Largo Lane
Livingston, New Jersey 070039

Dear Mr. Brody:

Compliance with alternate exit-route codes.

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OSHA will deem an employer demonstrating compliance with the exit-route provisions of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 2009 edition, or the exit-route provisions of the International Fire Code, 2009 edition, to be in compliance with the corresponding requirements in §§ 1910.34, 1910.36, and 1910.37 (incorporated by reference, see section § 1910.6).

FAA Airport Traffic Control Tower Monitoring Program (AIRTRAF)

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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

This directive is currently only available in:          PDF



Information relative to handrails (guardrails) provided by OSHA offices at Denver and San Francisco.

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 15, 1990

Mr. Timothy F. Boland Senior Group Stress Engineer Martin Marietta Corporation P.O. Box 179 Denver, Colorado 80201

Dear Mr. Boland:

This is in response to your letter of October 9, 1989 concerning information relative to handrails (guardrails) provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offices at Denver and San Francisco. This response supersedes previous correspondence regarding this subject. Please excuse the delay in response.

How means of egress shall be located and identified.

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.

December 18, 1975

Mr. Richard P. Landers
Manager Labor Relations
Gould Pumps, Inc.
Seneca Falls, New York 13146

Dear Mr. Landers:

This is in response to your letter requesting a clarification of OSHA standards on means of egress.

Building security measures and how they impact the ability of employees to exit a building during an emergency.

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.


November 21, 2003

Lee Clarke
Director, Safety and Health Department
125 Barclay Street
New York, NY 10007-2179

Dear Ms. Clarke:

NFPA, Life Safety Code and Means of Egress.

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.

October 1, 1993

Mr. Mark A. Roche
American Brands, Inc.
1700 East Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, Connecticut 06870-0811

Dear Mr. Roche:

Clarification of OSHA jurisdiction over entry access and exits at a public school in Pennsylvania.

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 14, 2007

Mr. Gerald J. Baldauff
4 Douglas Drive
Gouldsboro, PA 18424

Dear Mr. Baldauff:

Fire Protection

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Abstract:
Definitions; new paragraph (i) and (j) added.