Stairways.

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Clarification of apparent discrepancy in height requirements for stair and hand railings.

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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.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 8, 1999

Mr. Robert Weaver
Field Safety Coordinator
M&W Contractors, Inc.
541 W. Grove Street
Bloomington, Illinois 61701-4964

Dear Mr. Weaver:

Stairways used in construction.

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, 1991

MEMORANDUM FOR:     R. DAVIS LAYNE
                   Regional Administrator

THROUGH:            LEO CAREY, Director
                   Field Programs

FROM:               PATRICIA K. CLARK, Director 
                   Directorate of Compliance Programs

SUBJECT:            29 CFR 1926.1052, Stairways

This memorandum is in response to your July 30, 1991, memorandum requesting interpretative guidance on the final rule for stairways used in construction.

OSHA compliance of Terra Flex stair system (models L-400 and A-500).

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.

 

Fall protection requirements for an employee working from a ladder on a walking/working surface other than the ground.

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 21, 2003

Ms. Deborah Caldwell
5071 Butler Rd.
Caldwell Electrical Contractors
Gainesville, Georgia 30506

Re: Ladders; fall protection; working on top of equipment.

Dear Ms. Caldwell:

This is in response to your letter of November 22, 2002, in which you ask for guidance regarding OSHA's fall protection requirements for construction work. We apologize for the delay in providing this response.

We have paraphrased your question as follows:

Top rail and handrail requirements for stairrail systems under the construction standards.

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 28, 2004

Mr. Helmut Haydl
3710 Sydna Street
Bethlehem, PA 18107

Re: Stair rail and hand rail heights; §1926.1052(c)(6) and 1926.1052(c)(7)

Dear Mr. Haydl:

This is in response to your letter of June 24, 2004 regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for heights for stair rails and handrails and corresponding building code requirements. We apologize for the delay in providing a response.

We have paraphrased your concern as follows:

Correction to Text of Final Rule on Safety Standards for Stairways and Ladders Used in the Construction Industry

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    56:5061
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Abstract:

The following correction should be made to text of the Final Rule on Safety Standards for Stairways and Ladders Used in the Construction Industry Correction Document which was published in the 1/23/91 issue of the Federal Register (page 2585): 1926.1052 [Corrected] On page 2585, in the third column, under amendatory instruction 2., in the second line, "1926.1051(c)(5)," should read "1926.1052(c)(5).".

Final Rule on Safety Standards for Stairways and Ladders Used in the Construction Industry

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    55:47660
  • Title:
Abstract:

OSHA is amending its Construction Industry Standards by revising and relocating the existing provisions for stairways and ladders from existing Subpart L - Ladders and Scaffolds and Subpart M - Floors and Wall Openings, and Stairways, into subpart X. This final rule reformats the rules into a more logical grouping of topics. This revision also focuses on the principal hazards involved when working on stairways and ladders and eliminates what OSHA believes to be unnecessary and redundant provisions in the existing standards.

Technical Amendment to Standard for Stairways and Ladders Used in the Construction Industry.

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    56:41793
  • Title:
Abstract:

This rule amends the Standard for Stairways and Ladders Used in the Construction Industry, which was recently revised and published in the Federal Register on 11/14/90 (55 FR 47660). In 1926.1052(c)(1), OSHA inadvertently blurred the distinction between the stairrail and handrail requirements, leaving out the requirement for at least one handrail for stairways which had been contained in the proposal (the proposal was published on 11/25/86 at 51 FR 42750).