Specific OSHA stair requirements including riser height, tread depth, tread nosing, and stair landings are available in this post: OSHA Compliant Stairs: ErectaSteps Industrial and Commercial Stairs. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. Perimeter columns shall not be erected unless: 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. Our compliance officers are aware that wire rope is an acceptable method of perimeter protection for buildings under construction. Fall hazards over 48 inches are addressed. Projection hazards. Russell B. Swanson, Director The employer must ensure canopies used for falling object protection are strong enough to prevent collapse and to prevent penetration by falling objects. Performs climbing duties as a part of routine work activity. When the employer uses a designated area, the employer must ensure: Employees remain within the designated area while work operations are underway; and. Question: If an employer utilizes a freestanding modular guardrail system, which the manufacturer claims meets OSHA's force/strength requirements, but which is designed such that the main posts' weighted bases allow the main posts to be spaced 6" apart, would this gap be a violation of OSHA's guard rail standards? R. A. WENDELL 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. Spiral, ship, or alternating tread-type stairs are used only when the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible to provide standard stairs. See OSHA Directive CPL 02-01-034 "Inspection policy and procedures for OSHA's steel erection standards for construction" published on 3/22/2002 for the current policy on OSHA's steel erection standards (1926 Subpart R) for construction. In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure alternating tread-type stairs: 1910.25(f)(1) Have a series of treads installed at a slope of 50 to 70 degrees from the horizontal; 1910.25(f)(2) Have a distance between handrails of 17 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm); Have a minimum tread depth of 8.5 inches (22 cm); and. 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. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. Are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 50 pounds (222 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the toeboard. The top rail is between 39 inches and 45 inches above the walking surface. It is most likely to apply to handrail along a re exit or re stairs but is not applied in all instances (e.g. Specifically, the following sections are the most relevant to railing and guardrail for fall protection. Guardrail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching or snagging of clothing. Visit our construction focused solutions at. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Next, check and use torque wrench to retighten nuts to recommended torque. IMPORTANT Apply first load to test the assembly. 1910.29(j) Personal fall protection systems. The customer service was great. OSHA specifies that red, black and white colors are to be used for danger signs. GENERAL stairs 4 H or w/3 treads and 4 risers require a stair rail/stair rail system, TREADS must support 1,000 lb, minimum depth 9.5, RISERS must be uniform between landings, 30-50 deg, 9.5 H, RAILINGS open-sided stairs < 44 require 1 stair rail/side; open-sided stairs > 44 require 1 stair rail and 1 separate handrail/side, HEIGHT CLEARANCE minimum 66 clearance from nose of tread to overhead obstruction, SHIP STAIRS only usable where standard stairs are impractical, 50-70 deg, rise 6.5-11, tread 4, width 18, GENERAL a platform or runway higher than 4 requires guardrails, no substitution (i.e., no chains or other barriers), PLATFORMS must be width of stairs and 30 deep, DOOR CLEARANCE 22 from edge of open door to edge of platform. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. OSHA will deem those stairs in compliance if they meet the dimension requirements specified in Table D-1 of this section or they use a combination that achieves the angle requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section. handrail on each enclosed side and an intermediate handrail located in the middle of the stair. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standard Interpretations Wire rope and/or cable as a method of perimeter protection for a building under construction. May 22, 1989 Spaces between each post and intermediate vertical member is 19 IN (48 CM) MAX. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. One stair rail system with handrail on open side, one handrail on enclosed side, and one intermediate handrail located in the middle of the stair. General Industry Safety Orders Group 1. 1910.25(b)(4). OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Spiral stairs. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. All Rights Reserved. The top rail of a stair rail system may serve as a handrail only when: The height of the stair rail system is not less than 36 inches (91 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm) as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail (see Figure D-13 of this section); and. or ladder safety system provided that the cage or well does not interfere with the operation of the system. You can also contact us by mail at the above office, Room N3468, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210, although there will be a delay in our receiving correspondence by mail. Standard Specifications. OSHA has a requirement that hand rails, posts, and top and intermediate rails shall be at least 1-1/2 inch nominal diameter, with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers. However, the guidelines do not provide all the information necessary to build a complete system, and the employer is still responsible for designing and assembling these components in such a way that the completed system will meet the requirements of 1926.502(b)(3), (4), and (5). Handrails. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. In addition, if there is no parapet or wall that reaches 21 in. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has requirements for handrails and guardrails that apply to all permanent places of employment, except where only domes- . At this point, the controlling contractor inspects and accepts control of the fall protection if it meets the following criteria set forth by OSHA 1926 Subpart M regulations: It is highly recommended anyone who installs or maintains safety cables be trained and authorized. Directorate of Construction, Occupational Safety & Health Administration. You had a specific question regarding a modular guardrail system. It is important to note that you should always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions. spacing for intermediate rails. If posts are spaced more than 8-feet on center, it will no longer be OSHA compliant. or the cable horizontal span is too great, if the intermediate posts spaced too far apart (more than 42" of horizontal distance o.c. He's also an authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer. 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. If constructed of structural metal, the top . 1910.29(b)(1) - A standard railing shall consist of a top rail, an intermediate rail, and posts, and shall have a vertical height of 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the working-walking surface. OSHA provides a range for the railings to ensure your system is safe and compliant. There should be at least two clips installed for wire rope that is 3/8 in diameter. Toeboards shall be 4 inches minimum in vertical height and of any material which will provide the strength equivalent to a Standard Southern Pine 1 inch by 4 inch board. Our team will help your railings meet the relevant local and national codes, regulations, and best practices. Caution signs Warn against potential hazards or caution against unsafe practices. Is erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge for work that is both temporary and infrequent, or not less than 15 feet (4.6 m) for other work. Although they can provide adequate protection at perimeter edges, they often have issues with the way they are installed. NFPA 101: Life Safety Code provides requirements that limit the effects of re and related hazards. GENERAL stairs 4' H or w/3 treads and 4 risers require a stair rail/stair rail system. Sincerely, 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). Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. The second is side-step Ladder, Access lateral from Ladder. 6. for Federal/State Programs. 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. Do not have more than a 0.25-inch (0.5-cm) clearance or opening above the walking-working surface. 1910.29 - Fall protection systems and falling object protection - criteria and practices. Thank you for your September 12, 2012, email to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Directorate of Construction. To examine some of the common myths and misconceptions, this article focuses on OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D, Walking-Working . Read More: OSHA Catwalk Standards. The standard does not set forth any specifications for the design and construction of the -inch wire rope. The employer must ensure each grab handle: [81 FR 82994-82998, Nov. 18, 2016; 84 FR 68796, Dec. 17, 2019], Occupational Safety & Health Administration. TO: ALL AREA DIRECTORS Paragraph 1926.500(f)(l)(vi) provides for the utilization of types, sizes and arrangements of railing construction provided they meet the conditions established in sub-paragraph a thru d. In construction the use of cables or chains to guard door and wall openings is common practice; however, unless these chains or cables are of sufficient size and strength to support the loads which might be imposed, they imply a security which is not present. Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, and other equivalent intermediate members are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 150 pounds (667 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the intermediate member. So no matter what you need from help with OSHA compliance to learning how our 3D configurator can give you instant (and accurate) drawings and quotes our experienced team will make sure you get it. We're here to help! This is in response to your letter of June 29, concerning the acceptability of wire rope and/or cable as a method of perimeter protection for a building under construction. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. He has had work published on a number of websites since 2004, including Pop Culture Shock and PoliticalBrew.com. 1910.29(k)(1) - A standard toeboard shall be 3 1/2 inches in vertical height from the top edge to the bottom level of the floor, platform, runway, or ramp. When guardrail systems are used at hoist areas, a removable guardrail section, consisting of a top rail and midrail, are placed across the access opening between guardrail sections when employees are not performing hoisting operations. Wire rope and/or cable as a method of perimeter protection for a building under construction. On multi-story structures, perimeter safety cables shall be installed at the final interior and exterior perimeters. REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR Table D-1 Stairway Rise and Tread Dimensions. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Safety Tips for Cable Guardrails on Construction Sites, Construction Motor Vehicles: How to Stay DOT Compliant, The top cable is 42 +/- 3 in height from the walking surface, The middle cable is approximately 21 in height from the walking surface, The cable system must be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 lbs. Prefabricated Metal Stairs, Easy to Assemble and Ready to Ship. Therefore, it does not require perimeter safety cables on the roof level. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. Perimeter safety cables. These anchors shall be of sufficient strength to support the imposed loads without deflection. Related Resources The third is Hoop and See. He is a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). Directorate of Field Operations, 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. The top rail of the stair rail system meets the other handrail requirements in paragraph (f) of this section. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. The height of stair rail systems meets the following: The height of stair rail systems installed before January 17, 2017 is not less than 30 inches (76 cm) from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail; and. Are solid or do not have any opening that exceeds 1 inch (3 cm) at its greatest dimension. They must follow the regulations described below. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Your Posts Must Be Tall Enough for Your Application Most state and local codes require railing posts to be 36 inches tall for residential applications. osha safety cable post spacing; osha safety cable post spacing. 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). Therefore, it does not require perimeter safety cables on the roof level. One stair rail system with handrail on each open side. Warning lines are to be supported so the lowest point of the sag is no less than 34 inches and no more than 39 inches from the walking/working surface. Safety net systems. The ends of handrails and stair rail systems do not present any projection hazards. 28 abril, 2022. No opening in a stair rail system exceeds 19 inches (48 cm) at its least dimension. 1910.25(b) General requirements. Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats are spaced not less than, (25 cm) and not more than 14 inches (36 cm) apart, as measured between the centerlines of the rungs, cleats, and steps, Have a minimum width of 22 inches (56 cm) between vertical barriers. width): Each flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers are equipped with stair rail systems and handrails. Do the perimeter columns have to extend beyond the roof level when the building has topped out? You stated that the freestanding guardrail system meets the 200 pound (890 N) force requirements required by 29 CFR 1926.502(b)(3) and 1910.23(e)(3)(iv) and that you have twice had engineering firms conduct calculations and verify compliance. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the Directorate of Construction at (202) 693-2020. (3) For structural steel railings: posts, top rails, and intermediate rails shall be at least 2-inch by 2-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) by 3/8-inch (1.1 cm) angles, with posts spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers. Spiral stairs must meet the vertical clearance requirements in paragraph (d)(3) of this section. Safety Director The standard requires guardrail systems and components to be designed and built to meet the requirements of 1926.502(b)(3), (4), and (5). ), or if the cables are not adequately tensioned, the system may fail this safety test. Question 3: Although it is not stated anywhere, must the wire rope used to comply with 1926.750(b)(1)(iii) (-inch wire rope; or 3/16-inch aircraft wire if you find that to be equivalent) have a maximum permissible deflection of 3-inches in one direction when a load of 200 pounds is applied in any direction at any point? You can also learn more about the difference between IBC and OSHA safety codes here. 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. Handrails and stair rail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching or snagging of clothing. Some areas require taller guardrail. In-fill panels, such as mesh or screens, must extend from the walking surface to the top-rail and the entire opening between vertical rails. Lastly, the preferred method to terminating the wire rope or splicing two wire ropes together is to turnback the ends through each eye as seen in the diagrams. Talk to an Expert 2800 Grays Ferry Avenue Connection of top rail to post. Typically, cable guardrails are erected by ironworkers at the final interior and exterior perimeters of floors upon completion of installing the deck. Mr. William Dillon Therefore, the perimeter columns are not required to extend 48 inches beyond the roof level. 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. Handrails have the shape and dimension necessary so that employees can grasp the handrail firmly. 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. Ladder safety systems and their support systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a drop test consisting of an 18-inch (41-cm) drop of a 500-pound (227-kg) weight. Install railings on any deck that is 30 inches or more from the surrounding surface and on at least one side of a stairway leading to the deck. These toeboards shall be secured in place as required by the Standards. Ladder Access Inadequate provide a gap with a gate between posts where employees can easily climb on/off ladders or offset the opening so employees cannot walk directly through the gap. The material must be durable, the top rail and the midrail must be at least 1/4 inch (.6 cm) in diameter. The first is Access to Landing Platform through Ladder. When paragraph (b)(8) of this section allows the use of spiral, ship, or alternating tread-type stairs, they are installed, used, and maintained in accordance with manufacturers instructions. The ladder should be placed 7 IN (18 CM) Min on Center and 15 IN (38 CM) MIN from either left or right side with a total space of 27 IN-30 IN (69 CM-76 CM) for well opening, Figure D-15 -- Example of General Construction of Cages. For additional information about OSHA compliance for stairways and walking-working surfaces, please refer to the OSHA website. The standard, as written, could be enforced so that no deflection is permitted. Sincerely, Stainless steel cable railing is easy to clean and maintain over time. Assurance (Assurance Agency, Ltd.) is not affiliated withAssurance IQ, Inc. Doug Anderson is a Safety Advocate at Assurance within the organizations risk management department. In-fill panels or midrails must be installed so that no opening is greater than 19 inches. Design and Construction of Railings. The section of the OSHA code that specifies most of the primary guardrail requirements and directly relates to safety railing is 1910.29. Railing must not cause additional hazards; ensure the ends of the top rails and midrails do not hang over the ending or terminal posts if there is a chance someone could walk into it. All openings in guardrail systems are small enough to prevent objects from falling through the opening. Rungs, cleats, and steps of portableladders and fixed ladders should be a minimum of 10 inches (25 cm) apart and no larger than 14 inches (36 cm) apart, as measured between center lines of the rungs, cleats, and steps. OSHA1910.25covers standards for all stairways (including a standard, spiral, ship, and alternating tread-type stairs). These anchors shall be of sufficient strength to support the imposed loads without deflection. General Physical Conditions and Structures Orders Article 2. Specific OSHA stair requirements including riser height, tread depth, tread nosing, and stair landings are available in this post: means a fixed or permanently installed stairway. One stair rail system with handrail on open side. Is mounted to provide at least 3 inches (8 cm) of clearance from the framing or opening; and. These safety standards cover all types of guardrails and have specific regulations for their construction and use. 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. Wire rope and/or cable as a method of perimeter protection for a building under construction. Answer: The response is a qualified yes. Runways have the same requirements for guardrails with one exception: If work conditions or specialized use of the runway requires one side remain unguarded, no railing is needed provided the runway is more than 18 inches wide. 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. Cal-OSHA is notorious for having more stringent requirements. ErectaStep's Full Line of Prefabricated Metal Stairs. The chain or cable shall be anchored at intervals not to exceed 100 feet. By connecting a body harness and lanyard to a shuttle traveling the length of the line, a worker can safely move along a horizontal (or vertical) plane. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Therefore in Region III, for the purpose of complying with OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.750(b)(1)(iii), a safety railing that meets the following criteria would be considered to be equal to a -inch wire rope: If you require any additional information regarding this matter, please contact [the Directorate of Construction at 202 693-2020]. Get a quote, configure a custom stair or ask a question. 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). Mr. B. J. Newton We have paraphrased your question below: Mr. Here is everything you need to know about the key differences. Safety cable guardrails can provide OSHA compliant fall protection for employees on a construction project. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Department of Labor and Industry When guardrail systems are used around holes that serve as points of access (such as ladderways), the guardrail system opening: Has a self-closing gate that slides or swings away from the hole, and is equipped with a top rail and midrail or equivalent intermediate member that meets the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section; or. The employer is responsible for employee safety on fixed stairways such as roof access stairs,crossover stairs,loading dock stairs,in-plant office stairsare all common workplace stairs. The employer must ensure each personal fall protection system meets the requirements in subpart I of this part; and. means a device with rungs, steps, or cleats used to gain access to a different elevation. HEIGHT CLEARANCE minimum 6'6" clearance from nose of tread . Turner Construction Company Parapets or railings that are preexisting are acceptable at a minimum of 36 inches under OSHA code 55 Federal Register 13360, siting that replacing the parapet or railing would introduce unnecessary risk to the workers replacing it. OSHA's requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Cable shall be not less than 3/8 inch mild plow steel. Cable guardrails are commonly seen on construction projects. Intermediate supports shall be installed in such a manner that they will provide the strength and spacing outlined for Posts in 1926.500(f)(l)(i), (ii) & (iii). 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. An alternative method to splicing two wire ropes together is to lay the wire rope ends parallel and correctly apply the proper amount of wire rope clips as depicted in the diagrams. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. The ends of top rails and midrails do not overhang the terminal posts, except where the overhang does not pose a projection hazard for employees. Code requires guardrail in residential structures be a minimum of 36 inches. For more ways to minimize risk on the job sitecontact a member of our construction safety team. 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. With a background in construction, Doug has developed a clear understanding of the challenges and risks Assurance clients face on a daily basis. 1910.25(b)(3) Stairs have uniform riser heights and tread depths between landings; 1910.25(b)(4) Stairway landings and platforms are at least the width of the stair and at least 30 inches (76 cm) in depth, as measured in the direction of travel; 1910.25(b)(5) When a door or a gate opens directly on a stairway, a platform is provided, and the swing of the door or gate does not reduce the platforms effective usable depth to: 1910.25(b)(5)(i) Less than 20 inches (51 cm) for platforms installed before January 17, 2017; and. Toeboards must be solid and run the entire length where there's potential for objects to fall to the lower level. Richmond, Virginia 23241 All ErectaStep stairs comply with OSHA standard 1910.25 which covers all stairways including standard, spiral, ship, and alternating tread-type stairs. System Not Properly Terminated common issues include wire rope clips installed backwards, not enough wire rope clips, and the cables are improperly spliced. Chain shall be not less than 1/4 inch alloy steel. Have a minimum width of 22 inches (56 cm) between vertical barriers (see Figure D-8 of this section). This provision applies to the perimeters of "floors," not roofs. Risk Managers should keep the below in mind to share with their workers and safety committees. The requirements of paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) do not apply to standard stairs installed prior to January 17, 2017. When guardrail systems are used around holes, they are installed on all unprotected sides or edges of the hole. 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. Ensure each fall protection system and falling object protection, other than personal fall protection systems, that this part requires meets the requirements in this section.
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