The vertical height of a stair railing must be not more than 34 inches nor less than 30 inches from the upper surface of the top rail to the surface of the tread. … Under the proposal [proposed §1910.28(c)(2)(iv)], a stair rail may also serve as a handrail if its height is not more than 37 inches nor less than 36 inches.
Handrails and stair railings – they sound like pretty much the same thing. They’re not. … A stair railing, on the other hand, is mostly to prevent people from falling off the side of the stairs. They aren’t asked to do much more – and they don’t.
Beside this, What are the OSHA requirements for handrails?
Handrails are not less than 30 inches (76 cm) and not more than 38 inches (97 cm), as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the handrail (see Figure D-12 of this section).
Likewise, What is a stair railing?
A stair rail system — or stair rail — is a barrier erected along the exposed or open side of stairways to prevent a fall. Height: Minimum height of stair rail systems installed before Jan. 1, 2018, is 30 inches, measured from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail.
Also, Where is guardrail required?
Generally, guardrails are required when the building has steps, landings, platforms or accessible roof spaces. According to the code, guardrails are required when there is a difference of 30 in. or greater between two upper and lower surfaces. OSHA requirements for guardrails are quite stringent.
When should guardrails be used?
Generally, guardrails are required when the building has steps, landings, platforms or accessible roof spaces. According to the code, guardrails are required when there is a difference of 30 in. or greater between two upper and lower surfaces. OSHA requirements for guardrails are quite stringent.
15 Related Question Answers Found
Is a guardrail considered fall protection?
According to OSHA a guardrail system can be used as a barrier installed to prevent workers from falling off a work surface edge to a lower level. … These systems can also be installed as temporary fall protection or permanent fall prevention.
How many stairs before a handrail is required?
The building code does not refer to the number of “steps” but it does require a handrail when there are two or more “risers”. For clarification, a “riser” is the vertical portion of a stair. The “tread” is the top of a step. A two riser minimum would translate to two steps.
What is the difference between a guardrail and a handrail?
A handrail is a railing used for support. … Staircase between walls with an aluminum handrail. Guardrail. In building terms, a guardrail is a railing used to prevent falling from an elevated surface like a deck or balcony.
What do you call the handrail on stairs?
Balustrade. The collective name for the parts on a complete staircase, i.e. handrail, base rail, spindles, newel posts etc. Balustrade parts are available in wood, glass and metal.
What are guardrail system used for?
Guardrail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching or snagging of clothing. 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.
Is a handrail a legal requirement?
If a stair has a minimum of four risers, a handrail is required. Handrails must be between 30 and 38 inches as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread. … Top rail may also serve as handrail if height of the system is between 36 and 38 inches.
What is a guardrail OSHA?
Guardrail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching or snagging of clothing. 1910.29(b)(7) 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.
At what height is guardrail required?
42 inches
What is the staircase railing called?
Balustrade
Where can guardrails be used to protect from falls?
Guardrail systems can be used on surfaces included rooftops, platforms, mezzanines, balconies, scaffolds, decked floors, catwalks, observation platforms, mobile work surfaces and ladder points of access. These systems can also be installed as temporary fall protection or permanent fall prevention.
What type of system would a guardrail be considered as?
Although the OSHA standard calls for a guardrail or guardrail system to protect workers on elevated work areas, current industry terminology would refer to that type of safety system as a handrail system or safety rail system.
At what height does OSHA require handrails?
42 inches
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