Related Resources Section 1910.28 establishes the requirements that employers must follow on the use of cages and wells as a means of fall protection. 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). The criteria and practices requirements for guardrail systems on scaffolds are contained in 29 CFR part 1926, subpart L. Figure D-11 -- Guard Rail Systems. Get a quote, configure a custom stair or ask a question. Mr. William Dillon Toeboards must be 3.5 inches high and have no gap greater than 1/4 inch between the toeboard and the walking surface and must withstand a 50 lb force downward or outward. This applies to any point in the railing whether youre in the middle of the rail or at either end. Strength criteria. On multi-story structures, perimeter safety cables shall be installed at the final interior and exterior perimeters. 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. This paragraph (h) applies only to employers engaged in outdoor advertising operations (see 1910.28(b)(10)). (2) The wire rope shall be free of sharp edges, burrs, or projections which may be a hazard. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Turner Construction Company 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. One Stair rail system with handrail on open side and one handrail on enclosed side. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. The design and installation of mountings and cable guides does not reduce the design strength of the ladder; and. In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure ship stairs (see Figure D-9 of this section): Are installed at a slope of 50 to 70 degrees from the horizontal; Have open risers with a vertical rise between tread surfaces of 6.5 to 12 inches (17 to 30 cm); 1910.25(e)(3) Have minimum tread depth of 4 inches (10 cm); and. (1) For wood railings: Wood components shall be minimum 1500 lb-ft/in (2) fiber (stress grade) construction grade lumber; the posts shall be at least 2-inch by 4-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) lumber spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers; the top rail shall be at least 2-inch by 4-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) lumber, the intermediate rail shall be at Riser height 9.5 inches (24cm) 1910.25(d)(2) Stairwidth a minimum of 22 inches (55 cm) 1910.25(c)(4) Tread depth of a minimum of 9.5 inches (24 cm) 1910.25(c)(3) Stair landings at least the width of the stair. However that would be contrary to guidance relating to wire rope used for guardrails contained in directives (STD 3-10.3), memoranda and proposed standards (Fall Protection In Construction.) 5 Modular Components, Unlimited Configurations. 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? Caution signs Warn against potential hazards or caution against unsafe practices. Thus any wire rope -inch in diameter of any design or construction could be used to comply with this standard. 5225 North National Drive However, cast-in-place concrete structures may transition from wood guard rails to cable guardrails installed by carpenters. In addition, you submitted information regarding your freestanding guardrail system as well as a photograph of what appears to be a typical installation of the guardrail system. Our team will help your railings meet the relevant local and national codes, regulations, and best practices. REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR Read More: OSHA Catwalk Standards. This provision applies to the perimeters of "floors," not roofs. Chain shall be not less than 1/4 inch alloy steel. Guardrail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching or snagging of clothing. 1910.25(f) Alternating tread-type stairs. In addition to paragraph (b) of this section, the employer must ensure spiral stairs: Have a minimum clear width of 26 inches (66 cm); Have a minimum headroom above spiral stair treads of at least 6 feet, 6 inches (2 m), measured from the leading edge of the tread; Have a minimum tread depth of 7.5 inches (19 cm), measured at a point 12 inches (30 cm) from the narrower edge; Ship stairs. All Rights Reserved. Spiral stairs must meet the vertical clearance requirements in paragraph (d)(3) of this section. NFPA 101: Life Safety Code provides requirements that limit the effects of re and related hazards. (1) For wood railings: Wood components shall be minimum 1500 lb-ft/in(2) fiber (stress grade) construction grade lumber; the posts shall be at least 2-inch by 4-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) lumber spaced not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) apart on centers; the top rail shall be at least 2-inch by 4-inch (5 cm x 10 cm) lumber, the intermediate rail shall be at least 1-inch by 6-inch (2.5 cm x 15 cm) lumber. 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. When mobile mechanical equipment is used to perform work that is both temporary and infrequent in a designated area, the employer must ensure the warning line is erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the unprotected side or edge that is parallel to the direction in which the mechanical equipment is operated, and not less than 10 feet (3 m) from the unprotected side or edge that is perpendicular to the direction in which the mechanical equipment is operated. for Federal/State Programs. System Not Properly Terminated common issues include wire rope clips installed backwards, not enough wire rope clips, and the cables are improperly spliced. 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. Body belts, harnesses, and other components used in personal fall arrest systems, work positioning systems, and travel restraint systems must meet the requirements of 1910.140. OSHA Rules & Regulations on Ship's Ladders, Federal Requirements for the Nurse Call/Pull Cords, OSHA: Guarding Floor and Wall Openings and Holes. These toeboards shall be secured in place as required by the Standards. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Measurement 36 IN - 38 IN (91 CM - 97 CM) between stair and top of handrail. 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. Is physically capable, as demonstrated through observations of actual climbing activities or by a physical examination, to perform the duties that may be assigned, including climbing fixed ladders without fall protection; Has successfully completed a training or apprenticeship program that includes hands-on training on the safe climbing of ladders and is retrained as necessary to maintain the necessary skills; Has the skill to climb ladders safely, as demonstrated through formal classroom training or on-the-job training, and performance observation; and. Thats why weve compiled this guide to OSHA stair requirements. 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. Employers must ensure that each employee who climbs a fixed ladder without fall protection: Ladder safety systems. This is in response to the questions posed in the letter from Jay Withrow regarding safety railing(s) required by OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.750(b)(1)(iii). The employer must ensure each grab handle: [81 FR 82994-82998, Nov. 18, 2016; 84 FR 68796, Dec. 17, 2019], Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Sincerely, Talk with our knowledgeable and friendly stair experts, Shep Davis Account ManagerSouth East Region. 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. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Standard stairmeans a fixed or permanently installed stairway. Read More: OSHA Catwalk Standards Figure D-14 -- Clearances for Fixed Ladders in Wells. width): Each flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers are equipped with stair rail systems and handrails. OSHA also requires the surface of the railing itself must be smooth to protect employees from injuries; such as cuts, punctures and to prevent snagging. Code requires guardrail in residential structures be a minimum of 36 inches. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Widener University. Thank you for your September 12, 2012, email to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Directorate of Construction. To assure that you are using the correct information and guidance, please consult OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov. These standards, including 29 CFR 1910.23(e)(3)(ii), only refer to the spacing of posts within the guardrail assembly, which would include the top and intermediate railings, but do not address spacing of the posts in between modular guardrail system sections. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. It is a common misconception that the worker is safe and in compliance as long as a distance of 6 ft is maintained from an unprotected edge. ), or if the cables are not adequately tensioned, the system may fail this safety test. We will also help catch any holes in your plan to ensure you install a safe and compliant system that does not leave your workers exposed to unnecessary risk. Emergency stop devices (buttons, pull-cords and foot pedals) are covered by IEC 60947-5-5, Low voltage switchgear and controlgear, Part 5-5: Control circuit devices and switching elements Emergency stop device with mechanical latching function. 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