What is the minimum height that a set of steps are required when changing elevation

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## §1626. Stairwells and Stairs. (cont.) (1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm), whichever is less, shall be equipped with: (A) At least one handrail; and (B) A stair rail consisting of a top rail and mid-rail along each unprotected side or edge. (2) Winding and spiral stairways shall be equipped with a handrail offset sufficiently to prevent walking on those portions of the stairways where the tread width is less than 6 inches (15 cm). (3) The height of stair rails shall be not less than 34 inches nor more than 38 inches from the upper surface of the stair rail to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread. (4) Mid-rails shall be located at a height midway between the top edge of the stair rail and the stairway steps. (A) Screens, mesh, or other material, when used in lieu of mid-rails, shall extend from the top rail to the stairway step, and along the entire opening between top rail supports. (B) Other structural members, when used, shall be installed such that there are no openings in the stair rail that are more than 18 inches (46 cm) wide. (5) Handrails and the top rails of stair rails shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 n) applied within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge, in any downward or outward direction, at any point along the top edge. (6) The height of handrails shall be not less than 34 inches nor more than 38 inches from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread. (7) When the top edge of a stair rail also serves as a handrail, the height of the top edge shall be not less than 34 inches nor more than 38 inches from the upper surface of the stair rail to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread. (8) Stair rails and handrails shall be so surfaced as to prevent injur…

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# Section 2: Suggested Design-for-Safety Modifications and Corresponding OSHA Provisions (cont.) <table><tr><th>OSHA Provision</th><th>Design Suggestion</th></tr><tr><td>1926.760(d)(2)</td><td>Design perimeter beams and beams above floor openings to support lifelines (minimum dead load of 5400 pounds). Design connection points along the beams for the lifelines. Note on the contract drawings which beams are designed to support lifelines, how many lifelines, and at what locations along the beams.</td></tr><tr><td>1926.760(d)(3) and App. G to Subpart R</td><td>Design columns with holes at 21 and 42 inches above the floor level to provide support locations for lifelines and guardrails.</td></tr></table> Subpart T-Demolition <table><tr><th>OSHA Provision</th><th>Design Suggestion</th></tr><tr><td>1926.850(a)</td><td>Review the condition and integrity of the existing structure and indicate any known hazards or deficiencies on the contract drawings.</td></tr></table> Subpart V-Power Transmission and Distribution OSHA Provision 1926.956(c)(1) 1926.956(c)(1) 1926.950 Design Suggestion Indicate on the contract drawings the locations of existing underground utilities and mark a clear zone around the utilities. Note on the drawings the source of information and level of certainty on the location of underground utilities. Maintain a minimum clearance between the project and overhead power lines as outlined in 29 CFR 1926.950 # Subpart X-Stairways and Ladders OSHA Provision 1926.1051(a) Design Suggestion 1926.1052(a)(3) Provide access by means of a ladder or stairway when there is a change in elevation of greater than 19 inches. 1926.1052(a)(3) Provide for a uniform stair slope on all stairways. 1926.1052(c)(1) Use consistent tread and riser dimensions for all stairway runs. Provide at least one handrail or stairrail along stairways with 4 or more risers, or which rise more than 30 inches in height, whichever is less. 1926.1052(c)(2) Avoid designs us…

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# Rules for Ladders (cont.) ## Temporary Stairs (cont.) OSHA www.osha.gov ## Stair Rails The following general requirements apply to all stair rails: ■ Stairways with four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm) in height― whichever is less-must be installed along each unprotected side or edge. When the top edge of a stair rail system also serves as a handrail, the height of the top edge must be no more than 37 inches (94 cm) nor less than 36 inches (91.5 cm) from the upper surface of the stair rail to the surface of the tread. - Stair rails installed after March 15,1991, must be not less than 36 inches (91.5 cm) in height. - Top edges of stair rail systems used as handrails must not be more than 37 inches (94 cm) high nor less than 36 inches (91.5 cm) from the upper surface of the stair rail system to the surface of the tread. (If installed before March 15, 1991, not less than 30 inches [76 cm]). - Stair rail systems and handrails must be surfaced to prevent injuries such as punctures or lacerations and to keep clothing from snagging. 14 - Ends of stair rail systems and handrails must be built to prevent dangerous projections, such as rails protruding beyond the end posts of the system. In addition, - Unprotected sides and edges of stairway landings must have standard 42-inch (1.1 m) guardrail systems. - Intermediate vertical members, such as balusters used as guardrails, must not be more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart. OSHA www.osha.gov Screens or mesh, when used, must extend from the top rail to the stairway step and along the opening between top rail supports. ## Handrails Requirements for handrails are as follows: - Handrails and top rails of the stair rail systems must be able to withstand, without failure, at least 200 pounds (890 n) of weight applied within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge in any downward or outward direction, at any point along the top edge. - Handrails must not be more than 37 inches (94 cm) high nor less …