Osha stair handrail requirements. A hand on the handrail plus at least one foot on the ground at all times will give you two points of contact and more stability. Osha stair handrail requirements

 
 A hand on the handrail plus at least one foot on the ground at all times will give you two points of contact and more stabilityOsha stair handrail requirements  One stair rail system each open side

In preparing the proposed revision of 29 CFR 1910, Subpart D-Walking and Working Surfaces, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reviewed the pertinent ANSI standards and determined that it was appropriate to limit the clearance requirement for handrails and stair rails. General requirements. See §1910. Handrail height, measured vertically from the sloped plane adjoining the tread nosing , or finish surface of ramp slope, shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm). The present Standard, 29 CFR 1910. One of the codes that was not covered is 1926 Subpart M. The guardrails provided here are 1-1/4” thick. Standard Specifications, §3214. Maximum 4-1/2 inch handrail projection into stairway width, on either side. References. Common types of problems include malfunctioning electrical service or even missing handrails on stairs. Code compliant products. ) (c) Rise and Run. Open sides of stairs require a stair rail, sometimes with a handrail ("stair rail system with handrail"), and (per the current text of the table) sometimes without ("stair rail system"). 13 Stair Rails. Enforcement. 5 inches (24 cm); andThe same height specifications apply to handrails on stairs. The following requirements apply to all stairways as indicated: ( 1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm), whichever is less, shall be equipped with: ( ii) One stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. At the top of stair flights, handrails shall extend a minimum of 12 inches (305 mm) horizontally above landings, beginning directly above the first riser nosing. OSHA requirements are similar, calling for guardrails and handrails to be able to withstand 200 pounds of pressure when applied to the structure. Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of closed stairways preferably on the right side descending. Minimum Tread Depth 9. 866. This checklist covers regulations issued by the U. 1926. 24, OSHA prescribes the use of handrails and railings as fall protection. Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Oregon Administrative Rules AO 3-2015 Division 3 437-003-0001 X - 1 437-003-0001 437-003-0001 Adoption by Reference In addition to, and not in lieu of, any other safety and health codes contained in OAR Chapter 437, the Department adopts by reference the following federal regulationsIn addition, OSHA is considering if the unprotected sides and edges of landings for scaffold stairways covered by subpart L need to be provided with guardrail systems that meet the requirements of proposed subpart L alone, or whether those guardrails must also satisfy the criteria of proposed subpart M (51 FR 42718, November. IBC stairs generally have a 7-inch closed riser and an 11-inch tread. In these cases, a handrail must be mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. Other stair requirements of 7. 23 (e) (3) (iii), installations, posts and top and intermediate rails are to be of 2-inch by 2-inch by 3/8-inch angles or other metal shapes of equivalent bending strength with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers. 1917. Not only are the treads generally deeper, but also there are usually more treads required. You wrote that 29 CFR 1910. 1052 states that stairway railings built after March, 1991 be 36 inches in height or between 30 and 37 inches high. Stairways less than 44 inches (1118 mm) in width or stairways serving one individual dwelling unit in Group R, Division 1 or 3 Occupancy or a Group R, Division 3 congregate residence may have one handrail. Beginning with the general requirements: All stairways constructed in the State of California must be at least 24 inches in width and must be fortified with appropriate stair rails, handrails, treads, and landings. Here are some basic pieces of information to bear in mind when constructing a handrail to comply with OSHA Standards. The Ontario Building Code | Handrails. 24 (a) (1) Each step bolt installed on or after January 17, 2017 in an environment where corrosion may occur is constructed of, or coated with, material that protects against corrosion; 1910. 1053 (a) (4) (i) The minimum clear distance between the sides of individual-rung/step ladders and the minimum clear distance between the side rails of other fixed ladders shall be 16 inches (41 cm). May 20, 2021. g. 5. 17, 2017, must be at least 30 inches from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail, while those installed on or after Jan. General dimensions. In addition, OSHA requires that fall protection be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. OSHA, however, opened a rulemaking proceeding in 1990 to revise. Handrails must not project into the stairway more than 4 ½ inches—so with one. g. Familiarity of the current standard and proposed changes will keep employers from being caught off guard should the standards change. 25″. (A) Scope. 1, Ex. 4. At the top of a stair flight, handrails shall extend horizontally above the landing for 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beginning directly above the first riser nosing. 23 (e) (1): Mobile ladder stands and platforms have a step width of at least 16 inches (41 cm). You should consider whether they: are well lit; have handrails at an appropriate height that contrasts with the surroundings; have good slip resistance properties, particularly at the leading edge;Further, OSHA standard 1910. Steps are uniformly spaced and arranged, with a rise of not more than 10 inches (25 cm) and a depth of not less than 7 inches (18 cm). OSHA 30-Hour Construction is an online course that. This would apply to railings installed prior to the effective date of the clarification. bigger footprint than OSHA stairs. Construction Safety Orders Article 17. 1910. 8. However, OSHA has omitted the requirement for a center stair rail for stairs greater than 88 inches wide in its proposed revisions of the general industry standards for Walking and Working Surfaces (55 FR 13396, April 10, 1990). - to “one stair rail system with handrail on each open side”. . 23 (e) (2), you are in compliance with §1910. 5. OSHA catwalk stair requirements. 29 (f) (1) (iii) (A)) Platform Guardrail Height: The top edge of the top guardrail must be 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the. A handrail or grab bar and any wall or other surface adjacent to it needs to be free of anything sharp or abrasive. (b) A stair railing shall be of construction similar to a guardrail (see Section 3209) but the vertical height shall be in compliance with Section 3214(c). How many stairs before a handrail is required? A handrail is required for staircases, platforms or landings above 1 metre from the ground. A stair with a single riser or with two risers and a tread is permitted at locations not required to be accessible by Chapter 11 where the risers and treads comply with Section 1011. Stairs other than fixed industrial stairs have different requirements for being equipped with standard stair railing or standard handrails when compared to the requirements of fixed industrial stairs. Stair railings shall be capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in any direction, and shall not be more than 36 inches (0. OSHA requirements for stairs also dictate that any spiral stair must have a handrail. 6] OSHA uses the terms ship stair and ship ladder interchangeably while IBC uses the term ships ladder. The governing requirement for the guarding of ladderway floor openings and platforms is paragraph 1910. • Stairs wider than 44 inches must have a handrail. OSHA catwalk handrail requirements . sides of stairways and platforms to prevent falls of persons. principal height standard: handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs. Stairway Handrails Recommendation: In facilities that primarily serve children, a second set of stairway handrails 28 inches high maximum above stair nosings is advisable. Exterior stair width code. 121 (b) (1) Stairways shall conform to the minimum dimensions of Figure F-1; Spiral Stairway - Minimum Dimensions. The OSHA rules and standards regarding handrails are in the section about the fall protection systems. This article series provides building code specifications, sketches, photographs, and examples of stair & railing safety defects used in inspecting indoor or outdoor stair railings or handrails and related conditions for safety and proper construction. safety requirements for workplace walking/working . OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. [ §504] Requirements for stairways address treads and risers, surfaces, nosings, and handrails. PM-702. 1- 1995, Safety Requirements for Workplace Floor and Wall Openings, Stairs, and Railing Systems, requires guardrail protection for the exposed sides of ladderway openings in any working/walking surface. General Requirements: the general requirements of section 1910. (a) Stairways shall have handrails or stair railings on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate stair railing for each 88 inches of required. (vertical members in handrails) A handrail and a railing as applied to fixed industrial stairs have two different meanings. 2. 3. 1910. OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal protective equipment in November 2016 that updated requirements for slip, trip, and fall hazards. 1910. 1910. Risers (the vertical element connecting treads) that are no less than 6 inches in height and no more than 7. California CA/OSHA Title 8 Building Code Stair & Railing Safety & Construction Details. 23 (e) (3) (ii) For pipe railings, posts and top and intermediate railings shall be at least 1 1/2 inches nominal diameter with posts spaced not more than 8 feet on centers. Both measurements are from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the handrail. Railing spaced from. OSHA’s proposal seeks to clarify two of the standard’s provisions. 23 (e) (3) (iv), the anchoring of posts and framing of members for railings of all types. 25(b) and (c). If a safety rail taller than 3. These systems may be mounted 36-38 inches high. Custom built to exact height. It focuses entirely on clarifying and allowing flexibility in the transition to OSHA’s stricter rules for handrails and stair rail systems, which were completed in 2016. An OSHA-approved state plan must have safety and health requirements at least as effective as those of Federal OSHA and must adopt comparable stateAt a point less than 12’ in elevation, this spiral stair has a rest landing which is also an OSHA requirement. Handrails must be placed between 34″ and 38″ in height, measuring from the nosing of the stair. 72. Type I handrails with a circular cross section must have an outside diameter of between 1. For shorter stairs, or stairs not open to a fall, or stairs installed before 1/17/17, all you need is a handrail. 5) The step height, also known as the riser height, must be no less than 4 inches and no greater than 7 inches. ADA Chapter 5 Section 505. OR-OSHA Admin. Handrail design 26 14. 21(b)(1) and 1910. (c) Stair rails and handrails. 8 1 Scope and Application. Guarding design 35 17. 5, the minimum depth of the tread is 13 inches (330 mm) and not less than one handrail complying with Section 1014 is provided within 30 inches (762 mm) of the. Normal use by employees. Stairs and ramps shall have handrails on both sides, unless otherwise permitted. 3 in the IRC code. Minimum single stair railing distance. Guardrail Requirements vs. 15 Training Requirements. It also provides requirements for temporary service, metal pan landings and treads, and handrail height and offset. If stairs are too steep, and they don’t have railings, or if screens and balustrades are not strong and secure. When such a railing would be impracticable or ineffective, other effective means shall be provided to prevent employees from falling into the water. 1053 (a) (4) (ii) The minimum clear distance between side rails for all portable ladders shall be 11½ inches (29 cm). 5 and 18 cm*. Railings. The requirements of OSHA safety regulations for the safe use of ladders and stairs (Subpart X, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1926. WASHINGTON, DC – The U. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the general industry standard 29 CFR 1910. Stair Railing Height Requirements: 34 to 38 Inches Stair railing should be no less than 34 inches high and no more than 38 inches high. Minimum tread depth of 9. ( ii) Each employee using a rope descent system 4 feet (1. 5˝ 11˝. (1) "Handrail" means a rail used to provide. 9. WSR 99-03-065, § 246-359-520, filed 1/18/99. The same height specifications apply to handrails on stairs. The OSHA catwalk width requirements are found in section 1910. The Guardrail height shall not be less than 36 inches above the walking surface. The top edge of the handrail must be placed between 34” and 38” above the nosing of the stair treads. The Agency has determined that such deviation will not compromise employee safety, so long as the stair tower otherwise complies with the requirements of paragraph (e)(4). RISERS must be uniform between landings, 30-50 deg, ≤ 9. Minimum handrail wall clearance of 1. 120 (b) (1) Fixed stairs installed after October 3, 1983 shall be positioned within the range of 30 degrees to 50 degrees to the horizontal with uniform riser height and tread width throughout each run and be capable of a minimum loading of 100 pounds per square foot (445 N) and a minimum concentrated load of 300 pounds (1,334 N) at the. The pitchline is defined as ‘the line joining the leading edge or nosings of successive stair treads’. 1926. In addition to the requirements of this Part, a barrier and handrail must comply with the structural requirements of Part 3. IMDG, TDG, MSHA, OSHA, and Canada OHS Regulations and Safety Online Training Since 2008 This document is provided as a training aid and may not reflect current laws and regulations. The termination point may also be a newel post per FBC-R 311. OSHA REGULATIONS for TEMPORARY STAIRS & RAILINGS; OSHA REGULATIONS for STAIR RAILINGS & GUARDRAILS; OSHA 1926. Ramp handrails should extend straight and horizontally above the landing for at least 12″ beyond both the top and bottom of. 1 This standard deals with the safety requirements to be provided in buildings where there is danger of persons or materials falling through floor or wall openings, or from stairways, or catwalks. The IBC commercial handrail code states that each stair is provided with a separate handrail or grabrail attached to the guardrail. Mr. Four or More Risers: According to OSHA regulations, handrails are required on stairways with four or more risers (steps). (g) Ramps for wheelbarrows, if made of planking, must have an odd number of planks. Stairwells and Stairs. 23, Guarding floor and wall openings and holes. (1) A top rail not less than 42 inches or more than 45 inches in height measured from the upper surface of the top rail to the floor, platform, runway or ramp. . Reference definitions in 1910. OSHA set the design requirements for alternating tread stairs included teil 1910. 5 inches (24 cm); ( 3) Have a minimum tread depth of 9. 23(e)(5)(ii). Questions & answers on building, installing & inspecting stair rails and stair guard rails - safety & regulations. See Section 3209. 1910. Basically, building one step 185mm high and the next 220mm high is illegal (due to all the accidents). 8. Stairways and alternating tread stairs can both be descended face. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates. 4. 1- 2000 Safety Code for Elevators and. Handrail must be continuous. Stairways wider than 1000mm should have a handrail on each side. Design and Construction of Railings. Under §1910. 5. 17 Safety and Health ProgramHandrails shall be provided on both sides of ship ladders and shall comply with Section R311. Handrail diameter between 1. 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. Handrails ship unattached and bolt into place. Under OSHA Section 1910. Pursuant to §1910. That part of §1910. What are the general OSHA requirements of toe board? According to OSHA 1910. Handrails shall be at a consistent height above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1626. A handrail may terminate at an intermediate wall provided the lower end of the upper rail is returned to the wall or provided with a flared end, the horizontal offset between the 2 rails is no more than 12 inches measured from the center of the rails, and both the upper and lower rails can be reached from the same tread without taking a step. OSHA published a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal protective equipment in November 2016 that updated requirements for slip, trip, and fall hazards. In construction the use of cables or chains to guard door and wall. 1, 2018 is 30 inches, installed after Dec. 28 and 1910. A stair with a single riser or with two risers and a tread is permitted at locations not required to be accessible by Chapter 11 where the risers and treads comply with Section 1011. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Page 5 of 12 DEFICIENCY 2 – UNIT: HANDRAIL IS NOT SECURE DEFICIENCY CRITERIA: There is movement in the anchors of the handrail. 10, 1999)), OSHA offered the following explanation: . Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and. The rise (height) should be a minimum of 150mm and a maximum of 220mm. 24. Railings and handrails. (a) Stairways shall have handrails or stair railings on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate stair railing for each 88 inches of required. 6. 10/1/98. 1052 (a) (1) - Scaffold step unit towers when used for access to locations other than scaffold platforms. Go are numerous standards in the International Fabrication Code is are affiliated specifically to Manual. 21 (b) Definitions . 1. 25(c) Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal Maximum riser height of 9. There shouldn't be obstructions on the top or sides of the handrails. Note: For specific code requirements, contact the Building Inspection Department at 952-442-7520 or 888-446-1801 or e-mail: info@mnspect. OSHA Requirements for standard stairs 1910. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 1. ADA Chapter 5 Section 505. Slope between 30° and 50° from the horizontal. Stair Width: minimum 22". NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF REAL ESTATE U. 5 inches and the minimum stair tread is 9. 24 inches in width, with. OSHA standard 1926. Minimum distance between two stair railings. Handrails may not be mandatory under. Most people take stairways (and stairs) for granted until they fall while they are using them. Safety and Health Regulations for Construction; Subpart: 1926 Subpart M; Subpart Title: Fall Protection; Standard Number: 1926. Enforcement. This is the construction code and does have some. 1. Visit the ADA Handrail Guide for more information. . §3214. Stair Rails and Handrails. Note: Dimensions and stair requirements apply only to individual dwelling units in residential occupancies. Handrail height, measured above stair tread nosings, or finish surface of ramp slope, shall be uniform, not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm). Handrails should be placed on both sides of a staircase. Definitions. IBC/IRC Height Requirements. Barrier design 40 20. The biggest difference between a guardrail and a handrail is that the area. OSHA publishes a final rule. 5 cm*. OSHA requirements for standard stairs. It also specifies the dimensions,. Handrails not shown for clarity. Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than one metre wide, and on both sides if wider than this. Contact us for help! For more information about our products, reach out to the EDGE Fall Protection team. California safety requirements for the construction of stairways, ramps, stair rails which is governed by the California Code of Regulations. OSHA has proposed changes to the Walking-Working Surfaces standards to clarify certain requirements related to handrail and stair rail systems. 1926. Stair towers [29 CFR 1926. Subchapter 7. 502(k) and training that meets the requirements of 29 CFR. S. Handrails on stairways: Each flight of stairs having at least four risers and three treads must have: • At least one handrail. 24. 28(b)(11)(i) “Each employee. Height. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1620. The following requirements apply to all stairways as indicated: (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. If you have an edge that does not pose this risk, you should be OK with standard railing without toeboard. The following requirements apply to all stairways as indicated: (c) (1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm), whichever is less, shall be equipped with: (c) (1) (i) At least one handrail; and. The requirements of OSHA safety regulations for the safe use of ladders and stairs (Subpart X, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1926. Handrails and the top rails of stairrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at. 500, Guardrails, handrails & guards. Unified safety standards for fall protection. The fundamental differences here that should be pointed out are the differences in allowable height and loading capacity. 5”Residential Interior Stairs Code Requirements. 23 (d) (1)states: “Every flight of stairs having four or more risers shall be equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified. 23 (a) (1) Used in emergency operations such as firefighting, rescue, and tactical law enforcement operations, or training for these operations; or. 5 QUALITY ASSURANCE A. This rule shall apply to temporary conditions where there is danger of employees or material falling through floor, roof or wall openings or from stairways or runways. surfaces and their access; workplace, floor, wall and . Subchapter 4. These regulations are for the convenience of the user and no representation or warranty is made that the information is current or accurate. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. 23 and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, respectively, in the Code of Federal Regulations. 1926. 5 inches on either side of the stairway. By explaining the requirements and specific changes in the National Construction Code (NCC) Volume Two 2019, you will understand your obligations and the effects on. handrails at open stairs: 34-38" above the stairs; Canadian stair handrails: 32-36" above the stairs; Wall clearance: Handrails along a wall must have at least 1. 17. The agency notes in a press release that the proposed rule “does not reopen for discussion any of the regulatory decisions made in the 2016 rulemaking,” adding that it “focuses solely on clarifying some of the requirements for handrails and stair rail systems finalized in 2016, and on providing flexibility in the transition to OSHA’s newer. Stairways and handrails that are part of a means of egress are addressed by the IBC (§1009 (2003), §1003. Also, OSHA determined that it was appropriate to adopt the one and one-half clearance required most recently in section 5. The riser height and tread depth must be the same within each flight of stairs, and should not exceed 1/4 inch (0. Treads and Risers. 1 m) to 88 inches (2. 0. Features include:Floors, stairways, railing, overhead protection and guarding of open-sided floors, platforms and runways. 2275 When Does OSHA Require Guardrail? The. 2 Christy Dr. Under the previous standard, stairs with a handrail that doubles as a stair rail could have a rail height of 30 to. Design and construction of guardrails and stair handrails shall comply with SBC Code, OSHA Standards, and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. The stair will be installed at a 70-degree angle or less. Hand Railing projection into stairs (<= 4. HTML PDF: 296-24-935: Safety relief devices for cargo and portable tanks storing compressed gases. Riser. The stairways must be installed between 30 degrees to 50 degrees from horizontal. There are a number of regulations related to the design and placement of handrails in permanent structures, and those rules vary based on the intended use of this safety system. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), as long as the guardrail system meets all other criteria. 5-1982 - American National. 5 to 1 cm*. "Stair rails after the date are not less than 42 inches. 23(e)(6) states: "All handrails and railings shall be provided with a clearance of not less than 3 inches between the handrail or. 2. In All Other Areas . ASME A17. STAIRS, LANDINGS, HANDRAILS, AND GUARDS. Be sure you review all of the general. If there are more than four stairs in a stairway, they must have fixed railings. Plus, they are required to have an intermediary landing if the staircase has a rise of 12’ or more. 1115A. The new codes require that the width of a staircase can be no less than 36”. (a) General. 24 for the safe design and construction of fixed general industrial stairs. Question 1: Are ship's ladders. Where fall from height is significant it is recommended to. 23. The employer must ensure: 1910. 5” Minimum tread depth of 9. ADA handrails with a non-circular cross-section should have a perimeter dimension between 4″ and 6. 24 cm). 5″. 451 (b) (4) Each end of a platform, unless cleated or otherwise restrained by hooks or equivalent means, shall extend over the centerline of its support at least 6 inches (15 cm). However, it requires that the stair landings be at least the width of the stair or 48 inches, whichever is less. The OSHA catwalk handrail requirements are found in OSHA sections 1910. 1060) are explained in this discussion. · Non-corrosive and non-combustible stairs and railings · Slip-in rails and legs for fast assembly. Barrier siting 39 19. For these stair rail systems, the top rail may serve as a handrail, provided the top rail is 36 to 38 inches in height (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the top rail) and meets all other handrail requirements in §1910. 7. 5 times the vertical rise. 1014. OSHA. Exceptions: 1. 5-20 cm. Though the terms guardrails and handrails are often used interchangeably, they are different structures both in use and requirements. 1052(c)(1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches (76 cm), whichever is less, shall be equipped with at least one handrail and one stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge. Overview Dimensions Loads Details Ramps/Stairs Handrails Construction Cal-OSHA FAQs Talk to an Expert 1. - 08/30/1999. 04(3)(b)6. 5 cm) in height. OSHA 1910. SPS 321. The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. 42˝ Min. 7. 91. Phone: 952-442-7520. Requirements of the Vermont Fire and Building Safety Codes . . (a) Stairways shall have handrails or stair railings on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate stair railing for each 88 inches of required width. All workers in the United States must abide by the occupational safety and health regulations set forth by Federal OSHA. 27 inches. The IBC code for structural design has some very specific requirements for deck stairs: Stair rails on decks should be between 34 inches and 38 inches high, measured vertically from the nose of the. S. 14 Handrails. 3 Exit Stair Handrails . Where guardrails are impracticable due to machinery requirements or work processes, an alternate means of protecting employees from falling, such as nets, shall be used. Minimum 8. 8. For more information, visit or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. Handrail diameter between 1. ”. (a) General. The employer must ensure:505. Dear Mr. 28(c)(2)(ii. 5 cm) from the upper surface of the stair rail to the surface of the tread. 2). • Stairs wider than 88 inches must also have a handrail down the middle of the stairway. (1910. If your system was installed before January 2017, the mandatory height decreases to 30 inches. Law and Regulations ; Federal Registers ; Open for Comment ; Regulatory Agenda ; Standard Interpretations ; Training Requirements by Standard ; Enforcement Back.