Osha Handrail Requirements 2020
All our handrails are manufactured according to the pultrusion process, which allows cost-effective manufacturing and continuous production. The process is rigorous and provides a valuable end product. To meet OSHA requirements in the construction industry, workers who are six feet or more above a lower level must be protected from falls through the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall protection systems (29 CFR 1926.501(b)(1)). A staircase with four or more risers requires a handrail. DEFI works directly with our customers to determine the best way to install your handrails based on your existing construction sites, structures and functional requirements. Installation costs are reduced to a minimum with GRP handrails, as no specialists or special tools are required. With steel, you have welders, painters, inspectors and grinders, all of whom make a lot of money. These extra costs can consume your budget faster than you think. Handrails must be between 36 inches and 38 inches (if built before January 2017, the height limit is between 30 inches and 38 inches), measured from the front edge of the stair step – the nose – to the top of the handrail. Areas of confusion often arise with requirements for fall protection guardrails, OSHA guardrail height, handrail requirements, and temporary guardrail systems. Still wondering about equal limbs of the guardrail or when OSHA needs a handrail in your facility? This memorandum replaces the one signed on 10 July. June 2019 and provides guidance to safety and health officers on how to enforce the handrail and stair railing requirements in 29 CFR 1910.29(f)(1)(ii)(B) and 1910.29(f)(1)(iii)(A).
OSHA has received a number of requests regarding these two OSHA standards since the publication of the final rule for pedestrian work surfaces on November 18, 2016. A finger distance of 2-1/4″ is required between the handrail and other objects. While there is no dimensional limitation on the size of the handrail, OSHA determines that the handrail has the required shape and size for employees to firmly grasp the handrail. In addition, OSHA suggests revising captions and adding images. These illustrate and clarify the height requirements for handrails and stair railings. This results in faster turnaround time, consistency with each section of the handrail, and far fewer errors than any other method. One of the most common fall protection questions we receive is OSHA requirements for guardrails and guardrail systems. Determined curious individuals can check out OSHA`s revised policy on industry street counters, but this can be a tedious process.
To save time, OSHA`s official position on guardrails for general industrial applications is.. The handrail should be smooth to protect employees from injury and prevent clothing from getting caught or jammed. In addition, the ends of the handrail must not present a risk of triggering. As mentioned earlier, one of the main reasons to use the pultrusion process to make our GRP handrails is efficiency and cost. The process itself can create a continuous length of the handrail that is uniform. Cutting into practical sections is easy to do online and, therefore, the process works like a machine. In May 2021, OSHA proposed changes to the requirements for handrails and stair railings to update its general industry standard, the Walking Working Surfaces standard. Some OSHA handrail requirements and OSHA stair grading requirements in the 2016 final rule of the Walking and Work Surface Standard have caused confusion.
This confusion prompted many employers to seek clarification and interpretation from OSHA on two main concerns. These two concerns relate to when handrails on stairs are required, as well as the height of the handrail. OSHA guardrail requirements are discussed in Section 1910.29: Fall Protection Systems and Falling Protection – Criteria and Practices. Note that this section was updated in January 2017. After reading the information provided here, you may have questions about OSHA guardrail height requirements for your specific needs. A: OSHA details what the requirements are for handrails – this is under Rule 1910. There are specific details about what is required, in particular, handrails must be 42 inches high. They may also require you to install toes to avoid kicking the structure. 1910.29(b)(13)(i) Equipped with a self-closing door that slides or swivels away from the hole and is equipped with an upper rail and a centre rail or equivalent intermediate element that meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section; or A guardrail is required once there is a 48-inch lintel. Unlike the requirements of a handrail system, a ramp must be 42 inches high, or more or less 3 inches above the tread. This was a construction allowance that was introduced so that the custodian would meet the requirement before and after the concrete was poured. Shackle or plastics cables used for top or centre rails shall, if necessary, be checked to ensure that they continue to meet the strength requirements set out in points (b)(3) and (5) of this Section.
Curious about OSHA`s handrail requirements or what OSHA ramp height is suitable for your installation? First, here are some applicable requirements for guardrails and guardrails included in OSHA`s General Industry Walking Working Surfaces Standard to Prevent the Risk of Falling, 29 CFR 1910.29: The current text contains “A stair railing system on each side open.” The OSHA amendment would correct this and read as follows: “A ramp with handrail on each side open” (emphasis added).
